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rasslick

Last reply Mar 21, 2007 · posted in DIRECTV General Forum

Dvr For $299

hi everyone ..i just purchase a new HDTV recently .i have a dvr 15 with directv ,so i call customer service to inq how much would the HDDVR box would be if i upgrade the rep told me $299 with a two yr contract ,now since i am with directv for almost 10 yrs i ask if their is any discount,the rep said i would have to speak with someone in customer retention which i did they offer me a new hd dvr box for $150.00 with the same two yr contract & 6 months of showtime free & $10.99 per month fee for HD. WOW !! not bad but still kinda high for the fee though ..is this a good deal or should just get the standard HD BOX & forget about the dvr aspect? ..thanks

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ChrisClearman

Feb 15, 2007

I'm sorry, but I call BS on the no commit. Even if the CSR said it, there is a 2 yr commit.

As far as all the other free hardware....do you want to represent me at my next negotiation?

HDTVFanAtic

Feb 16, 2007

ChrisClearman said:
I'm sorry, but I call BS on the no commit. Even if the CSR said it, there is a 2 yr commit.

As far as all the other free hardware....do you want to represent me at my next negotiation?

It's funny because if you search under my nick last year, I made the exact same post as you.

At the end of the ordering process, the CSR reads everything back and states everything and as he was going he said "there is a 24 months comittment.....hmmm....wait....there is no 24 month committment - its usually here but it says no committment on the screen" I then interrupted and said ok...please repeat that for me - and he did again - this time on tape.

I also had another 3rd party who's account it was conferenced in and he heard it just as I did and once the CSR was off, I told him I have never heard of it - but we have it on tape and both of us heard it - so lots of luck having that stand up if they challenge it.

Remember, I haven't signed a new contract - the oral committment is all I have agreed to - so they can claim it all they want - but whatever.

Regardless, this house is in Beverly Hills on the side of the Mountain, shaded from Mt. Wilson. Nothing comes in OTA. They already have 6 HD-LILs in LA. I doubt this person will drop D* in 24 months anyway.

As for the other - this person is in charge of Programming of a Broadcast Group - so I am pretty sure that his bills gets paid on time and doubt he ever complains about anything - until I do it as him for this purpose, lol.

The queue says he is an A Customer - whatever that really means.

Now, as they missed the install last week, I called again today to beat them up more.

I wanted to change the H20s for HR20s....their computer system will not allow more than 1 HR20 install that they send out every 6 months now - so even the Customer Retention Floor Manager could not over-ride the system.

So they agreed for the missed install, that I could go out and purchase 2 HR20s at retail - and they would install them on the new install date with their supplied units - and they would give me a $200 per HR20 rebate on my D* bill.

Thus, now I have:

1 5 lnb dish and install
1 Multiswitch
3 HR20s
2 H20s
Move HD-TIVO to different room
$100 of Bill for HD for next 12 months
No committment
Total outlay - $199.00

Also, to recap, $129 had to be charge to Credit Card and then was immediately that amount was credited to Directv bill (normally would be for 5 lnb dish plus S/H)

$599 for 2 HR20s on Credit Card from OnLine Retailer of which $400 will be credited on Directv Bill on install day. I have the CSR Name and Operator ID for verification, tape and 2 people witnessed.

In other words, I suspect he will not owe anything on his D* bill for about 6 months now, lol....but essentially he's paid his Directv bill for about 6 months in advance now.

Jax Tom

Feb 16, 2007

OKay, here's my deal. I called and best I could get was $199 for HR20. So I emailed them from link on web site, saying I was longtime customer, etc. I said I was looking for $99.

They called me today and gave me 2 !! Hr-20's for $99 plus the shipping fee deal. 3 months free Showtime also.

HDTVFanAtic

Feb 17, 2007

Jax Tom said:
OKay, here's my deal. I called and best I could get was $199 for HR20. So I emailed them from link on web site, saying I was longtime customer, etc. I said I was looking for $99.

They called me today and gave me 2 !! Hr-20's for $99 plus the shipping fee deal. 3 months free Showtime also.

