Visionsat IV200 PVR Plus

**TRG** · 08-06-2007 10:39 AM

I gave this receiver a close look and came to the following conclusion. I'd buy one in a heartbeat if the USB was re-located or an additional port added to the rear panel. Having to leave the front access door open all the time and a cable dangling from the front is unacceptable to me.

**Iceberg** · 08-06-2007 11:50 AM

eh, it don't bother me where the USB port is

**Anole** · 08-06-2007 12:10 PM

I'd put the flash upgrades way ahead of where a connector was mounted.
Without the expected updates to the operation, the USB drive wouldn't really meet my needs.

HOWEVER, given that the upgrades seem to be on the way, here's how I'd handle the USB port.
...if it really bothered me... and it might:

To avoid defacing the rear panel of some of my other equipment, I've found it possible to drop flat cables out through existing bottom vent holes.
They were then terminated with RJ45 connectors and rubber snag-boots.

Without having one of these receivers at hand, one can only speculate, but...
I suspect a 5' or 6' commercial USB cable (from the 99¢ store) could be cut in half.
The bare end could be snaked through bottom a vent hole near the front of the receiver.
Secure the cable with a nylon tie-wrap through holes toward the rear of the unit.
Inside, there might be an un-mounted rear USB connector location on the printed circuit board.
There might be a test header on the board, or pads for one.
As a last resort, I'd strip the cable and tack solder the connections to the bottom of the PC board at the front USB connector.

The above description is not meant to be a step-by-step procedure.
It's just a suggestion for someone who has years of experience with electronics.
Such modifications to new equipment will render the warranty null and void.
Your mileage may vary.
Proceed at your own risk.
Not valid with any other offer.
See fine print for additional restrictions.

**Iceberg** · 08-06-2007 02:15 PM

Anole
That wouldnt work. The USB plug has maybe1/8-1/4" room if the front cover is closed

**SatinKzo** · 08-06-2007 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by TRG

I gave this receiver a close look and came to the following conclusion. I'd buy one in a heartbeat if the USB was re-located or an additional port added to the rear panel. Having to leave the front access door open all the time and a cable dangling from the front is unacceptable to me.

you might want a Conaxsat Duo then, Port in back and one in front behind an access door.
Or a coolsat 7000,port is in the back. (Visionsat is pretty much a 7000 without the built in buffer)

**Anole** · 08-06-2007 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by Anole

I suspect a 5' or 6' commercial USB cable (from the 99¢ store) could be cut in half.
The bare end could be snaked through a bottom vent hole near the front of the receiver.
... I'd strip the cable and tack solder the connections to the bottom of the PC board at the front USB connector.

...hrmmm... that's what I get for being too wordy.

**Iceberg** · 08-06-2007 02:35 PM

guess I should read more...I dont want to rip open the box to do that. Like I say it doesn't bother me

**dfergie** · 08-06-2007 02:48 PM

I put this receiver up in the new reviews section Visionsat IV200 PVR Plus so review away folks if you get one... I like the looks of this myself

**TRG** · 08-06-2007 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by Iceberg

eh, it don't bother me where the USB port is

I could probably put up with it myself but the little woman on the other hand... I pick my battles and I'm working on a 10' C band dish. If I get away with that one anything is possible.