Satellite signal loss

[Wakka197]

Why sometimes satallite signal loss and keeps happening? It happens in evening for a second or two every so often. What are causes . It not weather it happend on clear sky 

[dks]

Thank you. You obviously have more technical knowledge than most, including myself. However, one other factor to consider is geomagnetic storms.

I note that both the MyBell software and web page are giving me an outage warning for my satellite TV services at the two locations where I have that service. My satellite TV service does appear to be working at the moment, however. There is no indication of the cause of the outage on MyBell. It does say that service will be restored on August 17, 2024 between 12 Noon and 4 PM. The notice was effective August 16, 2024 at 5:30 PM. 

It's not always mentioned, but satellites are affected by space weather and solar storms as a result of sunspots and corona mass ejections. These are the release of very high energy particles which can affect satellites as they pass. We tend to ignore the effects of a CME as we are protected by our planet's magnetic field. Severe ones can affect radio service and even cause power outages. Satellites, however, can be affected by solar storms and even rendered useless by them. Bell has one  satellites, nimiq  6, in geostationary orbit. They orbit at 35,786 km, from Earth, well out in space. They are also designed to survive geomagnetic storms.

So what about geomagnetic storms right now? According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, "Solar Cycle 25 likely reached the highest sunspot number yet - a value of at least 299. The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) non-official, estimated daily sunspot number for August 8th was 337, a value not observed since March 2001."

More severe geomagnetic storms will arrive this weekend. You can follow space weather here. Homepage | NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center

While this may or may not be the cause of your fluctuation, it is another factor to consider. It should also be noted that geomagnetic storm interference is also related to latitude. The closer you are to the north magnetic pole, the more likely the effect of geomagnetic storms will be visible. It's called the Northern Lights. They have been spectacular this week at about 45 degrees latitude, here on the Great Lakes. 

[RB1]

I have lost satellite signal 91 which updates my guide and gives us lower numbered channels. I’ve had service calls before and know trees interfere with  service. Loss of service started in the early summer when leaves filled the trees. However, I cannot trim trees as they are on the Niagara Escarpment behind my house. I am paying for service and only get half the channels. Now my tv is frozen on screen trying to update satellite 91. 

[dks]

Thank you for your question. It appears you have two issues; living on the Escarpment and the loss of signal.

I also live in a municipality on the Niagara Escarpment and am well aware of the complex issues involved. That being said, if you have not done so, an inquiry to your local conservation authority or the NEC itself may provide clarity on your tree question and what you may or may not do. I know you can't cut down trees without a permit, but trimming may be permitted.  

With respect to your loss of signal, I believe the channels are split between the two satellite transponders, so there is no duplication. You might wish to have a Bell technician relocate your dish so that it has a clear line of sight to the Bell satellites. 

[Underbalanced]

Eventually found the problem. Faulty receiver not sending the right voltage to the lnb.  Took receiver from bedroom and are now using it.  NOW I AM TOTALLY LOST AS TO SENDING THE FAULTY RECEIVER BACK TO GET FIXED.  Was on the phone with Bell for 35 minutes last night when it became obvious that the Bell representative was trying to infuriate me so I hang up.  They had NO intention of actually helping me with my problem. I will be canceling 

[Fire Chief Bill]

I have recently lost satellite signal. . No sat 91 at all no help from Bell.

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day & Welcome to the Bell Community Forum.

In order to assist you further, can you please provide the community with the model of receiver that you recently acquired? The satellite may need to reacquire the signal. Have you run the Check or Check switch option?

I have included the following web link that will assist in setting up your replacement. Please select your receiver model. Once you have chosen your model of receiver, Select > Step-by-step tutorials. This will take you to a list of subcategories. Within these subsections there will be a tutorial that will guide you through the replacement & setup instructions.

Receiver and Remote Control - Bell Satellite TV Customer Support

My Bell Satellite TV signal fluctuates

Let the Community know if you have any other questions.

Take care.

