General Instrument DSR-4200V

[olliec420]

Im looking at buying a GI DSR-4200V. Says its working and used, pics show the LED on front panel lit up. Anything I can do with this? I ask first now since of that last debacle I have with that DSR-550 that was NIB and never activated

 

[eurosport]

Im looking at buying a GI DSR-4200V. Says its working and used, pics show the LED on front panel lit up. Anything I can do with this? I ask first now since of that last debacle I have with that DSR-550 that was NIB and never activated

Pretty much similar situation with these. I have a 4200V. It picks up a lot of DCII goodies up there! Thing is, it needs to be one that was previously authorized for something or you've got a doorstop. Ask Iceberg about his. (sorry Ice!)
B.J. is very knowledgeable about these too.
(This needs to be in the 4DTV/DCII area. )

 

[Mr Tony]

yeah I havent had good luck with those

2 threads in regards to it
http://www.satelliteguys.us/4dtv-discussion/185440-got-dsr-4200-today.html
http://www.satelliteguys.us/free-air-fta-discussion/204111-did-i-just-get-4200v-doorstop.html

 

[Tron]

The best receivers for the DCII stuff are the Digitrans 7100/7150, as they don't have to be previously subbed to get the ZK or FP DCII. They also receive DVB, and the 7150 does 4:2:2. These are broadcast-grade professional rackmount receivers, so they are built like a tank ...

 

[B.J.]

Im looking at buying a GI DSR-4200V. Says its working and used, pics show the LED on front panel lit up. Anything I can do with this? I ask first now since of that last debacle I have with that DSR-550 that was NIB and never activated

If the 4200V has been "used", then it's probably OK, since it will have been previously authorized. I guess it's a question of whether you trust the seller that it has been used. Perhaps he could take a picture of the TV screen tuning an FP channel for you, or even a ZK channel. That NET mux on G28 has both ZK and FP channels.
If it has been authorized, it should tune "most" FP and ZK channels out there with all the common SR values, and with any freq, unlike most 4DTVs that limit you to freq/SR values they are mapped to. The only caveat is that the 4200 will only play channels if the vct info in the signal is correct. Most DCII transponders include a channel table which have the FREQ/SR/FEC/SID info for each channel, and that is what the 4200 uses to build it's list of channels. With some of the recent DCII signals that migrated off AMC11 to other sats, they apparently left the AMC11 VCT in there, so when I'd lock the signal, it would try tuning to the freq on AMC11, and I'd lose lock. More expensive receivers didn't have this problem, but there didn't seem to be a workaround on the 4200. THis is a rare situation though.
Another limitation of the 4200V is that it won't lock the combo mode or megapipe, on the 29270 SR signals. It only does the I/Q mode on 29270.
Another limitation is that the 4200 is NOT very user friendly. I think it takes something like 50-60 keystrokes plus several minutes of waiting, to tune in to a new VCT, when changing from one network to another.
Personally, I use my Genpix more than my 4200 receivers (I also have a "B" version), but the Genpix doesn't do FP, only ZK. But since the 4200 receivers are pretty cheap on ebay, it is a pretty cheap way to get access to the majority of FP/ZK signals out there, such as the numerous music channels. That is _IF_ it has previously been authorized. Also, you do need a remote with a time button. There are JP1 codes for the remote if one isn't included though.

 

[olliec420]

thanks for all the info, its on fleabay if any of yall want to look, at .99 cents now

I'll prolly wait and see if i can find a digitrans like tron said

 

[Corrado]

If it's only a few bucks I guess those 4200Vs are worth a gamble as long as you have a remote. It seems like the Digitrans units normally sell for big money and shipping. Are the really heavy? Someday I'll have one.

I spent a rainy afternoon last week while pointed at AMC11 with my 4200V and it was working great. It even was finding a channel my 4D receiver wasn't. I still haven't figured that out but, BJ's explanation helps me understand that. It maps in the muxes within a few minutes. Mine has the 00030 FW.

Before I knew better I had selected the left "authorization reset" in the menu instead of the master reset. Luckily it didn't make mine a doorstop. I've read it can like resetting the Voom boxes.

 

[B.J.]

thanks for all the info, its on fleabay if any of yall want to look, at .99 cents now

I'll prolly wait and see if i can find a digitrans like tron said

The Digitrans thing is certainly more capable, but it is also going to cost you a LOT more, so the question is, do you really want to invest a lot of money for a receiver that does DCII and DVB-S when DCII is quickly going away, and more and more is going to DVB-S2. I wish I had a Digitrans, but I don't think I'd invest a lot in one.