Now I am somewhat pissed....are you telling me that they WERE able to enter 2 HR20s into their system and have them sent out - or that you had to go buy one of them and they gave you a credit as they had to do for me? The person in charge of the floor at Customer Retention that the rep tracked down swore the computer would not let them order more than 1 HR20 per work order - and it would catch work orders for new HR20s within 6 months - thus why I had to jump through the hoops.

Jax Tom

Feb 18, 2007

HDTVFanAtic said:
Now I am somewhat pissed....are you telling me that they WERE able to enter 2 HR20s into their system and have them sent out - or that you had to go buy one of them and they gave you a credit as they had to do for me? The person in charge of the floor at Customer Retention that the rep tracked down swore the computer would not let them order more than 1 HR20 per work order - and it would catch work orders for new HR20s within 6 months - thus why I had to jump through the hoops.

Nope, they are delivering 2 at once. They charged me for both immediately ($199 total) on credit card, and gave me $100 credit on next bill. I had the feeling I was dealing with someone that didn't have to check with someone at a higher level.

Trust me, I was hoping for 1 at 99, so 2 at 99 blew my mind. I am a LONG time customer with premiums, etc.

johnml

Feb 22, 2007

I called retention today (my third try) about the HR20. the first CSR told me $299, the second said $199 the third (the charm?) is giving it to me for $99 with a $99 credit (I have to pay $19.99 S/H to have a installer bring it to me). I just recommitted in July 06 and received the HR10-250 then. I tried to get them to let me keep the HR10 and move it to a bedroom to replace a standard receiver but they insist I send the HR10 back ??? Maybe I'll wait a couple days and call again and see if I can keep it. As long as I'm recommitting for another two years I dont understand why ??? any suggestions ? It seems it the luck of the draw when talking to different CSR's ???

Jimbo

Feb 22, 2007

johnml said:
I called retention today (my third try) about the HR20. the first CSR told me $299, the second said $199 the third (the charm?) is giving it to me for $99 with a $99 credit (I have to pay $19.99 S/H to have a installer bring it to me). I just recommitted in July 06 and received the HR10-250 then. I tried to get them to let me keep the HR10 and move it to a bedroom to replace a standard receiver but they insist I send the HR10 back ??? Maybe I'll wait a couple days and call again and see if I can keep it. As long as I'm recommitting for another two years I dont understand why ??? any suggestions ? It seems it the luck of the draw when talking to different CSR's ???

Chances are they asked for the other one back because they gave you the $99 deal, if you want to keep it,they may tell you $ 199, which by the way I think is a pretty good deal when you think about it.

I do not agrue and bicker with them about equipment prices.

Jimbo

johnml

Feb 22, 2007

I didnt expect to get it for free. I just took my chances because I had good luck in July 06 getting the HR10 free. It took me a few calls then so I figured I'd give it a shot this time. I just figured they would let me keep it since it's being fazed out (I'm guessing) I have a standard TIVO in the master bedroom and my daughter is always in there. I was hoping to just switch it with her standard receiver. I know I got a good deal since they did give me a HR10 for free too. Its just unreal that everytime I call Directv, I get different responses??? Luck of the draw. I never would have known if it wasnt for this site.

Also, since I have the protection plan I fugured they would have swapped it out with a HR20 IF anything should/would have happened to the HR10. :eureka

HDTVFanAtic

Feb 24, 2007

HDTVFanAtic said:
It's funny because if you search under my nick last year, I made the exact same post as you.

At the end of the ordering process, the CSR reads everything back and states everything and as he was going he said "there is a 24 months comittment.....hmmm....wait....there is no 24 month committment - its usually here but it says no committment on the screen" I then interrupted and said ok...please repeat that for me - and he did again - this time on tape.

I also had another 3rd party who's account it was conferenced in and he heard it just as I did and once the CSR was off, I told him I have never heard of it - but we have it on tape and both of us heard it - so lots of luck having that stand up if they challenge it.

Remember, I haven't signed a new contract - the oral committment is all I have agreed to - so they can claim it all they want - but whatever.

Regardless, this house is in Beverly Hills on the side of the Mountain, shaded from Mt. Wilson. Nothing comes in OTA. They already have 6 HD-LILs in LA. I doubt this person will drop D* in 24 months anyway.

As for the other - this person is in charge of Programming of a Broadcast Group - so I am pretty sure that his bills gets paid on time and doubt he ever complains about anything - until I do it as him for this purpose, lol.

