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OK guys,
How many times have you turned up your STB to hear programs with low volume just to be blasted from your easy chair when a commercial comes on? Since I have gotten into the hobby I have noticed that the commercials are way too loud resulting in you scrambling for your remote to turn it down, annoying! Now being in broadcast radio as a Disc Jockey and also a former assistant studio engineer I found a cheap, inexpensive solution! Let's add a studio style stereo compressor!
INTRODUCING THE BEHRINGER MINICOM COM800!
Price is $39!
The COM800 is an affordable ultra-compact stereo modeling compressor for studio use or stage & live sound applications. It has 16 presets pre-programmed into the little power house! Designed in Germany by Uli Behringer (But made in china - explains the cheap plastic!) the MINICOM really surprised me when I put it in line between the STB test box and my home theater amplifier!
From their website to give you specs and technical features then I will continue the review:
MINICOM COM800
Ultra-Compact Stereo Modeling Compressor with 16 Presets
This ultra-compact 9.5" stereo modeling compressor is small but super capable, and is ideal for both studio and stage applications. It features 16 awesome preset models for the most typical compression applications (vocal, drums, guitar, keyboard, etc.). A dedicated Compressor Modeling control with Led's indicates the dynamics program currently selected. There is an integrated Enhancer for brilliant, lively audio even with heavy compression, while our IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) program-adaptive compression circuitry combines the advantages of hard and soft knee characteristics. We've also included an accurate 6-digit LED Input/Output meter plus a 6-digit LED Gain Reduction meter for precise level indication. Operating levels can be easily selected using the I/O Level switch. Long-term reliability is guaranteed with our high-quality potentiometers and illuminated switches. Our renowned ultra low-noise audio operational amplifiers offer outstanding sound performance. In addition, all MINI Series models can be stacked on top of each other to create an ultra-compact signal processing solution.
This is definitely one mighty wolf in sheep's clothes!
Ultra-compact 9.5" stereo modeling compressor for studio and stage applications
16 awesome preset models for the most typical compression applications (vocal, drums, guitar, keyboard, etc.)
Dedicated Compressor Modeling control with LED's indicating the selected dynamics program
Integrated Enhancer for brilliant, lively audio even with heavy compression
IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) program-adaptive compression circuitry combines the advantages of hard and soft knee characteristics
Accurate 6-digit LED Input/Output meter, plus 6-digit LED Gain Reduction meter for precise level indication
Operating levels can be selected using the I/O Level switch
High-quality potentiometers and illuminated switches for long-term reliability
Ultra low-noise audio operational amplifiers and state-of-the-art VCA's offer outstanding sound performance
All Mini Series models can be stacked on top of each other to create an ultra-compact signal processor solution
High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany
Don't let it being a live sound or studio enforcement box throw you off, since it has stereo capabilities I knew I was not going to be disappointed! Yes it has vocal pre-sets to instruments, but has compression settings and leveling that are true and can be found in many outboard units in recording studios!
Pros:
Size! Small enough to fit on top of your STB without causing overheating problems!
Stackable with other Behringer MINCOM units! Can link a mini EQ and other units for linking or daisy-chaining!
LED indication of input & outputs
Intergraded Enhancer button that gives audio a very lively crisper sound.
Switches' are illuminated when used
16 pre-programmed presets
Plenty of output volume
Separate adjustable input volume
Separate adjustable output volume
Gate/with compression with LED indication
Low noise for noise floor even at high volumes! (Ultra low noise a Behringer trademark!)
I/O level adjustable switch on rear for -10 dbv home recording level and +4 dBu for Home use or Studio level user input selectable
Unbalanced left and right outputs with just mono or full stereo
Balanced inputs
Large rubber feet bottom
Low power consumption, 9 VOLT DC
-20 db to 20 db gain on input and the same for the output adjustable!
An excuse to add something else to your FTA equipment that has cool lights and sounds awesome! :up
Cons:
Does not have AC3 out, to use you will have to go RCA out.
Does not have RCA inputs or outputs; have to use ¼ jacks so a little modification is due.
One meter for both channels, no Left no Right indication one meter shows one master input level or output level with clip.
Very light weight, wants to scoot around when you fiddle with the adjustment controls
Unit case is all plastic!
Uses the outlet hog wall wart!
Found another con, unit has to be turned on even in by-pass mode, audio dies when power button is turned off!
Overall for the money the sound is excellent and you will not be disappointed!
This compressor really got my attention when I moved my dish to 10R K! The RTN's are notorious for having loud commercials during programs. I set the COM800 to my liking and was overly impressed on how well the little box worked!
