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B.J.
Last reply · posted in FTA Receiver / Equipment Support
I don't generally use the MAZ program, mainly because it only runs on one of my OLD computers for some reason (must interfer with things on my newer computers). But I just pulled that old computer up on my VNC, and started to run MAZ to check on something, and it told me that there was a new version, so I told it to go ahead and load it.
I think it was version 2.3 or something, not sure. At first I didn't notice anything different, but then I looked at the screenshot option, which USED to be just screenshots of the setup screens, but NOW it can do both setup screens AND the TV display. NEAT.
I was able to save the file as a .Jpg {the capital J was what MAZ said}, however it doesn't seem to display on my graphics program, it says the file is corrupted. I've only played with it for about 2 min, so I'll probably figure this out.
However I DID notice, that MAZ apparently tried to go into the Azbox and re-name one of my directories on the hard drive I had attached. I DO NOT LIKE THIS. Ie I have always been afraid of using MAZ, because it goes to about 4 or 5 different internet sites before it loads up, without permission, and it has scripts that change some of the protected partitions on the Azbox which are read only over to read-write.
I REALLY think that MAZ is a potentially dangerous (to your Azbox AND to your PCs) program, so I use it very seldom, and I'm glad that I only have it on an old computer that is only used for 2 things..... however this screenshot thing is pretty neat if I can figure out what's wrong with the JPG format it uses.


EDIT: after posting the above, I tried the screenshot thing again, while and switched again to the telnet function afterwards, and while I had the USB1 captures directory on my external hard drive displayed on the screen, rather than a TV screen.... the thing kind of bombed, but the most disturbing thing I saw was that a window asking for permission to switch the RW privilages of the Azbox RO directory had displayed, and it was stuck there... which is dangerous.
Anyway, once I switched back to a TV screen, I tried it again, and it worked again.
If you look at the Azbox display while doing the capture, the Azbox pops up a screen saying that a capture has been done, and apparently the Azbox transfers that file to it's Capture directory, but then the MAZ program moves that over to the PC, and deletes it off the Azbox. So apparently the Azox itself has a CAPTURE function that I didn't know about. I can't seem to find it on any of the menus.
Anyone know how to initiate the capture on the Azbox?

EDIT2: BTW, the captures of HD channels are good quality.
16 Replies · 3727 views
AcWxRadar
B.J.

As for taking a screen shot with MAZ, it may say it is *.jpg image, but it is actually saved as a *.PNG image file.

I found this out when trying to post an image (screen shot) that I wanted to post in the forum. It said that it was an invalid file. When I investigated it, I found that it was not a *.jpg file.

This was easily corrected by opening the image with Windows picture and fax viewer and clicking on the Windows picture and fax editor button at the bottom of the screen, last option on the right (just left of the "?" for help file). The image was CLOSED and then REOPENED for editing. I did not edit the pix, but selected SAVE AS and selected *.jpg format.

This was not a big trouble item, but very confusing. I thought it (MAZ) was saving it as a *.jpg file but was not. Very misleading as I thought the program stated that it was saving the image the way I wanted it in the first place. I sort of found the error (or difference) by accident.

RADAR
L
AZBox SDK...
azbox.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=1143&p=5599&hilit=sdk#p5599

You probably need to register to download.
B.J.
B.J.

As for taking a screen shot with MAZ, it may say it is *.jpg image, but it is actually saved as a *.PNG image file.

I found this out when trying to post an image (screen shot) that I wanted to post in the forum. It said that it was an invalid file. When I investigated it, I found that it was not a *.jpg file.

This was easily corrected by opening the image with Windows picture and fax viewer and clicking on the Windows picture and fax editor button at the bottom of the screen, last option on the right (just left of the "?" for help file). The image was CLOSED and then REOPENED for editing. I did not edit the pix, but selected SAVE AS and selected *.jpg format.

This was not a big trouble item, but very confusing. I thought it (MAZ) was saving it as a *.jpg file but was not. Very misleading as I thought the program stated that it was saving the image the way I wanted it in the first place. I sort of found the error (or difference) by accident.

RADAR

Regarding png files:
png files can easily be converted to .jpg using Windows Vista and Windows 7. Skype uses the same format for their screenshots.

