Here is my question i have a 8 ft birview mesh dish with a birdview reciver and a gen instrument video cipher II descrambler model 2100e.
I have not used the sytem in about 8-10 years thought about hooking it back up, so i did, to my surprise it was still tracking satellites but some of the pictures have poor quality . I then tried ajusting the dish which made no difference at all, i know my signals are still strong because when a scrambled signal comes up the de scrm box shows a scambled signal and locks in i can see partial pictures . Do i need to upgrade the system or will this one still work . I got this system origanally back in 1986 so i know it is probably outdated and if so what would be the best route for me to go using the equipment i already have, or do i need a new reciver , de-scrambler , or do i just need a new de-scrambler module ? Thanks for any help you can give me..
It's going to take some effort to get your system up to speed to work with a 4DTV receiver, which is what you'll need if you want to view what's left of "consumer" c-band subscription programming. If I recall correctly, the original Birdview receivers and DLNA (the white rectangular box in the center of the dish that collects the signal) were proprietary and only worked with each other. There once was an outfit that could modify the Birdview DLNA to function with non-Birdview receivers, but they would likely be out of business by now.
There are a LOT of details you will have to consider. By no means do I want to dissuade you, but if your system is 100%
original Birdview, it's going to take some time, money, and education. My experience with the Birdview system only comes from the one used by my parents, which is a
solid spun-aluminum type that I upgraded a long time ago. I am not sure how different (if at all) the "mesh" dishes are, other than the physical characteristics of course.
You will want to get a modern LNB to replace the Birdview DLNA. I use a Norsat 8115 on my parents' dish. To attach a new LNB, you will need a feedhorn. Skyvision used to sell a "Birdivew Upgrade Kit" which came with a Pico feedhorn that bolts onto the scaler ring (where the Birdview DLNA attaches). I highly doubt that same Pico feedhorn is available today. In that case, you will need to have a machinist bore out the center of the aluminum scaler ring to make it a bit larger in diameter (so a regular feedhorn throat can fit through).
You have to decide if you want a c-band only, or a c/ku-band system. I am sure everyone on this forum would recommend c/ku-band. I believe what's left of "big dish" consumer programming is found only on c-band. However, if you want to use your dish for MPEG2 FTA reception, having ku ability is greatly advised (more channels to browse). If you go the c/ku route, you will need a ku LNB in addition to the c-band LNB and a dual band feedhorn.
Each LNB requires a coax cable connection....which brings us to the issue of wiring. On my parents' dish, I only have c-band and was able to use the original Birdview wiring (with some slight modifications). The original Birdview wiring included two lines of coax (one for vertical and one for horizontal polarization output from the DLNA). If you're going to invest in a c/ku system, you will need an additional line of wire to power the "servo motor" which is a part of the feedhorn. The servo motor is a device that rotates a probe inside the feedhorn, which alters the polarity of the signal. The original Birdview system did not require a servo motor as both polarities had their own seperate lines running into the receiver. Honestly, the best route for you would be to run an entirely NEW line of cable from the dish to your television and discard the old Birdview wiring. I am sure other Birdview users on this forum would recommend the same.
Finally, you will need to upgrade your actuator. The actuator sends a signal (or pulse) to the receiver indicating what its current position is. This is needed in order to program satellites and track the dish's east/west movement. The original Birdview actuator is not compatible with modern receivers. Skyvision sells a "reed sensor conversion kit." This kit includes the sensor and a magnet wheel which attaches to the worm drive. When the dish moves, the magnet wheel spins and the sensor sends a pulse to the receiver each time it detects a magnet across its surface. You will need either an 8 or a 24-pole magnet wheel depending on the type of motor you are using.
As you can see, there's a lot to consider when it comes up modernizing a Birdview dish to work with today's c/ku-band receivers. They are GREAT dishes, but sadly came with proprietary mechanics. There are a few other Birdview users on this forum who can help in greater detail, provide photographs, discuss other options, and possibly point out places where parts can be ordered from.
Regarding the VCII module....the last consumer analog subscription channels available are supposed to go digital the first of 2009. They "should" be made available to 4DTV users by means of digicipher, which the 4DTV will receive and de-scramble. The era of the Videocipher is pretty much obselete now. That's one issue you shouldn't have to worry about when it comes to upgrades.
Kevin
