dish receiver vip211k

This is a known software issue when trying to do a new activation on a 211K (most any new Dish receiver) using any antenna other than a household type antenna. Getting it to work with the dome and single LNB antennas can be "quite challenging"! Assuming you are using this kind of an antenna, here is the step by step procedure to try to get beyond it.

If the 211k has the new DISH setup wizard software on it, this procedure will have to be followed:

1. Hook up the receiver to the TV alone, power it up and let it start the install wizard
2. When prompted to program the remote on Step 1, press the Record button. When it lists a number in the box on the screen, select continue.
3. When the screen progresses to Step 2 (Download Software), let it progress until it displays the screen that states to check your connections. At this point, select OK, then when it progresses back to the download software screen, press *#*# on the remote to enter the point dish screen.
4. Once on the point dish screen, set the satellite to 119 and the transponder to 11. Then connect the coaxial cable and once it is connected, plug in the 12V plug for the antenna. After a search, we should have a locked indicator for Echostar 119 west and a green bar. If in-motion, let it finish the conical here.
5. Once we are locked, select done on the point dish screen. It will take us back to the message stating to check our connections, press select and it will restart the process on the Download Software screen. Let this run it’s process (it will take 20+ minutes and will appear to be frozen at times, but it will finish if we are locked).
6. Test the screen resolution on step 3
7. Let it fail the Ethernet connection on step 4
8. Call DISH for activation at step 5

For the 311, 301, 501, 508 or 510 that installs only satellite 129 with a switch of either SWAJ, SW44 or SW21-3SAT, you do the regular setup but when going to install the second switch, select both superdish and alternative and put it through 50 steps instead of 38. The 311 is pretty good about resolving the issue but if need be, you can switch the customer to the hybrid and go for 119/110/61.5, which works with basically all of those receivers.

A easy way to test the cable is to unhook it at the dish and with receiver on, use a digital volt meter to check for dc voltage between the center wire and the outside of the connector. You should read about 14 volts.

Is it a Tailgater antenna? That is what we have with the VIP211K receiver, and it sounds like the receiver is trying to go through a typical set up. We had a similar set up and found that one of the ends of the coax cable was not installed properly. Make sure the Tailgater is more or less level, set on a solid surface so it doesn't wiggle around, and has a clear view of the southern sky - it is a relatively small dish, and a few tree branches can effect reception. Try a different cable. Make sure both ends are crimped on tightly. Make sure the center wire on each end is not bent over and is going into the hole in the female connector. Make sure both ends are screwed on tightly and not cross-threaded. Make sure you are hooked onto the correct female terminal on the back of the receiver (there are three different ones on ours - you want the one marked input from dish or something like that - on ours it is the one closed to the end of the receiver).

If all that doesn't work, you have to have a defective dish or receiver. If you are already registered, the Dish tech service can so some remote trouble shooting and guide you through some self diagnostics.

Good Luck.

Yes direct connect one cable from dish to receiver. Was a new cable out the box so I can't imagine it's bad. Don't have a meter. They didn't mention a meter. Do I want to get one of these and where?

I'm taking "direct connect" literally. Nothing but coax between the receiver and the dish, correct?

What kind of dish? Do you have a meter? If so connect it right next to the receiver and see if you are getting a signal. My guess is that you are not. Its more likely something to do with the connection or the dish itself than the receiver.

Do you have the proper type dish selected?

Is the dish aimed properly and receiving a good signal from the satellites?

Are you sure you have the coax connected to the SAT Input?