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R
Last reply · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion
Pendragon posted raw diseqC commands to use the flexports but the problem was that they need to repeated every few seconds because the switch has some sort of internal timer that switches back to the main LNB ports.

The switch works nicely with 2 legacy LNB.
Now for the flexports.
I am wondering, the flexport only uses 1 connection to 1 LNB and can feed that to 8 receivers? Hmm, I dont think that will work for a 13V/18V switching Legacy LNB would it? Usually this should require 2 ports.

Thanks for reading.
13 Replies · 6723 views
zamar23
I'm not sure, how your understanding contradicts mine - in what point exactly? Are you assuming, the flexports can accept only 18V, and no 13V channel can be switched to using a Flexport - on what grounds? Of course, intended to work with WB68 flexports DN STB models can only supplies 18V anyway, but is it sufficient to assume, the switch has no more robust inherent logic? ;) The Manual advices to connect an LNB to the Flexport # 1, if only one sat is to be received via the Flexports, whether 72.5 or 95. Of course, more testing is needed to make any conclusions, yet it's limited now by Windows sat packages not supporting required custom DiSEqC command sequence. I guess, the right answer today would be: we don't fully know the logic of WB68 flexports control. May be someone wants to get a customized Linux soft and test the switch more extensively?
P
I'm not sure, how your understanding contradicts mine - in what point exactly?

This is the part I disagree with:

The Flexport 1 is always selected first, when unoccupied and a signal from a connected to it Sat & Channel is switched to by an STB. If that Flexport is in use at that time, than Flexport 2 is selected by the switch instead, if the "switched to" channel's polarization & voltage is different.

As intended by DTV, each FlexPort is hardwired to one LNB pointing at one orbital position: 72.5W and/or 95W. Let's say by example that 72.5W is connected to FlexPort 1 and 95W is connected to FlexPort 2. If a receiver wants to connect to 95W, it has to select FlexPort 2, whether it is first in line or last. There is no way for FlexPort 1 to connect to 95W in this example.

Your description suggests the 6x8 assigns FlexPorts serially by request. That isn't how it works.
ynnedibanez
bandstacked lnbs would be my choice if i had equipment capable of selecting the flexports ;)
zamar23
Your description suggests the 6x8 assigns FlexPorts serially by request. That isn't how it works.
OK now I get it. Your assumption is that the switch logic is cost simplified, so that only a receiver designed to control the flexports is able to first query and remember, and then command the switch to connect to a flexport based on the sat selected by a user via Remote. You may be right.

To use that logic, when a Dual LNB is connected to both flexports, custom DiSEqC software must allow a user to assign one flexport to H, and another to V polarity of a particular sat, and save that choice. When a channel is selected, it will be software routed to the appropriate flexport based on its polarity. Now we know, to use WB68 for FTA, we need a Sat software mod. Meaning, one would need to motivate a popular package developer to allow use of custom plugins, developed for particular sat equipment models, and offer some plugin samples. Such package add ons are now allowed to integrate various sat cards. So it needs to be extended to switches, since ongoing equipment upgrades by major broadcasters offer very economical deemed obsolete equipment choice quite suitable for FTA, often of higher design and make quality than average FTA equipment. :)
P
Yes the Zinwell 6x8 is essentially brain-dead. All the smarts apparently have to be in the receiver. Getting the FlexPorts to work on Windows probably would require customization at the application level. Perhaps one can find a benevolent developer willing to change their app to do this. On Linux one can simply hack an existing app. That's what I did to test the commands that PSmith 'scoped.

Since I'm headed towards an all-Linux FTA operation I expect to code a more robust solution eventually. At the moment I have yet to fill all of my switch matrix inputs (62), so I haven't been forced to use a FlexPort. But when I modded the last batch of 6x8s, all were set up for full six input functionality.
R
After some digging with the search, found the buried FAQ Pendragon mentioned above:
http://www.satelliteguys.us/fta-mpeg2-faqs/134124-switch-setups-simplified.html

I keep hearing mention of backstacked LNB's but I cant find a definition of what those are, is it the same as a dual LNB?
P
I keep hearing mention of backstacked LNB's but I cant find a definition of what those are, is it the same as a dual LNB?

