DECA modules available from Solid Signal - self-install

I knew a lot more about DECA than even my installer.  He had never even seen the boxes before nor did he know what the block filter did.  He was coached through the install on the phone, and even then the only reason I got a filter for my SD receiver is because I told him I needed it. 

I did give him a break since I was the first person he installed it for (or anyone in his office for that matter).

The DECA install was as simple as you can get.  Just plugged it in and it worked.  They sell MOCA adapters at stores... this is no different.  And in fact probably easier since the newer DVRs and receiver can power the DECA module themselves. 

Apparently, the original plan was to not allow DIY networks of any kind, which could explain the lack of training. My understanding is that you can activate MRV on a DIY DECA setup, but like other DIY networks you won't get any support from DirecTV. Only DIrecTV installed DECA will be fully supported.

dan1son:

I didn't know that the H23, HR23 units powered the DECA modules, so if you only want to use them WITHOUT an internet modem/router connection, you don't need power inserters for them. Come to think of it, wiring diagrams on the internet only show power inserters on the DECA's for modem/router connections, guess because the modems can't power them. That even makes it simpler. Thanks for the info. Still waiting to hear from Solid Signal. Hopefully DTV will allow DIY DECA installs to be activated.

Remember to be able to use deca you need the proper new splitters(green lable) and your swm lnb or smw-multi needs to be green label or you need BFS. So after everything you need to change it might be better to let D install it.

csr's are allowed to just add "feature" for 3$ a mo. but if u choose that opt. they cannot troubleshoot ur sys. if there was ever an issue w/ the whole home feature

Solid signal replied, but gave no relevent information, other than the only DECA module needing a power supply is the one hooked to the modem/router. The others are powered by the receiver. I also e-mailed DTV regarding a DIY DECA install with modules purchased from Solid Signal. They replied, saying that one can buy DECA modules only to replace defective ones in an already operative Whole House DVR system that was professionally installed. "Ordering DECA's alone won't allow the WHDVR service to be added to the account. A professional installation is required to insure that you have a connection (network) that performs optimally with all the correct equipment". Seems like that's the path their going to take regarding DIY networks and DIY DECA systems. Perhaps this can be circumvented by a "rogue" CSR while (if) the system allows it 🙂 I also guess that if you have a defective DECA module (professionally installed), and you're on their $5.99/month protection plan, DTV will cover it so you don't have to purchase new ones. Guess I'll fork over the $150, and hope the "professional installer" knows what he's doing!

Activating a DIY DECA setup should be no different than activating a DIY Ethernet setup... no reason to even mention DECA when you ask them activate MRV. I'm still waiting for an HR24 and DECA PS from Solid Signal before I do the DECA install and try my luck at getting MRV activated.

Sungam:

Based on reports of others having difficulty getting MRV activated, and the results of my e-mail and phone calls, sounds like they're cracking down on DIY installs. I assume that you also ordered DECA modules from Signal Source for any other non- "24" models you may have. Good luck, and let us know what happens. I just like to do things myself if I don't need someone else to do it for me.  It's not just forking over the extra $60 ($150 install vs $80+shipping for two modules), it's the priinciple. In my case, the install would take 5 minutes.

I don't think anyone is cracking down, its just the same game of CSR roulette everyone has been playing since last week.

sungam,

Not to sound antagonistic.....but if DirecTV DECA installs are so "supported", why are so many users that have had botched installations(connecting lower port ethernets to the router's etc.) coming HERE to get help:0(

If Directv had their way, every customer would opt in to a DECA system installed by them.  The entire network feature lineup has been a catalog of wireless, powerline, and who knows what connections and the forums have had thousands of folks who have trouble with the features.  Those problems have been seen in this forum during the MRV beta period.

That being said, they decided to activate MRV with a home brew network so as not to alienate their customers.

As always dj, we're not seeing much feedback from the people who haven't had any problems and are happily MRVing away. Seems to me that the majority of the problems we're seeing are people trying to buck the system and do it their way. I also think the people with DECA problems that do come here are mostly the DIY types simply trying to avoid another round of phone tag if they can fix it themselves...

Obviously not every single installer has been fully trained.  Give it some time.  

I just don't want to buy the DECA modules and, with my luck, go thru 47 CSR's that won't activate a self-install. Guess it's time to "give in" to the system and do it their way.