DISH. Not a happy customer

[PA Weldor]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

The 211 series of receivers are actually very reliable. Sorry for your troubles.

What type 211 do you have (211K, 211Z, or 211W Wally)?

Is the failure on live SAT TV, on live OTA TV, or on playback from an added DVR (external hard-drive)?

This point will focus your effort on the bit to repair/replace.

For the 211's (viewing live SAT)...they are typically purchased (not leased) so the equipment warranty is between you and the retailer...Camping World (I'll reserve comment on them). It is exactly like buying a DVD or VCR. If it doesn't work - return it for replacement.

For OTA TV, it's probably a problem with the OTA Tuner. That's an external dongle for the 211Z and Wally, internal to the 211K.

For DVR playback, it's probably a problem with the external hard-drive (EHD). The EHD -MUST- be a self-powered unit. Some folks have made some EHD's pulling power from the USB to work...but Dish DOES NOT recommend this.

More than half of your reported $y$tem co$t is the Trav'ler (and well worth it, for sure) so, since the other receiver works, that should not part of the issue...unless there was a cabling error by the installer. Try swapping receivers front to rear to check that.

Best luck

P.S. Dish Network can't really help you with "hardware" issues. Kudos to them for trying, but with equipment that you own, you gotta fix it yourself or "call a guy." Sorry. Same answer for DirecTV, but that is usually/often leased equipment...so, for them you gotta "call a guy."

I have the 211Z.

[PA Weldor]

I'm thinking heat related problem. It is in an overhead cabinet (over drivers seat). That's where the sat and cable hookups were installed by Winnebago. I leave door open when using the tv.

Also, this issue happened at night, every time.

[WeBeFulltime]

I've been a Dish customer for 10+ years and never had a problem with customer service. I use their equipment (Hopper3) and they maintain it. Yes, I use it full time in our 5th wheel.

[computerguy]

First guess is heat. But it is electronics. Electronics go bad. Sometimes on day 2 sometimes on day 4,395. Bad electricity, vibration, heat, the moon was in the wrong position...
Options (IMO) are to call Dish again and speak to tech support, ask for a replacement, go to Camping World and return it for a working unit.
Very happy customer here with Dish for a number of years

[PA Weldor]

Fortunately, when I bought the whole system I also purchased a 3 year replacement package. Took the bad unit back to Camping World yesterday and got a replacement.

Thanks for all the comments.

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by PA Weldor

Fortunately, when I bought the whole system I also purchased a 3 year replacement package. Took the bad unit back to Camping World yesterday and got a replacement.

Thanks for all the comments.

There ya' go

[neub]

Had the same problem with two receivers in a row in my home unit until a dish tech figired out the problem...turned out to be heat. Had my audio stereo receiver stacked on top of the dish receiver. Flipped them around with the dish on top so it would ventilate better and no problems in three years.

[mikebreeze]

My first VIP211K had intermittent issues. It would not get all the way through the setup process. When I called Dish it would then work. A few times the rep said send it back but it started working again so I didn't. After about a year of going through this it finally would not work while on the phone with Dish. They wouldn't take it back then. I ordered a refurbished VIP211K and it worked flawlessly. So my opinion is that you probably got a bad 211 receiver.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by bruceisla

There ya' go

All's well that ends well

And...for the future - about heat...
The 211Z produces MUCH LESS heat than the 211K. So before going thru the effort add a fan, I would let it run for a few hours, then put my palm on the top of the receiver. If it seems uncomfortable to touch, add the fan. Otherwise, don't bother.

Best luck

[TangoFox]

Originally Posted by PA Weldor

I don't have a dvr. Just the 211Z receiver. I only use the satellite for a few months a year. We have cable at home with DVR service.

You can plug in a usb hard drive into it, pay a 1 time activation fee and make it a dvr... if you care.

I have a 211z in the closet if anyone needs another

I use a 211z and a Pathway X2. I also threw a battery backup on the 211z so I don't' have to realign the X2 on every power burp.

[bigben]

One of the reasons for bringing in the Wally vs the 211z was what a number of have spoken to - heat. Hopefully you're problem is resolved.