Free-View

bouncerbb · 07-05-2004 10:21pm #1

Hi all,

I have a free view box, bought it in Italy while I lived there, came here and no-one heard about it, but I am sure I just asked the wrong people!
My sister just gave me her dish (I am very poor) and she is using some digi thing, anyhow I stuck up the dish, conected me box, connected that to me TV card on the PC and after a bit of twiddling here and moving there I got a nice signal, sometimes 30%, sometimes 80%, I don't mind that really, but all I am getting are spannish, german, dutch, Italian and French programs, how do I get the english ones?

I have pointed it a little to the SS/East and am picking up on Astra and Hotbird, can't find anything else really, but I know it can be done, my father got it for his, but he got some techie guy out to do it for him, surely one can do it themselves?

What about all those BBC's you are talking about?

Fustrated, but happy I can atleast get SKY News and CNN and MTV (in German).

Any ideas welcome

Mossy Monk · 07-05-2004 10:52pm

you are looking for Astra 2 at 28.2° East

as you stand behind the dish move it to the left and lower the elevation

do it slowly and hopefully you should get a signal

bouncerbb · 07-05-2004 11:03pm

Thanks Mossy,

Only issue with this is I don't have Astra 2 showing up on the box, only Hotbird, Eutelsat, Serius, Thor, Astra 28 and 19 I think, a few user defined but I am not sure how to set these if I had to.

How do I get Astra 2 to show up so I can atleast check the signal?

sergeant121 · 08-05-2004 8:50pm

Originally posted by bouncerbb
Thanks Mossy,

Only issue with this is I don't have Astra 2 showing up on the box, only Hotbird, Eutelsat, Serius, Thor, Astra 28 and 19 I think, a few user defined but I am not sure how to set these if I had to.

How do I get Astra 2 to show up so I can at least check the signal?

The Astra 2 satellites you are looking for are at 28.2ºE - so it looks like the 'Astra 28' which shows up on your box is the one you want (judging by the channels you have now, it is almost certain you are currently on the Astra 1 cluster of satellites at 19.2ºE [Astra 19 on your box?]).

With a bit of patience, 'left a bit and down a bit' may do the job!

bouncerbb · 09-05-2004 7:08am

Thanks all,
I am making progress, I got Eurobird1 at 28.5° East, all I need to do now is move it .3°!!!
I had no idea it was so sensitive!!

halkar · 09-05-2004 8:09am

If you are getting Eurobird1, you should be able to get Astra28 at the same location, try some Astra PIDs from lyngsat's web site

bouncerbb · 09-05-2004 8:13am

Doing that as we speak...

Will let you know

bouncerbb · 09-05-2004 10:01am

I am still very sad, not as sad as before mind you, I am 3 days now turning this dish and configurating this box and my story so far is that I am pointing to Eurobird1, well it seems like eurobird 1, all the channels I get are all on the site in that order, none of the Astra 2 can be found yet.
I tried those PID's but to no avail.
Is it possible that I am still pointing to the wrong satellite?

Then again, I can't seem to find FEC on my Box and it does not seem to pick up anything on the 22000 thingy

halkar · 09-05-2004 12:15pm

Seeing that you can't see pic more than 22000 FEC I doubt you will get much, as most of the channels are around 27500FEC on Eurobird1 and if you can see Eurobird1 you should be able to get BBCs at 10.773H 22000. Also try 10.787V, 10.803H and 10.818V for various BBC regions. All at 22000 FEC.

bouncerbb · 09-05-2004 12:32pm

Which brings me back to my point, there are no 22750 on Astra 2D only 22000, which could also mean that I am not pointing to Astra at all.

halkar · 09-05-2004 12:39pm

How do you know you are pointing to Eurobird1? Are you getting any channels on Eurobird1? I doubt you will find any FEC 22000 but if you are getting any channels on Eurobird1 you don't need to move your dish for Astra2s. What channels do you get now? You could be pointing to Astra19e which is full of German and Italian channels or you could also be hitting to Hotbirds, these sattelites sometime have same PIDs for channels so it is easy to get confused. Try doing a search of channels that you are receiving on lyngsat and see what sattelite they are on. Most of these birds are very close to each other and easy to get mixed.

bouncerbb · 09-05-2004 1:32pm

I am getting the horror channel this is why I think I am on eurobird 1, because on the site it mentions that they are on eurobird 1 at 28.5°.

I will try moving and gooving until I get it.

halkar · 09-05-2004 2:30pm

The Horror Channel is on Eurobird1 11.221 H 27500. You shouldn't have problem getting the other channels on Eurobird1 or Astra2. Maybe your box have limitations. Even my sky box gets bbc channels but not the channels on 27500 due FEC limitations.

bouncerbb · 09-05-2004 3:27pm

Lost everything now, even can't find hotbird anymore, 3.5 days is too long for this messin.

I am giving up, gonna stay with old reliable RTE and DVD's.

Thanks all for your help.