I thought that if it was regular PNG, that Paint Shop Pro should open it if I just change the name, but that doesn't work either. What Radar describes works for me too, but it's strange, because PSP SHOULD open PNG files.

So I opened the file in a binary editor, and figured it out. The files are NOT PNG files, they are BMP files. It just happens that the Windows programs will open BMP files even if they have a different extension, ie the first couple bytes are "BM", so it looks for the identifyer. PSP apparently just looks at the extension.
When I renamed the file with a .BMP extension, PSP opened it fine.
Only thing I can think of is that some older versions of programs like Visual Basic could only display BMP files, so maybe MAZ had to convert the files to BMP format to display them??? Only reason I can think that they'd bother doing a format conversion.
S
I thought that if it was regular PNG, that Paint Shop Pro should open it if I just change the name, but that doesn't work either. What Radar describes works for me too, but it's strange, because PSP SHOULD open PNG files.

I've been using the Maz 2.3 with fw 4487 for captures with the same prob of opening the result. Resorted to print screening Maz, then cut the pic out with PSP. After reading here, tried renaming the .Jpg files to .bmp - no go, but can rename .png and PSP (v 4.12) opens it, maybe comp/software dependent.

The only problem I have with Maz is it won't close normally without an error and I can't kill the error...have to reboot to clear.

Isn't there some telnet command(s) that will create a screen shot?
B.J.
I've been using the Maz 2.3 with fw 4487 for captures with the same prob of opening the result. Resorted to print screening Maz, then cut the pic out with PSP. After reading here, tried renaming the .Jpg files to .bmp - no go, but can rename .png and PSP (v 4.12) opens it, maybe comp/software dependent.

The only problem I have with Maz is it won't close normally without an error and I can't kill the error...have to reboot to clear.

Isn't there some telnet command(s) that will create a screen shot?

That's strange. PSP opens it up for me when I rename it .bmp. I'm using ver 9, but I doubt that made a difference. I'm still running the 3877 version on the Azbox, but that shouldn't be an issue either.
You'd think that there would be a telnet command. I saw some scripts as part of the MAZ package, maybe the scripts will show the command. I know that the scripts showed some lines where they change directories to RW from RO.

EDIT: I just realized I remembered wrong, it wasn't scripts I remembered, it was that I used a packet sniffer to watch what MAZ was sending to the Azbox, and saw the telnet commands. Let me try that again.
budfoot
AZBox SDK...
azbox.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=1143&p=5599&hilit=sdk#p5599

You probably need to register to download.

Thanks.
B.J.
I put the packet sniffer on the MAZ, and did a screen capture. Couldn't quite figure out how it worked.

First it tried to create the /captures directory. Then, it seemed to be sending a command such as :
td210_ip_remote followed by the ip# of the Azbox, followed by an "N" , before any response came back from the attempted mk dir command, which later failed. The next telnet packet had an essQ .

I tried to send the td210_ip_remote command, which put me into some kind of shell where it's expecting commands, but I couldn't figure out what command to send it. I tried with the "N", and with NessQ, and a few other combinations, but nothing worked. I eventually just ctrl-c to quit the shell.
Smuuth
Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in SatelliteGuys Classifieds

WANTED  DirecTV LCC

Anyone have a DirecTV Local Channel Connector that you'd like to get rid of at a reasonable price? DirecTV is currently in a contract dispute with owner of my local ABC affiliate.
12 Replies · 289 views
b4pjoe
Anyone have a DirecTV Local Channel Connector that you'd like to get rid of at a reasonable price? DirecTV is currently in a contract dispute with owner of my local ABC affiliate.
You should ask DIRECTV for one if you are affected by the dispute. I know in the past they have given them out during a dispute. Not sure if they still do that but it is free to ask.
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Smuuth
You should ask DIRECTV for one if you are affected by the dispute. I know in the past they have given them out during a dispute. Not sure if they still do that but it is free to ask.
I already asked, but the CS agent said they wouldn't do it. They said the only thing they could do is $10/month bill credit.
Jimbo
I already asked, but the CS agent said they wouldn't do it. They said the only thing they could do is $10/month bill credit.
Take the $10 and Call Back ...
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Smuuth
Take the $10 and Call Back ...
I did that. The response was that the LCC is not available. Escalated the issue to a tech support person with the same results. 🤬
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Jimbo
I did that. The response was that the LCC is not available. Escalated the issue to a tech support person with the same results. 🤬
Could be out of them I guess ... I'd keep trying, every 3-4 days.

