Slingbox "Connection Lost"

[ElNono]

Just a heads up for any Slingbox owners out there. About two weeks ago my Slingbox SOLO started streaming for about 5 secs, then disconnect (this either from my 3G connection or even WiFi). Basically, upon connection the network light would blink 5 times then disconnect.

Started to look around for solutions and came across this link:

http://placeshiftingenthusiasts.com/slingbox-solo-freezing-stuck-optimizing-losing-connection-check-the-capacitors/

Since I had my box for well over a year and out of warranty already, I popped it open, and sure enough, both G-Lux electrolytic capacitors were bulging. A quick trip to RadioShack, $3.20, and a quick soldering iron session later, I have a fully working unit again. Really a shame that Sling won't acknowledge the issue. It's obvious they had a bad capacitor batch.

At any rate, just a heads up if your unit starts failing. Heck, for those that wanted to get a sling unit on the cheap, there might be some on eBay with this issue you can fix for cheap and play around with.

[jacobdrj]

Just a heads up for any Slingbox owners out there. About two weeks ago my Slingbox SOLO started streaming for about 5 secs, then disconnect (this either from my 3G connection or even WiFi). Basically, upon connection the network light would blink 5 times then disconnect.

Started to look around for solutions and came across this link:

http://placeshiftingenthusiasts.com/slingbox-solo-freezing-stuck-optimizing-losing-connection-check-the-capacitors/

Since I had my box for well over a year and out of warranty already, I popped it open, and sure enough, both G-Lux electrolytic capacitors were bulging. A quick trip to RadioShack, $3.20, and a quick soldering iron session later, I have a fully working unit again. Really a shame that Sling won't acknowledge the issue. It's obvious they had a bad capacitor batch.

At any rate, just a heads up if your unit starts failing. Heck, for those that wanted to get a sling unit on the cheap, there might be some on eBay with this issue you can fix for cheap and play around with.


Problem is, their profit margins are razor thin to begin with, and their service, being not-subscription based (while still needing to develop software and to constantly maintain it for things like the iPad and new routers) makes them very reluctant to go out of their way to help customers...

Glad you were able to fix it. I am still using my original SlingBox (The ugly silver box).

[ElNono]

They've been owned by Echostar (Dish Network) for almost 4 years now, and once you realize they need to do the development anyways for the subscription-based receivers, then the profits are all positive (the hardware has always been expensive for what's inside the units). I just have a feeling Echostar has no interest in supporting the tech to remain open long term, and instead wants to absorb it as exclusive for their services (see VIP922 and up).

All that said, besides this issue, it's an amazing piece of hardware, works incredibly well, and I always highly recommend it when people ask.