Zaphod · 10-05-2004 8:56am

Unless you have a huge dish (5M or more), the beamwidth of the dish will be much too large to distinguish between Eurobird and Astra 2D. In other words, if you are able to receive the Horror channel at a decent signal strength, then don't move the dish anymore- you are already 'on' Astra 2D. That you can't get BBC is likely down to 2 possibilities:

1) Do a full search (both FTA + scrambled channels) - sometimes even if the channel is FTA, it will be tagged as scrambled.

2) The transponders for BBC may not have been preprogrammed into the default database of the receiver. So for example, enter Freq 10.773GHz, polarity Horizontal, Symbol Rate 22000, FEC 5/6 and then try a transponder (TP) search for BBC1,2,3,4,N24 etc.

bouncerbb · 10-05-2004 9:56am

Thanks Zaphod,

I got it back to Eurobird, I keep forgetting how sensitive it is!

Still can't get the BBC on 22000 5/6 FTE as there is no option to set the FTE on the box I have, only the 25750 and 22000 option, but no 5/6, so I assume is it set on 2/3?
Could you tell me a little about the MHZ?
They are shown on the site completely different than what my box is picking them up as, example the horror channel is on the site as 11222 but my box picks it up as 10218 and a few other times on different freq's.
What is a transponder (TP) search? I don't see that on me box either, the box is new so there is no reason why these options should not be on it, I am sure it is something very somple but atleast now I am atleast sure I am pointing towards the right bird!

bouncerbb · 10-05-2004 10:13am

You know Zaphod, something is beginning to make sence now, you wrote:
Freq 10.773GHz
My box only gives me the option to write the MHZ... don't suppose that matters does it?
I am putting in 10773 mhz

Zaphod · 10-05-2004 11:49am

Originally posted by bouncerbb
You know Zaphod, something is beginning to make sence now, you wrote:
Freq 10.773GHz
My box only gives me the option to write the MHZ... don't suppose that matters does it?
I am putting in 10773 mhz

No, 10773 MHz = 10.773 GHz. Just make sure you put in the other details (SR, FEC) as well.

Also, it might be worth checking the frequency range on you LNB, especially if it's an old one - usually it's written on the LNB itself. It should be 10.7 - 12.75 GHz.

Zaphod · 10-05-2004 12:06pm

Originally posted by bouncerbb
Still can't get the BBC on 22000 5/6 FTE as there is no option to set the FTE on the box I have, only the 25750 and 22000 option, but no 5/6, so I assume is it set on 2/3?

A lot of boxes have auto-FEC i.e. they automatically set the Forward Error Correction, so you don't have to worry about it. However, the fact that your receiver looks like it's crippled (only 2 possible Symbol rate settings) might mean that the FEC is also limited to 2/3. If so, then you have no hope of receiving BBC. Is it picking up any channels that don't have an FEC of 2/3?

Could you tell me a little about the MHZ?
They are shown on the site completely different than what my box is picking them up as, example the horror channel is on the site as 11222 but my box picks it up as 10218 and a few other times on different freq's.[/B]

It might be giving a different frequency from the one listed on the site if the Local Oscillator setting is wrong - should be 9750 MHz and 10600 Mhz for a universal lnb. However, under no cirumstances should it read a different frequency every single time. Something is seriously wrong with the receiver if it is.

What is a transponder (TP) search? I don't see that on me box either, the box is new so there is no reason why these options should not be on it, I am sure it is something very somple but atleast now I am atleast sure I am pointing towards the right bird! [/B]

A TP search only searches on that freqency (eg. 10773 MHz), in contrast to a full search (or auto-search) which searches all frequencies (10744, 10773, 10788 etc.)

What is the brand and model number of the receiver?

bouncerbb · 10-05-2004 12:34pm

However, the fact that your receiver looks like it's crippled (only 2 possible Symbol rate settings) might mean that the FEC is also limited to 2/3. If so, then you have no hope of receiving BBC. Is it picking up any channels that don't have an FEC of 2/3?

Not exactly, I can type in any SRS, I noticed today it is picking up a 22000 - 5/6 (Kingston 1) So there is no problems with that, all the 27500 - 2/3 are coming out fine too.

My LNB, I know is an Amstrad, very old, I am not taking it down to check the Frequecy it takes way too long to re-align, but I imagine it to be 10 GHZ as these were the old types.

The box does show a completely different freq every time, about 253 - 255 in the difference, example:
11222 on the site shows up as 10969 on the box
11135 on the site shows up as 11390 on the box
11293 on the site shows up as 10546 on the box
Assuming this is a count error, one would try:
10773 on the site should show up as 10518 on the box
Not a hope!

My Box is a SAT+ Digital Satellite Receiver, DVB X8.1 Free-View, I assume SAT+ is the model.

Zaphod · 10-05-2004 1:36pm

Originally posted by bouncerbb

My LNB, I know is an Amstrad, very old, I am not taking it down to check the Frequecy it takes way too long to re-align, but I imagine it to be 10 GHZ as these were the old types.

