Social Feed

sartityug

Last reply Mar 2, 2009 · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Need detailed specific instructions to download software into CoolSat 8000hd

I have a CoolSat 8000hd receiver that I recently purchased off of ebay. I'm trying to use it to pick up the S2 RTN channels on AMC3/W3. It works with the regular QPSK channels but I'm getting freezing and no audio on the S2 channels. I want to try to run the "Clean_sw" file that I've heard about and then install different software such as the 2.02.1A, or the 1.19.2A that I've heard others have and do not experience the problems I've had. My unit says it has the11,16,9A software version in it. I have a null modem cable but I've not figured out how to use it. I have Windows XP for dummies and have searched through the computer books at Border Book store and I've searched the web looking for instruction on how to use this cable to download software from my PC to my receiver. No luck so far in finding out how to do it. I'm even confused now about other stuff I might need such as loaders, etc. from reading in forums. Can anybody please explain in a detailed step by step way (I'm a computer novice), what to do and what else I might need in terms of computer tools, programs, etc to do this? Thanks.

40 Replies · 5296 views

Load Replies (40) Reply Legacy View

Lak7

Feb 1, 2009

Which 3 files did you download?
One of them should be called "CSUpgrade.exe"
Double click that

AcWxRadar

Feb 1, 2009

Communication Cables

Sartityug,

New subject... Cables. You mentioned that you need to learn what to do with a Null Modem Cable.

First of all, you need to understand what a null modem cable is and what a straight RS232 cable is.

They are both pretty much the same. They both have the same connector ends, 9 pin D-shell style. They both use only three pins or wires. Transmit, Receive and Ground - pins 2, 3 and 5.

In the NULL MODEM CABLE, pins two and 3 are recversed from one end of the cable to the other (pin 2 on the computer end connects to pin 3 on the receiver end and pin 3 on the computer end connects to pin 2 on the receiver end. Pin 5 always connects to pin 5.)

In a STRAIGHT RS232 cable, pin 2 connects to pin 2 and pin 3 connects to pin 3 and pin 5 connects to pin 5.

You can confirm which cable you have by checking the continuity between these pins with an Ohmeter.

At least now you can visualize how simple these cables truly are and you know the difference between the two.

Also, do not worry if you use the wrong cable, you will not damage any part of your system. It will simply just not allow you to communicate between the PC and your receiver.

If you have an older tower PC or a desktop PC, you probably still have an RS232 port. However, newer PCs and especially laptops rarely have a true RS232 port anymore. They will all have several USB ports.

If your receiver uses an RS232 com port, and your newer PC only has USB output ports, then you will be required to use a USB to RS232 adapter. If you have to go this route, there are many adapters that you may purchase. Personally, I chose a Belkin F5U409 adapter. Make sure you get the driver software that goes with the cable regardless of what you choose.

AcWxRadar

B.J.

Feb 3, 2009

AcWxRadar said:
Sartityug,

New subject... Cables. You mentioned that you need to learn what to do with a Null Modem Cable.

First of all, you need to understand what a null modem cable is and what a straight RS232 cable is.

They are both pretty much the same. They both have the same connector ends, 9 pin D-shell style. They both use only three pins or wires. Transmit, Receive and Ground - pins 2, 3 and 5.

In the NULL MODEM CABLE, pins two and 3 are recversed from one end of the cable to the other (pin 2 on the computer end connects to pin 3 on the receiver end and pin 3 on the computer end connects to pin 2 on the receiver end. Pin 5 always connects to pin 5.)
....

I agree re the 2,3,5<---->3,2,5 thing, however a slight clarification of the above relative to terminology.
A NULL MODEM CABLE uses 8 pins, not just 3, and in addition it has some pins tied together inside the connections. Ie:
2 -------- 3
3 -------- 2

7----------8

8----------7

5----------5

6----|
|-----4
1----|

|-----6
4----|
|-----1

For the Coolsat, and every other fta receiver I've used, you do not need a null modem cable, you just need the 3 pin cable that you described. I don't know what the proper name for the 3 pin cable is, I've always just called it a reversing cable. Unfortunately, you can't buy a simple reversing cable, and a NULL cable works fine, so that is what most people seem to use. I use only 3 pin cables, because I make them myself out of modular phone wire, which is thin and easy to route along baseboards, etc.

