How To North Americanize Your AZBOX

[jsattv]

Western Digital 1 TB SATA hd WD10000CSRTL is a green drive and it runs quiet and cool.

I have them installed in 3 azboxes and have no issue with them at all. That is why I put the info out there. If there was an issue I'd be the first one taking them back and notifying others.

Radar spoke about the Samsung hd as he uses one. The numbers I put on the post for that one came from him, as I could not find one around here in a 50 mile radius.
The WD ones can be found at Staples or BB.

Many have gone online to get one, but I did not want to run the risk of a bad shipping incident.

Stargaze the WD1000CSRTL HD is available at BB for $99.00 locally. Everyone else however is recommending the purchase of the WD10EARS 1 TB Green HD for as low as $59.00 ($71.00 is the price very close by). So I hope the WD1000CSRTL worth the extra $40.00??

Major differences appear to be the Drive Transfer Rate = 300 MBps for the WD1000CSRTL Versus 111 MBps for the WD10EARS, & Buffer = 64 MB for WD10EARS versus 16 MB Buffer for the WD1000CSRTL.

 

[AcWxRadar]

Please Elaborate.

Hispasat @ 30.0°W has Cubavision which is an excellent channel. They play uncut, uninterrupted movies in English. Especially on Saturdays. That's one.

RADAR

 

[stargaze]

Stargaze the WD1000CSRTL HD is available at BB for $99.00 locally. Everyone else however is recommending the purchase of the WD10EARS 1 TB Green HD for as low as $59.00 ($71.00 is the price very close by). So I hope the WD1000CSRTL worth the extra $40.00??

Major differences appear to be the Drive Transfer Rate = 300 MBps for the WD1000CSRTL Versus 111 MBps for the WD10EARS, & Buffer = 64 MB for WD10EARS versus 16 MB Buffer for the WD1000CSRTL.

The criteria I had was this.
1) I wanted the HD's immediately since I had 3 azboxes to install them in and wanted them to be all the same.
2) They had to all be SATA drives
3) They had to be "Eco-Friendly Green" drives
4) I needed something printed that said they would work with the Linux OS system.

Getting one on-line I could not be certain of all the above and I had heard some really bad experiences from people buying on-line with how these were shipped. Namely, poor shipping packaging which could result in the drive being damaged. Then I would have down time possible re-shipping costs and just too many possible headaches. Getting them locally gave me a piece of mind and if it cost a tad bit more then for me it was well worth it as I have used all 3 WD HD's and they have not given me one bit of a problem.

Putting them in my machines was simple, formatting was not an issue on any of my receivers and I am a happy camper with them. They all run cool, and quiet.

Don't know if the other one you found to be a bit less expensive will give you the same results, but if you try one please let others know how you make out with it. I had heard that early on people were having issues with certain WD HD's. The one I posted did not cause an issue and I have them in the Ultra & the Premium Plus receivers and the receivers also have different firmware updates in them, so at least I gave a give go around test of this particular Hard Drive.
Can "Everyone else" say the same for what they are recommending for you?

If it didn't work I'd be the first to be yelling "garbage" and the store would have to take them back, so yeah the $40.00 may well be worth it at least for me.

 

[stargaze]

Note regarding the AzBoxEdit 0.9.2880:

Try to ensure that you obtain the most recent version. I had a slightly older version 0.9.2880a and I detected some weird problems with it. It would not allow me to edit the satellite information (well actually, it would allow the edit, but it would not SAVE or RETAIN it).

I thought it was my AzBox screwing with me until I started investigating the *.dat files before sending them. I would make the changes I wanted, then save the antenna_list.dat and DVBS.dat files. If I reopened these files before sending, the changes weren't retained.

I installed the AzBoxEdit 0.9.2880c from the source Stargaze mentioned and ran that instead. Now the edits I make are retained.