The queue says he is an A Customer - whatever that really means.

Now, as they missed the install last week, I called again today to beat them up more.

I wanted to change the H20s for HR20s....their computer system will not allow more than 1 HR20 install that they send out every 6 months now - so even the Customer Retention Floor Manager could not over-ride the system.

So they agreed for the missed install, that I could go out and purchase 2 HR20s at retail - and they would install them on the new install date with their supplied units - and they would give me a $200 per HR20 rebate on my D* bill.

Thus, now I have:

1 5 lnb dish and install
1 Multiswitch
3 HR20s
2 H20s
Move HD-TIVO to different room
$10 off Bill for HD for next 12 months
No committment
Total outlay - $199.00

What a mess.....they missed the install day for the second time this past week - cancelling at 6:30pm - what a joke. Tried to give me a March 26th install date saying that was the soonest available now (remember this has gone on since about January 20th).

Needless to say that didn't fly. They came out this morning.

D* rebated me the $199 - thus I THOUGHT I was getting the above for free.

Installer showed up today and brought out 2 HR20s instead of the 1 he was supposed to bring out and everything is in place.

Thus I have

1 5 lnb dish and install
1 Multiswitch 6x16
4 HR20s
2 H20s
Move HD-TIVO to different room
$10 off Bill for HD for next 12 months
No committment
Total outlay - $0

Seems pretty stupid to me, but there you go.

HDTVFanAtic

Mar 1, 2007

Jax Tom said:
Nope, they are delivering 2 at once. They charged me for both immediately ($199 total) on credit card, and gave me $100 credit on next bill. I had the feeling I was dealing with someone that didn't have to check with someone at a higher level.

Trust me, I was hoping for 1 at 99, so 2 at 99 blew my mind. I am a LONG time customer with premiums, etc.

In all due respect, I'd double check everything....there is too much evidence that the computer system will not allow 2 HR20s, as I was originally told.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=850698&postcount=1282

Jax Tom

Mar 21, 2007

Okay, here's the final result. I did get my 2 HR-20's as promised. No problems along those lines at all. The installer did not get the word as to the "major rewiring" I wanted to do, but we worked it out, if you know what I mean.

I am having interface withdrawal issues as I get used to the new system, and I'm having "lock up" issues on one of the HR-20's. It's weird. Every once in a while I'll get a message to install the card for about 2 seconds, and then it disappears.

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Linus Tech Tips

16 minutes ago · posted in Linus Tech Tips

I Gotta Stop Following Advice From Reddit

Time for another AWESOME video from Linus Tech Tips!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGA4ZFr-hfo

Direct YouTube Link - I Gotta Stop Following Advice From Reddit
Linus on Facebook
The LTT Store

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 39 minutes ago · posted in The Sports Section

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.

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Foxbat

Yesterday at 6:19 PM

I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.

www.colts.com

Reactions: Mike0616 and rvvaquero

rvvaquero

Yesterday at 9:00 PM

Foxbat said:
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.

www.colts.com

Be nice to see a Cowboy headline like that.

Reactions: Howard Simmons, dfergie, Mike0616 and 1 other person

Mike0616

Yesterday at 9:35 PM

Foxbat said:
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.

www.colts.com

Can we expect to see a new coach if we say "pretty please?"

Reactions: Foxbat

Foxbat

Yesterday at 11:25 PM

Jeeez, Week 6, no lead is safe…

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b4pjoe

Today at 9:22 AM

rvvaquero said:
Be nice to see a Cowboy headline like that.

Yes the Cowboys owner needs to fire the general manager (himself), co-owner, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Executive Vice President, Director of Player Personnel, and President of AT&T Stadium (his son) and then he should jump off of a cliff. Only then can they recover.

Reactions: dfergie, rvvaquero, Howard Simmons and 1 other person

rvvaquero

Today at 11:33 AM

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.

Reactions: dfergie and b4pjoe

dfergie

39 minutes ago

I was a devout Cowboy fan in the Landry era, grudgingly gave Jimmy his due, since then not so much, the Jones family took care of that...

