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This post is long. So I'll sum up my info first:
Dish: 75cm
LNB: 0.6DB Universal
Receiver: Viacast Vistar 2000 Quantum MSR (by Visionetics...must have been a sale on letters!!)
Latitude: 43N
Longitude: 81W
Satellite: Galaxy 10R (g10r)
Signal Quality: TP 12114: 100
TP 11720: 50
Elevation: 35 (Contrary to all sat calcs on the net which said 25)
Setup Equip: satellite finder (works with the universal lnb), compass, ladder
Conclusions:
1. Make sure the LNB is in the cradle as far from the dish as possible...makes a signal quality difference of about 40% (it did for me, at least);
2. Use the satellite meter in conjuction with your receiver to get a lock on a quality signal;
3. Plus, keep trying...you'll find it eventually.
I first became aware of the FTA opportunities out there in May of 2004. I'd been a Bell customer for about 2 years, and felt wedged between two criminal extremes: pay one criminal (Bell) to receive signals that are available via a rabbit ear antenna, or pay (and become) another criminal to hack into the Bell system. As luck would have it, I discovered Lyngsat and FTA, and bought a 76cm dish, Universal 0.6dB LNB, and a Viacast receiver (from middletowneng on eb*y...I know, I know...its a four-letter-word) in August of 2004. It seemed like a perfect solution...free and legal. What could be better?
I couldn't get started, though, because we moved houses. I decided at my new place that I wanted to mount the new dish to a wooden deck, because it being a larger dish, I felt if it was mounted to bricks, the bricks might get pulled off the house in a storm....(hey...you never know!!). Anyhow, since it was a brand new house, it took some time before we could build our new deck ( a year actually)...so the criminals at Bell got another $400+ out of me from Aug 2004-Aug 2005. Given that there was no hockey season, its even more criminal.
Finally, I mounted the dish just where I wanted it - it really blends in - but I could not get a lock on G10r no matter what. I live way up in the icy Canadian tundra of London, Ontario (43N, 81W), and I started to think I was not going to be able to get a FTA signal. I bought a satellite meter, and could tell there was something out there, but the Vistar is really not a good receiver for newbies, since you program it and then it tells you if you have a good dish alignment...instead of pointing the dish and having the receiver do the thinking.
So I was close to giving up. But I'd like to think I have a ton of heart, and couldn't bear the idea of giving up. Also, I'm very cheap. Given that over $100 had been invested in this FTA gear, it was pretty much guaranteed I'd get the job done eventually.
As luck would have it, I did a google search to find out if any other brave souls had tried using the Vistar for FTA. And I stumbled upon this site, and specifically Iceberg's tutorial. Then I was inspired: here was a blueprint for success, and from someone who actually lives further north than me! Plus, there was that picture of Iceberg...whenever I was ready to feel sorry for myself, or try to convince myself that my equipment was faulty, I'd look at that picture, which if it had a caption would read: the reason you can't get a signal is because you're an idiot. And I'd think: damn...Iceberg's right...I gotta try harder.
So I learned the basics about the vistar, how you have to program it first, how you have to add three 0's to the end of the transponder frequency, how you have to set the LNB LO Frequency to 10600000 for a univeral LNB, and how you have to set it to 14+22K for Vertical and 18+22K for Horizontal (again, when you have that universal LNB). So I did all that stuff, and tried again...and got nothing. I tried adding different transponder (tp) frequencies and symbol rates (sr)...no dice. I tried using the satellite meter to point the dish to a very strong signal, and always got 0 quality (on the vistar the difference between signal quality and signal stength is that signal quality matters).
Finally, with the satellite meter telling me I had a really strong signal in what I thought was G10R's area, I keyed in a tp freq and sr. But I made a mistake...I keyed in 11720000 and a sr of 26800...I don't even know where I got 26800 from...I just wrote it down by accident I think. Anyhow, next thing I know, the vistar has a quality of 30 and I later figured out it was Galaxy 13/Horizons 1 at 127.0°W (technically, the KU is on Horizons 1 (H1), which was what I was pointed at).