Most North American LNBs send either H or V down the cable between 950-1450 MHz, depending on the voltage sent by the receiver. But this is a bit of a waste as most receivers can tune from 950-2150 MHz.

A bandstacked LNB sends both polarities at different frequencies on one cable. There is no polarization selection by voltage. One common example is the Superdish LNB that sends the V polarization from 950-1450 MHz and the H polarization from 1650-2150 MHz (actually inverted). There are a bunch of pros and cons to bandstacked LNBs, but they do reduce cabling and switching needs by half for complex setups like mine.
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....
68509 Replies · 2671529 views
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long_time_Dish
Don't Do Me Like That - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
H
I LIKE It LIKE THAT-The Dave Clark Five
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ClarkGable
Five O'Clock World - The Vogues
FTA4PA
Six O'Clock News - John Prine
Bobby
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere - Alan Jackson
meStevo
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Chit Chat Club
Continuing the Kilauea thread in the Pub here. Perhaps the Iceland one too next time there's remarkable activity.

Currently there is precursory lava flowing into the crater, leading to the next episode that'll probably start within the next day.

You can see the pace of inflation / deflation here. It serves as the primary predictor for when the expect the eruptions, which coincide w/ inflation turning into significant deflation and last for several hours on average with significant fountaining.



View: https://youtu.be/Uecu2seh4b4


Wife and I like the AfarTV feeds, for the discussion along w/ them, though they're otherwise just mirrors of the official USGS feeds.


View: https://youtu.be/iws3rh5vLAQ
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Foxbat
​
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Foxbat
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Foxbat
Oooo, quite the show now. All three vents have doming and overflows. The cone that built up around the North vent lost its upper quarter at 02:50 Oct 17 and is now spewing lava at a healthy rate. Don't know if I would say it's a fountain, but it's close.


IMG_1534.webp

edit: The USGS has called the official start of Episode 55 as starting at 03:19 HST Oct 17, 2026:

Alert Level: WATCH, Color Code: ORANGE 2026-10-17 13:43:56 UTC
HVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice

Volcano: Kilauea (VNUM #332010)

Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Issued: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 3:43 AM HST
Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Notice Number: 2026/H488
Location: N 19 deg 25 min W 155 deg 17 min
Elevation: 4091 ft (1247 m)
Area: Hawaii

Summary: Episode 55 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.

Volcanic Activity:
Episode 55 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.

Fountain heights are relatively low at about 100-150 feet (30-45 m), and it is not clear whether this episode will evolve to the same heights as previous episodes. Continuous overflows from the vents began yesterday, October 16, just before 6 a.m. HST and transitioned into episode 55 fountains at 3:19 a.m. HST this morning. The current forecast is for winds are blowing from the north-northeast direction, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed to the south-southwest direction from Halemaʻumaʻu.
  • All eruptive vents and lava flows are confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Tephra fall from volcanic ash clouds is greatest within 3 miles (5 km) of the vents, lighter ash and Pele's Hair may stay suspended for large distances from the vents.
Foxbat
Kīlauea seems to be returning to the "normal" eruption script, impressive fountaining from the North Vent. For once, the V2 Cam has the best overall shot:
IMG_1535.webp
The lava flows have covered a good portion of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor.
BlackHitachi
Supporting Founder
Last reply · posted in Movie Talk
Since the Reds have there thread we should too!

Last watched Nine inch Nails
Next 3:10 to Yuma
5390 Replies · 510329 views
osu1991

View: https://youtu.be/9j3vxhzM8MY?is=Rs1cY1FQAiRWi87i


Come September (1961)
Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida with Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin
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1791758462355.webp


Simple, charming. Entire premise is quite silly but Cary Grant carries it across the line in good fashion.
T
Last: The Social Reckoning. Spoiler alert, they make Zuck look like a...
Foxbat
Since it was already "paid" for, I spent the two hours of my time watching the John Cena action movie on Apple TV, "Matchbox The Movie" even though the reviews were brutal. It was better than I expected, so I didn't feel like I had wasted an afternoon watching it. But it felt like another "Reacher"/"Neghley"/"Mission: Impossible"/"Fast & Furious" crash and blow stuff up with lots of automatic gunfire mixed in movie featuring covert CIA operatives.