If they are not out of them as them WHY you can't get one, seeing Your in a Dispute. Thats what they are for.
I would make them give you a real answer, don't let them off the hook.


I had one, and it worked well, but I believe I gave it to another D* friend (also had a AM21), I know I gave them away ...
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Smuuth
Could be out of them I guess ... I'd keep trying, every 3-4 days.

If they are not out of them as them WHY you can't get one, seeing Your in a Dispute. Thats what they are for.
According to the tech support guy, they don't have any in stock. He said I should receive an email when and if they have them. I even told him I would accept a refurbished unit. 🙄
Jimbo
According to the tech support guy, they don't have any in stock. He said I should receive an email when and if they have them. I even told him I would accept a refurbished unit. 🙄
I'm not sure your going to find any Refurbished ones as D* doesn't ask for them back.
Smuuth
I'm not sure your going to find any Refurbished ones as D* doesn't ask for them back.
Yeah, I know. At one point, I even had 3 AM21s but gave them away when I got rid of my last HR54 and switched to the HS17.
A
Good luck they haven't made them in years. you could poke around on ebay and see if there's any on there. if not why not a tablo or a zapper box with an antenna connected to it
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Smuuth
Good luck they haven't made them in years. you could poke around on ebay and see if there's any on there. if not why not a tablo or a zapper box with an antenna connected to it
I have my OTA antenna connected to my television directly already so watching is not the issue. The reason I want the LCC is so I could record programs if I'm not at home to watch them live, especially since ABC is carrying both the NBA and NHL playoffs.
I have an active search on eBay and there is one there but he wants $180 plus shipping and I am not going to pay that.
A
I have my OTA antenna connected to my television directly already so watching is not the issue. The reason I want the LCC is so I could record programs if I'm not at home to watch them live, especially since ABC is carrying both the NBA and NHL playoffs.
I have an active search on eBay and there is one there but he wants $180 plus shipping and I am not going to pay that.
a tablo box is cheaper
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A
why invest in hardware that's going to be boat anchors in a few years?
zippyfrog
Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
Did anyone have a price increase today on their equipment? I own my VIP211k's, and they have been $5.00. My bill that I received last week shows the "add-ons" as being $5.00. However, I just logged into my Dish account, and my "add-ons" are now $10.00. Did the additional receivers go up by $5.00 recently?

As I mentioned, my last bill shows $5.00 and under the notes, nothing is mentioned about a price increase.
11 Replies · 188 views
T
Does cable charge box rent?
R
Does cable charge box rent?
The cable company I was with years ago did charge $9.99 for a receiver.

RJ T.
From Illinois
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R
Did anyone have a price increase today on their equipment? I own my VIP211k's, and they have been $5.00. My bill that I received last week shows the "add-ons" as being $5.00. However, I just logged into my Dish account, and my "add-ons" are now $10.00. Did the additional receivers go up by $5.00 recently?

As I mentioned, my last bill shows $5.00 and under the notes, nothing is mentioned about a price increase.
I went to try to add the Heartland channel as dummy to see what it would do for me as I own my receiver and have DISH Outdoors and this is what mine shows. (Note however I had to take the 2nd receiver I told you I added the other day off because I was told you can only have 1 receiver when you have a one outlet on the Dish Playmaker and was having issues with the 2nd receiver and I didn't know that and that was done yesterday as well so I am back to one receiver.)

Let's upgrade your package.

Your monthly bill will increase by $6.00 per month.

