Dropping C-Band signal

[catscam]

I have an old Echostar 5000 that’s been working fine until now.
I have no problem receiving channels that are in the clear but channels
that require the videocipher work for a bit then drop. The dish has a clear
view to the sky, so I’m guessing it may be the LNB or Feedhorn. Anyone
have a suggestion on what it could be & or a recommendation on what to get?

I’m very green at C-Band so would appreciate any help.:

 

[voomvoom]

It sounds to me like the battery in the VC module may be going bad. After all, if it's only doing it on the VC channels, I doubt it's the lnb or feedhorn.

Al

 

[voomvoom]

I don't know that it is the battery, but if it is, you can read this thread in the facts area to learn more about how to replace it:
http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=50214
Go to post #6 "Troubleshooting and Repairs"
at #5 Repairs: Replacing Battery in VCII Board

Remember once it goes dead you will have to send it off to get it fixed, it's better to replace it before that happens. Or you could always buy another VCII module.

Al

 

[catscam]

Thanks for your reply voomvoom, any idea if a videocipher channel may need a
stronger signal then one in the clear? Reason is I have tried 2 VCII boards & I
think they seem to be both doing the same thing. True they could both have bad bats.

 

[Hermitman]

While you're on a videocipher channel, select "Setup, 1, 1". That will bring you to page that shows you the signal quality and message rate. The max signal qualilty is 100 and the max message rate is 10. The higher the better. If you get below 50 on the signal quality or 6 on the message rate your picture will suffer some. Once on this page, try adjusting your dish and see if your numbers increase. Also, your skew might need tweaking for the best signal. Have fun.