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The Pansat 3500 that I have been using for the family setup connected to the Pinnacle dish started whacking out Friday night. My wife turned it on and was preparing for a couple of hours of Matlock and Hawaii 50 when she told me the channels wouldn't come on.
It was already dark, so I went through some quick checks and found there was a problem, but couldn't check the dish until morning. I checked the dish yesterday morning, nothing moved, disconnected, or any other visible problems.
Went back inside, and took the Ecoda switch out of the loop, no improvement. Put on a brand new diseqc switch, no improvement. Ran the coax direct from the C-Band LNB to the receiver, and same symptoms and tried the Ku direct. And yes, I have factory reset it, and no improvement.
Here is what it does:
The signal comes in for a bit at about the right SQ, but then bounces to nothing then up and down like a yo-yo, then steady for a bit. All this will take place in a 10 second time frame. The picture will be fine then pixelate and garbled audio etc. Ku will do the same, but takes forever for the signal to come in, then it is very low with the same characteristics as above with C-Band except much lower signal. The remote also acts very spasmodic. Even standing within 3 feet of the receiver, you have to push the button several times for each action, then the action might not be the correct one for what you pushed. For instance up arrow might produce left or right or up three steps. Tried new batteries, and my other remote from the one in my study, no difference.
This is the same receiver that I had problems with the polarotor controller right after I bought it new. I sent it to Panarex in April for warranty repair. They said they got it fixed it by "re-calibrating it with new software".
I may be wrong, but I think they "recalibrated" it by just simply performing an operation that we don't talk about here.
I will have to contact Panarex tomorrow and see if I have to pay another $40.00 plus shipping costs required by their warranty to get it fixed again or not. If I do have to pay again, that will mean that I have an extra $100.00 in this receiver which includes my shipping it twice, besides what I initially paid for it.
Meanwhile, how do you "recalibrate" this receiver?
I know we don't talk about things like that here, but I want to fix this thing, not alter it for illegal use. Can someone email me or PM me with detailed instructions or a link with instructions. I don't frequent sites that do these kinds of things so I am kind of in the dark here.
The other alternative is to buy a different receiver and go with a voltage controlled feed-horn/lnbf for this dish.
Any help would be appreciated,
Thanks,
Fred
It was already dark, so I went through some quick checks and found there was a problem, but couldn't check the dish until morning. I checked the dish yesterday morning, nothing moved, disconnected, or any other visible problems.
Went back inside, and took the Ecoda switch out of the loop, no improvement. Put on a brand new diseqc switch, no improvement. Ran the coax direct from the C-Band LNB to the receiver, and same symptoms and tried the Ku direct. And yes, I have factory reset it, and no improvement.
Here is what it does:
The signal comes in for a bit at about the right SQ, but then bounces to nothing then up and down like a yo-yo, then steady for a bit. All this will take place in a 10 second time frame. The picture will be fine then pixelate and garbled audio etc. Ku will do the same, but takes forever for the signal to come in, then it is very low with the same characteristics as above with C-Band except much lower signal. The remote also acts very spasmodic. Even standing within 3 feet of the receiver, you have to push the button several times for each action, then the action might not be the correct one for what you pushed. For instance up arrow might produce left or right or up three steps. Tried new batteries, and my other remote from the one in my study, no difference.
This is the same receiver that I had problems with the polarotor controller right after I bought it new. I sent it to Panarex in April for warranty repair. They said they got it fixed it by "re-calibrating it with new software".
I may be wrong, but I think they "recalibrated" it by just simply performing an operation that we don't talk about here.
I will have to contact Panarex tomorrow and see if I have to pay another $40.00 plus shipping costs required by their warranty to get it fixed again or not. If I do have to pay again, that will mean that I have an extra $100.00 in this receiver which includes my shipping it twice, besides what I initially paid for it.
Meanwhile, how do you "recalibrate" this receiver?
