Social Feed

jdr01930
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
My dad's VIP211 is having a problem, so I went over to check it out and called Dish for him. (he's 80, non-technical, and has very bad vision)
His 211 has been stuck on the Aquiring Satellites screen all day, and just cycling through the transponder on 119, staying at step 0 of 5 (I'm pulling this from memory, my verbiage might be a little off).

I called Dish, and they wanted me to run a Check Switch, since I had already done a few power cycles (including leaving the receiver unplugged for a few minutes) and always get the same result (looping thru Sat 119 transponders).

His other receiver is a 625, and it's running fine. Although I did not try out channels from all birds, or check signal strength when I was there so maybe it's not completely happy... (will check tomorrow).

The Dish support rep said to call back when the sky was clear, as running the diagnostic she had in mind could cause the other receiver to go out.
So I asked her if this diagnostic was Check Switch, she said yes. Well, I can run that myself easy enough.

But what's this about it causing problems on the 625 if there's a little foul weather signal degradation? Since I know just enough to be dangerous, I'm holding off and doing what she says - although I think the weather looks bad here for the next several days (Northeast Massachusetts.).
Is that for real or was she trying to get me off the phone cause maybe it was quittin' time or something?

My dad has got a VIP211, a 625, and two dish's - one for 110/119 and one for 61.5. Don't know the exact hardware of the top of my head, but it's a pretty standard New England setup done less than a year ago.

(Edit - just noticed another thread here about ice on the dish/LNB's - I'll definitely check for that as we've had freezing rain, but wouldn't that mess up both receivers and not just the 211?)
23 Replies · 4795 views
jdr01930
Well, I checked all the cable connections I could find. Turns out none of my old (amature) connectors are still in use - they'd all been replaced with the good stuff back when the Dish install was done. I did not want to start randomly cutting off those nicely done ends and replacing them with the crappy job my limited skills/experience provide!
So I just checked everything I could for obvious trauma and tightened stuff up, cleared the matrix as explained earlier. Still no go.

My dad called dish the night after that CSR said not to do the check switch in the rain. Sounds like they got someone better this time - they concurred with what's being said here: There's a cabling problem somewhere.

So, they're rolling a truck Monday afternoon - I'm sure an actual sat tech have better luck as I don't have a cable testers that will easily work with Coax, and this is out of my area of expertise.
Also, much of the cable goes along the outside of the house, kinda embedded in the ground a bit. Didn't feel like digging around in the snow, going up on the roof, etc (it was starting to snow pretty bad), so I was a bit relieved that this is being taken of my hands!

Did not try moving the 211 to where the 625 is to confirm the 211 itself is OK, as the TV was in use and they didn't wanna give it up!

Thanks for the help everyone - greatly appreciated.
Hopefully this will be resolved with the service call on Monday!

(I was tempted to unplug everything and get out my telco toner and try to tone out the coax, but my dad had some more important projects for me to do - lol)
volkodav
let us know what the problem was.
D
When You run a check switch what type of lnbf does it show on the 625 and the 211? The 625 should be DP plus. The 211 should show the same thing. Also when going thru the checkswitch it should start with checking 1 of 3. If it starts with 1 of 38 there is a open connection. Check all the connectors for water in the connector. Pull connector and look at the center conductor. It should look shiny, not black.
ped832
My suggestion, check all connections between 211 and the dish with the dual coax coming out (your terminology is correct) Start inside and work your way out. Check tightness first (finger). Be sure the copper core (conductor) is not corroded (this would be primarily an exterior issue if it exists), the white dielectric (white material surrounding the copper core) should be flush with the internal base of the f-connector (hope that made sense to you), look for any sharp crimps or bends in the portion of the cable that actually goes to the 211, and most simply, check for loose connections (f-connectors) anywhere along the path. If the 625 works, your problem can be the path to the 211, the port on the lnb that the 211's cable attaches to, or the 211. Having said all this, you may just want to switch the 211's cable to the 625's port on the lnb (or another port on the switch, although I would'nt think there would be one with only 3 orbitals in the equation...plus the way you described the dish/coax scenario). Anyway, if switching cable prts solves the 211 problem (run check switch after switching cables) you will see (probably) a 625 problem now. If thats the case,.......bad LNB.
jdr01930
All fixed!

