DSTV decoder RF signal problem

[RH360]

On the back of a DSTV decoder there is a RF IN and a RF OUT. My normal analogue antenna is connected to the RF IN and my cable running from the RF OUT feeds the terrestrial (SABC) and DSTV feed to the rest of the rooms in my house.

This worked fine until about a week ago when the DSTV feed on the RF cable stopped working, but the normal SABC channels from the antenna still worked on the same RF cable. There would be short periods of 2-5 seconds when the DSTV feed would work and then disappear again for 10-20 minutes.

I then bought a new DSTV HD decoder thinking that it must be the RF encoder on the decoder that was going faulty.

I plugged in all the cables and the same problem is still there. After some further testing I discovered the following.
When I only plug in the RF OUT, the DSTV feed would be encoded onto the RF cable feed to the other TVs. As soon as the RF IN cable from the antenna is connected to the decoder, the DSTV feed would disappear.

Any ideas or suggestions on what I can do or test? My satellite dish and antenna are both earthed.

I redid the F Type connections on the cables connecting to the decoder, but still the same. At the moment I am thinking that it could be an earthing problem?

 

[Smurfatefrog]

Change the RF frequency on the decoder, it might be conflicting with the SABC signal. The default is 63, change it down to around 30. Obviously re-tune the TVs after the change

 

[RH360]

I have been using C50 for years without any problems. Could there be some new interference on the frequency?

Change the RF frequency on the decoder, it might be conflicting with the SABC signal. The default is 63, change it down to around 30. Obviously re-tune the TVs after the change

 

[Quantum Theory]

Could there be some new interference on the frequency?

Yes. Probably DTT... Which area?

 

[RH360]

Yes. Probably DTT... Which area?

Loevenstein, Bellville. We are about 1km from the big broadcasting tower for SABC etc.

 

[Quantum Theory]

Loevenstein, Bellville. We are about 1km from the big broadcasting tower for SABC etc.

They must have switched channel 50 back on. Will check tomorrow. There was a transmission some time back from the Naspers building, but it's always been allocated for DTT (along with 38). Move the output channel, as the Smurf suggested...

 

[RH360]

Thanks all. Working again after changing to C21.

 

[Quantum Theory]

Thanks all. Working again after changing to C21.

21 is right next to 22, which is also used on Tygerberg. So, it wont be perfect... Is it?

 

[RH360]

21 is right next to 22, which is also used on Tygerberg. So, it wont be perfect... Is it?

I also tried 30, but that also had interference. Can you suggest a frequency?

 

[Quantum Theory]

I also tried 30, but that also had interference. Can you suggest a frequency?

32?

 

[RH360]

32?

Cape Town TV is on 32

 

[RH360]

Ended up sing c60

 

[GeneralWinger]

I have been using C50 for years without any problems. Could there be some new interference on the frequency?

Thanks so much. I have struggled with this problem for days. I changed to c21 and it just worked perfectly.

 

[RH360]

Thanks so much. I have struggled with this problem for days. I changed to c21 and it just worked perfectly.

I am glad all my time and effort 6 years ago also helped someone else. An alternative solution is moving over to streaming services. No RF interference . I have been without DSTV for 3 years now.