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I started using my new (new to me anyway) Microyal MRX-1000 this weekend. I have it connected to an old PrimeStar dish with the LNBF that has discrete V and H outputs, using a multiswitch with 13V for vertical and 18V for horizontal.
So far, I have used this setup to view channels on Echostar 9 (121) where the dish was originally pointed, AMC4 (101), and IA-5 (97). I am very impressed so far but manual positioning is the pits, I guess I need a motor. At least the PrimeStar dish seems to have a big "sweet spot" so it's not that difficult to aim.
I'm at 88W so the closest "true south" satellite is AMC3 (87) which is currently behind a tree. There's another tree blocking Galaxy 10R (123). I am going to have to do a site survey to see if I can put the dish somewhere else, or trim some trees, as I think these two have the bulk of what I would actually want to watch on a regular basis (English language programming, distant locals and PBS).
I can see why FTA is not mainstream, because it's not nearly as intuitive as the less-flexible systems which are tied to a specific provider such as E*. Still, I'd like to be able to eventually make this easy enough to use so that my wife can see the benefit.
Now I have some questions because the MRX-1000 user guide is sparse on details and the Microyal website doesn't add much:
- What is the newest/best (legal) software for this machine and where do I (legally) get it? I gather that I can connect the unit to a PC with a null modem 9-pin serial cable but what abilities does that provide?
- Is there an easier way to program the details of each satellite than using the remote control to enter all the frequencies, symbol rates and polarities by hand? Is this the function of "blind scan" and why receivers with that feature are popular?
- It supports up to 16 antennae with DiSEqC. How? Are DiSEqC 4x1 switches cascadable such that four of them could sit behind the one that attaches to the receiver?
- How do I add a DBS LNBF to the setup so I can pull the (legal) free stuff from the Nimiq and E* satellites? Is this another application of DiSEqC? Or do I need that fancy new LNBF that does both Ku-FTA and DBS?
- What would be the best value for a motorized mount that will fit the PrimeStar dish?
Lastly, this does nothing for my DVR addiction. As I see it there are a couple of solutions for this.
- Get an expensive FTA receiver (are there any?) that have DVR capability.
- Get an FTA PCI card and build a media center PC. (does windows media center edition support FTA?)
These are all the questions I can think of right now, I'm sure there will be others.
So far, I have used this setup to view channels on Echostar 9 (121) where the dish was originally pointed, AMC4 (101), and IA-5 (97). I am very impressed so far but manual positioning is the pits, I guess I need a motor. At least the PrimeStar dish seems to have a big "sweet spot" so it's not that difficult to aim.
I'm at 88W so the closest "true south" satellite is AMC3 (87) which is currently behind a tree. There's another tree blocking Galaxy 10R (123). I am going to have to do a site survey to see if I can put the dish somewhere else, or trim some trees, as I think these two have the bulk of what I would actually want to watch on a regular basis (English language programming, distant locals and PBS).
I can see why FTA is not mainstream, because it's not nearly as intuitive as the less-flexible systems which are tied to a specific provider such as E*. Still, I'd like to be able to eventually make this easy enough to use so that my wife can see the benefit.
Now I have some questions because the MRX-1000 user guide is sparse on details and the Microyal website doesn't add much:
- What is the newest/best (legal) software for this machine and where do I (legally) get it? I gather that I can connect the unit to a PC with a null modem 9-pin serial cable but what abilities does that provide?
- Is there an easier way to program the details of each satellite than using the remote control to enter all the frequencies, symbol rates and polarities by hand? Is this the function of "blind scan" and why receivers with that feature are popular?
- It supports up to 16 antennae with DiSEqC. How? Are DiSEqC 4x1 switches cascadable such that four of them could sit behind the one that attaches to the receiver?
- How do I add a DBS LNBF to the setup so I can pull the (legal) free stuff from the Nimiq and E* satellites? Is this another application of DiSEqC? Or do I need that fancy new LNBF that does both Ku-FTA and DBS?
- What would be the best value for a motorized mount that will fit the PrimeStar dish?
Lastly, this does nothing for my DVR addiction. As I see it there are a couple of solutions for this.
- Get an expensive FTA receiver (are there any?) that have DVR capability.
- Get an FTA PCI card and build a media center PC. (does windows media center edition support FTA?)
These are all the questions I can think of right now, I'm sure there will be others.
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I'm by no means an expert, but I'll answer what questions I can from here 
That's clever and very simple, I never would have though of that, but it should work great... simple multi-switch, and just assign all V to POS1, and all H to POS2. Spiffy!
You'll get there!
What started out as an annoying, ugly hobby now gives my wife the TV she watches, both in the living room and bedroom (other than OTA, all we use is FTA). I set up my Home Theatre PC so she can use it by remote; it's just like a STB.
Exactly. Blind scan is just that; it scans all the frequencies and saves trasponder and channel information as it stumbles across them. Otherwise, you're stuck either having to enter them all manually by remote, or (in some cases) transferring channel lists from your pc to STB via serial cable.
Most of us (myself included) just slap a DBS lnbf on right next to our linear Ku lnb. You'll have to adjust the dish 5 degrees or so over to compensate when utilizing it. Yes, a Diseqc switch can be used (again, I do it here) to switch from using the linear Ku or DBS lnbf. In your case, if you're using a 3*1 (if there is such a thing) or a 4*1 Diseqc switch, adding a dbs lnb will be a peice of cake.