So I tinkered a little with H1 and got a quality of 77...which I figured was not bad. H1 has a lower EIRP (48) for London than G10R (49) so I figured I must be close. I started moving the dish in tiny steps to try to get a lock on G10R at 123.0W. After a couple of hours of 0 success, I put the satellite meter back on.
Well, I realized what a newbie I was, because I put the satellite meter on, pointed the dish back at H1, and then I could see on the TV that the signal was able to pass from the dish, through the meter and into the receiver. Previously, I had thought the meter would prevent the signal from reaching the receiver. Instead, I could use the meter, and also have the signal meter from the receiver displayed on a the TV...so I would know precisely when I had a good quality signal.
Within about 5 minutes using that arrangement, I had a quality reading on G10R, tp 12114000, sr 4444. That quality reading was about 30...but hey...it was a minor success.
Although I was tempted to just tighten all the bolts and declare victory (at last), I remembered reading other posts in this forum and in newgroups about how tp 12114 is supposed to be a blowtorch on this particular satellite. So I did some minor tinkering in the elevation and rotation of the dish. In the best case I got the quality up to 47. Then I remembered another piece of sage wisdom I read on this site (sorry, I forget the author...): when trying to get a signal, make sure to place the lnb in its cradle as far from the dish as possible. I did that, and to my utter shock I had a quality reading of 100!!! It currently dances between 97 and 100 consistently (that is in perfectly clear sky, mind you). Proper placement of that LNB is a vital piece of advice, I wish I had take more seriously. Every newbie should keep that tip in mind!!
With a rock steady lock on tp 12114, I began programming in the other tps as well. I used Iceberg's numbers: 11799 with sr of 26660 and got all of those channels. Then I used the lyngsat numbers for everything else. Although I was pretty fortuitous with tp 12114, I get average quality on the other tps...they're all between about 30 and 50. I could probably tinker more, but considering I've achieved the major goal of adding about 35-40 channels for free, I'm ultra happy. I now have legal and free access to all the US programming I'd watch via expressvu anyway, and I live within a line-of-sight of a CBC tower for NHL games this year (provided CBC ends their strike).So between my FTA dish and an antenna, me, my wife and my kids all have their favorite programming available. Everything we would have watched and paid for is completely replaced (and then some).
I am thrilled. For that, I am extremely grateful. Some people specifically to whom I am greatly indebted are:
Iceberg: you've done so much to help people like me. I really hope you are able to make money at this, because your advice is very, very valuable. Also, your photo is very, very intimidating.
ken2400 and ultratryon: you both have posted your experiences with the viacast visionetics vistar 2000 quantum msr (or whatever the dang thing is called) purchased via eb*y (middletowneng) and for sharing your experiences you made mine easier...despite the challenges I faced.
Given as how I went from never having done FTA to getting a good lock on G10R with the viacast, I couldn't have done it without a lot of help. So to all who posted their experiences, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I've included some pics of my setup. I hope they help others get into the hobby. One thing to note is the elevation of my dish. The calcs on the net all said I should set it to about 25. But you will notice its set around 35...which is a pretty big difference. Maybe that has something to do with how far above sea level you are...I dunno. Just something to keep in mind.
Dish: 75cm
LNB: 0.6DB Universal
Receiver: Viacast Vistar 2000 Quantum MSR (by Visionetics...must have been a sale on letters!!)