I know we don't talk about things like that here, but I want to fix this thing, not alter it for illegal use. Can someone email me or PM me with detailed instructions or a link with instructions. I don't frequent sites that do these kinds of things so I am kind of in the dark here.
The other alternative is to buy a different receiver and go with a voltage controlled feed-horn/lnbf for this dish.
Any help would be appreciated,
Thanks,
Fred
52 Replies
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10847 views
Congrats on the fix! It's always a morale-lifter to be able to fix something like that.
As for the bad capacitor issue in newer electronics, the broadcast industry is full of equipment that routinely has capacitor-related issues. I'm sure any broadcast engineer here can attest to that. Extremely expensive (we're talking new luxury car expensive) broadcast VCRs by Sony and Panasonic exhibit these problems on a regular basis, to the point that entire boards must be rebuilt. Check for a rotten fish odor. That's the tip-off for capacitor troubles
Unfortunately, in most cases, the caps are the small, surface-mount type that are a REAL bugger to replace...
As for the bad capacitor issue in newer electronics, the broadcast industry is full of equipment that routinely has capacitor-related issues. I'm sure any broadcast engineer here can attest to that. Extremely expensive (we're talking new luxury car expensive) broadcast VCRs by Sony and Panasonic exhibit these problems on a regular basis, to the point that entire boards must be rebuilt. Check for a rotten fish odor. That's the tip-off for capacitor troubles
Unfortunately, in most cases, the caps are the small, surface-mount type that are a REAL bugger to replace...
Congrats on the fix! It's always a morale-lifter to be able to fix something like that.
As for the bad capacitor issue in newer electronics, the broadcast industry is full of equipment that routinely has capacitor-related issues. I'm sure any broadcast engineer here can attest to that. Extremely expensive (we're talking new luxury car expensive) broadcast VCRs by Sony and Panasonic exhibit these problems on a regular basis, to the point that entire boards must be rebuilt. Check for a rotten fish odor. That's the tip-off for capacitor troubles
Absolutely.........caps are probably the single largest failure even in modern electronics. But look at it from a manufacturer's point of view, if I put in a 16V cap instead of a 25V cap, I'll save $0.005 on each cap, times say 4 caps in each unit for a savings per unit of 2 cents.........not a whole lot to you and I but consider that savings over say 100,000 units. You've just saved $2000! Consider that they will do that with say 40 different components in one unit and you can see why they do it. Yes, they could make them more reliable by putting in beefier parts but for one, they'd never break therefore they'd sell fewer new units and two, all the money they save by cheaping out on some parts. That is why some units (apparently the pansat 3500) problems are common across the board. I'm also glad this thread came up as I have one of those receivers and now I'll know exactly where to look if I have problems.
Thanks Al, Tron, and Tvropro for the encouragement.
I'm actually glad that I had the problem with the unit. It gave me some invaluable experience about CAPS and soldering. It also opened my eyes as to the cost of CAPS. Virtually nothing for us as individuals, but for manufacturers .002 cents over a million units is a lot of money.
I think it might be a good idea to take the cover off these receivers from time to time to blow them out and look over the components with a magnifying glass and replace anything that looks like it might be "growing" in size.
You could also install a small quiet fan on the back of them to keep the air moving and cooler inside.
Course we are talking about units that retail between $100.00 - $150.00. Do we want them to live forever? The next step in technology is just around the corner. Sometimes a failed unit will push the consumer into buying the next step up.
Edit: After re-reading the above paragraph, I had some additional thoughts.
None of us like to be down and not able to view FTA TV. I think that is the single biggest draw-back of the so-called warranty provided with these receivers is the down time.
The next thing is the "strings" attached to most of the warranties. You have to pay in this case for the warranty to be in effect.
The final thought after editing is that WE want to choose when we want to discontinue use of one receiver and buy a different one and we all think that the old receiver should still have some value left in for resale or give-away.
The fact is, most of these receivers are made very inexpensively, and as part of the hobby, we should expect them to not have a terribly long life span. What I just said grates on every thing I have ever believed about a consumer product, but this is the way it is.