It's interesting though. I DID go over to Ebay to look at that unit and others.
The one that's listed as $.99 shows a channel up on it's display, although I don't recognize the channel number, but that does seem like it may well have been used, plus the tape on the top makes it look old. I'm betting that it would work. Also, it has a picture of the name, showing 4200V, so you know you're getting a 4200V.
On the other hand, I noticed a couple other auctions from a "STUFFONLINE", which is also advertised as being 4200V units, however the pictures the show are for a 4200C unit, not a 4200V, and I thing the "C" version will only get like 3 SR values, not the whole range of SRs. They also show a channel number on the screen, and it's a channel that corresponded to the SCETV channels that correspond to where the seller claimed to have obtained them, so they probably work too. However the 4200C is MUCH more limited compared to the 4200V. That fellow is also trying to sell a lot of 55 of those 4200C receivers for $950. At first I thought he was trying to get $950 for just one, but I guess he figures that they're worth about $17 each. I'm guessing that some of them are C models, some are V models, because SC schools used both, so you'd be taking your chances buying just one. But for $0.99 + $24 shipping, it might be worth the risk. BTW, I paid close to $1200 for MY 4200V, and it was well worth it for me, as I watched a LOT of PBS on it over the years. My 4200B cost me $40 used. But both are almost obsolete now.


EDIT: I forgot one negative thing about all three 4200 auctions though, and that is that they don't say whether it comes with a remote, and there isn't one pictured. I'd ask about that before bidding.

 

[olliec420]

The Digitrans thing is certainly more capable, but it is also going to cost you a LOT more, so the question is, do you really want to invest a lot of money for a receiver that does DCII and DVB-S when DCII is quickly going away, and more and more is going to DVB-S2. I wish I had a Digitrans, but I don't think I'd invest a lot in one.

Oh yeah good call i didnt think about that. Think they'll ever bring 4D back for dvb-s2 and HD and all the new goodness or probably not?

 

[B.J.]

If it's only a few bucks I guess those 4200Vs are worth a gamble as long as you have a remote. It seems like the Digitrans units normally sell for big money and shipping. Are the really heavy? Someday I'll have one.

I spent a rainy afternoon last week while pointed at AMC11 with my 4200V and it was working great. It even was finding a channel my 4D receiver wasn't. I still haven't figured that out but, BJ's explanation helps me understand that. It maps in the muxes within a few minutes. Mine has the 00030 FW.

Before I knew better I had selected the left "authorization reset" in the menu instead of the master reset. Luckily it didn't make mine a doorstop. I've read it can like resetting the Voom boxes.

I did that authorization reset once myself by accident, and it didn't get me either. I'm not positive whether I hit "time" or the regular "enter" key, or whatever it's called. Maybe I lucked out hitting the wrong key (not sure which is RIGHT for that function, and don't want to find out).
Re things the 4DTV couldn't get that the 4200 could, for years, the SCETV signal was a good example. It was on an odd freq that even with the generics you couldn't hit. They used to have nearly 100 channels, although I think they were actually 50 channels duplicated, and all but 1 or 2 just had slates up, but there were some unique things on there you couldn't find elsewhere.

I like my 4200, but I generally use my Genpix. It only does ZK, but it does so many other modes that it's my main receiver. I just wish that there was a way to tell if a channel was FP from looking at the TSREADER output from the Genpix. That way I could surf around with the Genpix looking for free channels, then if I find one, I could view it on the 4200, but I can't see any way to tell. The FP channels look scrambled just like the really scrambled ones.

But anyway, given the choice between a 4200 or Digitrans and a Genpix, I think I'd invest in the Genpix first, since it does DSS and turbo mode QPSK/8PSK in addition to DVB-S and ZK DCII.

 

[eurosport]

The best receivers for the DCII stuff are the Digitrans 7100/7150, as they don't have to be previously subbed to get the ZK or FP DCII. They also receive DVB, and the 7150 does 4:2:2. These are broadcast-grade professional rackmount receivers, so they are built like a tank ...

Yes, I also have the 7150, and it does HD too with the HDD-1000 decoder and ASI out.
I lucked up BIG TIME and got the DTE-7150 for $75 and the HDD-1000 for $50, both off fleabay.

 

[Tron]

Yep, Eurosport, I remember the HDD-1000 for $50, that was a serious bargain! The 7150 for $75 wasn't shabby either ...

 

[wildbill47]

Sc tv

I called sctv and found ot that they discontinued the DSR4200 receiver 1 year ago and went DVB. I was told that their receiver is Pansat. Now I know what keeps Pansat in business with their legal problems dish created.
I just received a 4200c from fleabay could not find 4200v. Want to test music channels. Motorola just remapped my 4dtv receiver removing DMX audio.
Found a company that sells exact remote controls for 4200 and ordered one hope it pays off. $30 for receiver and $40 for remote.