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dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply 42 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Gas Price Info With National Gas Temperature Map

Stumbled across this ... http://www.gaspricewatch.com/USGas_ZipSearch.asp
I found no local prices, although it did show stations at my location...
Added these to this post...
USA National Gas Temperature Map
State By State Gasoline Taxes
Gas Buddy

Ethanol Free Stations

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Bobby

Sunday at 10:27 AM

Regular$5.999
Premium$6.399
Diesel$7.999
at Costco, Rohnert Park.

Reactions: harshness

dishstaller

Sunday at 12:32 PM

Bobby said:
Regular$5.999
Premium$6.399

Odd that out there, Prem is only 40 cents higher. Here it's a full dollar more.

Last night it was about $4.17 gas, $6,19 diesel.

harshness

Sunday at 2:04 PM

dishstaller said:
Odd that out there, Prem is only 40 cents higher. Here it's a full dollar more.

On the West Coast, a 40-cent differential is common. It used to be 30 cents before the prices rose above $3.

A "full dollar more" sounds like it may be boat gas (non-alcoholic), which is a whole different discussion.

Reactions: Foxbat

dishstaller

Sunday at 10:06 PM

harshness said:
A "full dollar more" sounds like it may be boat gas (non-alcoholic),

Both non-ethanol and prem run about the same....buck more. When we were up in TN it was a buck more up there as well.

harshness

Yesterday at 9:34 AM

In Oregon, our premium boat gas is about a dollar more than our corn premium. Several stations only offer the non-corn premium grade.

Bobby

Today at 11:14 AM

Regular$5.899
Premium$6.299
Diesel$7.999
at Costco, Rohnert Park.

dishstaller

Today at 12:45 PM

Diesel is all over the place around here. Saw it yesterday from $5.37 to $6.17...not sure what the obsession was with ending in 7

dfergie

42 minutes ago

$4.09 - $4.29, real gas $4.69...

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 12:48 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

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....

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ClarkGable

Today at 5:59 AM

Little Deuce Coupe - The Beach Boys

Reactions: dishstaller and gms49ers

gms49ers

Today at 8:59 AM

The Boys of Summer - Don Henley

FTA4PA

Today at 10:15 AM

Summer In The City - The Lovin' Spoonful

Reactions: gms49ers

Bobby

Today at 11:11 AM

Gonna Send You Back To Georgia (A City Slick) - Timmy Shaw

dishstaller

Today at 12:48 PM

Detroit Rock City - KISS

Reactions: gms49ers

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 12:32 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

iOS Today 825-826

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_t6DHoWkL4

Direct YouTube Link - iOS Today 825-826
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

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MartyDe

Last reply Today at 12:27 PM · posted in Over the Air Television By RabbitEars.Info

ATSC 3 converter boxes

Interesting article about the work being done to develope an ATSC 3 converter box. Yes it does mention affordable.

Pearl TV Issues Progress Report on Low-Cost 3.0 Converters in Advance of NAB Show New York

Group has secured lower pricing from key tech players to make less costly boxes available

www.tvtechnology.com

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Scott Greczkowski

Today at 11:49 AM

Hopefully they are better then the current highly insecure junk boxes that are out now.

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navychop

Today at 12:03 PM

DEATH TO NEXGEN!

TRG

Today at 12:12 PM

17 years ago the US turned off analog OTA signals in favor of digital broadcasting. Now the push is ATSC 3 "Nextgen TV". But nobody seems to be able to agree on DRM implementation protocols. People don't want to hook their TV up to the internet in order to watch over the air TV. At least I don't. With all the data they collect about your viewing habits the box should be given away at no cost.

navychop

Today at 12:27 PM

Comb your hair.

Howard Simmons

Lifetime Supporter

Today at 11:07 AM · posted in Movie Talk

November 1963

Can't wait to see this:

John Travolta & Robert Carlyle Lead New JFK Assassination Movie in November 1963 Trailer

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 10:32 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

America’s $10 Trillion AI Boom Is Starting to Crack #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ET_7F3I6C5s

Direct YouTube Link - America's $10 Trillion AI Boom Is Starting to Crack #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

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TvMind

Last reply Today at 10:22 AM · posted in C-BAND Satellite Discussion

SES 1 101° W Horizontal "Issues" a.k.a "I want my M(e)TV"

Howdy folks long time no write.

