Cable Signal "power" check without box (receiver)

[dodi79]

Hi,
This might sound like a silly question - but is there a way of checking if a "cable" line / feed is "live" without having a cable receiver?
The reason being, I've recently moved into a house which previously had N*L or similar phone / tv line. The service was obviously disconnected when the previous tenants vacated the property, however, is there any way to check whether there is a signal on the line or not? Plugged a phone in - and it's "dead" ... but other then that ... any other way? Perhaps checking voltage on the line somehow?

Feedback / help is much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Tarbaby]

NTL Line

Hi mate,

I would wager a bet that the NTL line is still live. When tenants move out all NTL does is to collect their box. Soetimes the line is re-allocated to a another customer but in the majority of cases it is left open in case the new tenant wants to take up the service. The telephone feed would have been disconnected so that the previous tenant does not incur any additional costs. Important to note howvever that the telephobe and broadbands feeds are not the same. Suggest you borrow a friend's box and check it out but I think that you can safely acquire a good FTA box and hook it up.

[delv]

Plug the feed into the back of your tv and if it is stil live you should get some anolog channels(if you still get anolog in your area)

[dodi79]

Plug the feed into the back of your tv and if it is stil live you should get some anolog channels(if you still get anolog in your area)

Thanks for your prompt feedback / replies. Well, it has been almost 3 yrs or so since NTL disconnected it .... however, what's the "cheapest" and best recommended box I should get to try to see if it works? Also, you mentioned plugging it into the tv - however the connection on the wall socket requires a SAT screw type jack connector (similar to satellite boxes) - on the outside of the house, there is a "white box" which contains a sort of frequency splitter, and also the main-line is disconnected from it ... i presume this would need to be plugged back into it?

[Tarbaby]

NTL line

Hiya Mate,
You need to ensure that the line is properly hooked up to and from the External box. If it has been disconnected, u can get yourself some f connectors and re-connect it yourself. So it should be main feed into a splitter and a feed from the splitter into your home. Don't think that the analogue channel check would work as all areas should be digital by now.
In terms of boxes, the Dreambox 500c would be the best one to have. However, it is not easily available as it is not in production by the original manufacturers. I have bought some clones out of China with the upgraded NXP tuners and they have worked fine, no probs at all. The Eurovox EX5000 PVR would be my 2nd choice. Eurovox EX5000 Cable Receiver Only ?99.99 + ?5.99 Next Day Delivery
These come with the HD bay if you want to record programs. The Eurovox Max V again seems to be no longer available.
Hope this help you in making a decision.

[Dazzonamission]

Hi,
This might sound like a silly question - but is there a way of checking if a "cable" line / feed is "live" without having a cable receiver?
The reason being, I've recently moved into a house which previously had N*L or similar phone / tv line. The service was obviously disconnected when the previous tenants vacated the property, however, is there any way to check whether there is a signal on the line or not? Plugged a phone in - and it's "dead" ... but other then that ... any other way? Perhaps checking voltage on the line somehow?

Feedback / help is much appreciated.

Thanks.

Ok here is a very easy way to test if you are still connected to the cable feed.
Put the tip of your tongue on the stinger that is the copper core that protrudes from the F connector.
If the feed is live you will feel a tingling sensation on your tongue like when you lick a 9v battery,i have tried most things once...
Sometimes depending on how much signal you have it can be quiet painful for a split second but it works.
BTW the missus thought i had lost the plot a little while ago when conducting this experiment for research purposes.

[jasbo7]

laughed for ages at this one mate but it should work. Also think this should be added to the comedy section

[Dazzonamission]

laughed for ages at this one mate but it should work. Also think this should be added to the comedy section

i think it should be added to the comedy section...

[dodi79]

Ok here is a very easy way to test if you are still connected to the cable feed.
Put the tip of your tongue on the stinger that is the copper core that protrudes from the F connector.
If the feed is live you will feel a tingling sensation on your tongue like when you lick a 9v battery,i have tried most things once...
Sometimes depending on how much signal you have it can be quiet painful for a split second but it works.
BTW the missus thought i had lost the plot a little while ago when conducting this experiment for research purposes.

This is the best one i've seen so far - and I know what you mean with the "tingling" - I have tried that in my younger years with a 9V battery ... ouch!

I guess the same can be achieved using a voltage multi-meter?

Thanks for all your replies.

[dodi79]

Just to update on this - i've just installed a DM500c on the connection, and updated the box image to dk 1.1 - connected the unit to the line - selected the auto-transponder scan, selected my area - NTL / EX C W - but the system then comes up with the "All known transponders have been tried but no lock was possible .... " - any ideas? Or does this mean that the line is indeed "dead"?

[shady77]

sounds like a dead feed mate yeah.

[dodi79]

sounds like a dead feed mate yeah.

Am thinking of ordering the service - and then cancelling during the 28 day period - any advice regarding this? i.e. will i still be able to receive the FTA channels after cancellation .. or do they pull the plug from the main distribution?

[Tarbaby]

Try Bruteforce and see if that works. After that,take it to a friend's house who has cable and scan again. If it works at the other house and not yours then your line is dead. You will then have to subscribe to the provider's minimum package to get a live feed.

[Dazzonamission]

Am thinking of ordering the service - and then cancelling during the 28 day period - any advice regarding this? i.e. will i still be able to receive the FTA channels after cancellation .. or do they pull the plug from the main distribution?

Sounds like you have been disconnected, Virgin Media carry out routine checks and remove cables off the tap ports in the level 4cabinet in the street. if you are no longer a subscribed user they then put a red disconnection tag on the feed, sometimes the feed can simply be capped off in the omni box,the brown or grey box at the front of the house.
I would order a minimum package to ensure the feed does not get disconnected again.
Should you wish to get services installed and cancel within the 28 day period you need to contact them by phone, if you send the cancellation card off they say they have not received it,and you are then tired in to a long contract.

[jckw]

Sounds like you have been disconnected, Virgin Media carry out routine checks and remove cables off the tap ports in the level 4cabinet in the street. if you are no longer a subscribed user they then put a red disconnection tag on the feed, sometimes the feed can simply be capped off in the omni box,the brown or grey box at the front of the house.
I would order a minimum package to ensure the feed does not get disconnected again.
Should you wish to get services installed and cancel within the 28 day period you need to contact them by phone, if you send the cancellation card off they say they have not received it,and you are then tired in to a long contract.

sorry to but in lads virmin meadia now do if there has been no connectin 4 a period of time they diconnect the account in the main office in liverpool anyway