Breakdown

June 11, 2026 - July 11, 2026
You are changing your programming in the middle of the bill cycle. The bill shown below is your bill for next month including prorations and credits. Your following bill will return to the fixed rate. This bill will take effect from now until July 11, 2026.
Monthly Services
$86.99

Flex Pack
$72.99
Local Channels
$14.00
Add-Ons
$68.98

National Action Pack
$12.00
Regional Action Pack
$12.00
News Pack
$10.00
Paramount+ with Showtime
$10.00
Drama and Classics Pack
$6.00
Heartland Pack
$6.00
Starz Encore Movies
$6.00
On DISH Magazine
$4.99
Starz 2 Mo ($11)
$1.99
Prorated Charges
$7.93

Heartland Pack Jun 11 - Jul 20
$7.93
Order Total
$7.93

Prorated Total
$7.93
Due Today
$7.93

Transition Bill Total
$156.10
Proposed Changes

Your monthly bill will increase by $6.00 per month
Monthly Services
$86.99
Add-Ons
$68.98
FCC Regulatory Surcharge
$0.13
Taxes & Surcharges
$0.00

Monthly Total
$156.10
Prorated Total
$7.93
Order Total
$7.93

Due Today
$7.93

Sounds like an issue with DISH Billing

RJ T.
From Illinois

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zippyfrog
I asked again, and the rep I talked to said it is a glitch and that "Access for TV" shouldn't be there - the rep pulled up my future month bills and that charge isn't on it. So I am not going to worry about it right now, but it will be interesting to see when the price changes happen later this year. Will this line item show up? The fact that it is a specific item that is different from anything makes me think it is more than a glitch. But we shall see.
R
I asked again, and the rep I talked to said it is a glitch and that "Access for TV" shouldn't be there - the rep pulled up my future month bills and that charge isn't on it. So I am not going to worry about it right now, but it will be interesting to see when the price changes happen later this year. Will this line item show up? The fact that it is a specific item that is different from anything makes me think it is more than a glitch. But we shall see.
I am hoping they don't add this down the road. Things are expensive the way it is now. Even DIRECTV allows the first receiver free. This would go against DISH and DISH is already loosing subscribers I wouldn't think they would do these kind of tricks but you never know. Always look at your bills for unknow charges. I heard horror stories of people getting charged for things they didn't know were there.

RJ T.
From Illinois
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A
Does cable charge box rent?
yes big cable charges crazy dvr fee's and box rental fee's
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T
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum
Hello everyone, new guy here. I'm trying to solve problem I'm having with Dish bonus view channels. When I'm watching the bonus view channels then I switch back to regular dish channels, after few minutes the screen flips to black and after 30 seconds flips back to regular channels and continues to flip back and forth until I turn off TV. After I wait 30 minutes and turn back on , I can use regular channels again. So, its after I switch from bonus view channels to regular dish channels the problem starts. Been trying to fix this for a month, but no luck
Here what I've done.
i contacted Dish support and they sent me a new Joey3, but no help. Switched to a different HDMI input on TV, no help. Used different HDMI cable , no help. Used different electrical wall plug, no help.
Finally got a Dish tech to check it. He ran all systems check and was OK. Finally he brought in a small TV and plugged in the HDMI out from the Joey to the small TV. He could not get the problem to occur on his small TV, so the new Joey was working OK. So, then the problem must be myTV. He made some phone calls and came back with the answer that there must be a problem with the analog to digital switch in my TV. Has anyone ever heard of a problem like this, or is it time to be looking for a new TV? My tv LG OLED65C8PUA. TV has been trouble free til now. Thanks
6 Replies · 93 views
HipKat
Hello everyone, new guy here. I'm trying to solve problem I'm having with Dish bonus view channels. When I'm watching the bonus view channels then I switch back to regular dish channels, after few minutes the screen flips to black and after 30 seconds flips back to regular channels and continues to flip back and forth until I turn off TV. After I wait 30 minutes and turn back on , I can use regular channels again. So, its after I switch from bonus view channels to regular dish channels the problem starts. Been trying to fix this for a month, but no luck
Here what I've done.
i contacted Dish support and they sent me a new Joey3, but no help. Switched to a different HDMI input on TV, no help. Used different HDMI cable , no help. Used different electrical wall plug, no help.
Finally got a Dish tech to check it. He ran all systems check and was OK. Finally he brought in a small TV and plugged in the HDMI out from the Joey to the small TV. He could not get the problem to occur on his small TV, so the new Joey was working OK. So, then the problem must be myTV. He made some phone calls and came back with the answer that there must be a problem with the analog to digital switch in my TV. Has anyone ever heard of a problem like this, or is it time to be looking for a new TV? My tv LG OLED65C8PUA. TV has been trouble free til now. Thanks
First off, great TV. I'm torn between the 77C5 or the 77G5.
It sounds like the handshake between the Receiver and the TV is having a problem. Are you using the free cable that came with the Joey or a higher speed HDMI cable?? That's the f irst place I'd look
R
Hello everyone, new guy here. I'm trying to solve problem I'm having with Dish bonus view channels. When I'm watching the bonus view channels then I switch back to regular dish channels, after few minutes the screen flips to black and after 30 seconds flips back to regular channels and continues to flip back and forth until I turn off TV. After I wait 30 minutes and turn back on , I can use regular channels again. So, its after I switch from bonus view channels to regular dish channels the problem starts. Been trying to fix this for a month, but no luck
Here what I've done.
i contacted Dish support and they sent me a new Joey3, but no help. Switched to a different HDMI input on TV, no help. Used different HDMI cable , no help. Used different electrical wall plug, no help.
Finally got a Dish tech to check it. He ran all systems check and was OK. Finally he brought in a small TV and plugged in the HDMI out from the Joey to the small TV. He could not get the problem to occur on his small TV, so the new Joey was working OK. So, then the problem must be myTV. He made some phone calls and came back with the answer that there must be a problem with the analog to digital switch in my TV. Has anyone ever heard of a problem like this, or is it time to be looking for a new TV? My tv LG OLED65C8PUA. TV has been trouble free til now. Thanks
First off, The analog to digital switch, also known as the digital television transition, is the process of converting older analog television broadcasting technology to digital broadcasting. It's used through coaxial cable for the an antenna during the mandatory switch from Analog to Digital on June 12, 2009. You either had to get a converter for your analog (Tube TV) or use a converter box that has the analog or digital tuner or an HDTV which your is and has the tuner built in. Your TV is HD and using an HDMI Cable and nothing is connected by coaxial cable so this wouldn't apply.