RADAR

Radar, I am using "Toolbox Azbox HD 1.2" They have the updated version in this one program of AzEdit v.0.9.288c : Maz Manager (Maz3) : AzBox Control Center and a few more programs all in one.
I've used the "toolbox" programs on both windoze-7 and windoze-xp without difficulty.

I just did a Google search and they are listing a version 1.3 from rapidshare here.

RapidShare AG, Cham, Switzerland

Always Use the control center program to send the files back to the azbox as it writes to the back up directory so whatever your doing is never lost.

Always use Maz3 to download the files from your azbox to your computer.

AZEdit is used to edit the files that were saved to the computer.

(I don't have to tell you to always keep a backup copy of your original files on your pc or someplace safe do I ?)

 

[stargaze]

Please Elaborate.

I'm sorry but this is the wrong part of the forum to be asking this .
If your a part of WUT here then the question should be brought up there.

I would not like to stray off the original topic here and that is:

How To North Americanize Your AZBOX.

 

[AcWxRadar]

Radar, I am using "Toolbox Azbox HD 1.2" They have the updated version in this one program of AzEdit v.0.9.288c : Maz Manager (Maz3) : AzBox Control Center and a few more programs all in one.
I've used the "toolbox" programs on both windoze-7 and windoze-xp without difficulty.

I just did a Google search and they are listing a version 1.3 from rapidshare here.

RapidShare AG, Cham, Switzerland

Always Use the control center program to send the files back to the azbox as it writes to the back up directory so whatever your doing is never lost.

Always use Maz3 to download the files from your azbox to your computer.

AZEdit is used to edit the files that were saved to the computer.

(I don't have to tell you to always keep a backup copy of your original files on your pc or someplace safe do I ?)

STARGAZE

I had the individual files (older release versions) already on my PC so I was trying to use them. When I found problems, I sought out the TOOLBOX. However, it wasn't the most recent version either. It did have AzEdit 0.9.2880c, but MaZEdit was still 2.3 and ACC was still 1.1 version.

I will have to update the ACC shortly.

As for backing up files, I am very proactive about that. I back up my files more often than is probably necessary and even save them on discs - so that they are separate from the PC. Probably overkill, but sometimes it is very handy, if not interesting.

RADAR

 

[LocutusOfBorg]

I had a working ultra with the latest firmware and trimmed sat and channel lists but something happened and now I can't get my saved chan/sat lists (on my PC) to stay on the Ultra after a reboot - my files keep getting overwritten. Time to start all over again.

 

[stargaze]

I had a working ultra with the latest firmware and trimmed sat and channel lists but something happened and now I can't get my saved chan/sat lists (on my PC) to stay on the Ultra after a reboot - my files keep getting overwritten. Time to start all over again.

Is this a list you just trimmed out? How did you send the the list back to the azbox? I have 3 receivers and no issues to date with any of them. What are they getting overwritten to? If you followed the procedure outlined on the first post, the settings are written to the back up in the receiver as well, so the back up files are identical to the ones in use. Also: if the old satellite list came back, the proper order of things was not done, but nonetheless, first find the satellite at 169*E C-Band Intelsat and delete one of the 4169 TP's that is in it, then go to the satellite at 169.1*E Intelsat2. and add a tp to it, that one is empty of tp's and the receiver does not act right with a satellite with no tp's in it.

 

[LocutusOfBorg]

Is this a list you just trimmed out? How did you send the the list back to the azbox? I have 3 receivers and no issues to date with any of them. What are they getting overwritten to? If you followed the procedure outlined on the first post, the settings are written to the back up in the receiver as well, so the back up files are identical to the ones in use. Also: if the old satellite list came back, the proper order of things was not done, but nonetheless, first find the satellite at 169*E C-Band Intelsat and delete one of the 4169 TP's that is in it, then go to the satellite at 169.1*E Intelsat2. and add a tp to it, that one is empty of tp's and the receiver does not act right with a satellite with no tp's in it.