The dish tech found a very loose cable end in the basement – sounds like the connector pulled right off.
He also replaced some old RG-59 cable that was still in use from years ago.

While he was there, he also replace an LNB (maybe more than one - not sure), but the impression my dad got was that the part had not completely failed, it was just a precaution - he said something like they've had a lot of them go bad lately.
The info about the LNB I'm getting second hand from my dad. My dad doesn't know what an LNB is, but from what I can tell that's what he was talking about.
The info about the connector in the basement and the RG59 came straight from the tech when i called earlier in the day.
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network
0 Replies · 3 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network
0 Replies · 4 views
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
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....
68579 Replies · 2676120 views
  • Like
Reactions: c-spand
RaiderPower
Working My Way Back To You - The Spinners
  • Like
Reactions: long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
Find A Way To My Heart - Phil Collins
  • Like
Reactions: dishstaller
dishstaller
Heart of Glass - Blondie
  • Like
Reactions: long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
Magazine - Heart
H
Harden My HEART-Quarterflash
SuperDish_Fan23
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
Why are ViP922s So rare? like its crazy how ebay has none, i checked everywhere, also, i got a ViP222k now, which is actually activated!
29 Replies · 765 views
S
remembers when ATT had stores and leased home phones
dishstaller
My Wife was recently in an antique store and saw a rotary desk phone and it had one of those sticker overlays that had a business listed with phone number under each number on the dial. She looked closer and it had my old Radio Shack listed under the 8...she bought it. Pretty cool keepsake. Back then I rented vhs movies as well so I had it listed as Radio Shack / Movie Gallery and then the phone number.
Almighty1
I remember this in the news too...

  • Like
Reactions: charlesrshell
Bobby
I remember this in the news too...

That is a misnomer. In the old days you subscribed to telephone service. That included the telephone line and one telephone. An extension cost $1 a month extra. So that $14,000 over 42 years was for the service not the leased telephone. There is no way they paid $28 a month for 42 years for a leased telephone.
HIFI
2.webp
2.webp
anybody remember this disaster ?
  • Haha
Reactions: dishdude
meStevo
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Sports Section
Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.
126 Replies · 2157 views
  • Like
Reactions: Jimbo and dfergie
rvvaquero
Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson had an argument about who was responsible for the dynasty building of the early 90's Cowboys.

The rest of us figured it out in about 3 years, Jerry has had over 30 years but still can't admit it. It's all he lives for, to show everyone he can put together a winner. I don't think he can. His kids only know what he taught them.
HipKat
Week Six Balls and Goats and WTH is Going On in The NFL??

Browns. 1st place in the North. Yup. Believe it or not

Chiefs. Undefeated.

Titans. Won a game ! .... Colts I know, but still.

Saints. Won a game after a while.

Steelers. Having the same season they always have. They somehow find wins on their way to an unceremonial 1st round exit. Mike Tomlin is proud.

Cards. Won a game without scoring a single touchdown

Broncos. How they manage to win games with the dogshit offense they have should be studied.

Bears. Caleb's back and so is their mojo.


Goats

NFC East. For the 2nd straight week no team from this clown show of a division won a game. Eagles are cooked without Hurts. Who's not that good anyway. Commanders suck, Dallas is well ..... Dallas and the Giants have no QB.

Ravens. Lamar is out (as usual). But still. Losing to the Browns is never ok.

Chargers. Still can't win.

Rams. So much for the powerhouse team. They are 2 games under .500

Seattle. Lost to the offenseless Broncos.
Y
Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson had an argument about who was responsible for the dynasty building of the early 90's Cowboys.

