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fedri
Last reply · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Need Advice on a Do-it-yourself CoolSat 4000 Pro Install

Greetings,

...just purchased the "CoolSat 4000 PRO Universal Package" from gosatellite.net . Package includes CoolSat 4000 PRO with 33" Dish, Dual Standard FTA LNBF, Rotor, 4x1 DiSEqC Switch and 9 Pin Serial Cable. I also purchased a 3 ft. tripod and 5 ft. mast to go with it (both from radio shack).

Need some advice on properly installing the system. I've already attemped doing the install on my own, but am having little success receiving channels via the receiver. Not really sure what I'm doing wrong...the mast is plumb level, cables seem to be properly installed, the dish is facing due south as measured by a compass, the satellite finder signal is good...I guess all else is questionable.

Here are some details regarding my location:

USA, California, Santa Clara, 95050

Can someone (anyone) please provide specifics on what I should do? Please start from ground zero, as I may have missed something (ie. I may have screwed up on adjusting the dish elevation and rotor latitude, etc.). Also, if there's any advice on how to use the CoolSat 4000 to scan for channels, that would be great.

Alternatively, if there is a link that I can go to for local satellite installers, that would be my next option.

Cheers,

- f
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W_Tracy_Parnell
W_Tracy_Parnell
fedri said:
...thanks for the advice. I'm also assuming that the dish signal is not properly "peaked". I'm obviously getting a signal (~97%), and some quality (~7%) off of G10R. A couple of questions that I haven't addressed:

1) At what point will the receiver recognize the channels?
2) Does the quality of the signal have to be above a certain level?
3) I'm wondering if the receiver I purchased is malfunctioning. Is there a way to verify that the receiver is not the problem? I doubt CoolSat is in the business of manufacturing defective receivers, but I'm out of ideas at the moment...

Thanks to everyone's advice, please keep them coming as I still haven't figured out what my problem is.

- f
Click to expand...

1. After you have locked the signal with the bar "in the green" you can run a blind scan and get channels.
2. For me the magic number is 63% to lock. Anything below that is no go. Could be different for you though with a different setup from a different location.
3. I doubt it is the receiver. FTA sats are hard to lock onto due to relatively low power. Run an Internet search on your particular LNB (or contact the retailer or LNB-maker) and make sure you have the right settings. Then using a compass, make sure you are lined up on G10 with numbers that PSB gave you. Make sure you hold the compass level and still and that it is not too close to any metal objects (even the dish).

When you have done this and you are sure you are right, consider this just a starting point-remember some dishes will read slightly off, my own dish is off by 2 degrees elevation. Then lock the dish down but not all the way as I described before and make VERY small and slow adjustments in asimuth and elevation. Have a TV at the dish if at all possible and watch like a hawk for the quality to spike in the green. If this happens you are close.

If you still can't get anything use the numbers PSB gave you and try for a different satellite. If you can get something on another bird it will give you confidence and you will know that your settings are right and nothing is defective. You will still have to get your TS in at some point. That is what I did when I had trouble getting my TS (true south) bird. Later, I realized that my TS was blocked by trees so be sure and check line-of-sight issues. Remember-the dish is actually aimed about 20 degrees higher than it seems. If you do all of that and still nothing then some setting or connection has to be wrong or something is defective. You should be able to hit green somewhere on something.
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W_Tracy_Parnell
W_Tracy_Parnell
Here are a couple of screens. The "Dish Setting" shows what you should see and a typical signal level-remember that the LNB settings will be different for your specific LNB. After you get signal you can run a blind scan (pic 2).
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cap002-after-after.webp cap008-after-after.webp
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F
fedri
W_Tracy_Parnell said:
1. After you have locked the signal with the bar "in the green" you can run a blind scan and get channels.
2. For me the magic number is 63% to lock. Anything below that is no go. Could be different for you though with a different setup from a different location.
3. I doubt it is the receiver. FTA sats are hard to lock onto due to relatively low power. Run an Internet search on your particular LNB (or contact the retailer or LNB-maker) and make sure you have the right settings. Then using a compass, make sure you are lined up on G10 with numbers that PSB gave you. Make sure you hold the compass level and still and that it is not too close to any metal objects (even the dish).

When you have done this and you are sure you are right, consider this just a starting point-remember some dishes will read slightly off, my own dish is off by 2 degrees elevation. Then lock the dish down but not all the way as I described before and make VERY small and slow adjustments in asimuth and elevation. Have a TV at the dish if at all possible and watch like a hawk for the quality to spike in the green. If this happens you are close.

