What do the dishnetwork cards in the receivers do? Cab you use it with out a card ? How can I see if it works?

I have a 831 is that a good one? Some water got in it but the blue light turns on when I point the remote 2 it|||No, you can't use it without a card. The card is for 'security"|||You really canot do anything without a card. Some models of receiver may have a card built in though.





The fundamental purpose of the card is to process security to provide access to the channels you subscribe to.