As I mentioned earlier, I use a Home Theater PC (homemade) with a Twinhan 102g DVB card in it. It's cheap, works pretty well, and allows me (or the wife!) to record anything straight to hard drive by just hitting a button on the remote. Windows Media Center is somewhat supported, if you install certain BDA drivers, but I just use MyTheatre. It's user-friendly, easy to set up, and the Twinhan remote works fine with it. It does cost $30 or so, though. As far as an STB doing DVR, I've heard rumours (no doubt others will pipe up and fill in here) of new FTA boxes with DVR capability. If they aren't available yet, I'd guess they aren't far off.
Congrats on the success you've had so far, and welcome to the fun of FTA!
Pepper said:
That's clever and very simple, I never would have though of that, but it should work great... simple multi-switch, and just assign all V to POS1, and all H to POS2. Spiffy!
Pepper said:
You'll get there!
What started out as an annoying, ugly hobby now gives my wife the TV she watches, both in the living room and bedroom (other than OTA, all we use is FTA). I set up my Home Theatre PC so she can use it by remote; it's just like a STB.Pepper said:
Exactly. Blind scan is just that; it scans all the frequencies and saves trasponder and channel information as it stumbles across them. Otherwise, you're stuck either having to enter them all manually by remote, or (in some cases) transferring channel lists from your pc to STB via serial cable.
Pepper said:
Most of us (myself included) just slap a DBS lnbf on right next to our linear Ku lnb. You'll have to adjust the dish 5 degrees or so over to compensate when utilizing it. Yes, a Diseqc switch can be used (again, I do it here) to switch from using the linear Ku or DBS lnbf. In your case, if you're using a 3*1 (if there is such a thing) or a 4*1 Diseqc switch, adding a dbs lnb will be a peice of cake.
Pepper said:
As I mentioned earlier, I use a Home Theater PC (homemade) with a Twinhan 102g DVB card in it. It's cheap, works pretty well, and allows me (or the wife!) to record anything straight to hard drive by just hitting a button on the remote. Windows Media Center is somewhat supported, if you install certain BDA drivers, but I just use MyTheatre. It's user-friendly, easy to set up, and the Twinhan remote works fine with it. It does cost $30 or so, though. As far as an STB doing DVR, I've heard rumours (no doubt others will pipe up and fill in here) of new FTA boxes with DVR capability. If they aren't available yet, I'd guess they aren't far off.
Congrats on the success you've had so far, and welcome to the fun of FTA!
M
I think that software is the most current (sadly)Pepper said:
each satellite in the setup would be for the motorized setup. You can use a DiseQc switch if you have some fixed dishes.
get a LNB and a 2x1 or 4x1 DiseQc switch
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Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.
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Browns lead the AFC North 
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:
www.colts.com
Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties
Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.
www.colts.com
Be nice to see a Cowboy headline like that.I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:
Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties
Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.
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Stargate SG-1 cancelled, Atlantis renewed
Monday - August 21, 2006 | by Darren Sumner
The future of Stargate is in question today, as SCI FI Channel has cancelled the long-running Stargate SG-1, Multichannel News reported today and a GateWorld source has confirmed. The news regrettably follows the airing of the show's milestone two-hundredth episode on Friday.
Stargate Atlantis, meanwhile, has been renewed for a fourth season, with the network hoping to see that the spin-off series can stand alone, according to a source.
Source Gateworld
Monday - August 21, 2006 | by Darren Sumner
The future of Stargate is in question today, as SCI FI Channel has cancelled the long-running Stargate SG-1, Multichannel News reported today and a GateWorld source has confirmed. The news regrettably follows the airing of the show's milestone two-hundredth episode on Friday.
Stargate Atlantis, meanwhile, has been renewed for a fourth season, with the network hoping to see that the spin-off series can stand alone, according to a source.
Source Gateworld
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Watch Stargate SG-1 for Free Online | Pluto TV
Stargate SG-1 picks up where the blockbuster film left off as the SG-1 team sets out to explore the mysteries of the Stargate and the worlds beyond it in the pulse-pounding series which became a worldwide phenomenon and a science fiction classic. Stream Stargate SG-1 for free on Pluto TV.
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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....
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wVdnjWsw2Uk
Direct YouTube Link - Defender on Linux: Microsoft's Big Security Move #shorts
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View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wVdnjWsw2Uk
Direct YouTube Link - Defender on Linux: Microsoft's Big Security Move #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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Supporting Founder
Really excited for this season with Kentucky having a new coach and some really exciting recruits. Probably won't last long, but here's hoping this season is great.
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M
They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.
. Hated to see my dawgs go down but I still say being ranked #1 is a hex on you!
They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.
. Hated to see my dawgs go down but I still say being ranked #1 is a hex on you!
Yup, I agree, I'd rather be 2 or 3 till the last few weeks.They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PSGt6dUXdnI
Direct YouTube Link - RTX Spark: NVIDIA's AI PC Powerhouse Details! #shorts
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View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PSGt6dUXdnI
Direct YouTube Link - RTX Spark: NVIDIA's AI PC Powerhouse Details! #shorts
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TWIT Live Feed
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Why are ViP922s So rare? like its crazy how ebay has none, i checked everywhere, also, i got a ViP222k now, which is actually activated!
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A_V4A_ne8wE
Direct YouTube Link - "You Can See Everything" Is 1 of the Century's Best #shorts
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View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A_V4A_ne8wE
Direct YouTube Link - "You Can See Everything" Is 1 of the Century's Best #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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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...
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...
5446 Replies
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335541 views
