No signal in extreme cold

[huato]

I keep getting no signal and no quality when the temp. drops to approx. -25C or colder. When the temp. is approx. -20 or warmer it works fine. At first I thought it was a quirky diseqc switch but I changed to a different diseqc switch and a SW21 and get exactly the same results. My system is a Sonicview elite, legacy lnb's receiving 119 and 110 . All coax connectors look good and because of the cold I've ruled out moisture. Any suggestions?

[mark64]

look up your lnb type online they to have a temp that they fail at

[Terryl]

Yes, it's more then likely the cold causing the LO or the PLL circuit in the LNB to drift off frequency enough to unlock.

One solution is to put a large black leaf lawn bag over the dish, (will also keep the snow off) an put a drop light inside it right under the LNB, duct tape works wonders for this.

You can get a thermostat that will turn the light on and off when it gets below 32 degrees F. (0 degrees C)

One like this one,
http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Heat-EH-38-Thermostatically-Controlled/dp/B0000DGA8P/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388974339&sr=8-1&keywords=easyheat+thermostat

[huato]

For further information, the legacy lnb's are Dishnetwork brand that have been in service for several years with no problems.




Yes, it's more then likely the cold causing the LO or the PLL circuit in the LNB to drift off frequency enough to unlock.

One solution is to put a large black leaf lawn bag over the dish, (will also keep the snow off) an put a drop light inside it right under the LNB, duct tape works wonders for this.

You can get a thermostat that will turn the light on and off when it gets below 32 degrees F. (0 degrees C)

One like this one,
http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Heat-EH-38-Thermostatically-Controlled/dp/B0000DGA8P/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388974339&sr=8-1&keywords=easyheat+thermostat

[Mavrick]

It's odd that both LNB's would fail at the same time from the cold, the only equipment both LNB's share is the switch and the cable that runs from the switch to the receiver. Since you have already swapped out the switch to no avail it might be the cable, if there is a crack in it somewhere the cold might be causing it to shrink enough to loose the connection.


I keep getting no signal and no quality when the temp. drops to approx. -25C or colder. When the temp. is approx. -20 or warmer it works fine. At first I thought it was a quirky diseqc switch but I changed to a different diseqc switch and a SW21 and get exactly the same results. My system is a Sonicview elite, legacy lnb's receiving 119 and 110 . All coax connectors look good and because of the cold I've ruled out moisture. Any suggestions?

[Glatt]

Usually water will cause this! Try a new LNB!

[holly2012]

It could also be the type of disesqc switch you are using most are only good to -20 below including EMP Centuria the Only one I know of that has a lower rating is a Chieta
Switch its rated at -40 you could take a hair dryer out and put it on the switch to warm it and see if it picks up signal and Quality if it does then its your diseqc switch

[jvvh5897]

Wouldn't it be easier to just bypass the switch and run line to a single LNB and see if that has trouble?

[huato]

Temporarily warmed up lnb's , with no result, so the next step will be to run a new cable from the receiver to the switch, although there is a warming trend coming so it will probably start working anyway.

[gino_1983]

Ya mine is doing the same thig right now but its not on every channels it just certain tps that loses signal and quality

[Nostradamus]

It's odd that both LNB's would fail at the same time from the cold, the only equipment both LNB's share is the switch and the cable that runs from the switch to the receiver. Since you have already swapped out the switch to no avail it might be the cable, if there is a crack in it somewhere the cold might be causing it to shrink enough to loose the connection.

not really odd at all that both will act up. the thing is they are not failing, it is just that they are trying to operate outside their normal operating temperatures. They can also do the same thing when it gets extremely hot


Usually water will cause this! Try a new LNB!

Ummm there is no such thing as water at -25C


Wouldn't it be easier to just bypass the switch and run line to a single LNB and see if that has trouble?

ever try and work outside in those temps? I installed a dish one time and wrench froze fast to the steel roof :) also trying to run coax in those temps unless you are really fast the coax will get brittle and stiff and crack the insulation quite easily, it also is a bugger for kinking and breaking in that type of cold