Issue(s): Horizontal transponders (esp. Weigel mux) breakup/mosaic/sputtering audio, JTV less so (but received perfectly up until a month or so ago.
Vertical is fine (Daystar). Up until recently couldn't even get any signal on Weigel Mux but JTV was perfect.

What I did to improve things: A slight westward move improved reception but only slightly (approx 72 on the micro HD, sorry no dB to post). I removed the 3-way C-Band splitter and used a 2-way to get a 1-2 db signal gain ( the power port goes to the Startrak - the micro HD doesn't have enough juice ! (1st clue) even after swapping the switching power supply it came with with a heftier linear 12 V supply (less RFI too !).
I have had issues with the uHD before signal breaking up that a reboot would clear up (clue #2 = dying tuner?) - FYI, I reinforced the IF input and removed all flux from the pcb completely with a Flux Removal Pen (MG Chemicals Cat No. 4140-P) which definitely makes a huge difference.

I went outside and pushed and pulled reflector slightly and no improvement. Pole (actually tower in yard - the neighbours love me..NOT) is plumb, checked with carpenters level. Dish was last peaked in 2017 or so, after overhauling 24" Von Weise, new Acme, fresh grease, etc. Focal length, f/d ratio etc meticulously adjusted. One panel has a tear so planning to repair that this weekend when my cousin comes over ( to help me out (old guy here) forecast calls for sunshine.

What has changed: My utility company has installed new high tension line poles (one smack dab in the middle of 101°W target! But they put it in last year and reception (of JTV (HOR) at least) was fine, BUT when they came out to transfer the wires over this year from the old (sawed in half) pole that's about when the troubles started (coincidence?), but again Daystar (VER) was fine. I always had this pole in the light of sight of 101° before with no issues. (fyi my zenith sat 74° is unobstucted, but can't test)

In the meantime Weigel mux is trying to break in MOSTLY in LATE at night (less cell usage?) (audio not video except for a frame here or there) so don't know what has changed with this mux which suddenly "woke up". I have never had to fuss with dish moves on this satellite ( the slightest move +/- motor clicks loses lock, wheres normally on C-band I can go significantly wider east or west and still have a strong signal ( have these gone "spot beam" or narrower somehow and what is the slight difference in Az listed on Lyngsat to 100.9° affect things ( isn't that the declination i.e. requiring a tweak of declination?).

Long story short (too late, ha), if I had another DVB-S2 box to try and / or a newer more stable PLL lnb ( I have been meaning to upgrade many a time but never got arround to it) I could determine if it's my antiquated receiving equipment, or my dish/feed alignment ( doubtful as it tracks everything from 55 °W to 133 ° W nicely.) or the dreaded 5G! (BUT only on HOR and not VER?).
I read another post where the OP (with his smaller 7.5 footer) played around with the illumination to peak desired transponder and reduce qrm on interfering/ stronger xpndrs (even on 103° W). So will play with that too - and cut away the RG-6 a and pull up a fresh section with new PPC and coax Seal. Open the throat cap see if any cobwebs are there and check servo operation (also changed in last maintence 10 years ago).

Finally, this will probably be the last chance I get to play with the BUD from the looks of it (providers leaving, auctioning off rest of spectrum imminent above 4.0 Ghz, and to keep the peace with neighbours so it would be nice to have that mux back for the long, cold and dark winters to comfort this old man before I call it quits and buy a VHF/UHF/FM Yagi and get MeTV, H&I from my Vermont local stations (checked at a friends today and they come in nicely - except ABC) .
Only one guy in town (Montreal) I may be able to get a receiver or PLL lnb from to try (RPS Sat) so hopefully with elimnate that as a possible culprit. Be nice to pick up a cheap or used PLL lnb to try w/o 5G BPF (money is tight )

Like others I couldn't care less about "tv" (well maybe just a liitle or a lot) it's the challenge that excites me , I can get MeTV other ways OTA (no pirate crap).