My favorite settings as follows:
There is a hard Limit position 12 in the limiter selection,
this works great for all RTN Networks and solved the commercial volume overtake problem, set at this position the commercials are now the same level as the program! WOW, you read that right! Some times if you get a commercial that is really loud and the Gain LEDS will show that, on this setting I noticed the limit here you can here the gate close sometimes if the break is too loud. It really is smooth here for the most part and makes this my favorite for Galaxy 10R K!
Position 16 is another favorite of mine; it is LEVELER in the All-Round Special Selection.
This has a great floor for gate & compression that is really noticeable. In this position if you use the Expander switched on, your highs and lows are really crisp but it has great mid to middle range also! I have noticed on this position even your TV speakers, Mono or stereo sounds fuller and cleaner!
Position 11 is KEYB PAD in the Keyboard selection of the 16 presets.
This was a great setting for talk shows and such.
Settings for vocals I thought would be great for TV but is more geared to use with microphones. I noticed the gate was light in the vocal area!
Stereo separation is the same when this guy is in line but noticed imaging when switched into Enhance mode. (To be expected since most enhance features merge both left and right channels for effect! The unit still separates left & right stereo in this position and is noticeable! Just adds a touch of imaging to both channels but there still is stereo and not simulated stereo!
The settings for each person would be very much different. I have more so a studio ear being in radio for so many years and now having a home recording studio! With all the presets and true gate and compress settings, you are bound to find a setting that works for your liking! Going through all 16 presets and setting the levels you want then going through them again with the Enhancer turned on is like adding 16 more different sounding presets to the box. You are sure to find one setting or more you like for what channel you're on! The gate works like a high dollar one!
I have it set now on 12 Hard Limit now and dialed in the way I like and the volume is the same on all birds, any channel! Works like a jewel!
The gain LED's on the unit are the amount of compression that is applied to your input. This gives you a great visual of audio that is being compressed. The more the LED's go down, the more that the box compress the audio for you! I have been listening to music for hours now! All I can say is :up :up :up
Members that get one please post your favorite settings after playing with it, I am still dialing in new settings for things experimenting with it! Again, I will be adding the MINICOM EQ with it sometime next week!
My summery on the unit,
I give it 9 stars outta 10!
Not a total 10 because of the cheap PLASTIC housing and fixed ¼ in & out jacks!
But $39, try and find a compressor for 39 bucks!!
I may get the MINIFBQ FBQ800 Graphic Equalizer later to stack on it! It too is $39 as of all the other MINICOM units in this series! They also make a MINIMIX MIX800 Karaoke Machine in this series if you want to loose your mind stacking these! There is a BEAT800 - a duel beat counter, a MIC800 - Microphone preamp, AMP800 - Headphone amp, FEX800 - Stereo multi-effects unit processor, MON800- Monitor Matirx Mixer in this line! All the same price!
For the money this is a must have addition to your STB especially if you have it set up with RCA jacks for your sound out! I kicked this idea around in my mind for about a year but never tried adding outboard studio-live sound equipment to my box. I have a couple of the 19 inch rack studio compressors but use them for my live sound and production work in my studio and I don't want to put another piece of equipment on top of the piles of boxes I have already. I done some looking around and found this little guy from BEHRINGER plus I have a few products from them anyway with my live mobile sound & DJ business. The specs were good, the PRICE was great and it is a gate/compressor so how could I pass this up.
A great audio addition to your STB or HD box! I am going to purchase another one for my bedroom box! This will also work with your Dish Network Box, DirecTV, Cable Box, VCR, DVD Player and you could hook it up to a CD player! Very many applications if it involves sound stereo or mono.
Using it on a higher end box like HD will it will have to be used with the RCA outs instead of HDMI or Components & AC3 optical but after you buy one and use it, you can always work the RCA in somehow to use as alternative way to listen to your STB!
Update:
Got to thinking this morning after writing this review that it can be used even if you don't want to use your RCA jacks and want to keep your other connections if you don't want to change! You can use the Minicom COM800 in your home theater inline after you HD, or straight DVB STB if you want! Keep your connections the way they are and just add the 800 between the box and audio of your receiver instead out of your FTA, in the COM800 to audio receiver. Mine is just connected to the Fortec Star right now but hooking it up to the home theater would allow you to use it for all audio the receiver outputs!! I might hook mine up like that later but for now, I am enjoying the crap out of mine the way it is right now! Tickled pink & VERY satisfied!