Latitude: 43N
Longitude: 81W
Satellite: Galaxy 10R (g10r)
Signal Quality: TP 12114: 100
TP 11720: 50
Elevation: 35 (Contrary to all sat calcs on the net which said 25)
Setup Equip: satellite finder (works with the universal lnb), compass, ladder
Conclusions:
1. Make sure the LNB is in the cradle as far from the dish as possible...makes a signal quality difference of about 40% (it did for me, at least);
2. Use the satellite meter in conjuction with your receiver to get a lock on a quality signal;
3. Plus, keep trying...you'll find it eventually.
I first became aware of the FTA opportunities out there in May of 2004. I'd been a Bell customer for about 2 years, and felt wedged between two criminal extremes: pay one criminal (Bell) to receive signals that are available via a rabbit ear antenna, or pay (and become) another criminal to hack into the Bell system. As luck would have it, I discovered Lyngsat and FTA, and bought a 76cm dish, Universal 0.6dB LNB, and a Viacast receiver (from middletowneng on eb*y...I know, I know...its a four-letter-word) in August of 2004. It seemed like a perfect solution...free and legal. What could be better?
I couldn't get started, though, because we moved houses. I decided at my new place that I wanted to mount the new dish to a wooden deck, because it being a larger dish, I felt if it was mounted to bricks, the bricks might get pulled off the house in a storm....(hey...you never know!!). Anyhow, since it was a brand new house, it took some time before we could build our new deck ( a year actually)...so the criminals at Bell got another $400+ out of me from Aug 2004-Aug 2005. Given that there was no hockey season, its even more criminal.
Finally, I mounted the dish just where I wanted it - it really blends in - but I could not get a lock on G10r no matter what. I live way up in the icy Canadian tundra of London, Ontario (43N, 81W), and I started to think I was not going to be able to get a FTA signal. I bought a satellite meter, and could tell there was something out there, but the Vistar is really not a good receiver for newbies, since you program it and then it tells you if you have a good dish alignment...instead of pointing the dish and having the receiver do the thinking.
So I was close to giving up. But I'd like to think I have a ton of heart, and couldn't bear the idea of giving up. Also, I'm very cheap. Given that over $100 had been invested in this FTA gear, it was pretty much guaranteed I'd get the job done eventually.
As luck would have it, I did a google search to find out if any other brave souls had tried using the Vistar for FTA. And I stumbled upon this site, and specifically Iceberg's tutorial. Then I was inspired: here was a blueprint for success, and from someone who actually lives further north than me! Plus, there was that picture of Iceberg...whenever I was ready to feel sorry for myself, or try to convince myself that my equipment was faulty, I'd look at that picture, which if it had a caption would read: the reason you can't get a signal is because you're an idiot. And I'd think: damn...Iceberg's right...I gotta try harder.
So I learned the basics about the vistar, how you have to program it first, how you have to add three 0's to the end of the transponder frequency, how you have to set the LNB LO Frequency to 10600000 for a univeral LNB, and how you have to set it to 14+22K for Vertical and 18+22K for Horizontal (again, when you have that universal LNB). So I did all that stuff, and tried again...and got nothing. I tried adding different transponder (tp) frequencies and symbol rates (sr)...no dice. I tried using the satellite meter to point the dish to a very strong signal, and always got 0 quality (on the vistar the difference between signal quality and signal stength is that signal quality matters).
Finally, with the satellite meter telling me I had a really strong signal in what I thought was G10R's area, I keyed in a tp freq and sr. But I made a mistake...I keyed in 11720000 and a sr of 26800...I don't even know where I got 26800 from...I just wrote it down by accident I think. Anyhow, next thing I know, the vistar has a quality of 30 and I later figured out it was Galaxy 13/Horizons 1 at 127.0°W (technically, the KU is on Horizons 1 (H1), which was what I was pointed at).
So I tinkered a little with H1 and got a quality of 77...which I figured was not bad. H1 has a lower EIRP (48) for London than G10R (49) so I figured I must be close. I started moving the dish in tiny steps to try to get a lock on G10R at 123.0W. After a couple of hours of 0 success, I put the satellite meter back on.
Well, I realized what a newbie I was, because I put the satellite meter on, pointed the dish back at H1, and then I could see on the TV that the signal was able to pass from the dish, through the meter and into the receiver. Previously, I had thought the meter would prevent the signal from reaching the receiver. Instead, I could use the meter, and also have the signal meter from the receiver displayed on a the TV...so I would know precisely when I had a good quality signal.