Just my thoughts.
Fred
I'm actually glad that I had the problem with the unit. It gave me some invaluable experience about CAPS and soldering. It also opened my eyes as to the cost of CAPS. Virtually nothing for us as individuals, but for manufacturers .002 cents over a million units is a lot of money.
I think it might be a good idea to take the cover off these receivers from time to time to blow them out and look over the components with a magnifying glass and replace anything that looks like it might be "growing" in size.
You could also install a small quiet fan on the back of them to keep the air moving and cooler inside.
Course we are talking about units that retail between $100.00 - $150.00. Do we want them to live forever? The next step in technology is just around the corner. Sometimes a failed unit will push the consumer into buying the next step up.
Edit: After re-reading the above paragraph, I had some additional thoughts.
None of us like to be down and not able to view FTA TV. I think that is the single biggest draw-back of the so-called warranty provided with these receivers is the down time.
The next thing is the "strings" attached to most of the warranties. You have to pay in this case for the warranty to be in effect.
The final thought after editing is that WE want to choose when we want to discontinue use of one receiver and buy a different one and we all think that the old receiver should still have some value left in for resale or give-away.
The fact is, most of these receivers are made very inexpensively, and as part of the hobby, we should expect them to not have a terribly long life span. What I just said grates on every thing I have ever believed about a consumer product, but this is the way it is.
Just my thoughts.
Fred
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
Thanks to Fitch Ratings ( who gives the ratings on Credit and debt, as approved by the SEC, so they have accurate numbers) we have the totals.
DIRECTV's video subscriber base is the third-largest traditional multi-channel video programming distributor (MVPD) in the U.S. with about 8.2 million subscribers at the end of 1Q26.
The last time it was reported, it was 8.8M at the end of 2Q25, so only a 600,000 loss for 3 quarters, which is a major improvement, since for many years before that, it was losing 500,000 a quarter, 2 Million a year.
It is now losing less than Dish/Sling combined, I believe the Genre Packs are helping to retain and get subscribers.
DIRECTV's video subscriber base is the third-largest traditional multi-channel video programming distributor (MVPD) in the U.S. with about 8.2 million subscribers at the end of 1Q26.
The last time it was reported, it was 8.8M at the end of 2Q25, so only a 600,000 loss for 3 quarters, which is a major improvement, since for many years before that, it was losing 500,000 a quarter, 2 Million a year.
It is now losing less than Dish/Sling combined, I believe the Genre Packs are helping to retain and get subscribers.
6 Replies
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380 views
Recently came back to DirectTV Satellite service and have two boxes, Gemini and a main HR54.
DirecTV is charging me two "TV access fees" of $10 each, but can only watch TV on the one without the server. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
DirecTV is charging me two "TV access fees" of $10 each, but can only watch TV on the one without the server. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
24 Replies
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946 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
67110 Replies
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2662396 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
I feel like this was discussed in another thread, but I can't find it. I have T-Mobile and my last iPhone upgrade was in 2020. I want to get a new iPhone, but what is the best way to go about doing it? Should I order the iPhone from T-Mobile directly, or should I buy from the Apple Store? I feel like there are pros/cons to each option.
2 Replies
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39 views
I have a Hopper with Sling. (Don't know exact model.) A couple nights ago, I went into the DVR screen, and noted that it was recording three programs. Yet I was able to view live TV (that was not one of the channels being recorded.) Did something change? In the past, it would only let me watch one of the channels being recorded, or any recording in the DVR menu. Maybe it was streaming, although there was no indication of that?
Apologies if this has been covered; I searched and didn't find anything.
Thanks.
Apologies if this has been covered; I searched and didn't find anything.
Thanks.
9 Replies
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361 views
iJustine
Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YJjxjYvmQ8s
Direct YouTube Link - Good Bye, Tim! Last WWDC
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YJjxjYvmQ8s
Direct YouTube Link - Good Bye, Tim! Last WWDC
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
0 Replies
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11 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Cutting Edge
WANTED DirecTV LCC
Anyone have a DirecTV Local Channel Connector that you'd like to get rid of at a reasonable price? DirecTV is currently in a contract dispute with owner of my local ABC affiliate.