The rest of us figured it out in about 3 years, Jerry has had over 30 years but still can't admit it. It's all he lives for, to show everyone he can put together a winner. I don't think he can. His kids only know what he taught them.
Johnson built it, but without the Herschel Walker trade, it never happens.
  • Like
Reactions: b4pjoe
b4pjoe
Johnson built it, but without the Herschel Walker trade, it never happens.
Jerry made himself General Manager after he bought the team but make no mistake Jimmy engineered that trade. As well as a lot of others at the time.
rvvaquero
Jimmy Johnson is a football guy. Jerry Jones is a marketer (hustler).

When I see a football player get a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (like taunting) in a close game, I often wonder what he was thinking. Was he thinking, I'm doing everything I can to make this a better team and help win a championship? Or, was he saying to himself, I want everyone to notice how great I am?

Johnson inspires one, Jones the other.
  • Like
Reactions: b4pjoe and Mike0616
S
· posted in The Chit Chat Club
I haven't posted in almost 17 years. Over the air, sat, offline, anything-but-the-internet is still one of my avid pursuits. Been playing with offline tv viewing and offline web browsing. I have great appreciations for this site still being here. It's so hard to find public communities that haven't sold out to social media company.
0 Replies · 21 views
SkyWatcher57
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion
Hello folks, well my luck ran out last week with a nasty thunderstorm and after 39 years here, finally took a hit. Now, the FTA receivers I had for some years worked great until now. Recently picked up a fairly cheap receiver, online, KOQIT and seems to be good, but for the life of me, I cannot get the HDMI output to work with 3 of my Samsung monitors. I can hook it up to my Samsung TV and its HDMI input and it works fine. The 2 receivers I lost also worked fine with them, so am I going crazy? anyone have come across this or have any suggestions? And, since this is a somewhat cheap unit but works, what is everyone out there using for receivers these days? without breaking the bank? I enjoy watching FTA TV, so I will invest more if needed, what is a really good, detailed unit these days. I'm so use to watching a few of them HD channels. Right now I'm down to composite hookups, yuck! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Frank :rolleyes:
46 Replies · 1134 views
(((Garyd)))
Hello folks, well my luck ran out last week with a nasty thunderstorm and after 39 years here, finally took a hit. Now, the FTA receivers I had for some years worked great until now. Recently picked up a fairly cheap receiver, online, KOQIT and seems to be good, but for the life of me, I cannot get the HDMI output to work with 3 of my Samsung monitors. I can hook it up to my Samsung TV and its HDMI input and it works fine. The 2 receivers I lost also worked fine with them, so am I going crazy? anyone have come across this or have any suggestions? And, since this is a somewhat cheap unit but works, what is everyone out there using for receivers these days? without breaking the bank? I enjoy watching FTA TV, so I will invest more if needed, what is a really good, detailed unit these days. I'm so use to watching a few of them HD channels. Right now I'm down to composite hookups, yuck! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Frank :rolleyes:
Take the cover off, show me pics of the board of the bad one and also the bottom of the board. I'm an old hardware electronics tech plus a satellite dealer; I fixed a lot of FTA and regular receivers. I may be able to fix it for you. And yes, they got hit by lightning; it's best to email me the pics at diamondsatellite@snet.net or call me at 203-232-8888. I give you a 50-50 chance of fixing it; I do have spare parts. my phone is a fliptop phone
Gary
  • Like
Reactions: navychop
navychop
More room for the return of the Plague & Pestilence?