Using it more today I have found 4 more settings that I love for various channels! I am sure I will find more! Also I can't say enough about the + - 20 db gain on both input and output settings! Your STB will be louder! Music channels I can say you know this is inline and makes a huge difference! I had it hooked to my Dish receiver today and the Sirius channels were outstanding! I hooked it to my XM Skyfi II also and the difference in sound, WOW! Box is truly versatile! It would be nice (or wishful thinking) for STB manufactures to implement something like this inside the receiver. Like I said I was kicking this idea around for awhile but kick myself for not trying it till now! I am sure it would not be too hard to put extra electronics in for something like this. I know the standard DVB boxes I have got to see inside of so far there are alot of room for more tech inside. I know the HD boxes would be hard though, they are a little crammed inside not to say maybe would cause a heat issue! Overall though on this product & price you can't go wrong, not all!
I will post a MP3 of the box very soon to let you hear the box in action! I will never listen to the Sirius channels now without it! Noticed that Hard Limit works very well with those and Enhancer on. It images the sound a bit but there is still stereo separation that is very noticeable. I am still playing with it! I will be for days to come! I have tried so far, talk channels, TV programs and now music, what is next? I have not run CD's or DVD's through it yet but I am sure that the results will be amazing!
Hope this solution works for you too! I am very pleased!
Links
MY YOUTUBE ACCOUNT WHERE YOU CAN SEE MINE WORK
BEHRINGER MAIN WEBSITE
MINICOM COM800 MANUAL
FRONT PICTURE
REAR PICTURE
ALTERNATIVE VIEW
SPEC SHEET
WARRANTY
FIND A DEALER NEAR YOU
How many times have you turned up your STB to hear programs with low volume just to be blasted from your easy chair when a commercial comes on? Since I have gotten into the hobby I have noticed that the commercials are way too loud resulting in you scrambling for your remote to turn it down, annoying! Now being in broadcast radio as a Disc Jockey and also a former assistant studio engineer I found a cheap, inexpensive solution! Let's add a studio style stereo compressor!
INTRODUCING THE BEHRINGER MINICOM COM800!
Price is $39!
The COM800 is an affordable ultra-compact stereo modeling compressor for studio use or stage & live sound applications. It has 16 presets pre-programmed into the little power house! Designed in Germany by Uli Behringer (But made in china - explains the cheap plastic!) the MINICOM really surprised me when I put it in line between the STB test box and my home theater amplifier!
From their website to give you specs and technical features then I will continue the review:
MINICOM COM800
Ultra-Compact Stereo Modeling Compressor with 16 Presets
This ultra-compact 9.5" stereo modeling compressor is small but super capable, and is ideal for both studio and stage applications. It features 16 awesome preset models for the most typical compression applications (vocal, drums, guitar, keyboard, etc.). A dedicated Compressor Modeling control with Led's indicates the dynamics program currently selected. There is an integrated Enhancer for brilliant, lively audio even with heavy compression, while our IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) program-adaptive compression circuitry combines the advantages of hard and soft knee characteristics. We've also included an accurate 6-digit LED Input/Output meter plus a 6-digit LED Gain Reduction meter for precise level indication. Operating levels can be easily selected using the I/O Level switch. Long-term reliability is guaranteed with our high-quality potentiometers and illuminated switches. Our renowned ultra low-noise audio operational amplifiers offer outstanding sound performance. In addition, all MINI Series models can be stacked on top of each other to create an ultra-compact signal processing solution.
This is definitely one mighty wolf in sheep's clothes!
Ultra-compact 9.5" stereo modeling compressor for studio and stage applications
16 awesome preset models for the most typical compression applications (vocal, drums, guitar, keyboard, etc.)
Dedicated Compressor Modeling control with LED's indicating the selected dynamics program
Integrated Enhancer for brilliant, lively audio even with heavy compression
IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) program-adaptive compression circuitry combines the advantages of hard and soft knee characteristics
Accurate 6-digit LED Input/Output meter, plus 6-digit LED Gain Reduction meter for precise level indication
Operating levels can be selected using the I/O Level switch
High-quality potentiometers and illuminated switches for long-term reliability
Ultra low-noise audio operational amplifiers and state-of-the-art VCA's offer outstanding sound performance
All Mini Series models can be stacked on top of each other to create an ultra-compact signal processor solution
High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany
Don't let it being a live sound or studio enforcement box throw you off, since it has stereo capabilities I knew I was not going to be disappointed! Yes it has vocal pre-sets to instruments, but has compression settings and leveling that are true and can be found in many outboard units in recording studios!
Pros:
Size! Small enough to fit on top of your STB without causing overheating problems!
Stackable with other Behringer MINCOM units! Can link a mini EQ and other units for linking or daisy-chaining!