Within about 5 minutes using that arrangement, I had a quality reading on G10R, tp 12114000, sr 4444. That quality reading was about 30...but hey...it was a minor success.
Although I was tempted to just tighten all the bolts and declare victory (at last), I remembered reading other posts in this forum and in newgroups about how tp 12114 is supposed to be a blowtorch on this particular satellite. So I did some minor tinkering in the elevation and rotation of the dish. In the best case I got the quality up to 47. Then I remembered another piece of sage wisdom I read on this site (sorry, I forget the author...): when trying to get a signal, make sure to place the lnb in its cradle as far from the dish as possible. I did that, and to my utter shock I had a quality reading of 100!!! It currently dances between 97 and 100 consistently (that is in perfectly clear sky, mind you). Proper placement of that LNB is a vital piece of advice, I wish I had take more seriously. Every newbie should keep that tip in mind!!
With a rock steady lock on tp 12114, I began programming in the other tps as well. I used Iceberg's numbers: 11799 with sr of 26660 and got all of those channels. Then I used the lyngsat numbers for everything else. Although I was pretty fortuitous with tp 12114, I get average quality on the other tps...they're all between about 30 and 50. I could probably tinker more, but considering I've achieved the major goal of adding about 35-40 channels for free, I'm ultra happy. I now have legal and free access to all the US programming I'd watch via expressvu anyway, and I live within a line-of-sight of a CBC tower for NHL games this year (provided CBC ends their strike).So between my FTA dish and an antenna, me, my wife and my kids all have their favorite programming available. Everything we would have watched and paid for is completely replaced (and then some).
I am thrilled. For that, I am extremely grateful. Some people specifically to whom I am greatly indebted are:
Iceberg: you've done so much to help people like me. I really hope you are able to make money at this, because your advice is very, very valuable. Also, your photo is very, very intimidating.
ken2400 and ultratryon: you both have posted your experiences with the viacast visionetics vistar 2000 quantum msr (or whatever the dang thing is called) purchased via eb*y (middletowneng) and for sharing your experiences you made mine easier...despite the challenges I faced.
Given as how I went from never having done FTA to getting a good lock on G10R with the viacast, I couldn't have done it without a lot of help. So to all who posted their experiences, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I've included some pics of my setup. I hope they help others get into the hobby. One thing to note is the elevation of my dish. The calcs on the net all said I should set it to about 25. But you will notice its set around 35...which is a pretty big difference. Maybe that has something to do with how far above sea level you are...I dunno. Just something to keep in mind.
10 Replies
·
2272 views
W_Tracy_Parnell said:Perhaps the longest first post ever.
You can say that again... Welcome to SatelliteGuys
Lifetime Supporter
Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.
119 Replies
·
1888 views
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.
M
Can we expect to see a new coach if we say "pretty please?"
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.
Can we expect to see a new coach if we say "pretty please?"
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Stumbled across this ... http://www.gaspricewatch.com/USGas_ZipSearch.asp
I found no local prices, although it did show stations at my location...
Added these to this post...
USA National Gas Temperature Map
State By State Gasoline Taxes
Gas Buddy
Ethanol Free Stations
I found no local prices, although it did show stations at my location...
Added these to this post...
USA National Gas Temperature Map
State By State Gasoline Taxes
Gas Buddy
Ethanol Free Stations
5556 Replies
·
460843 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
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....
68543 Replies
·
2673942 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_t6DHoWkL4
Direct YouTube Link - iOS Today 825-826
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_t6DHoWkL4
Direct YouTube Link - iOS Today 825-826
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
4 views
Interesting article about the work being done to develope an ATSC 3 converter box. Yes it does mention affordable.
www.tvtechnology.com
Pearl TV Issues Progress Report on Low-Cost 3.0 Converters in Advance of NAB Show New York
Group has secured lower pricing from key tech players to make less costly boxes available
www.tvtechnology.com
4 Replies
·
33 views
Lifetime Supporter
Can't wait to see this:
John Travolta & Robert Carlyle Lead New JFK Assassination Movie in November 1963 Trailer
John Travolta & Robert Carlyle Lead New JFK Assassination Movie in November 1963 Trailer
0 Replies
·
11 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ET_7F3I6C5s
Direct YouTube Link - America's $10 Trillion AI Boom Is Starting to Crack #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ET_7F3I6C5s
Direct YouTube Link - America's $10 Trillion AI Boom Is Starting to Crack #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
7 views
Howdy folks long time no write.
