djc6
join:2007-11-28
Twentynine Palms, CA
| [TWC] Frequently having to unplug/plug in modem
Hello,
I frequently find myself having to unplug and plug back in my SB5100 modem with Time Warner's Roadrunner service (I'm a former Adelphia customer).
unplugging the power won't do it; I have to unplug the coax as well. Immediately plugging them back in always helps.
For instance, it just went down and I got the following readings:
Downstream Value
Frequency 117000000 Hz Locked
Signal to Noise Ratio 36 dB
Power Level -7 dBmV
The Downstream Power Level reading is a snapshot
taken at the time this page was requested. Please
Reload/Refresh this Page for a new reading
Upstream Value
Channel ID 0
Frequency 33000000 Hz Down
Power Level 55 dBmV
Unplugging the power and simply power cycling it resulted in the same values... Unplugging the coax and power resulted in this:
Downstream Value
Frequency 117000000 Hz Locked
Signal to Noise Ratio 39 dB
Power Level 3 dBmV
The Downstream Power Level reading is a snapshot
taken at the time this page was requested. Please
Reload/Refresh this Page for a new reading
Upstream Value
Channel ID 31
Frequency 33000000 Hz Ranged
Power Level 36 dBmV
I have two SB5100 modems, they both behave similarly. They're both approximately 5 years old as well. I've called TWC and had them out and they find nothing wrong, its always up and running when they check it. Is it possible both of my modems are bad? |
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MacLeech
The one and only
Premium
join:2001-07-14
SoCal
4 edits | I'd bet you're suffering from current on the center conductor coming from something with bad electrical wiring connected to the cable, which is overloading the splitters in your home.
or
A termination issue causing signal reflections on the cable.
Unplugging the cable from the modem is allowing either the signal or the electricity to dissipate. Then it slowly builds up again.
If you disconnect EVERYTHING else in the house from the cable except for the cable modem does the problem still happen? |
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U664
@rr.com | reply to djc6
I've had to constantly do this to get it to stop ping spiking on my end too I'm not in OH though. |
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djc6
join:2007-11-28
Twentynine Palms, CA
| reply to MacLeech
said by MacLeech  :I'd bet you're suffering from current on the center conductor coming from something with bad electrical wiring connected to the cable, which is overloading the splitters in your home. That's interesting that you say this. I believe this was happening at my previous residence, where I also had to unplug/plug in my modem very frequently. There, even unplugging the coax and power didn't help - until one day I accidentally touched the center conductor of the coax cable to something metal and noticed a spark! Once the cable 'sparked' (I'm guessing, discharged) THEN the cable modem would start working again. Every time I had to do the unplug/plug routine, I had to touch the center pin against something metal to restore connectivity. At the time, I mentioned this to TWC and they thought I was crazy, as if my "touching it against something metal" routine was some kind of superstitious trick. At my current residence, I don't notice a spark when I touch the center conductor to metal.
said by MacLeech :or A termination issue causing signal reflections on the cable. Unplugging the cable from the modem is allowing either the signal or the electricity to dissipate. Then it slowly builds up again. If you disconnect EVERYTHING else in the house from the cable except for the cable modem does the problem still happen? I'll try this. I don't have any splitters in the room with the cable modem, but I have a 3-way regal brand balanced splitter in the other room splitting the cable to a TV and two tuners on my homemade DVR (MythTV).
I take it there is no way for me to check for current on the center pin with a multimeter? I'd have to unplug the coax to get a probe on the center conductor, and by virtue of disconnecting the cable it may have discharged?
Thanks for the good tips! |
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MacLeech
The one and only
Premium
join:2001-07-14
SoCal
1 edit | A third option is possible too.
There is corrosion on the center conductor of one or several of the connectors in your home. This may be acting like an attenuator, dropping your downstream signal and causing your modem to transmit higher to over come the extra loss.
If you look at the center conductor of the cable is it BRIGHT and shiny copper? or is it dull, black, or green? |
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malcolmst
join:2008-08-07
Calgary, AB
| reply to djc6
Hello,
Was this issue ever resolved? I'm having exactly the same problem with Shaw internet, and they don't seem to know how to resolve it. Strangely it seems to happen most frequently a certain time in the evening (about 6-9pm). It has just started over the past week or so, and usually resolves when I unplug and plug in the cable.
They've installed an amplifier and attenuator to get the signal at the right level, but it hasn't made much if any difference.
Interestingly it's also using the same frequency (117000000), but I'm getting a somewhat higher power level, about -1.5 dBmV. There's no splitter, and the technician said it appears to be a constant signal so it's unlikely a broken cable is causing it.
I realize this is an old topic, but it sounds exactly the same as my problem! |
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TWC help
@rr.com
| reply to djc6
This is a "grounding" or faulty electric issue in your home.
ANYONE doing the disconnect and touching "other" metal objects to discharge BE EXTREMELY careful you dont know the amount of the fault in the cable, and can get electrocuted causing death. have an electrician inspect your home immediately, and you should not undo cable and touch other objects "metal" to discharge
1. do you see sparks from cable line when touching other metal objects?
2. does digital cable boxes glitch frequently?
3. if when cable boxes glitch does internet go out?
all above situations point to a possible highly dangerous electrical problem in your home.
DO NOT call a cable tech to check this situation as they will and should turn off the cable until the situation is cleared in your home.
only call the cable co ASAP if an electrician says electric fault is coming from the cable line
dont ignore this situation folks it is dangerous, not only that. irregular voltage levels blows up sensitive electronics QUICKLY ie. computers, front load washers with digital panels, lcd monitors etc
my current home had a faulty breaker at the main box, the grabbing clip of the breaker was broken on one poll thus causing fault. whole panel replaced @ $750. no more issues since the fix.
if you must do the discharging dont touch any metal in doing so..... |
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