My systems wireless transmitters are dying...

[Carmen813]

So I moved into a new home and since that time the wireless transmitters in each of my consoles seem to be dying slow horrible deaths. I've had to send both my PS4/Xbox in for replacement, and my Wii U seems to be headed in that direction. It seems to be the exact same problem across systems - the controllers slowly stop responding and have massive input lag, they disconnect randomly, and the inputs just don't register.

It sounds like wireless interference, but I've turned off my wifi router and it still happens (unfortunately I can't disable the Wifi in my Vizio m551d TV). I can't figure out if this is just random bad luck or if something wacky is going on.

The only other new electronic I have is my Denon AVR-X2000 receiver. All the devices are fed through it, but I don't think its the source of whats happening.

Any one have any ideas on trouble shooting steps I could take? It's definitely not the controllers dying - as they've worked fine with new systems.

 

[chimaxi83]

Any wireless speakers in the house? Wireless cameras? Wireless security system components? If it keeps happening then something is causing interference somewhere.

 

[Lil Frier]

If the controllers are all working fine, I would initially want to suggest horrible coincidence, but having 3 systems (all different platforms) experience this is highly confusing. I think that the Wii U is the one to use as a test system, for two reasons:

1. You have not had the Wii U sent away to have the transmitter replaced, meaning you have the allegedly-defective part present to test with.
2. The Wii U doesn't need a TV to be played, as the GamePad can be used as a screen for play.

That said, since #2 applies, all you need to test the Wii U is an outlet to plus the console in. I would go to another house, hook up the Wii U, and try playing on the GamePad. See if the interference is still present, and maybe try it at a third house, just to be sure.

If the input lag and connection issues remain, then it would seem that you might just have the worst luck ever, in this respect. I've never had a person EVER complain about such a problem. I mean, unless the consoles got knocked around in-transit, I don't know what the cause could be.

 

[Rage187]

rechargeable batteries? try some new ones, although this would not be applicable to the PS4.

 

[Carmen813]

Any wireless speakers in the house? Wireless cameras? Wireless security system components? If it keeps happening then something is causing interference somewhere.

There are no wireless speakers/cameras in the house...now that I think of it though...our HVAC Thermostat is wireless... Totally didn't think that might be the cause and thinking about where that transmitter is located, it's right above my media room.

I can turn that off on the weekend and see if that might be the cause. I'll report back once I test this out.

*EDIT* SOme google searching indicates this is unlikely, as they operate on an 868mhz band, but I'll try anyway.

 

[artemicion]

I'd do what Lil Frier suggested to confirm/deny an environmental problem in your house. Take your Wii U and play off the gamepad somewhere outside your house to see if the issues persist.

Where are your consoles physically located? Are they clustered inside of an entertainment console? Try pulling one of the consoles away from the rest of the electronics, like pull it out to the middle of your living room floor, and see if it works from there.

 

[Carmen813]

I'd do what Lil Frier suggested to confirm/deny an environmental problem in your house. Take your Wii U and play off the gamepad somewhere outside your house to see if the issues persist.

Where are your consoles physically located? Are they clustered inside of an entertainment console? Try pulling one of the consoles away from the rest of the electronics, like pull it out to the middle of your living room floor, and see if it works from there.

They are in a a small entertainment center stand, has four shelves. PS4 & Wii U share a shelf, Xbox One has it's own shelf, and then AVR/Cable Box have their own shelves. It's a cheap $35 Ikea cart/shelf thing.

 

[artemicion]

Have you tried the suggestions in this thread yet?