;)
S
Hello folks, well my luck ran out last week with a nasty thunderstorm and after 39 years here, finally took a hit. Now, the FTA receivers I had for some years worked great until now. Recently picked up a fairly cheap receiver, online, KOQIT and seems to be good, but for the life of me, I cannot get the HDMI output to work with 3 of my Samsung monitors. I can hook it up to my Samsung TV and its HDMI input and it works fine. The 2 receivers I lost also worked fine with them, so am I going crazy? anyone have come across this or have any suggestions? And, since this is a somewhat cheap unit but works, what is everyone out there using for receivers these days? without breaking the bank? I enjoy watching FTA TV, so I will invest more if needed, what is a really good, detailed unit these days. I'm so use to watching a few of them HD channels. Right now I'm down to composite hookups, yuck! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Frank :rolleyes:
a good surge protector will help to.
  • Like
Reactions: SkyWatcher57
SkyWatcher57
Take the cover off, show me pics of the board of the bad one and also the bottom of the board. I'm an old hardware electronics tech plus a satellite dealer; I fixed a lot of FTA and regular receivers. I may be able to fix it for you. And yes, they got hit by lightning; it's best to email me the pics at diamondsatellite@snet.net or call me at 203-232-8888. I give you a 50-50 chance of fixing it; I do have spare parts. my phone is a fliptop phone
Gary
Hi Gary, still working on getting you those
Hi Gary, just saw this, ok, I'll grab some pics tomorrow and post them. thx
Still working getting you those pictures, nice weekends means yard work and fall prep, thanks
  • Like
Reactions: (((Garyd)))
k4otl
Anybody know how to add "hidden" audio channels like for 101 W Ku or 105W C band on these recvr's? I've exported the database file but don't have anything that will read or edit it.
cyberham
For 105W C, you scan in the Westwood tp normally. Then select the audio channel you want. Not necessary to manually enter. On 101W, you must manually enter.
TRG
TRG
Pub Member / Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
Now that I'm retired, obviously I have different health care insurance. I take 2 prescriptions. With my old insurance I didn't have to pay for either of them, now I do. It's not a huge amount but it led me to dig a little into the cost of prescription medications. I have been using Walgreens for the longest time. But what I found was that Walgreens price is 4.8 times more for one of my prescriptions and the other is 2.3 percent more compared to the lowest price pharmacy. If you pay for prescription medications you might want to have a look at trumprx and see if you can get a lower price.


Screenshot from 2026-10-22 15-43-53.webp
Screenshot from 2026-10-22 15-23-34.webp
11 Replies · 86 views
  • Wow
Reactions: telstar_1
comfortably_numb
I run them through several different providers to see who has the lowest cost

Usually it's Walmart or Sam's + GoodRx

Also...


You can also price them through the CareCard and WellRx apps.

Sometimes Amazon Pharmacy is cheapest.
  • Like
Reactions: TRG
T
TrumpRx?!?

I went on Medicare recently (not an "advantage" plan) and my prescriptions at HyVee were very low out of pocket. The clerk said she was putting them on "Good Rx".
osu1991
I take 10mg Rosuvastatin (Crestor). I was paying $34 for a 90day supply at Walgreens last year when I was on Blue Cross. My Blue Cross premiums were going up to $1800 a month this year, so I switched to an Ambetter Bronze plan (I think that's a Cigna company) for $825 a month. I now have a $40 copay for doctors visits which is fine as I usually only see them once or twice a year, so a huge cost savings. My Rosuvastatin was going to go up to around $90 for a 90 day supply at Walgreens and even more at CVS or one of the local family pharmacies. Ordering online thru my insurance portal from Express Scripts it's $0.74 for a 90 day supply.
comfortably_numb
TrumpRx?!?

Scripts arrive in a gold paper sack.
  • Haha
Reactions: Yespage and meStevo
dishstaller
Usually it's Walmart or Sam's + GoodRx
I'm fortunate and don't take any medications. A couple years ago I had to take some antibiotics and used the GoodRx app. Went to Walmart and the person behind the desk knew me and told me to just buy them outright....the GoodRx price was a LOT higher. She said they aren't supposed to tell customers when they see they are being screwed.
  • Like
Reactions: navychop
navychop
That's ok. I probably take enough for the two of us.

God knows what Bobby takes. Maybe so much they count as a meal?
:D
:devilish
  • Like
Reactions: AZ.
Bobby
That's ok. I probably take enough for the two of us.

God knows what Bobby takes. Maybe so much they count as a meal?
:D
:devilish
Actually I take just 2 prescriptions, Atorvastatin and Lisinopril. They cost me $6 each for 100 pills. Next year that will be nothing.
  • Like
Reactions: AZ. and TRG