AcWxRadar

Feb 4, 2009

B.J. said:
I agree re the 2,3,5<---->3,2,5 thing, however a slight clarification of the above relative to terminology.

A NULL MODEM CABLE uses 8 pins, not just 3, and in addition it has some pins tied together inside the connections.

For the Coolsat, and every other fta receiver I've used, you do not need a null modem cable, you just need the 3 pin cable that you described.

I don't know what the proper name for the 3 pin cable is, I've always just called it a reversing cable.

Unfortunately, you can't buy a simple reversing cable, and a NULL cable works fine, so that is what most people seem to use. I use only 3 pin cables, because I make them myself out of modular phone wire, which is thin and easy to route along baseboards, etc.

B.J.

Yes, I agree with your clarification.

Terminology-wise, a NULL MODEM cable explains the situation regarding the wiring, but is not completely necessary as only the three pins are used. Rx, Tx and Common. The same as a standard RS232 cable using only these three pins, except pins 2 and 3 "crossover" from one end to the other.

I guess, for satellite STB purposes, we could simply identify the cables as "straight" RS2322 and "crossover" RS232 serial cables.

I fabricate my own cables for this purpose as well. I use cables that are purposely manufactured for industrial 3 and 4 wire sensors, (inductive and capacitive proximity sensors and photo-detector sensors). These cables are extremely flexible, small diameter and lightweight.

The actual conductors are very small guage multi-strand, I am not sure what gauge they are, but at least no larger than 26 gauge. I am using one cable now that is roughly 60 feet in length and I do not experience any problems with signal loss or corruption during data transfers. I think a person could use up to 100 feet of length if desired, but I would feel skeptical with this small gauge at over 80 feet.

AcWxRadar

sartityug

Feb 24, 2009

Lak7 said:
Which 3 files did you download?
One of them should be called "CSUpgrade.exe"
Double click that

Okay I'm back to try again. I got my computer reloaded with Windows XP and hopefully I got all the files I need now so I can do this. But I'm having a problem. When I try to download the latest software for the Coolsat 8000 from coolsatusa it is only downloading about 18 percent or 363 KB of the 1.8 megabites and then it says download complete. When I try to extract the file it gives me a message saying, "no files to extract". It seems it is not downloading the the newsoftware from coolsat. Does anybody else have this problem when they go to coolsatusa and try to download the latest software for the coolsat 8000? Any suggestions on what to do or some other place to get the software? Thanks.

turbosat

Feb 24, 2009

Just tried it here, works ok. Go to the page with the file on coolsatusa, right-click on it Save Link As........ pick that and it worked for me. 1.9MB

AcWxRadar

Mar 1, 2009

sartityug said:
Okay I'm back to try again. I got my computer reloaded with Windows XP and hopefully I got all the files I need now so I can do this. But I'm having a problem. When I try to download the latest software for the Coolsat 8000 from coolsatusa it is only downloading about 18 percent or 363 KB of the 1.8 megabites and then it says download complete. When I try to extract the file it gives me a message saying, "no files to extract". It seems it is not downloading the the newsoftware from coolsat. Does anybody else have this problem when they go to coolsatusa and try to download the latest software for the coolsat 8000? Any suggestions on what to do or some other place to get the software? Thanks.

That is unusual. Doe it seem like it is taking a long time to download? Maybe your internet connection is losing data or too slow.

Try downloading the file using someone else's PC and save the file to a memory stick. See if that makes any difference. If it does, then maybe you have some firewall parameter that is prohibiting it or your connection is lousy.

I am just guessing, but it is worth an attempt.

Radar

sartityug

Mar 2, 2009

Thanks for the reply. I tried it again this weekend and it downloaded the entire 1.88 megabites. Don't know what the problem was before. The computer just came back from the repair store where they reloaded windows with all the updates, etc. I haven't tried updating the software yet. I got a Pansat 9000HD that just arrived that I got through ebay and spent the weekend setting it up. It works perfectly for what I'm trying to do. The coolsat works on everything except the S2 channels on AMC3 which is the whole reason I got it. That is where RTN moved to. Next weekend I'll see it if I can successfully download the new software into the Coolsat. It may be headed to the trash bin if I can't get it to work now that I got the Pansat. But I need to learn how to download software via a null modem cable and so I'll use the coolsat for that.

View all replies (40)

Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply 6 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

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....