If you still can't get anything use the numbers PSB gave you and try for a different satellite. If you can get something on another bird it will give you confidence and you will know that your settings are right and nothing is defective. You will still have to get your TS in at some point. That is what I did when I had trouble getting my TS (true south) bird. Later, I realized that my TS was blocked by trees so be sure and check line-of-sight issues. Remember-the dish is actually aimed about 20 degrees higher than it seems. If you do all of that and still nothing then some setting or connection has to be wrong or something is defective. You should be able to hit green somewhere on something.
Click to expand...

...thanks again for the helpful tips. Sounds like I've got a lot of tweaking to do. I just can't seem to break away from a QUALITY of 7% as of yet. For the most part, I've done everything mentioned above...I'll keep messing with the alignment though.

...to be continued...
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adwan001
adwan001
Don't give up

I just wanted to say that you need to be very patient. I had the very same issues like yours when I first installed my FTA setup. No matter what kind of hardware you have, installation basics are the same. And the info this forum provided me was priceless.
I feel your frustration but giving up is not an option. :no I am sure if you review everything over and over again from scratch, you'll find something here or there that was overlooked. The one issue that gave me personally all the trouble was using the compass too close to the metal structure of the dish mast, :o and once I figured that out, things went easier.
So, hang in there. You can do it. :yes
In solidarity,
-Jehad
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S
smata67
When you get your motor mount installed, make sure your support is ROCK SOLID and plumb. After you get the motor and antenna on your ROCK SOLID mount, put a level on the top and side of the MOTOR housing to ensure it is level and plumb, as the additional weight can shift things. The key is to have the MOTOR level and plumb so it can track the arc on which the satellites are located. Make whatever adjustments you need to achieve this plumbness, but do not adjust the lattitude/elevation on the motor itself, this is fixed to your lattitude location.
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TFLEV
· posted in TFLEV

2027 BMW iX5 Walkaround & Review // They Have To Get This One Right!

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ca9w7HnuXg


Direct YouTube Link - 2027 BMW iX5 Walkaround & Review // They Have To Get This One Right!
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T
TVHabit
Last reply · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Hybrid Dish setup

Picked up a sweet directv dish, mount, twin lnbs and a short cable.
Has anyone converted one to FTA? A Frankenstein of sorts...
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Brct203
would probably also work well for NHK on 101W and possibly for PBS on 99W. I used one for a while on 30W. Just keep in mind that because it's undersized for those satellites, it might work fine in clear weather but won't have much margin to account for signal degradation during rain/snow
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one_db_compression
If you can find one, the Shaw / Star Choice 75e ellipticals are great for use on 97, 99, and 101W. They are really just rebranded ChannelMaster 75 cm reflectors and use linear LNBFs by default out of the box.

Everyone else's mileage may vary.
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TVHabit
I have read that some have converted this type dish but after giving it a good look, it's the lnb conversion that is the bottleneck. Does anyone have a picture of their attempt to configure the lnb? I watched a video on youtube from the save it for parts guy and he used duct tape! Guess it worked but I'm thinking something a bit more permanent!
Thanks to all for your interest and replies...
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Titanium
Titanium
Many of us have used a universal LNBF mount (or get creative with L brackets and plumbers tape - perforated metal strapping). Use a few inches of aluminum tube (or a piece of 1x2" lumber) to extend the support arm (replacing the plastic mount used by DirecTV and Dish) to place the LNBF throat opening at the correct distance from the reflector, the correct height and at the correct angle. Nothing magical... simply place the new linear LNBF in the center at the same distance, height and angle as the current combo.
www.amazon.com/Universal-Single-Bracket-Holder-FTA-US/dp/B074L85WK2
LNBF mount.webp
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k4otl
k4otl
To add: 101W Ku seems to be (one of if not the) strongest for me, and if I only had Ku I definitely want 101W for the music mux, it's robust FEC and strong signal help a lot. I've thought about using a used Dish/DirectTV dish at my Dads to supplement his OTA (mainly for my benefit when I visit :) )
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Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge
Last reply · 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....
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Give A Little Bit - Supertramp
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Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix
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With A Little Luck - Wings
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LITTLE Willy-Sweet
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Little Deuce Coupe - The Beach Boys
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meStevo
meStevo
Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in The Sports Section

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.
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Foxbat
Foxbat
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 www.colts.com
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rvvaquero
rvvaquero
Foxbat said:
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 www.colts.com
Click to expand...
Be nice to see a Cowboy headline like that.
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M
Mike0616
Foxbat said:
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 www.colts.com
Click to expand...