LED indication of input & outputs
Intergraded Enhancer button that gives audio a very lively crisper sound.
Switches' are illuminated when used
16 pre-programmed presets
Plenty of output volume
Separate adjustable input volume
Separate adjustable output volume
Gate/with compression with LED indication
Low noise for noise floor even at high volumes! (Ultra low noise a Behringer trademark!)
I/O level adjustable switch on rear for -10 dbv home recording level and +4 dBu for Home use or Studio level user input selectable
Unbalanced left and right outputs with just mono or full stereo
Balanced inputs
Large rubber feet bottom
Low power consumption, 9 VOLT DC
-20 db to 20 db gain on input and the same for the output adjustable!
An excuse to add something else to your FTA equipment that has cool lights and sounds awesome! :up
Cons:
Does not have AC3 out, to use you will have to go RCA out.
Does not have RCA inputs or outputs; have to use ¼ jacks so a little modification is due.
One meter for both channels, no Left no Right indication one meter shows one master input level or output level with clip.
Very light weight, wants to scoot around when you fiddle with the adjustment controls
Unit case is all plastic!
Uses the outlet hog wall wart!
Found another con, unit has to be turned on even in by-pass mode, audio dies when power button is turned off!
Overall for the money the sound is excellent and you will not be disappointed!
This compressor really got my attention when I moved my dish to 10R K! The RTN's are notorious for having loud commercials during programs. I set the COM800 to my liking and was overly impressed on how well the little box worked!
My favorite settings as follows:
There is a hard Limit position 12 in the limiter selection,
this works great for all RTN Networks and solved the commercial volume overtake problem, set at this position the commercials are now the same level as the program! WOW, you read that right! Some times if you get a commercial that is really loud and the Gain LEDS will show that, on this setting I noticed the limit here you can here the gate close sometimes if the break is too loud. It really is smooth here for the most part and makes this my favorite for Galaxy 10R K!
Position 16 is another favorite of mine; it is LEVELER in the All-Round Special Selection.
This has a great floor for gate & compression that is really noticeable. In this position if you use the Expander switched on, your highs and lows are really crisp but it has great mid to middle range also! I have noticed on this position even your TV speakers, Mono or stereo sounds fuller and cleaner!
Position 11 is KEYB PAD in the Keyboard selection of the 16 presets.
This was a great setting for talk shows and such.
Settings for vocals I thought would be great for TV but is more geared to use with microphones. I noticed the gate was light in the vocal area!
Stereo separation is the same when this guy is in line but noticed imaging when switched into Enhance mode. (To be expected since most enhance features merge both left and right channels for effect! The unit still separates left & right stereo in this position and is noticeable! Just adds a touch of imaging to both channels but there still is stereo and not simulated stereo!
The settings for each person would be very much different. I have more so a studio ear being in radio for so many years and now having a home recording studio! With all the presets and true gate and compress settings, you are bound to find a setting that works for your liking! Going through all 16 presets and setting the levels you want then going through them again with the Enhancer turned on is like adding 16 more different sounding presets to the box. You are sure to find one setting or more you like for what channel you're on! The gate works like a high dollar one!
I have it set now on 12 Hard Limit now and dialed in the way I like and the volume is the same on all birds, any channel! Works like a jewel!
The gain LED's on the unit are the amount of compression that is applied to your input. This gives you a great visual of audio that is being compressed. The more the LED's go down, the more that the box compress the audio for you! I have been listening to music for hours now! All I can say is :up :up :up
Members that get one please post your favorite settings after playing with it, I am still dialing in new settings for things experimenting with it! Again, I will be adding the MINICOM EQ with it sometime next week!
My summery on the unit,
I give it 9 stars outta 10!
Not a total 10 because of the cheap PLASTIC housing and fixed ¼ in & out jacks!
But $39, try and find a compressor for 39 bucks!!
I may get the MINIFBQ FBQ800 Graphic Equalizer later to stack on it! It too is $39 as of all the other MINICOM units in this series! They also make a MINIMIX MIX800 Karaoke Machine in this series if you want to loose your mind stacking these! There is a BEAT800 - a duel beat counter, a MIC800 - Microphone preamp, AMP800 - Headphone amp, FEX800 - Stereo multi-effects unit processor, MON800- Monitor Matirx Mixer in this line! All the same price!
For the money this is a must have addition to your STB especially if you have it set up with RCA jacks for your sound out! I kicked this idea around in my mind for about a year but never tried adding outboard studio-live sound equipment to my box. I have a couple of the 19 inch rack studio compressors but use them for my live sound and production work in my studio and I don't want to put another piece of equipment on top of the piles of boxes I have already. I done some looking around and found this little guy from BEHRINGER plus I have a few products from them anyway with my live mobile sound & DJ business. The specs were good, the PRICE was great and it is a gate/compressor so how could I pass this up.