68707 Replies · 2682937 views

Load Replies (68707) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: c-spand

dishstaller

Today at 9:10 AM

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack

Reactions: RaiderPower and sdfntx

harshness

Today at 10:47 AM

In the Still of the Night - The Five Satins

Reactions: RaiderPower

Bobby

Today at 11:08 AM

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - David Cook

Reactions: dishstaller

sdfntx

45 minutes ago

Looking for the Next Best Thing - Warren Zevon

long_time_Dish

6 minutes ago

Werewolves Of London - Warren Zevon

View all replies (68707)

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

17 minutes ago · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

How Are Missions Like Gimli Formed at the Planetary Science Institute? #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HoQ-cCSZ7K4

Direct YouTube Link - How Are Missions Like Gimli Formed at the Planetary Science Institute? #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 0 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 18 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

TVs are really getting big these days

Was raining yesterday so I went to Sams up in Dothan to stock up on some things. Haven't been there in quite a while. I was amazed at how large most of the TVs were. When I walked in they had a 100 in Vizio (I think it was Vizio) that was marked down to something like $1,200. The first rows of TVs were all in the 80 in + sizes. The next couple of rows had the "smaller" models....those 75 and under. I was amazed at how small the 75s looked when lined up with the larger screens.

4 Replies · 45 views

Load Replies (4) Reply Legacy View

osu1991

Today at 10:28 AM

Q-LED and Mini LED panels have improved the picture quality and the tv's are so thin and nearly without bezels now. I've thought about replacing the 75in 4k DV/HDR LED Sony in my living room with a newer 86in. That's as big as I can go without construction changes. I watch the 75in 4k DV/HDR Q-LED in my bedroom and the difference between the two is very noticeable. There's nothing wrong with the living room tv though and I don't now that I actually watch enough anymore to really justify it. I could move it out to the patio but the 65in Q-LED out there looks really good and I'd have to change the mount to accomdate a larger tv out there.

Reactions: dishstaller

Foxbat

44 minutes ago

I'm at a limit for TV sizes at this time. My Father-in-Law crafted a custom entertainment center for our family room and we were restricted from going too big based on the side cabinets and central bridge fitting in the width of the room. It turns out to be where a 55" screen with bezels fits but no 65" bezel-less screen can fit. I think there was a brief period where 58" screens where a thing, but no more.

So, no huge screens for the Foxbat's…

TRG

26 minutes ago

Foxbat said:
I'm at a limit for TV sizes at this time. My Father-in-Law crafted a custom entertainment center for our family room and we were restricted from going too big based on the side cabinets and central bridge fitting in the width of the room. It turns out to be where a 55" screen with bezels fits but no 65" bezel-less screen can fit. I think there was a brief period where 58" screens where a thing, but no more.

So, no huge screens for the Foxbat's…

55" is plenty big.

dishstaller

18 minutes ago

TRG said:
55" is plenty big.

And to think....I was SO proud of myself when I bought a 27 in TV in the late 80s. Everyone just had a 25 in so I was really in high cotton.

dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply 22 minutes ago · posted in What's Cooking?

What's For Lunch?

We have a Breakfast and Dinner thread so...

Continuing from the Breakfast thread, found Cornbread mix so ...
Yellow Cornbread Mix
2 Hatch Green Chiles -diced
1 Egg
2/3 cup of milk
add to greased pan
Bake for 400f 20-25 minutes(From instructions)
now to put together and try... this to go with pinto beans...

5451 Replies · 336379 views

Load Replies (5451) Reply Legacy View

TRG

Oct 26, 2026

Leftover wanton soup and pork fried rice. Water.

dfergie

Thursday at 1:26 PM

Sweet tea…

Reactions: Bobby and TRG

TRG

Thursday at 1:50 PM

Tuna salad sandwich on toasted honey whole wheat bread with a handful of kettle chips. Water.

Reactions: Bobby

TRG

Friday at 4:12 PM

Breakfast for lunch. Crispy corned beef hash, home fries, two over easy eggs and sourdough toast.

Reactions: dfergie, osu1991 and Bobby

TRG

22 minutes ago

Grabbed a burrito on the run. Beef, pinto beans, green chile and cheese. Stewart's cream soda.

View all replies (5451)

TRG

Pub Member / Supporter

31 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Has anyone been to Wales?

