Tutor
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7 Messages
SWM splitter, LNB, or bad cable?
My Gemini's DECA (cable to ethernet adapter) stopped working. Tested with both a gemini and a laptop. Swapping it out the DECA didn't help. The DECA was the old style that has power and usb-power connectors.
A couple of weeks prior, I had repaired a cable that the lawn mowing people cut.
I took a look at another room. An old genie mini was working when connected via cable - but not if I tried to put either of two new-style DECAs (DCA2SR0) in-line on the cable. Nor does the power light on that DECA come on.
Next, the problem got worse - I got a 775 problem between the Genie-2 and the dish. Disconnecting the cable from the SWM splitter and connecting it directly to the Genie-2 solved that problem.
I'm guessing the signal levels and maybe the voltage levels on the cabling are/were poor.
But, is it the cable or the SWM? Or, even maybe the LNB or Genie-2 ?
DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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256K Messages
7 days ago
It seems like your equipment setup and cable connections need to be checked further, @MakeItWork. We have a technical specialist ready to assist. Sending you a DM now. John, DIRECTV Community Team
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MakeItWork
Tutor
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7 Messages
5 days ago
In case anyone does a web search for a similar problem and finds this post...
It turned out to be a bad cable repair that was gradually getting worse - first causing DECA failures, then later causing 775 problems.
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MakeItWork
Tutor
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7 Messages
4 days ago
TL/DR - DECA was bad and replacement DECA was inappropriate.
Update: Spoke too soon. I had indeed done a poor cable repair about a month prior - I'd never seen a compression style RG6 cable connector and installed via old-style crimping instead of using a compression tool. But, it the cable repair was actually still working.
The replacement DECA didn't solve the problem and the unnecessary gemini they sent me also would only work wireless (they said they could not send a DECA w/o sending a gemini).
The real issue is that the old DECA was powered (via usb from the receiver or via a/c adapter). The replacement DECA is un-powered.
I assumed that the un-powered DECA was supposed to work - after all they knew I as using it for a gemini. However, it turns out there's no power on the cabling between the SWM and the clients - the only power is to the SWM's LNB connector.
Spent two hours or more in chat to get the support person to understand that not all DTV DECAs are the same. Once they understood that, they tried to put in a replacement order. But, when I asked what model, they told me they could order a "DECA" but not specify which model or even powered vs un-powered. With assistance from their backline, they said they've ordered a replacement DECA that will be compatible with the gemini, but couldn't tell me what model number DECA was being shipped. I guess I'll see what shows up this time...
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.6K Messages
4 days ago
Thanks for the update. Too many don't do so when a fix is confirmed. This can help others.
A DECA can be gotten by itself. It does not require a Gemini. Sounds to me agent was pushing for an unethical "upgrade" on their stats.
Unfortunately not being able to specify a model is common. And that is whether accessory or receiver/client. You get the next one available that meets the required minimum specs. A tech visit they can put some special instruction notes on the order, but not a guarantee they will have the exact version available, just gives a shot (but I understand not wanting to pay $99 for all that).
Since it seems you prefer to DIY, then ordering the right DECA through a 3rd party source would be the option if the one they send isn't exact.
Over the phone are agents who for the most part don't do anything physical with the equipment (outside their own home setups). That means they tend not to be knowledgeable about some of these unique differences. They just go by what the system provides. And even if they had time between calls, I doubt many would use that breather to read policies and equipment specs proactively.
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