Issue(s): Horizontal transponders (esp. Weigel mux) breakup/mosaic/sputtering audio, JTV less so (but received perfectly up until a month or so ago.
Vertical is fine (Daystar). Up until recently couldn't even get any signal on Weigel Mux but JTV was perfect.
What I did to improve things: A slight westward move improved reception but only slightly (approx 72 on the micro HD, sorry no dB to post). I removed the 3-way C-Band splitter and used a 2-way to get a 1-2 db signal gain ( the power port goes to the Startrak - the micro HD doesn't have enough juice ! (1st clue) even after swapping the switching power supply it came with with a heftier linear 12 V supply (less RFI too !).
I have had issues with the uHD before signal breaking up that a reboot would clear up (clue #2 = dying tuner?) - FYI, I reinforced the IF input and removed all flux from the pcb completely with a Flux Removal Pen (MG Chemicals Cat No. 4140-P) which definitely makes a huge difference.
I went outside and pushed and pulled reflector slightly and no improvement. Pole (actually tower in yard - the neighbours love me..NOT) is plumb, checked with carpenters level. Dish was last peaked in 2017 or so, after overhauling 24" Von Weise, new Acme, fresh grease, etc. Focal length, f/d ratio etc meticulously adjusted. One panel has a tear so planning to repair that this weekend when my cousin comes over ( to help me out (old guy here) forecast calls for sunshine.
What has changed: My utility company has installed new high tension line poles (one smack dab in the middle of 101°W target! But they put it in last year and reception (of JTV (HOR) at least) was fine, BUT when they came out to transfer the wires over this year from the old (sawed in half) pole that's about when the troubles started (coincidence?), but again Daystar (VER) was fine. I always had this pole in the light of sight of 101° before with no issues. (fyi my zenith sat 74° is unobstucted, but can't test)
In the meantime Weigel mux is trying to break in MOSTLY in LATE at night (less cell usage?) (audio not video except for a frame here or there) so don't know what has changed with this mux which suddenly "woke up". I have never had to fuss with dish moves on this satellite ( the slightest move +/- motor clicks loses lock, wheres normally on C-band I can go significantly wider east or west and still have a strong signal ( have these gone "spot beam" or narrower somehow and what is the slight difference in Az listed on Lyngsat to 100.9° affect things ( isn't that the declination i.e. requiring a tweak of declination?).
Long story short (too late, ha), if I had another DVB-S2 box to try and / or a newer more stable PLL lnb ( I have been meaning to upgrade many a time but never got arround to it) I could determine if it's my antiquated receiving equipment, or my dish/feed alignment ( doubtful as it tracks everything from 55 °W to 133 ° W nicely.) or the dreaded 5G! (BUT only on HOR and not VER?).
I read another post where the OP (with his smaller 7.5 footer) played around with the illumination to peak desired transponder and reduce qrm on interfering/ stronger xpndrs (even on 103° W). So will play with that too - and cut away the RG-6 a and pull up a fresh section with new PPC and coax Seal. Open the throat cap see if any cobwebs are there and check servo operation (also changed in last maintence 10 years ago).
Finally, this will probably be the last chance I get to play with the BUD from the looks of it (providers leaving, auctioning off rest of spectrum imminent above 4.0 Ghz, and to keep the peace with neighbours so it would be nice to have that mux back for the long, cold and dark winters to comfort this old man before I call it quits and buy a VHF/UHF/FM Yagi and get MeTV, H&I from my Vermont local stations (checked at a friends today and they come in nicely - except ABC) .