A great audio addition to your STB or HD box! I am going to purchase another one for my bedroom box! This will also work with your Dish Network Box, DirecTV, Cable Box, VCR, DVD Player and you could hook it up to a CD player! Very many applications if it involves sound stereo or mono.
Using it on a higher end box like HD will it will have to be used with the RCA outs instead of HDMI or Components & AC3 optical but after you buy one and use it, you can always work the RCA in somehow to use as alternative way to listen to your STB!
Update:
Got to thinking this morning after writing this review that it can be used even if you don't want to use your RCA jacks and want to keep your other connections if you don't want to change! You can use the Minicom COM800 in your home theater inline after you HD, or straight DVB STB if you want! Keep your connections the way they are and just add the 800 between the box and audio of your receiver instead out of your FTA, in the COM800 to audio receiver. Mine is just connected to the Fortec Star right now but hooking it up to the home theater would allow you to use it for all audio the receiver outputs!! I might hook mine up like that later but for now, I am enjoying the crap out of mine the way it is right now! Tickled pink & VERY satisfied!
Using it more today I have found 4 more settings that I love for various channels! I am sure I will find more! Also I can't say enough about the + - 20 db gain on both input and output settings! Your STB will be louder! Music channels I can say you know this is inline and makes a huge difference! I had it hooked to my Dish receiver today and the Sirius channels were outstanding! I hooked it to my XM Skyfi II also and the difference in sound, WOW! Box is truly versatile! It would be nice (or wishful thinking) for STB manufactures to implement something like this inside the receiver. Like I said I was kicking this idea around for awhile but kick myself for not trying it till now! I am sure it would not be too hard to put extra electronics in for something like this. I know the standard DVB boxes I have got to see inside of so far there are alot of room for more tech inside. I know the HD boxes would be hard though, they are a little crammed inside not to say maybe would cause a heat issue! Overall though on this product & price you can't go wrong, not all!
I will post a MP3 of the box very soon to let you hear the box in action! I will never listen to the Sirius channels now without it! Noticed that Hard Limit works very well with those and Enhancer on. It images the sound a bit but there is still stereo separation that is very noticeable. I am still playing with it! I will be for days to come! I have tried so far, talk channels, TV programs and now music, what is next? I have not run CD's or DVD's through it yet but I am sure that the results will be amazing!
Hope this solution works for you too! I am very pleased!
Links
MY YOUTUBE ACCOUNT WHERE YOU CAN SEE MINE WORK
BEHRINGER MAIN WEBSITE
MINICOM COM800 MANUAL
FRONT PICTURE
REAR PICTURE
ALTERNATIVE VIEW
SPEC SHEET
WARRANTY
FIND A DEALER NEAR YOU
4 Replies
·
6340 views
M
VERY nice review 
moved to review area and stickied.
you are right...some of those RTN commercials would wake a dead man for as loud as they can get
moved to review area and stickied.
you are right...some of those RTN commercials would wake a dead man for as loud as they can get
VERY nice review
moved to review area and stickied.
you are right...some of those RTN commercials would wake a dead man for as loud as they can get
Not anymore! Fixed that problem, RTN's & Programs are same level, Allways, for any bird you want to watch!
Thanx Ice! Great little box, works great!! :up
Sorry bout that Tony, in my glee in using the box after setting it up I realized that I posted in the wrong area!
Nice work.
Good to know there is an inexpensive box that'll take care of the problem.
This may become as popular as the Dolby-decoding headphones...
... which should probably have a review, too... (hint) -
Good to know there is an inexpensive box that'll take care of the problem.
This may become as popular as the Dolby-decoding headphones...
... which should probably have a review, too... (hint) -
Nice work.
Good to know there is an inexpensive box that'll take care of the problem.
This may become as popular as the Dolby-decoding headphones...
... which should probably have a review, too... (hint) -
I was thinking that too Anole! The ol Sonic headphones! :up
I need to get a set of those! Need a review of those for sure!
KEVIN
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtLJGwEtyT0
Direct YouTube Link - Apple's All-New iPad mini
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtLJGwEtyT0
Direct YouTube Link - Apple's All-New iPad mini
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
4 views
Lifetime Supporter
I know HipKat said that they were working on conversions but we got the official news yesterday right from Dish that starting next month all DMA's will be on the western arc, and all customers will be assigned to that. That's gonna mean a lot of customers around here aren't gonna get Dish unless there are exceptions. Too many mountains and trees.
