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poof187's profile

Contributor

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9 Messages

Monday, July 22nd, 2024 1:53 PM

errors on sat 103 odd transponders with new SWM installation

I have a very old setup and have just now installed an 8 Channel SWM into it.  I have an HR-24 receiver and a R-22 (HR-22 hybrid) receiver which previously each received 2 coax lines directly from the dish.  Almost everything appears to be working with the new SWM installation, except that I am getting errors (no signal) on the odd transponders for the 103 satellite.

The 4 coax lines from the dish now go into the 8 Channel SWM installed outside.  The SWM1/PWR port connects to a power inserter (inside) and then to the HR-24 satellite 1 input.  The SWM2 port connects to the R-22 satellite 1 input.  My understanding is that it doesn't matter the order of the cables from the dish into the SWM, but I have tried multiple different variations - and all have the same result of no signal on the 103 satellite odd transponders.

After further reading, I'm now thinking that the SWM8 that I bought online around a year ago may be faulty.  I don't believe I was having this problem before installing the SWM (and removing the B-Band Converters), although I can't be certain.  I found a handful of channels that are carried on those transponders which now produce a 771 loss-of-signal error, but I can't tell you the last time that I actually watched any of those.  I'm hesitant to put everything back the way it was just to verify that it indeed all worked before....

Given that I don't foresee the need for any of those channels (at least not in the near future), I'm leaning toward leaving it how I have it now.  It serves the purpose I need right now (to connect both receivers to the same TV in the same room using the 2 existing cables in that room, without losing the use of all 4 tuners).  It also has the benefit of allowing me to simultaneously wire 4 rooms for service, such that when I want to move the R-22 to a different room I don't have to re-wire which room is actually connected to the dish (which is currently necessary).

But I'm wondering if anyone has any other ideas what could be wrong, or if they agree that the SWM is faulty and that buying another one might solve the problem?  Thanks for your advice!

Community Support

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254.4K Messages

4 months ago

Hi, @poof187. We're sorry you're having an error 771 No Signal.  It means that your dish isn't communicating with the satellite. May I know your zip code, so I can check for any outages in the area? From there I can determine the next course of action.

 

Also, please know that One SWiM can handle 8 at most: 

  • 4 HD DVRs (totals 8 tuners).
  • 2 HD DVRs (4 tuners), 1 DVR (2 tuners), 1 HD (1 tuner), and 1 SD receiver (1 tuner) equals total of 8 tuners.
  • 2 HD DVRs (4 tuners) and 4 HD receivers (4 tuners) equals a total of 8 tuners.

Lynie, DIRECTV Community Specialist

ACE - Sage

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46.1K Messages

4 months ago

What happens if you bypass the SWM8 and connect directly to the Receiver? That will help you isolate the issue. 

Contributor

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9 Messages

4 months ago

well like I said, that's how it was to start and I'd never noticed any errors of this type, but I don't really want to undo everything just to verify that...

ACE - Sage

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46.1K Messages

4 months ago

Yeah, I understand. But that's the easiest way to isolate the issue. Keep us posted on your troubleshooting. 

Contributor

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9 Messages

4 months ago

well I unconnected 1 wire from the SWM to connect back into the R-22.  Didn't appear to have the same issue on sat 103 odd transponders (although of course everything failed for tuner 2 since I only connected 1 wire)

Community Support

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254.4K Messages

4 months ago

Good question, @poof187. SWiM might be a simple cabling method, but it requires a professional technician to take a closer look into it and have it fixed. I'll send you a DM, so we can discuss the dates and assist you further with this. Claudine, DIRECTV Community Specialist

ACE - Expert

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20.6K Messages

4 months ago

You need a SWM splitter to connect the R22 and the HR24.

Not sure what you mean by all four coaxes from the dish now go into the 8 Channel SWM installed outside, do you mean you installed a SWM8 module where all four coaxes connect to it?  A SWM LNB would have been easier if you can access the dish.

(edited)

Contributor

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9 Messages

4 months ago

shannon02, yes that's what I mean (the "SWM8 module" is labeled as DirecTV 8 Channel SWM).  This was definitely easier than installing a SWM LNB, as the dish is not at ground level and I would have no idea how to go about replacing that part.  Just getting up on a ladder would be significantly more difficult than unscrewing 4 cables and plugging them into something else....

Also I have a SWM splitter but have not yet introduced it into the system.  It doesn't seem to be necessary for only 2 receivers, since there are 2 SWM outputs from the "module" and those seem to be working properly (I found wiring diagrams showing exactly what I've done).  I do have questions about whether or not the splitter can be installed outside (prior to the power insertion).  All the wiring diagrams I have seen shown it inline after the power inserter, but all my wires are outside and need to be split before going inside to the power inserter.  I'm thinking it will work as long as I run the power inserter through the red "power pass" port on the splitter, but if not then this new style I found of using both SWM ports on the module should allow the other cables to be split outside, while 1 goes inside directly to the power inserter.

Regardless, I'm not worried about the splitter at this point.  Both receivers are working and functioning in the same room, and I am able to now record 4 channels on those 2 receivers using only the 2 cables coming into that room (as opposed to using 2 cables in that room and 2 in another).  The only issue is that I don't get MTV, FS1, and a couple dozen other channels which are carried on the odd transponders of satellite 103 (and BTW I know I got FS1 a few months ago with my old setup).

I am simply wondering if people agree that the SWM "module" I bought used online is likely the culprit, or if they see any other issues with my installation.  Like I said, right now it follows the diagram to a T and I'm fairly confident I installed everything correctly.

(edited)

ACE - Expert

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20.6K Messages

4 months ago

Are you using a 29v power inserter?  You don't need the splitter.

(edited)

Contributor

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9 Messages

4 months ago

yes, 29V power inserter is working fine.  In fact I saw exactly what happened when I unplugged it to swap out a cord.

Community Support

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254.4K Messages

4 months ago

Hi, @poof187. Please check your inbox, so we can schedule a dispatch to take a closer look on this and get this fixed. DIRECTV appreciates your patience. Lynie, DIRECTV Community Specialist

ACE - Expert

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20.6K Messages

4 months ago

It is always possible that the SWM8 module is bad but the odds are against it, up to you to get another one or go back to the way it was or call, PM/DM DTV for a tech $99 unless you have the protection plan.

(edited)


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