I'm using gftp (Linux) to transfer the files back and forth. After I trim the sat list with the remote control, I blind scan the remaining sats and then use gftp to get the files and save them to the PC. I've had problems before with the sat list and used gftp to transfer the files back to the azbox. This time it didn't work because my saved files on the PC got corrupted also. It's a real PITA having to start all over again. I hope that the Azbox will get something stable going because I can't be spending all this time to restore everything. Also, I just discovered that the blind scan isn't logging transponders properly (incorrect polarity and symbol rates). I don't know what else to do to get this box restored to a usable condition.

 

[stargaze]

The only program I know of that works properly to send the files back to the azbox without corrupting the file is the ACC program. I can zip up a stable list of N.A. satellites and send them to you if you need it. PM me with your email and I can get to it tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile see if you can download the program called Toolbox AzBox HD 1.2 The program is in it.
I can only tell you what worked for me and each of my receivers without a problem.
Now the downside to all of this is that you will basically have to start clean. After the azbox receives the new files you will have to delete all the channels you had stored in it.
The TP's should still be there under the satellites maybe not in your case, but at least you will have a stable satellite list.
Re-read the top post here for the play by play instructions I did when using the program for the first time.
Every other way trying to trim down the sat list has failed at one point and reverted back to having the full list re-appear since no other program wrote the files to the back up directory in the azboxes. The ACC is the only program I know of that puts the new list in the backup directory.


I have several copies of my lists stored on several computers just in case I ever need it in folders I named and dated for the different experiments I have tried. My last one was in having satellites from 5*W to 138*W with c&ku separate for most if not all that had both on them, and with the correct satellite names. I have used it now for 3 days in one of the Premium Plus receivers without a hitch and I did alot of scanning since it was put in that receiver.

 

[AcWxRadar]

Toolbox AZbox HD 2.1

Radar, I am using "Toolbox Azbox HD 1.2" They have the updated version in this one program of AzEdit v.0.9.288c : Maz Manager (Maz3) : AzBox Control Center and a few more programs all in one.
I've used the "toolbox" programs on both windoze-7 and windoze-xp without difficulty.

I just did a Google search and they are listing a version 1.3 from rapidshare here.

RapidShare AG, Cham, Switzerland

Always Use the control center program to send the files back to the azbox as it writes to the back up directory so whatever your doing is never lost.

Always use Maz3 to download the files from your azbox to your computer.

AZEdit is used to edit the files that were saved to the computer.

(I don't have to tell you to always keep a backup copy of your original files on your pc or someplace safe do I ?)

Stargaze,

I just noticed this morning (10/17) that Toolbox ver 2.1 is available through Megaupload. Contains:

• AZBox HD Remote Control v0.8.35 - by J2K
• AzBox Control Center v1.1a - by telesat
• AZBoxHD Skin Uploader 0.2 - by @kajgan
• Maz Manager v3.0 - by morser
• AZBoxEdit v0.9.2880c - by telesat
• TuneAzbox v3.0 - by mpiero
• Pix2AZBox v0.26 - grazie a pr2
• Generatore di files xml per iradio - grazie ad 1-mail
• SettingsMaker 1.2 - by TechSat Team

RADAR

 

[stargaze]

looks like they changed/added the last two programs that you listed. I wonder what settings maker is all about.

 

[LocutusOfBorg]

The only program I know of that works properly to send the files back to the azbox without corrupting the file is the ACC program. I can zip up a stable list of N.A. satellites and send them to you if you need it. PM me with your email and I can get to it tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile see if you can download the program called Toolbox AzBox HD 1.2 The program is in it.
I can only tell you what worked for me and each of my receivers without a problem.
Now the downside to all of this is that you will basically have to start clean. After the azbox receives the new files you will have to delete all the channels you had stored in it.
The TP's should still be there under the satellites maybe not in your case, but at least you will have a stable satellite list.
Re-read the top post here for the play by play instructions I did when using the program for the first time.
Every other way trying to trim down the sat list has failed at one point and reverted back to having the full list re-appear since no other program wrote the files to the back up directory in the azboxes. The ACC is the only program I know of that puts the new list in the backup directory.