175 Replies
·
5057 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
68638 Replies
·
2679338 views
Howdy folks long time no write.
Issue(s): Horizontal transponders (esp. Weigel mux) breakup/mosaic/sputtering audio, JTV less so (but received perfectly up until a month or so ago.
Vertical is fine (Daystar). Up until recently couldn't even get any signal on Weigel Mux but JTV was perfect.
What I did to improve things: A slight westward move improved reception but only slightly (approx 72 on the micro HD, sorry no dB to post). I removed the 3-way C-Band splitter and used a 2-way to get a 1-2 db signal gain ( the power port goes to the Startrak - the micro HD doesn't have enough juice ! (1st clue) even after swapping the switching power supply it came with with a heftier linear 12 V supply (less RFI too !).
I have had issues with the uHD before signal breaking up that a reboot would clear up (clue #2 = dying tuner?) - FYI, I reinforced the IF input and removed all flux from the pcb completely with a Flux Removal Pen (MG Chemicals Cat No. 4140-P) which definitely makes a huge difference.
I went outside and pushed and pulled reflector slightly and no improvement. Pole (actually tower in yard - the neighbours love me..NOT) is plumb, checked with carpenters level. Dish was last peaked in 2017 or so, after overhauling 24" Von Weise, new Acme, fresh grease, etc. Focal length, f/d ratio etc meticulously adjusted. One panel has a tear so planning to repair that this weekend when my cousin comes over ( to help me out (old guy here) forecast calls for sunshine.
What has changed: My utility company has installed new high tension line poles (one smack dab in the middle of 101°W target! But they put it in last year and reception (of JTV (HOR) at least) was fine, BUT when they came out to transfer the wires over this year from the old (sawed in half) pole that's about when the troubles started (coincidence?), but again Daystar (VER) was fine. I always had this pole in the light of sight of 101° before with no issues. (fyi my zenith sat 74° is unobstucted, but can't test)
In the meantime Weigel mux is trying to break in MOSTLY in LATE at night (less cell usage?) (audio not video except for a frame here or there) so don't know what has changed with this mux which suddenly "woke up". I have never had to fuss with dish moves on this satellite ( the slightest move +/- motor clicks loses lock, wheres normally on C-band I can go significantly wider east or west and still have a strong signal ( have these gone "spot beam" or narrower somehow and what is the slight difference in Az listed on Lyngsat to 100.9° affect things ( isn't that the declination i.e. requiring a tweak of declination?).
Long story short (too late, ha), if I had another DVB-S2 box to try and / or a newer more stable PLL lnb ( I have been meaning to upgrade many a time but never got arround to it) I could determine if it's my antiquated receiving equipment, or my dish/feed alignment ( doubtful as it tracks everything from 55 °W to 133 ° W nicely.) or the dreaded 5G! (BUT only on HOR and not VER?).
I read another post where the OP (with his smaller 7.5 footer) played around with the illumination to peak desired transponder and reduce qrm on interfering/ stronger xpndrs (even on 103° W). So will play with that too - and cut away the RG-6 a and pull up a fresh section with new PPC and coax Seal. Open the throat cap see if any cobwebs are there and check servo operation (also changed in last maintence 10 years ago).
Finally, this will probably be the last chance I get to play with the BUD from the looks of it (providers leaving, auctioning off rest of spectrum imminent above 4.0 Ghz, and to keep the peace with neighbours so it would be nice to have that mux back for the long, cold and dark winters to comfort this old man before I call it quits and buy a VHF/UHF/FM Yagi and get MeTV, H&I from my Vermont local stations (checked at a friends today and they come in nicely - except ABC) .
Only one guy in town (Montreal) I may be able to get a receiver or PLL lnb from to try (RPS Sat) so hopefully with elimnate that as a possible culprit. Be nice to pick up a cheap or used PLL lnb to try w/o 5G BPF (money is tight )
Like others I couldn't care less about "tv" (well maybe just a liitle or a lot) it's the challenge that excites me , I can get MeTV other ways OTA (no pirate crap).
So what do you guys (and gals) think ?. p.s. I don't have a spectrum analyzer and there are def/ cell towers nearby (half a Km or so away).
Oh and time permitting will hammer out dings too and wire damaged mesh on one section for an extra dB or two. Hesitate to touch Declination, Elevation and pole mount but will play around with those a little too... Why is this mux for finicky suddenly ?(8psk, 5/6 fec, beamwidthetc.. man wish they went back to VER I think everthing would be fine! For the engineers out here does 5G QRM affect one poliarization (HOR) more than another (VER)? I understand the strong interference swamps out the input mixer/local oscilator in the hapless old C-band lnb (I think it at time affect KU too esp. LPB on 101°W KU - incidentally thos were weak or "gone' but are back almost at the time MeTV improved..hmm Terrestrial interference?