Only one guy in town (Montreal) I may be able to get a receiver or PLL lnb from to try (RPS Sat) so hopefully with elimnate that as a possible culprit. Be nice to pick up a cheap or used PLL lnb to try w/o 5G BPF (money is tight )
Like others I couldn't care less about "tv" (well maybe just a liitle or a lot) it's the challenge that excites me , I can get MeTV other ways OTA (no pirate crap).
So what do you guys (and gals) think ?. p.s. I don't have a spectrum analyzer and there are def/ cell towers nearby (half a Km or so away).
Oh and time permitting will hammer out dings too and wire damaged mesh on one section for an extra dB or two. Hesitate to touch Declination, Elevation and pole mount but will play around with those a little too... Why is this mux for finicky suddenly ?(8psk, 5/6 fec, beamwidthetc.. man wish they went back to VER I think everthing would be fine! For the engineers out here does 5G QRM affect one poliarization (HOR) more than another (VER)? I understand the strong interference swamps out the input mixer/local oscilator in the hapless old C-band lnb (I think it at time affect KU too esp. LPB on 101°W KU - incidentally thos were weak or "gone' but are back almost at the time MeTV improved..hmm Terrestrial interference?
Any thoughts or suggestions ( cheap or free solutions please) greatly appreciated. Cheers.
p.p.s. Micro HD can't display Decades and Toons but records them fine so I can watch on another box/media player (Ali chip set issue). Another reason to upgrade.
Anybody interested in a nice C/KU system free ? (for next Spring/Summer 2027)
[Sami 10' mesh, Corotor II+, Eagle Aspen (very old) C-band lnb, Norsat Ku lnb, Channel Master C/Ku (H/V) switch, Startrak 400 Analog receiver w/ motor control, Geosat uHD DVD-S2, CW600S for Mpeg-2]
Issue(s): Horizontal transponders (esp. Weigel mux) breakup/mosaic/sputtering audio, JTV less so (but received perfectly up until a month or so ago.
Vertical is fine (Daystar). Up until recently couldn't even get any signal on Weigel Mux but JTV was perfect.
What I did to improve things: A slight westward move improved reception but only slightly (approx 72 on the micro HD, sorry no dB to post). I removed the 3-way C-Band splitter and used a 2-way to get a 1-2 db signal gain ( the power port goes to the Startrak - the micro HD doesn't have enough juice ! (1st clue) even after swapping the switching power supply it came with with a heftier linear 12 V supply (less RFI too !).
I have had issues with the uHD before signal breaking up that a reboot would clear up (clue #2 = dying tuner?) - FYI, I reinforced the IF input and removed all flux from the pcb completely with a Flux Removal Pen (MG Chemicals Cat No. 4140-P) which definitely makes a huge difference.
I went outside and pushed and pulled reflector slightly and no improvement. Pole (actually tower in yard - the neighbours love me..NOT) is plumb, checked with carpenters level. Dish was last peaked in 2017 or so, after overhauling 24" Von Weise, new Acme, fresh grease, etc. Focal length, f/d ratio etc meticulously adjusted. One panel has a tear so planning to repair that this weekend when my cousin comes over ( to help me out (old guy here) forecast calls for sunshine.
What has changed: My utility company has installed new high tension line poles (one smack dab in the middle of 101°W target! But they put it in last year and reception (of JTV (HOR) at least) was fine, BUT when they came out to transfer the wires over this year from the old (sawed in half) pole that's about when the troubles started (coincidence?), but again Daystar (VER) was fine. I always had this pole in the light of sight of 101° before with no issues. (fyi my zenith sat 74° is unobstucted, but can't test)
In the meantime Weigel mux is trying to break in MOSTLY in LATE at night (less cell usage?) (audio not video except for a frame here or there) so don't know what has changed with this mux which suddenly "woke up". I have never had to fuss with dish moves on this satellite ( the slightest move +/- motor clicks loses lock, wheres normally on C-band I can go significantly wider east or west and still have a strong signal ( have these gone "spot beam" or narrower somehow and what is the slight difference in Az listed on Lyngsat to 100.9° affect things ( isn't that the declination i.e. requiring a tweak of declination?).