In my theory it probably means a new TV. I had a TV go out on my switching between the Smart Screen from the HDMI inputs before because they went faulty. Sometimes electrical surges can cause this. If you have an older home or rent an older home or apartment sometimes the electrical outlets are not grounded and these days HDTV's need a ground which can cause them to malfunction and go bad quicker. Never plug it directly in an outlet. It will damage the TV.

Hope I could be of some assistance.

RJ T.
From Illinois
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T
First off, The analog to digital switch, also known as the digital television transition, is the process of converting older analog television broadcasting technology to digital broadcasting. It's used through coaxial cable for the an antenna during the mandatory switch from Analog to Digital on June 12, 2009. You either had to get a converter for your analog (Tube TV) or use a converter box that has the analog or digital tuner or an HDTV which your is and has the tuner built in. Your TV is HD and using an HDMI Cable and nothing is connected by coaxial cable so this wouldn't apply.

In my theory it probably means a new TV. I had a TV go out on my switching between the Smart Screen from the HDMI inputs before because they went faulty. Sometimes electrical surges can cause this. If you have an older home or rent an older home or apartment sometimes the electrical outlets are not grounded and these days HDTV's need a ground which can cause them to malfunction and go bad quicker. Never plug it directly in an outlet. It will damage the TV.

Hope I could be of some assistance.

RJ T.
From Illinois
Thank you for the information. I do keep the TV plugged into a surge protector, but we have had pretty strong thunderstorms/lightning in the last month so that have contributed to my problem.The house was built in 2009 so everything seems to be grounded correctly. We have had a power surge also. Seems like no one fixes anything any more, so just get a new one or live with the problem. Thanks
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T
First off, great TV. I'm torn between the 77C5 or the 77G5.
It sounds like the handshake between the Receiver and the TV is having a problem. Are you using the free cable that came with the Joey or a higher speed HDMI cable?? That's the f irst place I'd look
I think the HDMI cable is good, i used one of my own from my 4K atmos system, i'll switch it with another just to check. Also I have a bid in at Greentoe for 77" G5. Thanks
HipKat
I think the HDMI cable is good, i used one of my own from my 4K atmos system, i'll switch it with another just to check. Also I have a bid in at Greentoe for 77" G5. Thanks
I hope that works. I'm waiting til Black Friday sales
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Darrell S
I've had this problem with my older Sony TV. It happens when I just punch in a regular channel number. The only way it works right for me is to push guide and select a regular channel from the guide screen.
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Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
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....
67109 Replies · 2662356 views
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gms49ers
Time Stand Still - Rush
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Bobby
I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You) - B.J. Thomas
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long_time_DNC
Help Is On Its Way - Little River Band
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sdfntx
Little Band of Gold - Sonny James
RaiderPower
Band Of Gold - Freda Payne
teachsac
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in TV Shows
House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, premieres on HBO Max on 8/21. I will be warching



