Thread: Thinking of buying a Gbox V3000

I have read the Gbox V3000 manual and I don't quite understand how I'm going to locate satellites across the arc. I know it can work by standalone or thru receiver. Also programming in the sat names and so on. But if you need, let's say 103W AMC-1. How would I know when I get to 103W if I need to do a blind with my STB? Any help please, I will appreciate it!

When you search for a particular satellite, you define an active transponder on that satellite for your sat list. THEN, you move your dish either with the receiver, or the Gbox remote slowly across the arc, until you see the quality bar light up, and you have a lock. I typically use Lyngsat as a reference, but we also have The LIst which can help out. For 103W, I'd use 3840H 26681 ( ION network) as a reference. Hope this helps.
Initially , of course, you need to "calibrate " your system by setting it up effectively on your True South satellite, and then checking some sat out further to the East or West to fine tune dish declination.

Hey thanks brent!
After you find the first active transponder, is there a easy way after, or keep trying active TP's across the arc? No wander folks still keep there 4DTVs around for that reason.

Originally Posted by brentb636

When you search for a particular satellite, you define an active transponder on that satellite for your sat list. THEN, you move your dish either with the receiver, or the Gbox remote slowly across the arc, until you see the quality bar light up, and you have a lock. I typically use Lyngsat as a reference, but we also have The LIst which can help out. For 103W, I'd use 3840H 26681 ( ION network) as a reference. Hope this helps.
Initially , of course, you need to "calibrate " your system by setting it up effectively on your True South satellite, and then checking some sat out further to the East or West to fine tune dish declination.

There's really no easier way. Once you make a full pass of the arc, though. All your positions will be save in the Gbox, and When you switch to a channel, the Gbox will move the dish to the correct position . ( This , of course, is a little optimistic, I'm always having to "tune up" my positions, but it gets close ) .

Originally Posted by brentb636

( This , of course, is a little optimistic, I'm always having to "tune up" my positions, but it gets close ) .

By that, do you mean it drift on you you sometime and there's a need to re tune?

Hello Chas, I agree with brentb36. I also have the Gbox V3000. I have used it boith ways. First I used it through the receiver and then through the (Standalone). Since I did not park on any one satellite, I decided to go with the (Standalone) setup. When I used the receiver setup with the Gbox, the Gbox would want to go to a satellite as soon as I choose it. It just works better for me in the (Standalone). I really like the Gbox V3000, You'll be glad you bought it. If you do what brentb36 said, you will be fine.

Hi Chas

I think your decision to buy a Gbox V3000 is a good one. I have owned both the Gbox and Vbox and prefer the Gbox.
If your sat receiver is NOT capable of Diseq 1.2 commands then that is the standalone mode where you have to use the Gbox remote to move your dish to each of the (99 available) sat positions. So in this configuration you have to use two remotes which is more complicated. The Gbox box remote moves the dish to whatever preset sat position you setup and your receiver remote to change channels for that satellite.

If your sat receiver is diseq 1.2 capable (most are) I would connect your receiver as per the diagram on page 4 of the manual. This means your receiver controls the Gbox and you only have to use your receiver remote for daily use. Then during your intial programming of the Gbox you move the dish to the proper actuator count position for peak signal on whatever sat the receiver channel is set to then use the receiver to program the Gbox for whatever Diseq 1.2 preset number you wish to assign to that satellite. Your sat receiver should have a Diseq 1.2 setup menu for each sat that you use to assign a Diseq 1.2 number (to say AMC-1 for preset number 30 for example). As you program the preset number in the receiver it sends a command to the Gbox via the rg6 cable to assign whatever actuator count you are on to the preset number you have chosen. Then I use the Gbox remote to assign one of the Gbox predetermined names (found in page 7 of the manual) to that Diseq 1.2 positions preset number.
Once you have gone thru the intial setup of of all the satellites in your viewing arc and assigned the names and Diseq 1.2 numbers to the actuator count values you only need to use your receiver remote. So when you change channels in your receiver it sends Diseq commands via the rg6 cable to tell the Gbox to got to preset number X. Your Gbox them remembers that preset number X is located at acuator count xxxx and goes there.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Originally Posted by Keystone7

When I used the receiver setup with the Gbox, the Gbox would want to go to a satellite as soon as I choose it.

Hey thanks for your reply Keystone!
Using a 4DTV receiver, that's what I want as long as there no problem with it doing that. I don't mind manually programming sats in. Seem's like i'm doing that about all the time. What's your reason for standalone. seem like that's a 2 step move. Move the dish first and then find that Sat with the STB, correct?

Originally Posted by beavs2112

Hi Chas

I think your decision to buy a Gbox V3000 is a good one. I have owned both the Gbox and Vbox and prefer the Gbox.
If your sat receiver is NOT capable of Diseq 1.2 commands then that is the standalone mode where you have to use the Gbox remote to move your dish to each of the (99 available) sat positions. So in this configuration you have to use two remotes which is more complicated. The Gbox box remote moves the dish to whatever preset sat position you setup and your receiver remote to change channels for that satellite.

If your sat receiver is diseq 1.2 capable (most are) I would connect your receiver as per the diagram on page 4 of the manual. This means your receiver controls the Gbox and you only have to use your receiver remote for daily use. Then during your intial programming of the Gbox you move the dish to the proper actuator count position for peak signal on whatever sat the receiver channel is set to then use the receiver to program the Gbox for whatever Diseq 1.2 preset number you wish to assign to that satellite. Your sat receiver should have a Diseq 1.2 setup menu for each sat that you use to assign a Diseq 1.2 number (to say AMC-1 for preset number 30 for example). As you program the preset number in the receiver it sends a command to the Gbox via the rg6 cable to assign whatever actuator count you are on to the preset number you have chosen. Then I use the Gbox remote to assign one of the Gbox predetermined names (found in page 7 of the manual) to that Diseq 1.2 positions preset number.
Once you have gone thru the intial setup of of all the satellites in your viewing arc and assigned the names and Diseq 1.2 numbers to the actuator count values you only need to use your receiver remote. So when you change channels in your receiver it sends Diseq commands via the rg6 cable to tell the Gbox to got to preset number X. Your Gbox them remembers that preset number X is located at acuator count xxxx and goes there.

Hope this helps,

Kevin

Hey Kevin, thanks!
That helps greatly!..good info!