We have used our Sky HD box many times over the years and set it up usually without issue following the advice given on the satellite for caravans website.
Recently I was unable to get a lock and on taking the dish etc home to test again haven't been able to pick up a signal but when I connect the Sky box back up to the fixed dish on the roof it is fine. I've noticed that when plugged into the roof dish the Transport Stream is 0968 rather than 07d4 - don't know if this is indicative of the problem. We've also noticed that the issue seems to stem from a software update around June (but that could be coincidental). Whatever the problem - the transport stream and network ID seems to vary at random and no amount of aiming the dish seems to make a difference! I have checked cables, tested with a replacement LNB, and used a signal meter (the tone doesn't seem to change when sweeping for the signal like before). Anybody else noticed this problem? Think the only solution maybe to buy a separate receiver.
This sounds odd, but if the receiver works ok on your home fixed dish and you've checked with what is known to be a working LNB (plus cables etc), then it sounds as if you've covered all obvious bases.
Is there any chance the dish itself got knocked and possibly damaged on your last outing? Any minor bend to the boom arm for example, would obviously result in inaccurate signal reflection.
The dish and arm look fine. It's that 0968 Transport stream code that puzzles me but if it's working fine at home (with that code) then I guess the receiver is ok but wondered if it had somehow "locked" so if there was no signal on booting up it would not pick up the signal once you align the dish.
Is anybody out there currently using a Sky HD box without problem so I can rule out that june(isn) software update as the problem
I have HD at home but use an old Sky+ box in the van. Transport stream at home (HD with new software) is 07d3 with network ID 0002.
It's worth checking your cables - I think that whoever designed the f-connector should be shot - especially in an environment where the cables are constantly being connected/disconnected as they are in a caravan. Many times I have had no response from the sat finder only to find the central conductor of the co-ax has missed the hole and bent over. I have to add that dish is always the last thing I set up - so 1st beer after levelling the van and plugging in ehu; 2nd after awning erected; 3rd after all awning furniture set up; 4th after filling on-board water tank, gas, windows etc. 5th.........you get the picture
I have recently changed (where possible) all the f-connectors to regular TV coax connectors - much more robust and quicker.
Getting an incorrect transport stream number happened to me once when I set up my then, brand new dish.
Turned out to be a faulty LNB, receiving only the vertical polarised channels but not any horizontal ones. (or perhaps vice versa – it was a long time ago). Replacement LNB cured the problem.
Normally, getting the wrong TS number would suggest you’re picking up the wrong satellite but in your case I would doubt it.
Clutching at straws, I can only suggest unplugging the Sky box from the mains for about five minutes to allow it to re-set itself before trying again.
I often had to resort to this remedy back in my old Sky FTA days.
All the channels are there when the box is attached to the home fixed dish EPG / Anytime etc - just that the transport code is 0968 rather than 07d4! I've checked both cables and refitted the f-connectors on them so can't see it being the cable. I've tried a different LNB
Thanks for all the pointers so far - I've emailed satellite for caravans to see if David has any advice. Last chance or it's down to John Lewis for a Humax Foxsat HD PVR and goodbye to Sky.
Yep, the Humax Foxsat HD PVR is a great piece of kit, we took ours down to the South of France in July this year, and although due to heavy tree shade at the Campsite we could only get Astra1 so only BBC World News TV on that satellite, but we had over 200 hours of unwatched stuff on the Humax, so all was OK.
Remember the Sky+ Box will not let you watch Sky recordings if you are not getting a satellite signal, so imho the Humax is much better for campers etc.
Also using a Sky+ Box on any other satellite than Astra2 is a no no, where as the Humax will work with any satellite that you choose to find, if you can't get line of site to Astra2.
The 320gb version of the Humax is availabe for around £150 from Humax direct, and the 500gb version is around £179 "B" Grade stock they say, but with 12 months warranty.
Currys are currently doing the 500gb model for £215.
hi mrkjd,
we use our sky hd box with one of the dishes from aldi, we used it for a fortnight in july when we were away but we couldn't get 07d4 either but we still got a signal, got full sky package and every channel was fine, hope this helps
mayzee
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Topic: Sky HD box problem