I don't think we'll get a follow-up movie from this. I expect Mattel will have other toy lines to exploit.
Van
Van
Last reply · posted in What's Cooking?
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.
6629 Replies · 379361 views
dfergie
Egg, sausage and cheese sandwich between bread toasted in butter in skillet... Chocolate milk.
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dfergie
Egg, sausage and cheese sandwich between bread toasted in butter in skillet... Chocolate milk.
Add fresh hash browns, delete chocolate for milk with a slice of bacon.
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TRG
TRG
Bacon, eggs, hash browns and toast. Coffee.
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TRG
TRG
Wound up at the Waffle House this morning. Got the two egg breakfast with coffee.

1622.webp
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dfergie
Speaking of waffles, I'm going to put my mini waffle iron on stove so I'll remember to make waffles in the morning... Had some last week, been awhile.
dfergie
Dos cackleberrys over easy on top of 2 corned beef hash patties fried in skillet... Chocolate milk.
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dfergie
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in What's Cooking?
Anyone making their own breakfast sausage? I've recently been trying different recipes, found some I like, some I've modified...
38 Replies · 3557 views
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navychop
Bob Evans Sage.
R
Bob Evans Sage.
I will look, but I don't think I have seen it. Owen's breakfast sausage use to be favorite, but I can't find it anymore. Jimmy Dean's country mild is OK also when I can find it.
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dfergie
Swaggerty's isn't too bad, sausage prices are lower per lb than making my own from pork butts right now so I've been buying JC Potter or Owen lately.
(Swaggerty's at Sam's is pre cut, I usually partially freeze the rolls and cut with my slicer and vacuum seal on parchment paper)
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S
I will look, but I don't think I have seen it. Owen's breakfast sausage use to be favorite, but I can't find it anymore. Jimmy Dean's country mild is OK also when I can find it.
amazon maybe :what
S
I will look, but I don't think I have seen it. Owen's breakfast sausage use to be favorite, but I can't find it anymore. Jimmy Dean's country mild is OK also when I can find it.
owens on amazon is 54.99 for a 4 pk 16 oz a sausage. i feel that's kind of steep!!!
S
Swaggerty's isn't too bad, sausage prices are lower per lb than making my own from pork butts right now so I've been buying JC Potter or Owen lately.
(Swaggerty's at Sam's is pre cut, I usually partially freeze the rolls and cut with my slicer and vacuum seal on parchment paper)
id'e rather make my own vs store bought.
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R
owens on amazon is 54.99 for a 4 pk 16 oz a sausage. i feel that's kind of steep!!!
Especially when I can get a two pound roll of Jimmy Dean from Sam's Club for $7.38.
dfergie
They run Owens at $3.99 for lb and $7.99 a couple times a month at some grocery stores here, I actually was wrong, just checked a pork sirloin roast it was $1.99 a lb. (cooked it yesterday so pack was in trash)
TheRatPatrol
Last reply · posted in TV Shows
Anyone else watch this show? Any guesses as to what was in the box Gibbs gave to Abby that was on her desk? It look liked it was glowing.

I also heard that someone was leaving the show at the end of this season. Any guesses as to who thats going to be?
2134 Replies · 214755 views
Jimbo

Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?
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Howard Simmons
Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?
Tony as the director.🙄
Jimbo
Tony as the director.🙄
Would you rather have LaRoche ???
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dfergie
I liked this episode and a toned down Tony...
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Howard Simmons
Would you rather have LaRoche ???
No. Bring in someone new.🤔 Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.
Jimbo
No. Bring in someone new.🤔 Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.
I don't think Tim and Tony are that far apart in Age ...

Remember what Tony said to Tim when they first got back together ...
Tony said: I am the New Tony, Tim .... (something to that effect)

Tony has changed, he's been running his Security Business ... I'm sure he has grown up.

Give it time ... your judging the New Tony from the old Tony.

It sounds like Tim won't be around the Team much longer either.
KAB
KAB
I wonder it they will show the teased meeting (in Origins) with Tony and Gibbs.
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Jimbo
I wonder it they will show the teased meeting (in Origins) with Tony and Gibbs.
I'm curious how they are going to implement Tony into Origins (If they do) ...
Tony was introduced to Gibbs and the team, on NCIS, which makes it the Mothership side of things, he worked in Baltimore prior to NCIS, NO mention when they met that anyone had known one another ...