Need Help--Any Satellite TV Experts?

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

This is a general call for advice. I'm selling an old Dishnetwork receiver/DVR on ebay, and am getting quite a lot more interest than I thought I would. I'm being repeatedly asked about the rom and rev numbers on the access card, which I have given when asked as rom 102 rev 103. Here's the problem--I have no idea what these numbers mean, how they affect the value of the unit, or whether 102/103 is good or bad.

I am beginning to sense that what the buyers actually want is not the receiver but the yellow card. I've received more than one request to make it a "buy it now" at the starting bid price, which is 75$. I'm not greedy, but I also don't want to be a complete rube and get myself hosed. Is there anyone who can advise?

[Frank the Tank]

I have Star Choice. Its neat-o. Thats about the extent of my knowledge into satellite systems.

Sounds like your receiver is one of those "hack-able" types. Maybe thats why all the interest? Dunno. Just a guess.

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

Originally Posted by Frank the Tank

I have Star Choice. Its neat-o. Thats about the extent of my knowledge into satellite systems.

Sounds like your receiver is one of those "hack-able" types. Maybe thats why all the interest? Dunno. Just a guess.

Could be. Hey--I don't care if what they do with it is legal--I just don't want to get ripped off.

I switched to DirecTV--because it has TiVo. TiVo rocks.

[MolsonInBothHands]

I believe privately sold ROM 102 cards are the method of choice these days for acquiring signals under shady circumstances. Do a quick search on ebay for the cards only, there used to be a lot sold separately.

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

Originally Posted by MolsonInBothHands

I believe privately sold ROM 102 cards are the method of choice these days for acquiring signals under shady circumstances. Do a quick search on ebay for the cards only, there used to be a lot sold separately.

I'm beginning to suspect that. As I said, I was sensing that what people wanted was the card, not the receiver. There's one listed for $178 on ebay right now, actually...

[ken0042]

If you have a working Dish PVR and you really want to sell it for $75, then sell it to me.

When I used to sell satellite stuff on eBay I'd get these questions, and the offer for the BIN. I started my auctions at 99¢, and I'd have people saying "I'll give you $5 right now, seeing as you are asking only 99 cents." Obviously these people didn't grasp that bidding pushes the price up, and the items sell for a lot more than the opening bid.

I'd let the auction run, answer the questions from the hackers as best you can; but not giving any serial numbers or anything like that. If somebody needs the serial number they only need the first few digits; leaving the last 3 will protect potential bidders.

Which model of DVR is it by the way?

[Flames_Gimp]

i want a dish system

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

Originally Posted by ken0042

If you have a working Dish PVR and you really want to sell it for $75, then sell it to me.

When I used to sell satellite stuff on eBay I'd get these questions, and the offer for the BIN. I started my auctions at 99¢, and I'd have people saying "I'll give you $5 right now, seeing as you are asking only 99 cents." Obviously these people didn't grasp that bidding pushes the price up, and the items sell for a lot more than the opening bid.

I'd let the auction run, answer the questions from the hackers as best you can; but not giving any serial numbers or anything like that. If somebody needs the serial number they only need the first few digits; leaving the last 3 will protect potential bidders.

Which model of DVR is it by the way?

DVR 510. I may have already given out too much info. to one particular guy, though.

(God, I'm such a rube! )

[Tron_fdc]

Originally Posted by Flames_Gimp

i want a dish system

Why, are you running out of things to sell on here?

[ken0042]

I would say that one should fetch $200-300 US. They were selling for around $250 when they stopped selling them. And I think that the hackers like them because they use an external card; which is why you are getting all the questions.

I see a few starting at $75 opening bid, so it's not like you are out to lunch or anything.

If you are a new seller (< 10 feedback) expect a bunch of questions as people will be just seeing who you are as there isn't feedback to fall back upon.

Also, make sure you take Paypal, and ship to the buyer's confirmed address. That way you are protected; I found it funny that people who asked me questions that had to do with stealing satellite got all bent out of shape when I asked for a payment method that protected me from people without integrity.

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

Originally Posted by ken0042

I would say that one should fetch $200-300 US. They were selling for around $250 when they stopped selling them. And I think that the hackers like them because they use an external card; which is why you are getting all the questions.

I see a few starting at $75 opening bid, so it's not like you are out to lunch or anything.

If you are a new seller (< 10 feedback) expect a bunch of questions as people will be just seeing who you are as there isn't feedback to fall back upon.

Also, make sure you take Paypal, and ship to the buyer's confirmed address. That way you are protected; I found it funny that people who asked me questions that had to do with stealing satellite got all bent out of shape when I asked for a payment method that protected me from people without integrity.

Thanks for the advice. I should have come here first!

[Flames_Gimp]

Originally Posted by Tron_fdc

Why, are you running out of things to sell on here?

LOL oh come on, i've sold ten things on here