 

[wildbill47]

DSR-4200 need help

I have reprogrammed it for G14 3895 IF 1255 ghz and get a lock. Music choice.
channels map but no audio ? Does the receiver need a hit to work ?
Tried AMC18 105 3880 if of 1270 and got a lock. Decoder light came on for both.
Noticed there was a audio rest in Diagnostic but does nothing ?
What is the best starting point to test receiver ?

 

[Mr Tony]

sounds like you have a doorstop unless you can somehow get a hit

I had the same issue
http://www.satelliteguys.us/free-air-fta-discussion/204111-did-i-just-get-4200v-doorstop.html

 

[B.J.]

I have reprogrammed it for G14 3895 IF 1255 ghz and get a lock. Music choice.
channels map but no audio ? Does the receiver need a hit to work ?
Tried AMC18 105 3880 if of 1270 and got a lock. Decoder light came on for both.
Noticed there was a audio rest in Diagnostic but does nothing ?
What is the best starting point to test receiver ?

Did you reset to factory conditions (pushing time button)? (Not the reset authorization or whatever it's called, ie the one on the right.)

You shouldn't need a "hit" to get anything, but the receiver needs to have been authorized at least once in the past. I find it hard to believe that a "C" version could be around that long and never have been authorized.

Basically, what I'm guessing is that you just went into tune, entered the parameters, and hit tune, and got a lock. This generally won't work, unless it was previously tuned to another transponder on that same network.

What did you mean by " Noticed there was a audio rest in Diagnostic"...... oh... DUH... I bet you meant test, not rest? If that test is what I remember, if you can't hear the audio test, then I think that suggests a hardware problem. I had one of my stereo channels go out once, and couldn't hear it on the test either. Had to send the receiver in for repair.
However, in order for that option to do anything, I think you have to hit "7" after you enable the audio test.


What channel numbers did you try to tune? Did you by chance try channel 150-151? Did you ever see video, blinking on and off???

What did it say down at the bottom right in diagnostics "B"? I'm getting some very strange readings on that page. Ie usually it says "ZK" down there, but today it's saying "MS" ???? I don't know what that means. Never did that before. Wierd.

HOWEVER, a suggestion.

Hit options ---- 3(customize) ------5(A/V options)
then at the top, if none of the 3 languages are selected, try selecting "ENGLISH" (or one of the other languages... doesn't matter). Ie sometimes the 4200 gets in a mode where it doesn't know what language you want, so it doesn't give you any audio. Mine did this just today. It might have something to do with the strange MS mode.

Anyway, I'd find it real strange if a C version wouldn't work. To not work, you'd have to have a new, never used receiver, and it doesn't seem likely that there are any new C versions out there, but you never know.

 

[B.J.]

wildbill47

I'm curious whether you tried the 4200 again. I really think it's likely that your 4200 can receiver the music channels and other free channels. But I also find it strange that after never running into anyone with a 4200 that wouldn't receive ZK/FP for over a decade, all of a sudden people are reporting that their receivers aren't working because they were never authorized. I can understand that maybe a batch of new never authorized 4200V receivers might have come out of the woodwork, but I really find it unusual that there would be a batch of 4200C or B versions show up that haven't been authorized. I'm also still curious about the strange MS mode I ran into while checking out that mux. I was half wondering if there was something strange about the way that mux is configured that's causing the behavior in the 4200C, but I haven't gone back to check that out again to see if it's still in MS mode, and perhaps try my 4200B version on the mux.

 

[B.J.]

Well, went back to try my 4200B on that music mux.


Turns out that my 4200B has finally lost it's battery. {It must be over 15 years old, so it's out-lived it's expected life span. My "V" version had the battery changed about 3 or 4 years ago, so it still has 10 years left I guess, although I'm sure there won't be anything left for it to view by then.}


Receiver comes on and runs, but the UID is all zeros except for the last 3 digits.
Receiver locks onto the MUX, but everything comes up as unavailable, whether it's FP or ZK or MS or what.
So I guess that one of my 2 4200 receivers is a doorstop now, although I might save it for parts, in case my "V" goes bad. Speaking of which, it now thinks that it is a "V" version, at least in the diagnostic screen. It only does the "B" version SRs though.

I went back to my 4200V, and it is still showing MS for all those music channels. I looked up the meaning for MS, and it is "Missing Status". Not sure why that mux is doing that. Must be configured wrong. the channels still play fine despite being labeled wrong though.

Anyway, I was curious what a previously authorized 4200 would do if it's battery went bad, and I just found out. Ie doorstop.:rant:

 

[Tron]

Might be a good idea to "piggyback" a new battery on your 4200V before it goes out as well. These receivers are starting to get old enough that the batteries will be dying shortly...

 

[eurosport]

Might be a good idea to "piggyback" a new battery on your 4200V before it goes out as well. These receivers are starting to get old enough that the batteries will be dying shortly...

Yeah, after I read this last night, I plugged in my 4200V to make sure it's still OK and it is. :up