Any thoughts or suggestions ( cheap or free solutions please) greatly appreciated. Cheers.
p.p.s. Micro HD can't display Decades and Toons but records them fine so I can watch on another box/media player (Ali chip set issue). Another reason to upgrade.
Anybody interested in a nice C/KU system free ? (for next Spring/Summer 2027)
[Sami 10' mesh, Corotor II+, Eagle Aspen (very old) C-band lnb, Norsat Ku lnb, Channel Master C/Ku (H/V) switch, Startrak 400 Analog receiver w/ motor control, Geosat uHD DVD-S2, CW600S for Mpeg-2]
Issue(s): Horizontal transponders (esp. Weigel mux) breakup/mosaic/sputtering audio, JTV less so (but received perfectly up until a month or so ago.
Vertical is fine (Daystar). Up until recently couldn't even get any signal on Weigel Mux but JTV was perfect.
What I did to improve things: A slight westward move improved reception but only slightly (approx 72 on the micro HD, sorry no dB to post). I removed the 3-way C-Band splitter and used a 2-way to get a 1-2 db signal gain ( the power port goes to the Startrak - the micro HD doesn't have enough juice ! (1st clue) even after swapping the switching power supply it came with with a heftier linear 12 V supply (less RFI too !).
I have had issues with the uHD before signal breaking up that a reboot would clear up (clue #2 = dying tuner?) - FYI, I reinforced the IF input and removed all flux from the pcb completely with a Flux Removal Pen (MG Chemicals Cat No. 4140-P) which definitely makes a huge difference.
I went outside and pushed and pulled reflector slightly and no improvement. Pole (actually tower in yard - the neighbours love me..NOT) is plumb, checked with carpenters level. Dish was last peaked in 2017 or so, after overhauling 24" Von Weise, new Acme, fresh grease, etc. Focal length, f/d ratio etc meticulously adjusted. One panel has a tear so planning to repair that this weekend when my cousin comes over ( to help me out (old guy here) forecast calls for sunshine.
What has changed: My utility company has installed new high tension line poles (one smack dab in the middle of 101°W target! But they put it in last year and reception (of JTV (HOR) at least) was fine, BUT when they came out to transfer the wires over this year from the old (sawed in half) pole that's about when the troubles started (coincidence?), but again Daystar (VER) was fine. I always had this pole in the light of sight of 101° before with no issues. (fyi my zenith sat 74° is unobstucted, but can't test)
In the meantime Weigel mux is trying to break in MOSTLY in LATE at night (less cell usage?) (audio not video except for a frame here or there) so don't know what has changed with this mux which suddenly "woke up". I have never had to fuss with dish moves on this satellite ( the slightest move +/- motor clicks loses lock, wheres normally on C-band I can go significantly wider east or west and still have a strong signal ( have these gone "spot beam" or narrower somehow and what is the slight difference in Az listed on Lyngsat to 100.9° affect things ( isn't that the declination i.e. requiring a tweak of declination?).
Long story short (too late, ha), if I had another DVB-S2 box to try and / or a newer more stable PLL lnb ( I have been meaning to upgrade many a time but never got arround to it) I could determine if it's my antiquated receiving equipment, or my dish/feed alignment ( doubtful as it tracks everything from 55 °W to 133 ° W nicely.) or the dreaded 5G! (BUT only on HOR and not VER?).
I read another post where the OP (with his smaller 7.5 footer) played around with the illumination to peak desired transponder and reduce qrm on interfering/ stronger xpndrs (even on 103° W). So will play with that too - and cut away the RG-6 a and pull up a fresh section with new PPC and coax Seal. Open the throat cap see if any cobwebs are there and check servo operation (also changed in last maintence 10 years ago).
Finally, this will probably be the last chance I get to play with the BUD from the looks of it (providers leaving, auctioning off rest of spectrum imminent above 4.0 Ghz, and to keep the peace with neighbours so it would be nice to have that mux back for the long, cold and dark winters to comfort this old man before I call it quits and buy a VHF/UHF/FM Yagi and get MeTV, H&I from my Vermont local stations (checked at a friends today and they come in nicely - except ABC) .
Only one guy in town (Montreal) I may be able to get a receiver or PLL lnb from to try (RPS Sat) so hopefully with elimnate that as a possible culprit. Be nice to pick up a cheap or used PLL lnb to try w/o 5G BPF (money is tight )
Like others I couldn't care less about "tv" (well maybe just a liitle or a lot) it's the challenge that excites me , I can get MeTV other ways OTA (no pirate crap).