So what do you guys (and gals) think ?. p.s. I don't have a spectrum analyzer and there are def/ cell towers nearby (half a Km or so away).
Oh and time permitting will hammer out dings too and wire damaged mesh on one section for an extra dB or two. Hesitate to touch Declination, Elevation and pole mount but will play around with those a little too... Why is this mux for finicky suddenly ?(8psk, 5/6 fec, beamwidthetc.. man wish they went back to VER I think everthing would be fine! For the engineers out here does 5G QRM affect one poliarization (HOR) more than another (VER)? I understand the strong interference swamps out the input mixer/local oscilator in the hapless old C-band lnb (I think it at time affect KU too esp. LPB on 101°W KU - incidentally thos were weak or "gone' but are back almost at the time MeTV improved..hmm Terrestrial interference?

Any thoughts or suggestions ( cheap or free solutions please) greatly appreciated. Cheers.

p.p.s. Micro HD can't display Decades and Toons but records them fine so I can watch on another box/media player (Ali chip set issue). Another reason to upgrade.

Anybody interested in a nice C/KU system free ? (for next Spring/Summer 2027)

[Sami 10' mesh, Corotor II+, Eagle Aspen (very old) C-band lnb, Norsat Ku lnb, Channel Master C/Ku (H/V) switch, Startrak 400 Analog receiver w/ motor control, Geosat uHD DVD-S2, CW600S for Mpeg-2]

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cyberham

Sep 30, 2026

With the microHD connected this afternoon and tuned to the Weigel mux, I can receive the mux well.

My conclusion is that the sensitivity of the receivers in descending order of sensitivity is as follows:

V9 Prime (best)
microHD
Edision osmio4k+

Either the V9 or the microHD could be used to watch Weigel but the Edision really could not with my given dish situation, at least during the daytime. At night, the signal is stronger here and then maybe the Edision could be used.

Titanium

Oct 1, 2026

What is the SNR readings for these transponders? Is the signal breaking up due to low SNR or interference?

Did you inspect the feedhorn throat and wave guide for wasp nest or other blockage? Good SNR with frequent drops in decoding ( loss of SQ readings) could indicate interference from 5G.

TvMind

Oct 13, 2026

Appreciate you checking. I should be picking these up with the tenner so still not done tuning up the bud - fell off ladder last week and hit my head!

Started over from scratch, N/S alignment, El/Decl extreme West sat, played with feed f/d checking everything and getting nice signals but still 101 west is PIA. New lnb was defective and returned it. My old one is fine but would have liked to A/B with a better lnb.

Thought it was the servo there because I was out and set everything up by the dish and flipping to HOR made a strange noise -BUT ONLY on 101 W ! All other sats skew is fine..hmm ( I have the skew almost perfect, use "Arrow" template on Zenith Sat (well nothing on 74 W to check with but Nimiq 5 at 72.6 W is closest and luckily picking up R- Pol channel from Canada to test with. Anyway picking up a new servo to try (the obvious polarity culprit).

Q. Back in the day PAS9 (74 W) was used but now I have to use closest zenith sat (Nimiq 5). I can't perfectly peak on that one which is 1 degree off (N/S alignment error). I used my trusty Brunton compass and even true noon shadow off pole to hit south.

I did have to peak extreme west by rotating mount ever so slighty so tracking extreme pretty good, but top and middle can use an elevation tweak (esp. Ku) to bring them back to where they were. No fun as the weather has been miserable and still dizzy from fall.

Oh and the Freesat V8 is crap (the tuner pixelates when the uHD is solid!) but love that SCART connector for S-Video out ! (I record to my Pio DVR and burn to DVD classic tv shows).

Stay tuned

cyberham said:
With the microHD connected this afternoon and tuned to the Weigel mux, I can receive the mux well.

TvMind

Oct 13, 2026

Titanium said:
Did you inspect the feedhorn throat and wave guide for wasp nest or other blockage? Good SNR with frequent drops in decoding ( loss of SQ readings) could indicate interference from 5G.

Thanks for chiming in here. No wasps (or hornets nests) but good suggestion.

I am getting 70 and over Quality on uHD which is good but as you say the signal drops out (70 to 0 ) occasionally and much worse by day (even JTV which I used to get solid is a mess in the day. Again Daystar (VER) is fine but still not what it used to be.

I will will either have to get a BPF or go VHF/UHF for these channels but not giving up just yet!

p.s. Isn't there something between your feedhorn/lnbf BPF model and Norsat's 1500$ BPF and 5G filtering lnb's? Heck almost ready for a diy (reverse engineer) job here (microwave BPF hack) Ah where is Radio Electronics when you need it! If it wasn't for losing Ku I'd buy your lnbf in a heartbeat! Are these hard to add Ku to?