I have several copies of my lists stored on several computers just in case I ever need it in folders I named and dated for the different experiments I have tried. My last one was in having satellites from 5*W to 138*W with c&ku separate for most if not all that had both on them, and with the correct satellite names. I have used it now for 3 days in one of the Premium Plus receivers without a hitch and I did alot of scanning since it was put in that receiver.

I got the ultra back in service. It took several hours trying a few things including deleting all channels, reformat and reinstall firmware, before finding out that the backup file was corrupted also. Eventually, I got the sat list trimmed and rescanned all remaining sats. I then made multiple backups of the /DISK2/*.dat files since I have several computers. One of them has to remain in good condition (I hope). I don't trust AzboxEdit or MAZedit or any other editing software. And I hope that this doesn't happen again for a LONG time.

 

[LocutusOfBorg]

The Ultra crashed again so I tried your procedure using the ToolBox Azbox HD 2.0. When I tried to upload the list to the Ultra with the ACC, the connection closed before the upload could happen. I'm not going to bother with customizing this thing any more. I've got too many other things to do than to mess with this unstable junk. When someone comes up with a sure-fire way to do this then I'll try again.

 

[AcWxRadar]

JohnnyNobody,

I understand your frustration, believe me I do. Been there, done that, still doing it.
I share the smae concerns and gripes that you have, but we have got to work together and keep trying as a team and a partnership so that we may discover how to make everything work the way we want and expect it to.

In other words, we need everyone to try something and experiment until one of us finds the proper method that works with repeatability and reliability. This is the real essence of this hobby.

D

 

[mrmazda]

AZBox runs Linux. I run Linux. Is there or will there be ACC & Maz3 for non-Windows users? If not, is there some alternative software, or even plain text editor, to Americanize an AZBox?

 

[LocutusOfBorg]

AZBox runs Linux. I run Linux. Is there or will there be ACC & Maz3 for non-Windows users? If not, is there some alternative software, or even plain text editor, to Americanize an AZBox?

Yeah. It's kinda funny that everyone wants to write Windows apps to configure a Linux OS.

 

[LocutusOfBorg]

The Ultra crashed again so I tried your procedure using the ToolBox Azbox HD 2.0. When I tried to upload the list to the Ultra with the ACC, the connection closed before the upload could happen. I'm not going to bother with customizing this thing any more. I've got too many other things to do than to mess with this unstable junk. When someone comes up with a sure-fire way to do this then I'll try again.

I forgot to mention that I ran nmap to check to see if the Ultras Telnet and FTP ports were open and they are. The IP in the ACC connections area is correct along with root user and the default azbox password. So, I don't know why ACC gives me a box that states "Connection closed". When I click on OK to clear the box the ACC keeps displaying "RELOADING". The Ultra never reboots from this process & nothing is changed.

 

[stargaze]

I do not know why you are having that kind of problem with the connection closing on you. Have you tried seeing if there is a web site forum for that program and asking there? I am not a computer programmer so I am the last person to try answering this. I just happened to find something that worked but as with everything there is always, "YMMV", attached to everything since there are so many variables out there.
Have you checked to make sure you do not have a firewall setup that is not causing the problem, or maybe even an over zealous virus protector causing an issue? I ask only because these are the same things I always have thrown at me when I have a problem with one of my business programs I use daily.

 

[LocutusOfBorg]

I do not know why you are having that kind of problem with the connection closing on you. Have you tried seeing if there is a web site forum for that program and asking there? I am not a computer programmer so I am the last person to try answering this. I just happened to find something that worked but as with everything there is always, "YMMV", attached to everything since there are so many variables out there.

I'm not aware of any website forums.

Have you checked to make sure you do not have a firewall setup that is not causing the problem, or maybe even an over zealous virus protector causing an issue? I ask only because these are the same things I always have thrown at me when I have a problem with one of my business programs I use daily.

No firewall issues or AV issues.