Can we expect to see a new coach if we say "pretty please?"
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Foxbat
Foxbat
Jeeez, Week 6, no lead is safe…
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Peter Parker
Peter Parker
Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter
Last reply · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

DISH Hopper 3 Software Version 713 Is Out

No idea what improvements might be involved.
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naptime
I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.
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jsmit86
jsmit86
naptime said:
I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.
Click to expand...
It's a known issue.
For a temporary fix, go into the menu, Audio, and turn Dolby Audio "OFF". You will have PCM stereo audio.

I was able to give the tech ops team some data logs so they could diagnose the problem, and they rolled me back to H708 temporarily. It fixed that issue.

They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.
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long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
jsmit86 said:
They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.
Click to expand...
Oh, you mean "soon"? :biggrin
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Almighty1
Almighty1
jsmit86 said:
It's a known issue.
For a temporary fix, go into the menu, Audio, and turn Dolby Audio "OFF". You will have PCM stereo audio.

I was able to give the tech ops team some data logs so they could diagnose the problem, and they rolled me back to H708 temporarily. It fixed that issue.

They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.
Click to expand...
I guess they will be busy when lots of people start asking for rollbacks to H708 now that you mention that downgrades of software does exist because it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner and the IR Remote problems in H710-H713.
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navychop
navychop
Almighty1 said:
it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner
Click to expand...

:popcorn
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dishstaller
dishstaller
Almighty1 said:
it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner
Click to expand...
🤣

Oh....you were serious
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iJustine
· posted in iJustine

This is iPhone Duo!

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P4_TzYKwcNY


Direct YouTube Link - This is iPhone Duo!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Generative AI: Revolutionizing Game NPC Dialogue & Behavior? #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-O2iLThF4z8


Direct YouTube Link - Generative AI: Revolutionizing Game NPC Dialogue & Behavior? #shorts
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teachsac
teachsac
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in TV Shows

S.W.A.T. Exiles (Starz)

Hondo is back with a new squad 9/25 only on Starz.


View: https://m.youtube.com/shorts/b0gPzA8KHEQ
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klang
Never watched the previous shows, so doubtful.
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dfergie
teachsac
teachsac
Started watching yesterday. Not too bad.
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Scott Greczkowski
Scott Greczkowski
Wife likes it.
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I like Zyra from La Brea (one with the prosthetic).
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dfergie
dfergie
Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!
Last reply · posted in TV Shows

Stargate SG-1 Discussion

Stargate SG-1 cancelled, Atlantis renewed
clear.gif

Monday - August 21, 2006 | by Darren Sumner
clear.gif

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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reubenray
I have gotten back into watching SG-1 and I have recorded most of the episodes to binge watch. What episodes are about the Antarctic or was this a movie? Also where could I watch the SG-1 movies?
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osu1991
osu1991
pluto.tv

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.
pluto.tv pluto.tv
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long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
reubenray said:
I have gotten back into watching SG-1 and I have recorded most of the episodes to binge watch. What episodes are about the Antarctic or was this a movie? Also where could I watch the SG-1 movies?
Click to expand...
Well, there are a couple involving the Antarctic. "Solitudes", S1 E17 (one of my favorites), Then, "Lost City', S7 E21 and E22. Then, in the SGA pilot, "Rising", S1 E1 and E2, it starts out in the Antarctic for about the first 20 minutes or so.
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reubenray
long_time_Dish said:
Well, there are a couple involving the Antarctic. "Solitudes", S1 E17 (one of my favorites), Then, "Lost City', S7 E21 and E22. Then, in the SGA pilot, "Rising", S1 E1 and E2, it starts out in the Antarctic for about the first 20 minutes or so.
Click to expand...
Which one has O'Neil being Ancients? I am at the end of Season 8 now.
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long_time_Dish
long_time_Dish
reubenray said:
Which one has O'Neil being Ancients? I am at the end of Season 8 now.
Click to expand...
If I understand your question, O'Neill had the Ancient's knowledge in the "Lost City" two-part episode. That was when Anubis attacked Earth and there was a big battle over Antarctica.
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TWiT Tech Podcast Network
· posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Defender on Linux: Microsoft’s Big Security Move #shorts

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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