Titanium

Wednesday at 1:19 PM

Our LNBFs are integrated with the feedhorn and no KU option. Maybe install an inline waveguide BPF such as:

www.ebay.com/itm/158077455896
www.ebay.com/itm/960059145385
www.ebay.com/itm/158007483799

brownsfan1

Yesterday at 9:22 PM

TvMind said:
Howdy folks long time no write.

Issue(s): Horizontal transponders (esp. Weigel mux) breakup/mosaic/sputtering audio, JTV less so (but received perfectly up until a month or so ago.
Vertical is fine (Daystar). Up until recently couldn't even get any signal on Weigel Mux but JTV was perfect.

What I did to improve things: A slight westward move improved reception but only slightly (approx 72 on the micro HD, sorry no dB to post). I removed the 3-way C-Band splitter and used a 2-way to get a 1-2 db signal gain ( the power port goes to the Startrak - the micro HD doesn't have enough juice ! (1st clue) even after swapping the switching power supply it came with with a heftier linear 12 V supply (less RFI too !).
I have had issues with the uHD before signal breaking up that a reboot would clear up (clue #2 = dying tuner?) - FYI, I reinforced the IF input and removed all flux from the pcb completely with a Flux Removal Pen (MG Chemicals Cat No. 4140-P) which definitely makes a huge difference.

I went outside and pushed and pulled reflector slightly and no improvement. Pole (actually tower in yard - the neighbours love me..NOT) is plumb, checked with carpenters level. Dish was last peaked in 2017 or so, after overhauling 24" Von Weise, new Acme, fresh grease, etc. Focal length, f/d ratio etc meticulously adjusted. One panel has a tear so planning to repair that this weekend when my cousin comes over ( to help me out (old guy here) forecast calls for sunshine.

What has changed: My utility company has installed new high tension line poles (one smack dab in the middle of 101°W target! But they put it in last year and reception (of JTV (HOR) at least) was fine, BUT when they came out to transfer the wires over this year from the old (sawed in half) pole that's about when the troubles started (coincidence?), but again Daystar (VER) was fine. I always had this pole in the light of sight of 101° before with no issues. (fyi my zenith sat 74° is unobstucted, but can't test)

In the meantime Weigel mux is trying to break in MOSTLY in LATE at night (less cell usage?) (audio not video except for a frame here or there) so don't know what has changed with this mux which suddenly "woke up". I have never had to fuss with dish moves on this satellite ( the slightest move +/- motor clicks loses lock, wheres normally on C-band I can go significantly wider east or west and still have a strong signal ( have these gone "spot beam" or narrower somehow and what is the slight difference in Az listed on Lyngsat to 100.9° affect things ( isn't that the declination i.e. requiring a tweak of declination?).

Long story short (too late, ha), if I had another DVB-S2 box to try and / or a newer more stable PLL lnb ( I have been meaning to upgrade many a time but never got arround to it) I could determine if it's my antiquated receiving equipment, or my dish/feed alignment ( doubtful as it tracks everything from 55 °W to 133 ° W nicely.) or the dreaded 5G! (BUT only on HOR and not VER?).
I read another post where the OP (with his smaller 7.5 footer) played around with the illumination to peak desired transponder and reduce qrm on interfering/ stronger xpndrs (even on 103° W). So will play with that too - and cut away the RG-6 a and pull up a fresh section with new PPC and coax Seal. Open the throat cap see if any cobwebs are there and check servo operation (also changed in last maintence 10 years ago).

Finally, this will probably be the last chance I get to play with the BUD from the looks of it (providers leaving, auctioning off rest of spectrum imminent above 4.0 Ghz, and to keep the peace with neighbours so it would be nice to have that mux back for the long, cold and dark winters to comfort this old man before I call it quits and buy a VHF/UHF/FM Yagi and get MeTV, H&I from my Vermont local stations (checked at a friends today and they come in nicely - except ABC) .
Only one guy in town (Montreal) I may be able to get a receiver or PLL lnb from to try (RPS Sat) so hopefully with elimnate that as a possible culprit. Be nice to pick up a cheap or used PLL lnb to try w/o 5G BPF (money is tight )

Like others I couldn't care less about "tv" (well maybe just a liitle or a lot) it's the challenge that excites me , I can get MeTV other ways OTA (no pirate crap).

