Page 1 of SKY + PROBLEM

Bought a second hand Amstrad Sky + box off a mate, all connected with sky, but one annoying problem with it, when the machine is powered up there is a low scratching type sound coming from the box, can only be heard if you turn the volume down on the tv. When machine is in standby mode the noise disappears, so something must be catching inside of box, wondered if any one else come a cross this problem and if so whats the remedy if there is one.

Arent many moving parts inside something like this, normally a fan and the internals of the hard disk. Check the fan doesnt have some dust clogging it up. As it is second hand there is no harm in lifting the lid and see if you can tell where the sound is coming from. Hopefully it isnt the hard disk. Does it record and playback ok?

If its grinding as you describe, its more likely to be the bearings on the HDD, drop the recordings to disc\tape if you want to keep them.

The HDD should be replaceable, either by a "upgrade kit" or straight HDD.

To keep the recordings try this, can`t speak for it personally.

Best of luck.




I consider myself an optimist, albeit an optimist with cynical tendencies and a dark side that Lucifer himself would find a little creepy. (Perhaps you've noticed.) You don't normally associate cynicism with an upbeat pov. But I have exactly that combination and will defend it.

I hate answering the phone at work - It disturbs my sleep.

This item was edited on Friday, 6th April 2007, 11:08

Just thought that perhaps it is just the normal drive activity noise, as the box is always recording for the 30 minute rewind facility.

You can vary or turn off the instant rewind facility if it is that.
I have two Sky+ boxes as I thought the old one was failing...turned out it`s fine after all and I bought a bigger one for nothing :(

Newer model though and bigger hard drive...haven`t connected it because it`s a pain in the nuts getting the old stuff off the drive with new stuff recording etc..now fave placed that link from Rass `cos it looks like exactly what I need.
(especially as I have two free IDE channels *and* a usb external enclosure :) )

Not going to do that til after the Easter holidays though, so will post back once it`s been done with the results.

Jimbo : oÞ

"Making Teenagers depressed is like shooting fish inna barrel"

sashenden, The Sky + records ok, so not sure if hard drive on its
last legs, just got home from work, so i will look at taking the lid off and see what happens.

I have a Sky+160 ,a Freeview HDD recorder and a Pioneer HDD recorder and all exhibit this type of grinding sound ,but it should be very low.

If you were expecting constant silence then you are mistaken.

I dont think you have anything to worry about if its not audible under normal viewing conditions

well opened up the sky + box and the noise that is driving me mad is coming from the hard drive. You can clearly hear the hard drive whirring away, but there is this other noise like something scratching inside the HD. When the Sky + is in standby, blissful silence. I can only assume that the HD is on its way out. Can i assume that any HD purchased will fit straight into this Amstrad HD180 Model, or i am limited on HD size.

Pretty much any drive will fit in width & lenght ways, cheaper (older) high capacity drives may have a greater height but not excessively so.

160GB HDD (Samsung SP1604N) for V2 Amstrad box seems popular.



I consider myself an optimist, albeit an optimist with cynical tendencies and a dark side that Lucifer himself would find a little creepy. (Perhaps you've noticed.) You don't normally associate cynicism with an upbeat pov. But I have exactly that combination and will defend it.

I hate answering the phone at work - It disturbs my sleep.

New Sky+ problem - THO has almost filled the 40Gb drive up (30% Free) with Midsomer Murders, time to get the drive out & copy it to a spare 80. :p




I consider myself an optimist, albeit an optimist with cynical tendencies and a dark side that Lucifer himself would find a little creepy. (Perhaps you've noticed.) You don't normally associate cynicism with an upbeat pov. But I have exactly that combination and will defend it.

I hate answering the phone at work - It disturbs my sleep.