Even Transponders///

[bignick]

Hello,

I am trying to setup my Dish 500 with 2 lnb's (no built in switch). I set up 119 by itself and got a good signal and locked it. Then I did 110 and got a good signal and locked it. But when I hooked up the switch after that and ran check switch, I can only get 119 odd and 110 odd. There is no signal at all for the even transponders on 119 or 110 but they are there when I take the switch off. I tried 3 different switches and same result. Anybody seen this or have any ideas??? THanks...

[BirdieMod]

What model switch?

[bignick]

sw-21. is that what you mean?

[bignick]

oh yea, its also a 2700 bev receiver converted to dishnet..

[BirdieMod]

Sw21 should work fine, None of the lnb's are Dp pro? What model receiver and what is the software version at?

[BirdieMod]

OK, It's probably the eeprom, Make a virgin one in flashedit and write that back to the receiver.

[bignick]

My software version is X797CAPD-N. Does that mean I need to write virgin to the eeprom?

I don't have a jtag yet to do what you said but i'm getting one soon.

[BirdieMod]

797 is current so thats good. The sat switch and setup is stored in the eeprom, I am thinking since it was converted it is not updating the switch setup in the eeprom, Seen that before, For grins you could try a NV ram dump ( Eeprom clear) But the new firmware doesn't wipe everything anymore like it used to. Doesn't hurt to try though.
On the remote press
(Menu)
(6)
(3)
Within 4 seconds, press the following sequence
(info)
(Browse / Right Arrow >>> )
(Theme / Left Arrow <<< )

When the Device Status & Memory Dump screen appears press (tv/video) (if that doesn't work, then press the (info) button)
A "non-volatile memory corrupt" message should appear, if it does not, start over you need that message.

Once you get the proper message, unplug your reciever for a 15 seconds then plug it back in. Everything should be reset at this point.


try running check switch again now, If it still isn't working I'd redo the eeprom when your jtag comes in.

[bignick]

On the remote press
(Menu)
(6)
(3)
Within 4 seconds, press the following sequence
(info)
(Browse / Right Arrow >>> )
(Theme / Left Arrow <<< )


I don't have a theme button on my remote. Is there another button that would work?

[BirdieMod]

Theme /Left is the same button. The 4 buttons with the center ok one.. Up down left right, Those are the ones.

[bignick]

OK, i tried what you said. i'm still getting problem detected check connections. Only the odds are coming in when I use a switch. I will try to write a virgin eeprom and write to the receiver when my jtag shows up. thanks for your help...i may have to bug you again when it comes time to write a virgin eeprom.

[dssturbo1]

birdie asked if either of the lnb's were dish pro? did you check for that.
also make sure all your cable are rg6 quality, no rg59. and your cable runs should not be over 100 feet.

[bignick]

I'm not sure if my lnb's are dishpro. How do i tell? Will it say dishpro right on it? Also, my cables run a long way. Probably over 100 feet. So that mite be the issue. So if 100 feet or more you cant use a switch?

[dssturbo1]

yes, definately could be the issue here. as the receiver is sending a singal back to the lnb and if too long will not work properly.
I am sure many on here would say they have cable runs over 100 feet with legacy lnb. but that is the regular limit as given by dish. best to make sure you have good fresh connections and no splices either. usually dish pro will have dish pro or DP logo on it.
The cable run limit with dish pro lnb's is supposed to be up to 200 feet.

[bignick]

appreciate the info

[smilingjack]

I'm not sure if my lnb's are dishpro. How do i tell? Will it say dishpro right on it? Also, my cables run a long way. Probably over 100 feet. So that mite be the issue. So if 100 feet or more you cant use a switch?

your cables run over 100 feet. where did you put the sw21 in your living room.

You should have cables attached to the dish that are no longer than a few 3' - 6' long. Then the switch right there nailed to the post and 1 (ONE) cable going to the house.

If you have 200 feet of dual cables your loss is greatly multiplied.

Try short cables to the switch.

[bignick]

ok thanks. one more question....will my 2700/2800 receiver work properly with the Dish Pro twin lnb with built in switch??

[BirdieMod]

No, DP stuff and 2700/2800 not compatible.

[smilingjack]

DishPro LNBFs are a new technology that is only supported in the newest receivers from Dish Network (Models 301, 501, 508, and 721). DishPro LNBFs and switches allow for longer runs up to 200 feet from receivers to the dish. DishPro installations are easier as there are fewer cables to run from the dish to the switch(es) for more than 2 receivers as well as simpler installations if more than 4 satellite feeds are needed (especially important now that 721s and 921s need 2 satellite feeds per receiver).

[bignick]

thanks. you just saved me about $80

[smilingjack]

No problem. There is nothing wrong with the "legacy dish 500" it works fine with EVERY IRD. If you have to have leads more than 100' you can get a inexpensive "signal amplifier" that will boost them and make the trip OK.

The 100' limit is not written in stone, mostly it depends what kind of signal strength you are getting at the dish. If it is only 50 - 60 then cables 50' may be too long....... if it's 110 120 then 150' may be fine.

Last resort Take a long extension cord out to the dish and hook it up there with 2' - 3' feet cables adjust for max signal 1 LNB at a tine (no sw21) when you get the best on both, hook up the short cables to the SW21, the SW21 to the IRD with another short cable and do switch test and check signal. If it is still good then patch in your final (long) cable and check signal strength again.
If it is a long legnth it is best do it in 1 piece if possible with the best cable you can afford, you can buy it right off the roll up to 500' this way. A lot of loss is in the connectors between multiple cables.

The reason for short leads to the SW21 to the dish:

The IRD sends VOLTS to the dish LNB's, it can push these volts through long cables and switches better than the weak return signal to the IRD, so if you get the signal into 1 cable while it is still strong, near the dish, it will arrive stronger.

Jack