So what do you guys (and gals) think ?. p.s. I don't have a spectrum analyzer and there are def/ cell towers nearby (half a Km or so away).
Oh and time permitting will hammer out dings too and wire damaged mesh on one section for an extra dB or two. Hesitate to touch Declination, Elevation and pole mount but will play around with those a little too... Why is this mux for finicky suddenly ?(8psk, 5/6 fec, beamwidthetc.. man wish they went back to VER I think everthing would be fine! For the engineers out here does 5G QRM affect one poliarization (HOR) more than another (VER)? I understand the strong interference swamps out the input mixer/local oscilator in the hapless old C-band lnb (I think it at time affect KU too esp. LPB on 101°W KU - incidentally thos were weak or "gone' but are back almost at the time MeTV improved..hmm Terrestrial interference?

Any thoughts or suggestions ( cheap or free solutions please) greatly appreciated. Cheers.

p.p.s. Micro HD can't display Decades and Toons but records them fine so I can watch on another box/media player (Ali chip set issue). Another reason to upgrade.

Anybody interested in a nice C/KU system free ? (for next Spring/Summer 2027)

[Sami 10' mesh, Corotor II+, Eagle Aspen (very old) C-band lnb, Norsat Ku lnb, Channel Master C/Ku (H/V) switch, Startrak 400 Analog receiver w/ motor control, Geosat uHD DVD-S2, CW600S for Mpeg-2]

I had the EXACT same problem happen to me with 101w, MeTV mux (Weigel). Working great when about 3 weeks ago I started to get the pixelating, especially at night. Sometimes Jewelry TV would also do it, sometimes not. Tweaked my dish. I have a Titanium 240 feed with the 5G filter 4.0-4.2 band pass. Every other satellite is working fine. Something on their end for sure. Power reduction? My signal seems fine like always. Running a Winegard 8.5 ft dish using a GT Media UHD V8. I'm sure my receiver isn't maybe sensitive enough for lower signal levels. Frustrating here too. I'm in the Canton, Ohio area. Thanks!

arlo

Today at 10:22 AM

To me it looks like all of the intelligent things to diagnose the problem 'on the cheap' are being done.
I have my own thoughts of lnbf's using an external filter between the feed and coax. It would be cool to see what Brian could add.
Do his units have the filter before the actual LNA chip in the circuit? In other words, signal is focused at the lnbf throat. The probes for h & v polarity send the signal to.......filtering......then to the lna IC......
Or probes, lna, then filtering. Makes sense to trap the bad stuff before amplification to me.

On the cheap sometimes leaves questions. Enosat and El Bandido both use dvb-s pci cards and TBS USB receivers.
With those, and software. Signal analysis becomes sort of easy. Or tapping into your coax with a dc pass splitter, decoupling capacitor, and using a spectrum analyzer. Tuning across the LO band. Finding signal spikes. Digging deep.

Still making my decision on a (most probably) TBS PCIe tuner card. But I have tapped into my coax with my ancient but quite impressive HP spectrum analyzer and tinysa.
I don't have 5G interference so far that I know of. But have my suspects because I'm only able to snag signal from 131W in the winter when the leaves drop. But out of curiosity do scan it in the fall. And seem to be getting a signal that 'shouldn't' be there and a scan shows no channels. Far as I got.

An idea pops up to rig up an LNBF on a stick. Along with the tinysa and power supply and do some rogue signal searches. War Driving, of sorts. But. I wouldn't think that a chinabox, firmware based receiver would be of much help.
From what I see scanning across the frequency band. 5G cell transmission is always on and is very wide spectrum.
Whether anyone is actually using talking, texting, watching stupid human tricks on YouTube Makes no difference. The RF is there. So why would a C Band setup come and go? And what if you dumped the corotor and went modern voltage controlled polarity?

Another thought. Since you've learned the optimal position to place the scalar to illuminate out to the dish rim. And peaked the feed. There's most of a roll of aluminum flashing out in my garage that would most definitely wrap around my dish perimeter. That and a bag of large binder clips from the office supply. wally world. Ideas?

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