Poor Signal

[thedigger]

Had a V-Box and SV2 for ages, and recently bit the bullet to get V+HD installed.

Since then, I've not been able to get both boxes working together.

My setup was:

Wall outlet ------> splitter1
Splitter1 --> Modem
Splitter1 ----------> Splitter2
Splitter2 --> Vbox
Splitter 2 --> SV2

(does that make sense?? Cable splits into two for modem, then a run into the living room, split again for both boxes).

After the V+ install, this setup gave me a complete lockout - no broadband, no TV on either box.
I replaced the splitters for new ones with no effect.

If I connect the long cable from splitter1 to either box, it's perfect. As soon as I connect a second splitter, I get nothing.

So, I changed tact. I put the long cable directly into the back of SV, and put the V+ box on the "Cable out" socket. I now get a picture on both boxes, but the interactive features on V+ aren't available (ie, TV on demand) and the "online" light flashes constantly.

Is there anything else I can try? A signal booster maybe?


One thing which may be worth mentioning.... the guy asked how many set top boxes I had, then changed something where the cable enters the house - has he added a resistor to block additional boxes?

[blakey_8]

Try using one 4-way splitter as opposed to two 2-way splitters (I am assuming you are using 2 2-way splitters?) mate.

[thedigger]

Cheers.... I would try that, but unfortunately my modem is in a different room to my STB and it wouldn't be easy to move it (because of how the house is cabled).

Is there such a thing as a booster for these? Or a lower resister (what's an attenuator?)

[boomer39]

all i can tell you is that my main feed comes in upstairs. then to a splitter , one goes to chipped box upstairs,one downstairs to sv3 + modem,then to pc. my feed to chipped box upstairs is also split to subbed vermin box.never had any probs.

[colpac]

Originally Posted by thedigger

Or a lower resister (what's an attenuator?)

I took that out of mine and it solved the problem, its in the box on the exterior of your house.

[thedigger]

Ok, might try removing it. I'm not certain, but the thing in the inside box in my house (where the feed comes in) looks like an attentuator. Will I get a really "dirty" signal if that's removed? I'm pretty convinced that's what's causing the issues :?

[MorriSoft]

Originally Posted by thedigger

Ok, might try removing it. I'm not certain, but the thing in the inside box in my house (where the feed comes in) looks like an attentuator. Will I get a really "dirty" signal if that's removed? I'm pretty convinced that's what's causing the issues :?

An attenuator is a small electronic device that can reduce the amplitude/power level of a signal without distorting its waveform to any noticable degree.

Removal of the attenuator won't give you a "dirty" signal as such, but it will increase the power level of that signal, if it increases it too high you could end up frying the tuner(s) in your box(es) - always best to be careful.

Also, as trivial as it may seem, replace your cables (if you haven't already) with new properly crimped ends, you can buy them pre-made or make your own with rg6 cable and some screw-on f-connectors and for the little cost of replacing the cable runs its always worth checking before forking out for a booster/variable attenuator, should you end up not needing one, you won't have wasted the cish!

[colpac]

Sorry you are right, from memory mine was also inside the house, my signal is split between 2 starview, 1 V+ box and the broadband modem and the attenuator has been removed for 3 years now with no problems.

[thedigger]

Originally Posted by MorriSoft

An attenuator is a small electronic device that can reduce the amplitude/power level of a signal without distorting its waveform to any noticable degree.

Removal of the attenuator won't give you a "dirty" signal as such, but it will increase the power level of that signal, if it increases it too high you could end up frying the tuner(s) in your box(es) - always best to be careful.

Also, as trivial as it may seem, replace your cables (if you haven't already) with new properly crimped ends, you can buy them pre-made or make your own with rg6 cable and some screw-on f-connectors and for the little cost of replacing the cable runs its always worth checking before forking out for a booster/variable attenuator, should you end up not needing one, you won't have wasted the cish!

Cheers!

The cables I have are all either properly crimped by VM installers or pre-moulded ones from Maplins. I really hope the original VM ones aren't faulty, as they're mostly hidden under floorboards, and there would be a lot of lifting carpet / laminate floors / skirtings and floorboards if it was damaged.

Btw, it could also be a damaged attenuator in the wall box... just noticed that if I wiggle the cable at the bottom of this, the signal dies completely

[thedigger]

Originally Posted by colpac

Sorry you are right, from memory mine was also inside the house, my signal is split between 2 starview, 1 V+ box and the broadband modem and the attenuator has been removed for 3 years now with no problems.

Cheers... so I've got two male - male F-lead connectors in that box (passing through the attenuator).... if I swap the attenuator for a splitter (CBA to go to maplins and get a F-lead joiner) and try again I should be laughing*?

*obviously if it all goes wrong and I fry my own equipment, i replace the attenuator, throw the SV away, tell VM my broadband and TV have stopped working......