remote problem, directional

[dss-what]

I have an odd situation. one day after several months of running smoothly the remote control seemed to stop working on the hughes series 2 dtivo. Did the things I know about to try to figue it out.
1) batteries - ok, tried 2 new sets - no help.
2) tried a remote from a 2nd dtivo (it works fine with 2nd dtivo) - no help
3) tried suspect remote on 2nd dtivo - works fine on 2nd dtivo so it appears first remote is ok
4) took original remote and 2nd remote and moved closer to the dtivo.
at 6 inches away and from a low angle only, both remotes do work with no problems.
5) buttons on dtivo work fine.

I experimented with the low angle approach and can get it to work from several feet away only if the angle is right. it is not practial as a solution by itself as the unit would need to be 8 feet off the floor for semi reliable operation.

Powered down the dtivo and wondered if dust or other obstruction is blocking the IR reciever behind the red lens. Clean as could be.
Remove red lens Still very directional. All back together same as before.
I have searched for several hours and found many threads relating to remotes. One that seemed to duplicte the symptoms I have, but it was without solution.

Can anyone please offer guidance on how to fix this?
Thanks

[PlainBill]

1. Elaborate on step 2. 'No help' is ambiguous - Did the problem TiVo work or not work PROPERLY with the second remote?
2. In general, there are two general causes to these problems: The signal isn't reaching the TiVo, or there is interference. Historically, the usual interference source is another remote - like one sitting on the coffee table with a book on top of it. (Don't ask).

PlainBill

[mateom199]

Believe it or not, many times remote problems like these are due to interference from another remote. I had the SAME problem as you a while back, it ended up being another remote jammed in the couch cushion with a ton of buttons being held down, bombarding the air waves with ir codes and rf codes.

So I'd say try looking for something like that which could cause interference.
Have you installed any new electrical devices near the tivo recently? Any remotes been eaten by the couch monster?

[hayreass]

Another thing I discoverd that messes with remotes are plasma globes.
You know those "lightning balls", or mushrooms, or many other shapes available at malls nowadays.

I have one 15 feet from my TiVo, and on a different electrical circuit, but when it's on the remote is wacky.

[dss-what]

PlainBill,
I see what you mean - on step 2) I should have said that both the original remote and the remote from the second dtivo (which both work fine on the 2nd dtivo) both give the same directional results on the dtivo that is experencing the problem. Both remotes will run the dtivo that is having issues if held at a low angle and close up.

mateom199
I do have several remotes on the coffee table. I have put them all in another room with the door closed (fortunatly no RF remotes involved here) and will advise if any improvement results. (the dtivo with the issues was just powered off, Going to rig up a better cooling arrangement). If this turns out to be the issue it will be a nice simple solution to determine the offending remote and go from there.

hayreass
Thanks for this tip, we don't have these things here. Thanks for mentioning them as I would not have thought of these.

Will get back soon with results from these suggestions.
Thank you all (3 replies in just over an hour, on a holiday weekend, and all on topic, What a wonderful place to go for help!!!
dss-what

[dss-what]

Ok, the solution to this was a remote (not the tivo remote) that was causing problems. All is well with the tivo and the original tivo remote. Thanks to all who responded and steered me in the right direction. I would have never guessed this to be the issue.

On another note, while I was checking the connections and such inside the dtivo the drive seemed much hotter than I like to see drives be. So I fashioned a new cover for the dtivo and put a quite fan (vantec 120mm) in the new top cover. The new top cover was from an old vcr that has some "similar" dimensions. I am no sheet metal wizard by any stretch, bit it does fit, and there were no changes to the original lower case so if this experiment does not work out, I can put the original top on at any time. I will add some additional fasteners to keep it secure if this turns out to be a keeper. Initial temperature reading at 2 feet off the floor are 28C (82.4F) compaired to approximatly 10C to 12C (18F to 22F) warmer, so far I am pleased. the fan is oriented to bring air into the case. The second goal is to reduce the amount of noise. A more subjective topic. I think the new fan makes less noise.


Can anyone tell me if I add a second drive and the second drive fails is the system now down? Just looking for a yes or no on this, but will happily read more on the subject.

Thanks again
dss-what

[PlainBill]

Glad you got it working.

In simplest terms, if either drive fails on a two drive TiVo, the system will not boot, and AFIK, there is no way to divorce the drives.

PlainBill

[midspan]

I also have a Hughs dvr40 upgraded with 4.0 and the remote seemed sluggish after upgrade then just stopped all together.
Tried everything you had and with same results, except mine doesn't respond at any angle at all. My RCA cranks like a timex though.................

[PlainBill]

I also have a Hughs dvr40 upgraded with 4.0 and the remote seemed sluggish after upgrade then just stopped all together.
Tried everything you had and with same results, except mine doesn't respond at any angle at all. My RCA cranks like a timex though.................
@#%@#@#^$ I wish you would give a little more information. If you had tried everything the OP did, and had the same results, your receiver would be working!!! Apparently, that is not the case. Does the Hughes work when either remote is used? Does the front panel LED change color when you hit a button on the remote? Did you dislodge the ribbon cable? Does the Hughes work at all?

PlainBill