So what do you guys (and gals) think ?. p.s. I don't have a spectrum analyzer and there are def/ cell towers nearby (half a Km or so away).
Oh and time permitting will hammer out dings too and wire damaged mesh on one section for an extra dB or two. Hesitate to touch Declination, Elevation and pole mount but will play around with those a little too... Why is this mux for finicky suddenly ?(8psk, 5/6 fec, beamwidthetc.. man wish they went back to VER I think everthing would be fine! For the engineers out here does 5G QRM affect one poliarization (HOR) more than another (VER)? I understand the strong interference swamps out the input mixer/local oscilator in the hapless old C-band lnb (I think it at time affect KU too esp. LPB on 101°W KU - incidentally thos were weak or "gone' but are back almost at the time MeTV improved..hmm Terrestrial interference?
Any thoughts or suggestions ( cheap or free solutions please) greatly appreciated. Cheers.
p.p.s. Micro HD can't display Decades and Toons but records them fine so I can watch on another box/media player (Ali chip set issue). Another reason to upgrade.
Anybody interested in a nice C/KU system free ? (for next Spring/Summer 2027)
[Sami 10' mesh, Corotor II+, Eagle Aspen (very old) C-band lnb, Norsat Ku lnb, Channel Master C/Ku (H/V) switch, Startrak 400 Analog receiver w/ motor control, Geosat uHD DVD-S2, CW600S for Mpeg-2]
17 Replies
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650 views
Interesting article about the work being done to develope an ATSC 3 converter box. Yes it does mention affordable.
www.tvtechnology.com
Pearl TV Issues Progress Report on Low-Cost 3.0 Converters in Advance of NAB Show New York
Group has secured lower pricing from key tech players to make less costly boxes available
www.tvtechnology.com
11 Replies
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585 views
It's dead, they just don't know it yet. They killed it by forcing DRM on it, and that TOTALLY botched implementing it.
There is absolutely NO compelling reason for anybody to switch to ATSC3.0. They only want it as a total and complete money grab.
S
WHAT ABOUT THE INTERNET PART OF IT. NO ONE WANTS A BOX CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET EITHER.
It's dead, they just don't know it yet. They killed it by forcing DRM on it, and that TOTALLY botched implementing it.
There is absolutely NO compelling reason for anybody to switch to ATSC3.0. They only want it as a total and complete money grab.
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
Love this guy's channel. Looks like Walmart has thrown in the towel when it comes to conventional car batteries.
I bought a new AGM battery from Walmart about a year ago, it is already needing replacing. I thought about just buying a regular battery but from what I've read, that might not be a smart move. Might check my Forscan program and see if I can change the battery type from AGM.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awe7kY5nvdU
I bought a new AGM battery from Walmart about a year ago, it is already needing replacing. I thought about just buying a regular battery but from what I've read, that might not be a smart move. Might check my Forscan program and see if I can change the battery type from AGM.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awe7kY5nvdU
20 Replies
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285 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of ‘Kate & Allie’ and ‘McMillan & Wife,’ Dies at 80
Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress who starred in "Kate & Allie," died Monday after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was 80.
variety.com
3 Replies
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45 views
Lon.TV
Time for another AWESOME video from Lon Seidman of LON.TV!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFY_gHuMhUU
Direct YouTube Link - I Used AI to Replace Apps I Was Paying For
The Official LON.TV Website
Lon on Facebook
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFY_gHuMhUU
Direct YouTube Link - I Used AI to Replace Apps I Was Paying For
The Official LON.TV Website
Lon on Facebook
0 Replies
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23 views
My OTA is not working anymore. This started after the latest update. I have the OTA dongle with a OTA antenna that I've been using for years. My hopper does not recognize the dongle anymore and when I go to the OTA setting, it has a screen that says to plug a dongle into the USB. I tried unplugging and plugging back, in the same usb port and other ports. The Hopper does not recognize it. Anyone have same issue?
204 Replies
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5660 views
Hi all. If you were using a single tuner USB OTA adapter that is no longer working, please PM me. Thanks.
I have the dual tuner OTA adapter currently connected, but I have 2 of the single tuner OTA adapters that I can quickly connect - neither is seen by my H3.Hi all. If you were using a single tuner USB OTA adapter that is no longer working, please PM me. Thanks.
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK11O-VoMBU
Direct YouTube Link - Security Now 1102
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK11O-VoMBU
Direct YouTube Link - Security Now 1102
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
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25 views