Hughes HIRD-E86

[jfrancour]

I have a Hughes Platinum HD DirecTV box, Model #HIRD-E86 and I need some help. I have an OTA antenna and if I turn off my Hughes box when I am not using it and turn it back on later to use it, I get pixelation problems with the OTA channels. I have to do like a reset or hard boot to the Hughes box (turn it off, hold the down arrow key on the box itself, and hold the power button for 10 seconds) and it resets itself so it has to go through checking for a new guide data. I was told this is because the entertainment center I have it in is making it over heat due to no ventilation and the reboot process resets it to work. Now I am sure most of you say "Why don't you just move it?" Well, I would love to, but I just had a hip replaced and I am not that mobile enough right now (yes, I am young for a hip replacement, only 29, long story).

OK, I am fine with resetting the Hughes box when it does this until I can tear everything apart and set it up better. But, the problem is that when I reset the box I loose my settings as to what local channels the antenna should look for. It's not like a factory reset, because I retain most of my local channels and settings, and all my other A/V set up is saved/unchanged. I just have to go and scan for the newer local UHF channels. For instance, say I have 4-1, 12-1, 18-1, 24-1, 36-1, and 58-1 at all times, even after a reset. But, if I scan and pick up 24-2 and the 58-X channels, the next time I do a reset it, it loses the 24-2 and 58-X channels, or whatever is new.

Any ideas?

Thanks...

[Ratman]

Buy some 'muffin fans' from a computer store, a power supply (ac/dc) and place them either on the side or top of the e86.

Be creative and build a little box/enclosure for the fans.

[ruadmaa]

It might be best to call Hughes. Another thought, if the Hughes works fine as long as it is turned on, simply leave it on. You will not shorten its' lifespan by doing so. The Hughes should switch seamlessly between OTA and Satellite channels.

[knew001]

I have two Hughes HIRD-E86 and have never had the problem you describe. I have one mounted in the entertainment center and one mounted below the upstairs TV. I have experienced no overheating problems but did have a problem with the receiver losing one of the three satellite signals. This required a hard reset before the signal would come back. I finally determined the cause was the outside temperature of the LNB. I live in Vermont and at extremely low temps the 5-4 switch would malfunction. I don't know what is causing your problem. If the receiver is new return it for another. :confused:

[TIMMY D'S]

The Hughes E86 also it's Mitsu labeled clone HD500 run extremely hot. That's why you cant find them anymore. They were popular because they would accept an HU card :smokin: , but definate sacrifices were made for that benefit. Anywho, I use a cooling pad for mine, I found it at Comp Usa, and it is simply a vented pad w/ 3 fan motors, that suck air up through the top vents of the box, as it sits ove the entire top of the console. I have a temp gun for model nitro cars and helis I run, and noted temp before this was always 142 F in the left side of the receiver. After cooling pad was installed temp dropped 40 ddegrees there. I purchased the pad for about 18 bucks I think. Hope that helps ya out. :wave:

[jfrancour]

Thanks for the ideas. I can't really get in there to do too much right now due to my leg situation so I guess I deal with it for now. I was hoping someone had this issue before and it could be a firmware upgrade or something that would fix it. I will call Hughes and see if they have a suggestion and/or will swap it out for me. It would be a pain in the @ss to do, but it may help. The main problem with it is that none of the cables are long enough to reach anything in the d@mn cabinet/entertainment center. If it is in place cool, but the second I move something cables come loose.