Amstrad Sky + (A20B015) Low to No Signal Problem on Input 1

[DrProzac]

I keep having a re-ocurring problem on my ageing Sky Plus Box.

AFter a period of about 2 weeks the Input Signal Strength on Input 1 drops to about 10% Signal Strength and 40% Signal Quality.

The only way I can get this back up again is by switching the box off for about 5mins and switching back on again holding down the backup-button to force a download.

Then the signal strength and quality return to normal?

Any idea's on what is causing this, I thought for the first couple of times it was the Dish had moved, but hooking up to a DM500 I get perfect reception.

Is this ageing SKY+ box failing?? Or is there anything else I can do. Even swapping Input 2 and 1 over does not improve the signal or Input 1 or reduce the input on SIgnal 2?

[reddwarfcrew]

Losing the signal can be a sign of a failing hard drive.

The util at Copy+ : The Ultimate Sky+/XTV hard drive copier can help detect (and fix) a failing drive.

Equally it could be that water has crept into the lnb connections if it hasn't been waterproofed properly.

Only way to tell is to either replace the hard drive if you have a spare one to hand or try swapping the box if soemone is prepared to lend you theirs long enough for you to test.

[DrProzac]

I know it's not the Cable (or almost certain it's not) as swapping the leads from Input 1 to Input 2 do nothing.

What I don't understand is why doing a Firmware upgrade (Holding down backup at startup to download software) would sort out the signal again?

Would changing the Harddrive really help that much!?

I have noticed a few problems on recording lately, IE it locked up and woudn't play certain recordings that had worked previously!!

[reddwarfcrew]

I know it's not the Cable (or almost certain it's not) as swapping the leads from Input 1 to Input 2 do nothing.

Yes I agree, but the signal strength meter isn't the most reliable. As I say, my initial diagnostic is failing hard drive as opposed to LNB/Dish/Cable problem.

[DrProzac]

The other things is whilst watching certain channels (ie Sky Movies Premier +1 and some of the other movie channels these are particualy bad.

BBC1/2 ITV C4 and C5 all seem fine, but Sky Movies definatly has a stutter.

As does Baby TV, which is annoying for my 2year old son. Sometimes even get the error no signal is being recieved.

But if I use the cable and the same dish on another box the signal quality is fine, so I guess that just leaves the dish, or possible a faulty LNB1 input??

[reddwarfcrew]

But if I use the cable and the same dish on another box the signal quality is fine, so I guess that just leaves the dish, or possible a faulty LNB1 input??

So does that mean you have tried another sky+ box and it was fine???

I'm convinced your problem is a faulty hard drive. No need for a new box, just a new hard drive (see the link in my sig on changing the hard drive).

As I say, losing the input signal is a symptom of a hard drive that is failing (that's 3 times i've said it now).

Why not post over on digispy as you may get some more responses off people to back up my diagnosis as you don't seem to believe me.

Sky+ - Digital Spy Forums

[reznor79]

goto "services" press 4 "system setup" then press 0, 1 then Select you will go into installer setup select full system reset this will format the hard drive and should sort out your problems if the signal is still dropping then you may have moisture in the cable which causes the programs to go bocky and stutter.

[reddwarfcrew]

goto "services" press 4 "system setup" then press 0, 1 then Select you will go into installer setup select full system reset this will format the hard drive and should sort out your problems if the signal is still dropping then you may have moisture in the cable which causes the programs to go bocky and stutter.

This is only a short term fix. The hard drive is failing and the problem will come back.

[DrProzac]

I do belive you that it's a failing hard drive. As I'm not an expert on these things by any means.

I haven't tried another SKY + box (as I have no other Sky + boxes to try)

I have tried 2 Other Sat Systems (a Lidl Comag SL65 and a DM500s) neither of which had problems. I was just agreeing with you that I didn't think it waas the cable.

So my next question is, what is the best sort of Hard drive to go for in this ageing box?

Or would I be better just getting a newer SKY + Box from an online retailer?

[Koala5]

Just get Sky out to swap the box for £65, you will most likely get a newer one with a bigger hard drive my mate did + a 90 day warranty.