While modifications can enhance the features of Echostar products, it must be noted that these modifications are not for amateurs. If you are not comfortable holding and using a soldering iron, you should not attempt the IR modifications. If you can't change a hard drive in your PC, don't try it on the Dishplayer. Modifications will void your warranty, and if not done properly, may result in damage to your equipment. High voltages are present in the Dishplayer's power supply. Never open the cover on a piece of equipment that is plugged in. The Echostar Knowledge Base can not recommend any modification posted here. Modifications are performed at your own risk.
 

• Echostar receivers and dishes
  • Need parts for an old Dish receiver? Check http://www.dishparts.net/
  • Carlton Bale's illuminating Model 2000/4000/5000 IR upfit page is located at http://www.carltonbale.com/dish/4000/index.html *
  • Carlton Bale's JVC HM-DSR100U D-VHS IR upfit and cool fan noise reduction pages are located at http://www.carltonbale.com/dish/hm-dsr100u/index.html
  • Got an old Primestar dish? Need more signal strength? See: Primestar to DirecTV LNB Conversion
• DISHPlayer
  • Ben Reser's excellent Dishplayer Hard Drive Upgrade site is at http://ben.reser.org/dishplayer/
  • Use an external drive bay with removable drives http://www.ravenimaging.com/bobl/dishplayer/
  • Can't connect to WebTV to upgrade your new Dishplayer Hard Drive? Try cloning.
    [Win2K Procedure] [MSDOS Procedure] [Linux Procedure]
  • Jake Pratt's (http://iwantptv.com) Dishplayer information http://www.iwantptv.com/dishplayer/
  • The largest Hard Drive previously recommended for the Dishplayer was the Western Digital 45.0 GB Caviar Ultra ATA/66 , 5400 RPM (Model Number WD450AARTL). The DP now seems able to accept drives up to 120GB.
  • No TosLink Optical connections on your Dolby Digital receiver? Add a Coaxial SP-DIF output jack to your Dishplayer!
• StarBand
  • Converting the Starband USB-180 for networking via RJ45 (Ethernet) (Thanks Metro)

* Only early 5000's need the IR upfit. Later units have both UHF and IR remote capability. To determine if your 5000 needs the upfit, read the following:

Depends on your 5000. The early 5000s could only receive UHF, then a running production change in late 1997 added IR support. The blue sticker on the front of the 5K (if it's still there) will tell you if it has IR support.

If the serial number (not the R00... number, but the one on the back of the unit that's letters and numbers) is xxxBTH, BTJ, or BTK... it should work with a universal. If it's xxxBTF it won't, and xxxBTG it might.

If you're still in doubt, try removing the UHF antenna from the back of your 5000 and see if the remote still works.