Coaxial Part of Modem Completely Loose

IanGuy · 05-01-2007, 09:02

Okay, the coaxial input part which connects the coaxial cable to the internal parts of the modem has come loose from inside. This has caused a total loss of connection.

Is there any easy way I can place this back inside? I called NTL CS 3 times last night, each time they told me that there was an outtage in my area, and that they didn't doubt that I need an engineer for a swap, but they couldn't book an engineer when there is an outtage in my area due to the system not allowing them, which I think is pretty stupid.

They told me to call again today after 6.30pm.

Due to the late call required, I seriously doubt I will get an engineer out this weekend, is there any simple way I can just connect the part to the internals of the modem? It's an NTL:Home 200 by the way, feels like cheap crap and probably is.

Paul · 05-01-2007, 09:27

Have you tried calling this morning?

CATV Man 1 · 05-01-2007, 09:31

I never heard of one of those spontaneously falling off of its own accord, especially after several years

What area are you?

IanGuy · 05-01-2007, 09:32

No, unfortunately as I am currently in work. I'll try as soon as I get home though and update you.

EDIT: It didn't spontaneously fall off, it has been loose for a while, I asked a previous engineer about this and he stated that as it wasn't broken he wouldn't replace it. Since it has obviously wobbled a bit hence becoming completely loose.

I am in the CF5 area of Cardiff.

IanGuy · 05-01-2007, 12:21

I just called NTL from work, and the lady on the other end stated that it sounded like physical damage caused by me and that I would have to pay Â£50 for a tech to be sent :o

I told her about how the engineer came out previously and I told him it was loose, and how he refused to replace it as it wasn't completely faulty. She then went on to say "So at the time you still had service?" I replied, "Yes, a degraded one".

She went on to say, that because the fault was previously reported the fee would be reduced to Â£25 =/

I told her I wouldn't be in a position to pay for a replacement modem when I rent the modems from them, and the problem actually wasnt a fault of mine, it's just general wear and tear from the cheapy components by the look of it. She advised me to call retentions, and I kindly said goodbye.

Shall I call retentions later in order to get this sorted or shall I go through the same lengthy process of calling 151, waiting 5 minutes to get through to India, only to get transferred to "Customer Service" and then finally tell them the problem once again, to be transferred to "Technical Support"?

CATV Man 1 · 05-01-2007, 13:34

Can you solder it back on yourself or get someone to do it for you?

Quam256 · 05-01-2007, 13:42

Are we talking about the actual thread connection on the back of the modem or the connection on the end of the lead that connects to the thread on the back of the modem ?

Paul · 05-01-2007, 13:51

Go straight to retentions if you get nowhere through the normal channels, I doubt that people here can think of many domestic electronic items which are proven to never break or deteriorate through use

IanGuy · 05-01-2007, 14:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quam256

Are we talking about the actual thread connection on the back of the modem or the connection on the end of the lead that connects to the thread on the back of the modem ?

The actual thread connection on the back of the modem.

I could probably solder it back on myself as I am an electronic engineer, but as the property remains "NTL's Property" I am wary of opening it.

Nedkelly · 05-01-2007, 17:02

Can i ask how this was broken as it takes qiute a bit of force to break .Most of the ones i attend have been stood on or dropped

IanGuy · 08-01-2007, 09:21

I can assure you that no physical contact was made which we know of, it was always loose as I stated above, it is currently in the same state as it was previously but it seems like no contact is being made anymore (as if the solder has come away or something).

I called on Friday to get straight through to a nice chap from Swansea, a few problems with the booking system; but an engineer is booked. He should be appearing Tuesday (tomorrow) between 8am and 12pm.

Can I leave my son (he is 19 years of age) to handle the engineer as I will be in work between most of this time? (NTL state over 18 is fine) But i'm just worried about the engineer trying to charge as previously the Lady at CS tried to charge me.

tomjleeds · 09-01-2007, 00:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanGuy

I can assure you that no physical contact was made which we know of, it was always loose as I stated above, it is currently in the same state as it was previously but it seems like no contact is being made anymore (as if the solder has come away or something).

I called on Friday to get straight through to a nice chap from Swansea, a few problems with the booking system; but an engineer is booked. He should be appearing Tuesday (tomorrow) between 8am and 12pm.

Can I leave my son (he is 19 years of age) to handle the engineer as I will be in work between most of this time? (NTL state over 18 is fine) But i'm just worried about the engineer trying to charge as previously the Lady at CS tried to charge me.

Give your son clear instructions to refuse to agree to payment, with written instructions from you as the account holder, and I can't see there being a problem. The engineers don't charge anyway, that's all done centrally and added to your bill.

I've been looking after any maintenance of our setup at home since we were cabled when I was 13 years old (due to somewhat technology-illiterate parents), and I've never had a problem with an engineer.

IanGuy · 09-01-2007, 09:18

Cheers, should be no problem then as long as he turns up.

I was at home until 9am, hopefully he will turn up as the operator stated, he seemed to have a few problems with the system at the time.

EDIT: Just phoned home, it was replaced with a 250 modem at 10am. Nice one NTL

Can't wait to get to use my net connection again at home.