I've pretty much done most things in Ireland and I'm thinking about the other side of the Irish sea. I'm thinking about traveling to Wales this summer. My second choice would be Scotland. I don't want anything to do with London except maybe landing in Heathrow and then escaping quickly.

Any tips or experiences to share?

0 Replies · 7 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

47 minutes ago · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

This Linux PC Packs Power Into a Shoebox

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htIStYBn3KA

Direct YouTube Link - This Linux PC Packs Power Into a Shoebox
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 4 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

47 minutes ago · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Is NVIDIA’s CEO Being Targeted in an Alleged Spy Plot? #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wjZAY_aVbco

Direct YouTube Link - Is NVIDIA's CEO Being Targeted in an Alleged Spy Plot? #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 3 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

MorCowbell

Last reply Today at 2:18 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Saved OTA list on Dish can't be appended

I have Dish with Hopper3. I choose to get local channels OTA and had a "guide list" established at my previous home. Having moved a few miles away, I wanted to update the list by appending a couple new stations via a rescan. As many would know, some stations come in with the UHF/VHF antenna aimed in one direction, while others come in better with a different direction.

Unfortunately, when a scan is done (bringing in 25-30 stations for that particular antenna aim), the dialog screen does not present the established guide list; it presents an empty field to the right that the scanned stations may be selected one by one and added to the empty guide. But because of antenna aim, some stations originally saved are missing, and would have to be retrieved with a different antenna aim. But as I explain, if a 2nd scan is done with a different antenna aim, the stations saved from the first scan are lost.

It troubles me that Dish didn't develop software that would allow a user to simply append only 1 or 2 channels to the established list.

Any thought on this? Has anyone experienced this or heard of this from others?

5 Replies · 152 views

Load Replies (5) Reply Legacy View

dishstaller

Yesterday at 9:59 PM

I hear complaints from customers each and every day. I chose not to install OTAs with a doggle for a reason.

BTW, I like your user name

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MXNU6pQFkok

Reactions: charlesrshell

rvvaquero

Today at 7:49 AM

MorCowbell said:
It troubles me that Dish didn't develop software that would allow a user to simply append only 1 or 2 channels to the established list.

So, you want the ability to, for example, scan while your antenna is pointed to the east and save those channels to your list. Then, you want to scan again with the antenna pointed to the west, and add some of those channels to the list also while retaining the original channels you added from the east?

How would that work? If you move the antenna and some of your channels are no longer are accessible, there's no point in having them on the list. Unless, you want to re-point the antenna each time you switched from an east channel to a west channel and vice versa.

I suppose you could have one of those remote controlled antenna mast like we had back in the 60's. In that case, I can see your point. I think DISH has just designed the system to fit what the vast majority of users actually have. I'm guessing your situation is a pretty narrow use case scenario. I'm just really happy to be able to have my locals without having to pay the $17 month for them.

I just wish DISH would fix the remote control issue that the last few software downloads screwed up. I use the 54 remote and my Hopper is jumping around from off to on, from live to recording.......................like a Kangaroo.

Reactions: MikeD-C05 and charlesrshell

MorCowbell

Today at 11:18 AM

To Dishstaller, I appreciate your compliment. That was an epic SNL skit !!

To RVvaquero, I appreciate your coments but everything you mention has been considered:

Firstly, I use OTA very rarely - mainly for sporting events.
Secondly, I'm well aware that, since certain channels may scan from one directon while others from another directions, and remembering the difference, for certain stations I will point the antenna in a suitable direction. Some stations come in for almost any direction. In my original list (which has now been discarded), I had about 18 OTA stations and all of them were scanned from the same antenna direction. Even so, the Dish receiver was very particular about ABC (local KOAT 007-01). In the new geographic setting, it gets KOAT easier. Several months ago, due to a contract dispute, CBS (formerly local KRQE on 013-01) was dropped; it hooked up with KOAT as KOATCB (007-04) which is the one station I really needed. But I had to rescan to get it ...

All of ths points to the flaw in Dish's OTA software that prevents scanned stations from simply being appended to a master saved list. The user should be left to manage antenna pointing per OTA station since in many areas (like mine), they don't all come in from the same direction.

Reactions: charlesrshell, rvvaquero and dishstaller

Bobby

Today at 11:35 AM

MorCowbell said:
To Dishstaller, I appreciate your compliment. That was an epic SNL skit !!