View: https://youtu.be/fNwwt25mheo


S~
39 Replies · 5642 views
KAB
KAB
That was as bad as the rest of the show. Jean Smart was mostly invisible.
Jim S.
I prefer the trailer for the movie adaptation of Mario Kart. At least that had Pedro Pascal in it.
harshness
"A new line of unsullied kings" would seem impossible given the GoT definition of "unsullied". :biggrin
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natevw
Last reply · posted in FTA Receiver / Equipment Support
Hi all, I recently inherited a FTA system off Craiglist and have been trying to get it set up. What I got was a Glorystar-branded ~90cm offset dish with a ground mount (/flat roof) frame, and GEOSATpro DSR200c receiver. From that initial equipment, I've replaced the old LNBF with a (cheap!) new one and also splurged on an SG-2100 H-H motorized rotor which does respond from the receiver's USALS menu.

The previous owner had it set up for religious programming on Galaxy 19 and I've been trying to start by finding that same bird at least. After a couple sessions I'm not sure I have, but I've found *something* at least! A handful of motor ticks further than the dish wants to be for 97W after starting from motor 0 pointing as much south as I can guess at. (I don't have great references to aim for and it's really hard to sight where exactly the dish is pointing anyway….)

Anyway, so far there's only one transponder that I've ever been able to catch as I search. It's 12146 V and when the receiver scans it I get this list of video channels:
  • 1.1 Srv_1
  • 2.84 OU_Chan
  • 3.2 Srv_2
  • 4.5 Srv_5
  • 5.3 Srv_3
  • 6.4 Srv_4
  • 7.6 Srv_6
  • 8.7 Srv_7
There's iirc three audio channels it finds too but I didn't get a good snapshot of those. All the channels except for one seem to be dead (black screen and silent audio), except for the OU_Chan one which on both days I found it was just rolling one same ad over and over on a loop. I won't repeat the full roll since I don't want to spam the forums as my first post 😇 but it's a long-winded spiel about "you know us as an industry-leading satellite solutions provider with over a quarter million sites" and to call them For All Your Every Needs™ type thing.

While I get little blips from other frequencies, this is the only strong transponder I've been able to come across. My receiver shows it as S 75 and Q up to 85 when I adjust it. It actually seemed to get better as I **un**skewed my LBNF — iiuc G19 was supposed to be -20º for me but however I'm supposed to be reading/referencing the angles the puck is now basically at 0º relative to the dish/arm got the strongest on this transponder.

Anyway sorry this is so long winded already… my question is, do I even have the right satellite? None of the other transponders that are supposed to be active on G-19 seem to come in. And if not the right satellite does anyone happen to recognize which one I might have found instead? I think knowing that would help me then adjust for a truer south aim and then hopeful the USALS will work automatically once I can get it dialed in.
9 Replies · 265 views
cyberham
Correct LO setting to 10600 MHz. Set receiver to 12053 V 22000. Use USALS to motor over to 97W Galaxy 19. Then, loosen bolts and rotate entire assembly (motor & dish) very slightly east or west until you peak on that transponder.

You should be able to blind scan in 6 transponders (DVB-S) and dozens of channels.