Long story short (too late, ha), if I had another DVB-S2 box to try and / or a newer more stable PLL lnb ( I have been meaning to upgrade many a time but never got arround to it) I could determine if it's my antiquated receiving equipment, or my dish/feed alignment ( doubtful as it tracks everything from 55 °W to 133 ° W nicely.) or the dreaded 5G! (BUT only on HOR and not VER?).
I read another post where the OP (with his smaller 7.5 footer) played around with the illumination to peak desired transponder and reduce qrm on interfering/ stronger xpndrs (even on 103° W). So will play with that too - and cut away the RG-6 a and pull up a fresh section with new PPC and coax Seal. Open the throat cap see if any cobwebs are there and check servo operation (also changed in last maintence 10 years ago).
Finally, this will probably be the last chance I get to play with the BUD from the looks of it (providers leaving, auctioning off rest of spectrum imminent above 4.0 Ghz, and to keep the peace with neighbours so it would be nice to have that mux back for the long, cold and dark winters to comfort this old man before I call it quits and buy a VHF/UHF/FM Yagi and get MeTV, H&I from my Vermont local stations (checked at a friends today and they come in nicely - except ABC) .
Only one guy in town (Montreal) I may be able to get a receiver or PLL lnb from to try (RPS Sat) so hopefully with elimnate that as a possible culprit. Be nice to pick up a cheap or used PLL lnb to try w/o 5G BPF (money is tight )
Like others I couldn't care less about "tv" (well maybe just a liitle or a lot) it's the challenge that excites me , I can get MeTV other ways OTA (no pirate crap).
So what do you guys (and gals) think ?. p.s. I don't have a spectrum analyzer and there are def/ cell towers nearby (half a Km or so away).
Oh and time permitting will hammer out dings too and wire damaged mesh on one section for an extra dB or two. Hesitate to touch Declination, Elevation and pole mount but will play around with those a little too... Why is this mux for finicky suddenly ?(8psk, 5/6 fec, beamwidthetc.. man wish they went back to VER I think everthing would be fine! For the engineers out here does 5G QRM affect one poliarization (HOR) more than another (VER)? I understand the strong interference swamps out the input mixer/local oscilator in the hapless old C-band lnb (I think it at time affect KU too esp. LPB on 101°W KU - incidentally thos were weak or "gone' but are back almost at the time MeTV improved..hmm Terrestrial interference?
Any thoughts or suggestions ( cheap or free solutions please) greatly appreciated. Cheers.
p.p.s. Micro HD can't display Decades and Toons but records them fine so I can watch on another box/media player (Ali chip set issue). Another reason to upgrade.
Anybody interested in a nice C/KU system free ? (for next Spring/Summer 2027)
[Sami 10' mesh, Corotor II+, Eagle Aspen (very old) C-band lnb, Norsat Ku lnb, Channel Master C/Ku (H/V) switch, Startrak 400 Analog receiver w/ motor control, Geosat uHD DVD-S2, CW600S for Mpeg-2]
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392 views
With the microHD connected this afternoon and tuned to the Weigel mux, I can receive the mux well.
My conclusion is that the sensitivity of the receivers in descending order of sensitivity is as follows:
My conclusion is that the sensitivity of the receivers in descending order of sensitivity is as follows:
- V9 Prime (best)
- microHD
- Edision osmio4k+
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I thought I would come here and find lots of complaints about the update to the dish anywhere mobile app, but am not seeing any. It used to look just like the desktop webpage. Now you can no longer filter by sports channels or movie channels. Plus that they made it look like a big button telephone and you see fewer channels in the screen which requires more scrolling. Yes I realize you can look at sports then select which sport you want to look at, I just liked being able to see all sporting events in the guide with all other channels being filtered out. Am I alone in the wilderness on this?
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