[Fire Chief Bill]

I have Bell satellite service on my boat and recently both me and my neighbouring boat suddenly lost sat signal. The call centre help didn’t help and could only suggest we get a technician out to look at it 🙄 There are no technician in my area so that was not an option. I had a new spare receiver so I plugged that in but nothing from sat 91🤷‍♂️
Another thing is that the normal start up process of downloading the programming with the bar moving across the screen is not happening. 
Something significant has happened to the output of satellite 91. The system is not really usable as it is and I’m thinking about moving to another provider is I can’t get any results. 
Can someone help me and my neighbour who has also lost signal 

[BellPatricia]

Hey there @Fire Chief Bill

Thanks for reaching out to the Bell Community.

Can you clarify what type of TV receiver you have? Do you see a specific error message on your screen?

We also recommend checking out the link that @WelshTerrier posted above < My Bell Satellite TV signal fluctuates > where you will find steps on how to reacquire the signal to your satellite dish.

Please try that out, and let the Community know if you need any more help.

@BellPatricia 

[dks]

Thank you for your question. The answer to your question about how to return a defective receiver can be found here.  

[Fire Chief Bill]

Hey all, So I find out now ( not from bell but from KVH the antenna manufacturer) that since this system has an antenna that searches for the satellite... {It's on a boat), that there has been a significant change in how the signal is sent. Apparently i need to download an app and upgrade my antenna settings to receive satellite 73!! 

what a . show. I've gone through new receivers and technicians and months of trials and testing and frustration. To no avail!!!  horrible service that ultimately resulted in me cancelling my service.

I'm really wondering if I'm going to reactivate my account or not.

If BELL is listening, what kind of reparation can you do for me. This has cost me a lot of time,  money , frustration and a lot of lost trust and confidence in your service.

[Ports]

Every time there’s a thunderstorm the single goes out  and this is normal they say.   It’s ok it come back on. 
Always have to call and  get assistance cause the app doesn’t work.

well this time it didn’t come back and I was told I had to pay a fee for someone to come out and look at.  Hmm wasn’t told that when I got the service there be add charges. 
Satellite looks fine, theres no obstruction,  because of where it on my house. Wires are tight. I highly doubt the wind moved it still tight also. Haven’t even had it a year yet lol. What could it be.  

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day.

Thunderstorms. lightning & wind cause any number of issues that will affect your satellite signal & TV reception.

It is difficult to speculate on the cause with the limited information you have provided. Your LNB or dish could be damaged or need to be aligned to acquire the satellite signal once again. There may be a fault inside of the receiver caused by a power surge or lightning strike nearby.

You mentioned all of the obvious items that should be checked and indicated that everything from your perspective was copacetic. E.g., connections, cables, connectors, obstructions, physical damage, etc.

Are there any error codes on your satellite receiver?

1. Have you tried to reset your receiver by pressing and holding the POWER button on your receiver for at least 5 seconds until it resets. If this does not work,
2. Unplug the receiver’s power cord from the power outlet or bar. Wait 30 seconds and plug it back in.
3. Have you tried to run a Check Switch Test?

Please refer to the following troubleshooting document.

Satellite TV error codes and troubleshooting : Troubleshooting Satellite TV error codes

Satellite TV: troubleshooting tools and support

If none of the above resolves your problem, you may need to contact Bell Satellite TV Tech support and arrange for a technician visit.

Take care.

[JMIKEG]

So, I had a Bell tech come out to the house  ($75).  He didn't know what is wrong with it, but suggested I try a new King UC1000 controller.  I bought one, but it didn't help.  Now I'm at a total loss of what to do next.  Do Bell people ever look at this forum?  I'd rather not buy a new King dome- they're expensive.  And I'm not sure that's the problem.  Could it be the Bell receiver itself?

[JMIKEG]

Hi Patricia-

It's a portable system-  King Quest dome, King UC1000 and Bell 6400 receiver.  The dome has a perfectly clear view of the sky.  There's no visible damaging to the dome or the cabling.  Could it be the receiver, and if so can tech support see that remotely?  I'm about to buy a new dome, but it's expensive and I'd rather not if there's a chance it's the receiver.

[BellNick]

Hi there @JMIKEG 
Unfortunately with 3rd party equipment involved, we are unable to troubleshoot beyond the basics. It may be worth a shot reaching out to the manufacturer to confirm if there are any OEM specific troubleshooting steps to follow.