12 Replies
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312 views
I did that. The response was that the LCC is not available. Escalated the issue to a tech support person with the same results.
Could be out of them I guess ... I'd keep trying, every 3-4 days.I did that. The response was that the LCC is not available. Escalated the issue to a tech support person with the same results.
If they are not out of them as them WHY you can't get one, seeing Your in a Dispute. Thats what they are for.
I would make them give you a real answer, don't let them off the hook.
I had one, and it worked well, but I believe I gave it to another D* friend (also had a AM21), I know I gave them away ...
According to the tech support guy, they don't have any in stock. He said I should receive an email when and if they have them. I even told him I would accept a refurbished unit.
I'm not sure your going to find any Refurbished ones as D* doesn't ask for them back.According to the tech support guy, they don't have any in stock. He said I should receive an email when and if they have them. I even told him I would accept a refurbished unit.
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
Did anyone have a price increase today on their equipment? I own my VIP211k's, and they have been $5.00. My bill that I received last week shows the "add-ons" as being $5.00. However, I just logged into my Dish account, and my "add-ons" are now $10.00. Did the additional receivers go up by $5.00 recently?
As I mentioned, my last bill shows $5.00 and under the notes, nothing is mentioned about a price increase.
As I mentioned, my last bill shows $5.00 and under the notes, nothing is mentioned about a price increase.
11 Replies
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211 views
Hello everyone, new guy here. I'm trying to solve problem I'm having with Dish bonus view channels. When I'm watching the bonus view channels then I switch back to regular dish channels, after few minutes the screen flips to black and after 30 seconds flips back to regular channels and continues to flip back and forth until I turn off TV. After I wait 30 minutes and turn back on , I can use regular channels again. So, its after I switch from bonus view channels to regular dish channels the problem starts. Been trying to fix this for a month, but no luck
Here what I've done.
i contacted Dish support and they sent me a new Joey3, but no help. Switched to a different HDMI input on TV, no help. Used different HDMI cable , no help. Used different electrical wall plug, no help.
Finally got a Dish tech to check it. He ran all systems check and was OK. Finally he brought in a small TV and plugged in the HDMI out from the Joey to the small TV. He could not get the problem to occur on his small TV, so the new Joey was working OK. So, then the problem must be myTV. He made some phone calls and came back with the answer that there must be a problem with the analog to digital switch in my TV. Has anyone ever heard of a problem like this, or is it time to be looking for a new TV? My tv LG OLED65C8PUA. TV has been trouble free til now. Thanks
Here what I've done.
i contacted Dish support and they sent me a new Joey3, but no help. Switched to a different HDMI input on TV, no help. Used different HDMI cable , no help. Used different electrical wall plug, no help.
Finally got a Dish tech to check it. He ran all systems check and was OK. Finally he brought in a small TV and plugged in the HDMI out from the Joey to the small TV. He could not get the problem to occur on his small TV, so the new Joey was working OK. So, then the problem must be myTV. He made some phone calls and came back with the answer that there must be a problem with the analog to digital switch in my TV. Has anyone ever heard of a problem like this, or is it time to be looking for a new TV? My tv LG OLED65C8PUA. TV has been trouble free til now. Thanks
6 Replies
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108 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, premieres on HBO Max on 8/21. I will be warching
www.syfy.com
View: https://youtu.be/fNwwt25mheo
S~
'Game of Thrones' spinoff 'House of the Dragon' fires up release date at HBO, drops new character pics
The wait’s felt a little like watching for a dragon egg to hatch, but HBO’s hugely anticipated Game of Thrones prequel series finally has a release date. House of the Dragon will debut the first of its initial 10-episode season this summer, the network revealed today in a series of tweets that...
View: https://youtu.be/fNwwt25mheo
S~
39 Replies
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5651 views