When using a motor, just set skew of LNB for 0 degrees and don't change it. The motor automatically rotates the dish to the correct skew.
natevw
Correct LO setting to 10600 MHz. Set receiver to 12053 V 22000. Use USALS to motor over to 97W Galaxy 19. Then, loosen bolts and rotate entire assembly (motor & dish) very slightly east or west until you peak on that transponder.
Done and done and done! I ended up doing a bit more iteration (back and forth between the left-right and up-down adjustments) but I've now got it landing on G19 at its default position for 97W.

You should be able to blind scan in 6 transponders (DVB-S) and dozens of channels.
Yep, ended up with a page or two full on my receiver's search. Didn't double-check that my receiver has all six of the right transponders but I can mess with that later if it turns out I'm missing something interesting but still DVB-S / MPEG-2 compatible.
When using a motor, just set skew of LNB for 0 degrees and don't change it. The motor automatically rotates the dish to the correct skew.
Yep, can see definite signal degradation as soon as I skew the LNB either way from "straight" (seam on the LNB lined up with the clamps on the mounting bracket). Will make setup easier if I want to try swapping anything else in!

I don't know if there's any good (unencrypted, DVB-S) satellite farther away to really check the sweep against, but I was at least able to program in my original find at 101.0 W back in (now at the correct "12000 V 20000" setting) and can get both birds automatically.

Shouldn't be *that* exciting since it's just an ad, but still really fun to choose channels on the other one and have it jog over and lock on 🤓
cyberham
Motor over to 123W Galaxy 18 and try for 12078 V 3680 (Korean Broadcasting System). It is DVB-S. And 12008 H 12660 (Daystar mux) on the same satellite.

Beyond these, you'll need your new receiver that supports DVB-S2.
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Done and done and done! I ended up doing a bit more iteration (back and forth between the left-right and up-down adjustments) but I've now got it landing on G19 at its default position for 97W.


Yep, ended up with a page or two full on my receiver's search. Didn't double-check that my receiver has all six of the right transponders but I can mess with that later if it turns out I'm missing something interesting but still DVB-S / MPEG-2 compatible.

Yep, can see definite signal degradation as soon as I skew the LNB either way from "straight" (seam on the LNB lined up with the clamps on the mounting bracket). Will make setup easier if I want to try swapping anything else in!

I don't know if there's any good (unencrypted, DVB-S) satellite farther away to really check the sweep against, but I was at least able to program in my original find at 101.0 W back in (now at the correct "12000 V 20000" setting) and can get both birds automatically.

Shouldn't be *that* exciting since it's just an ad, but still really fun to choose channels on the other one and have it jog over and lock on 🤓
beside 123W, another one to try (if it's above the horizon at your location) is Hispasat @30W. It has at least 2 DVB-S transponders with SD/Mpeg2 channels
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natevw
Motor over to 123W Galaxy 18 and try for 12078 V 3680 (Korean Broadcasting System). It is DVB-S. And 12008 H 12660 (Daystar mux) on the same satellite.

No luck finding this one. I motor over and it seems like a pretty dead spot of sky. I did get a slight blip (Q up to 1% or 2%) if I lowered the dish slightly. So I wonder if my polar mount itself maybe needs a bit of fine tuning?

Even when loosening the bolts and manually nudging the dish up/down/left/right nothing seemed to really wake it [new receiver, see below!] up and never saw anything more than 4% or 5% which I don't know is even real or could have been just noise?

beside 123W, another one to try (if it's above the horizon at your location) is Hispasat @30W.
I'm in Washington state (northwest CONUS) so this one's not an option for me.

Beyond these, you'll need your new receiver that supports DVB-S2.
I now have a V8 Finder 2 :-)

I've been able to scan in more now on G-19, and as well as watching the ad on SES 1 and getting some PBS stations there and G-16 both. So three satellites kinda in the general vicinity of each other (97W/101W/99.1W) programmed and able to rotate between.

Is G-18 at 123W as strong as the others? According to Satbeams I should be at least somewhat in its footprint although it looks like it's maybe focused more on Alaska.

Now that I'm back at my computer waiting for the Finder to charge back up looks like the Eutelsat(s) 117W have a couple Ku transponders I could look for too.
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cyberham
On 117W, try for BVN. It has a C/N lock of just 1.0 dB so it's easy to receive. See transponder data on Lyngsat. 123W is receivable. Your motor is not perfectly on the arc yet.
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