To RVvaquero, I appreciate your coments but everything you mention has been considered:

Firstly, I use OTA very rarely - mainly for sporting events.
Secondly, I'm well aware that, since certain channels may scan from one directon while others from another directions, and remembering the difference, for certain stations I will point the antenna in a suitable direction. Some stations come in for almost any direction. In my original list (which has now been discarded), I had about 18 OTA stations and all of them were scanned from the same antenna direction. Even so, the Dish receiver was very particular about ABC (local KOAT 007-01). In the new geographic setting, it gets KOAT easier. Several months ago, due to a contract dispute, CBS (formerly local KRQE on 013-01) was dropped; it hooked up with KOAT as KOATCB (007-04) which is the one station I really needed. But I had to rescan to get it ...

All of ths points to the flaw in Dish's OTA software that prevents scanned stations from simply being appended to a master saved list. The user should be left to manage antenna pointing per OTA station since in many areas (like mine), they don't all come in from the same direction.

As rvvaquero mentioned, you are in a very small population who actually need to move their antenna to receive various TV channels. There are a few reasons why it is not advantageous for Dish to do what you are asking for. First and primary, there are anomalies in the software that can cause issues when you have scanned channels in the mix that have little or no signal. You get error pop ups and cannot watch any channel, OTA or satellite. I have seen these even with my antenna pointed to one direction. Second, you are asking Dish to adapt their software to your needs while the very vast majority don't need that. This is an expense that everyone is going to have to pay for while few gain any advantage.

Have you thought about adding a second antenna so that you are pointing at both directions to fulfill your needs. There are ways to do this and it would fulfill your individual need.

Google Search

Reactions: Foxbat, rvvaquero and charlesrshell

Foxbat

Today at 2:18 PM

Televes makes an antenna signal combiner that will support two different antennas pointing towards two different locations, and has filters to drop the signals from the channels that interfere with the 2nd antenna channels. This produces a signal that would contain all your receivable channels in one feed. It would probably cost less than a single antenna on a rotor controlled by a smart box that would relocate the antenna mast towards the TV station you wanted to tune in, plus it's instantaneous, without waiting for the antenna to slew towards its target.

Why Choose the Televes SmartKom?

SmartKom combines filtering, combining, and amplification in one outdoor preamplifier. Its three inputs and 32 programmable digital filters allow installers to select, combine, and level channels from different antenna sources, while the included ASuite app supports both automatic and advanced Bluetooth programming.

Key Benefits

Three VHF/UHF antenna inputs
32 programmable digital channel filters
Automatic channel scan, filtering, and level balancing
Advanced per-channel programming through the ASuite app
Bluetooth programming through the included power supply interface
Automatic gain control on each filter
LTE/5G out-of-band filtering
Compatible with HDTV, UHD 4K, and supported ATSC 3.0 signals
Configuration retained after power loss
12V, 750mA power supply included

Reactions: charlesrshell

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 1:42 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Why Sam Altman Hates Local AI Models on Your Computer

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YnXg9hlrfg

Direct YouTube Link - Why Sam Altman Hates Local AI Models on Your Computer
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 4 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

Van

Last reply Today at 1:27 PM · posted in What's Cooking?

Whats for breakfast?

Who says dinner or lunch has to be the only good meals of the day?

Honey butter grits with scrambled eggs and grilled boneless pork ribs on flakey biscuits washed down with cranberry juice.

6640 Replies · 380576 views

Load Replies (6640) Reply Legacy View

dfergie

Saturday at 11:26 AM

Mixed one egg, one tablespoon cottage cheese with a small fine grated potato, salt and pepper, made 3 waffles in the small waffle iron... Bacon, sausage and milk. (next time will add grated cheese to mix)

TRG

Yesterday at 12:54 PM

Breakfast Sandwich. Over hard eggs, fried deli ham and a thick slice of sharp cheddar cheese on sourdough toast. Coffee.

Reactions: dfergie

dfergie

Today at 11:15 AM

Buttermilk waffles, butter, maple syrup... Milk

Reactions: TRG

TRG

Today at 12:08 PM

Bagel and cream cheese. Coffee.

osu1991

Today at 1:27 PM

French toast, sausage and eggs at the diner across the street from the dealer after I turned in my leased EV9 this morning

Reactions: dfergie and TRG

View all replies (6640)

Top

Back