Dish 211K Receiver

[Chaffeekid]

My Dish 211K gets really HOT when I have it on. The top of the case was so hot I couldn't leave my hand on it, is this normal?
It has a fan on the rear but I have not noticed it running, if it does it is very quiet.
Anyone else have this problem, or is it a problem. It gets a good picture and no problems with blowing fuses or anything just runs hot.
Thanks for any help
Jim

[vsheetz]

Mine runs very hot as you describe. Has never caused a problem or failed in a couple three years of once a month weekender usage.

As an adjunct to the question of the. 211k, I would've interested to know if the newer 211z runs as hot - anyone?

[djc454]

My 211Zs seen to be pretty cool. I'm thinking of installing a small muffin fan in the equipment cabinet when we get back home in Arizona. Don't really need it here in Alaska. 😁


Dennis (Retired USAF & UPS) & Linda (Retired UPS)
2014 Winnebago Journey 34B and homes in Anchorage AK & Bullhead City AZ

[Chaffeekid]

Mine runs so hot I look at it as a possible source of FIRE, I mean you can't put you hand on it, its that hot, that could cause a fire, this thing should have been recalled if others have had the same problem, is that why they came out with the 211Z ?
Who do we get in touch with to make this problem known.
I don't leave mine plugged in because of this issue. Would like to hear from more people with the 211z and if it runs cooler if that is the consensus I will scrap this one and get the 211z, what are the advantages over the 211k other than the heat issue.
Is it better, receive more satellites?
Thanks in advance.
Jim

[smiller]

My 211z runs only slightly warm to touch and I use it in a closed cabinet with no problem.

The advantage of the 211z over the 211k is that the z model has much newer hardware (probably why it runs so much cooler) that has twice the memory and a processor that runs twice as fast (per Dish's advertising), although I don't know what that translates to in terms of the user experience, if anything. The 211z also has a much smaller footprint. AFAIK the software and feature set of the two models is pretty much the the same. With the 211z you must buy an external tuner adapter if you want to watch over-the-air programming and pay a one-time fee to enable DVR functionality, but since the initial cost of the 211z is lower I think it total cost comes out to be about the same.

The only advantage of the 211k are component and RF outputs (the 211z has only DVI and video outputs), but that is only an issue if you have an older TV (and who would want to use an NTSC RF output with its sub-SD picture these days anyway?... and even if you must you can get an adapter at Walmart for $10-20 to add an RF output to the 211z.)

In short while there doesn't seem to be any overriding reason for someone with a 211k to upgrade (except perhaps for the heat issue you mention, I see that complained about a lot) for a new purchase the 211z seems to be the better option for most.

[vsheetz]

The power consumption on the tag on the 211k and 211z are about the same, but with the heat of the 211k makes wonder what the true delta is? interested for dry camping usage. Anyone with a kill-a-watt monitor that can provide feedback on the 211z?

[Chaffeekid]

Thanks Smiler and vsheetz, well the advantages you cited smiler certainly makes me want to upgrade to the z model. Now I will say, the 211k that I have has an HDMI port on the rear and provides a great picture to my 32" Samsung that I installed, pictures around here somewhere on IRV2.com. I think I will be upgrading, I just can't see having something running that hot, especially even when it is off. Its a potential fire hazard as far as I am concerned. And think about the additional heat it is generating that has to be delt with, wow you could use this thing for a heater in the winter
Thanks again.

[smiller]

Ooops, I need to correct my above post, guess I was typing too fast. The 211z has an HDMI port of course, not DVI.

[ChileRick]

Just checking it out online at Camping World, on sale for 79.99, looked like sale might end today.

[CountryFit]

for the very same reason, "too hot", i replaced 211k with a 211z. latter runs smooth and boot up faster. now i feel good

[UFO Pilot]

I have two 211K's in my stick house and they aren't hot. They are warm to the touch but I can hold my hand on them with no problem.

[smiller]

Originally Posted by vsheetz

The power consumption on the tag on the 211k and 211z are about the same, but with the heat of the 211k makes wonder what the true delta is? interested for dry camping usage. Anyone with a kill-a-watt monitor that can provide feedback on the 211z?

I just checked my 211z with a Kill-a-Watt and amazingly enough it only draws about 250 ma, and that is with a USB-powered external hard drive and OTA adapter(!) The current draw seems to be the same whether the unit is on or in standby mode. I tried an amp clamp first but it wouldn't even register a reading.

[ChileRick]

Our 2012 Winnie isn't wired for HDMI, I might try one in the bedroom, as for the main receiver in the overhead, it supplies a mid-coach Tv, and the outside tv, so, adding the a new Z will cost a few extra bucks in converters and switches......
As for the heat from the 211k, the USB port is hot, so we added a laptop cooling pad, helps some.

[smiller]

Just in case anyone is interested I just bought one of the HDMI splitters below (to feed two HD sets from one 211z/k HDMI outout), inexpensive and works great.

Amazon.com: J-Tech Digital JTD-MINI-1x2SP 2 Port 1X2 Powered Hdmi Super Mini Splitter for Full Hd 1080P with 3D Capability: Electronics