The box does show a completely different freq every time, about 253 - 255 in the difference, example:
11222 on the site shows up as 10969 on the box

If you're sure the LNB is the old type with a Local Oscillator (LO) value of 10 GHz, then that's your problem. It can only go down as far as 10950 MHz (FSS band). This would account for the difference of 250 Mhz between what you see on the receiver and on the web (LO: 10000 - 9750 = 250 MHz!).

To be 100% sure, you'll have to climb up the ladder to check the LNB freq range - no need to take down the lnb or to realign the dish, just look at the values.

Two possible solutions:
1) Buy a frequency extender (little box that sits between receiver and LNB) and will extend the frequency range down to 10700 Mhz.
2) Buy a universal LNB - about €20.

Option 2 is by far the better way to go. You'd probably find it difficult to even source a frequency extender these days.

bouncerbb · 11-05-2004 11:34am

Hello again,

Ok I took her down, ladders are not easy to come by here.
She does not say anywhere what the LO is

But it does read AMSTRAD, SLB1, 1303 - 10052

I am buying a universial LNB tomorrow.

Do you know what those codes mean and how relevant they could be to my problem?

Zaphod · 11-05-2004 12:23pm

Originally posted by bouncerbb

But it does read AMSTRAD, SLB1, 1303 - 10052

I am buying a universial LNB tomorrow.

Do you know what those codes mean and how relevant they could be to my problem?

The 10052 probably refers to the LO. Dunno about 1303 (noise figure? 1.303 dB???).

SLB1 is the model number.

Google is your friend!

http://groups.google.ie/groups?q=slb1+lnb&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search

Use it as a paper weight and buy a universal LNB!

bouncerbb · 11-05-2004 1:04pm

I won't even use it as a paper weight!

Well that sorts it then, at-least we learned something, the old Amstrad's are not digital and cannot pick up BBC.

I will buy the LNB tomorrow and let you know how well it worked

I have become an ecpert in aligning this thing, I got it back up and running in two minutes, perhaps just luck!

I heard something like the LNB's have to suit the shape of the dish or something, I hope I don't have this problem tomorrow!

Well that's me for today, I am going to relax and watch the Horror channel!

And thanks Zaphod.

Greenman · 11-05-2004 2:19pm

I heard something like the LNB's have to suit the shape of the dish or something, I hope I don't have this problem tomorrow!

If you can bring the LNB and holder to the shop, do you know the make of the dish? maybe this was covered!!!

Well that's me for today, I am going to relax and watch the Horror channel!

Well you'll have to wait till 6pm!!!!

Zaphod · 11-05-2004 3:01pm

Originally posted by bouncerbb
Well that sorts it then, at-least we learned something, the old Amstrad's are not digital and cannot pick up BBC.

Strictly speaking, there's no such thing an an analogue or digital LNB. It's just that different types of LNBs have different frequency ranges.

I heard something like the LNB's have to suit the shape of the dish or something, I hope I don't have this problem tomorrow!

If your dish looks like most of the dishes in Ireland (solid aluminium, with slightly longer vertical major axis vs. horizontal minor axis), then you need an Offset Universal LNB* (which 90% of the LNBs available are). The LNB will be focussed offset to the centre of the dish (hence the name).

The other main types are the weird Sky ones for the highly elliptical (long horizontal major axis vs. short vertical minor axis) mesh "dishes" Sky provide with digiboxes.

C120 types which have a separate feedhorn and LNB. The feedhorn generally comes with the circular dish, as the dimensions of the feedhorn depend on the dimensions of the dish. Focussed on the centre of the dish. Dish size >1.2 M.

Prime focus. Separate feedhorn and LNB(s) for different bands, and often a mechanical/ferrite polarizer. Adjustable scalar rings to account for different circular dish sizes. Focussed on the centre of the dish (i.e. prime focus). Dishes > 2M.

*LNBF is more accurate - indicates the feedhorn and LNB are combined.

bouncerbb · 11-05-2004 3:43pm

Zaphod,

You are indeed well up on these issues, I cannot but awe in wonder!

I seem to have the old sky dish, the meshy one, I will see what happens tomorrow.

Hi greenman, yes I knew that I had to wait till 6, it was not literate, I just wanted to say I was content with the current situation, I am not bringing anything to the shop as I believe that we may finally have figured out the issue.

I will let you know by tomorrow sometime.

Now, in about two hours, I will watch scary movie and I will be happy with that for now.

Zaphod, what did you do with poor mervin?

bouncerbb · 14-05-2004 2:10pm

Dear Halkar, Zaphod and Greenman and everyone else who participated.

Persistance was the key for this problem, got the LNBF today, replaced it, tuned it and am now sitting down watching all the BBC's from Astra 2A/2B/2D and everything from Eurobird 1 at 28.2°E - for Free!

Sorry about my last post, I had a bit of wine that night.

Happy days to you all!

bouncerbb · 14-05-2004 5:04pm

Can anyone make out what this is

Capt'n Midnight · 14-05-2004 5:53pm

It's completly out of focus - try again with the camera further back !

but it looks like the LNB's that came around the time of hte SRD 510's (check the model of the receiver) and is NOT universal.

Also the frequency in LNB setup will be something like 10950 or was it 9950 - ie. different to modern ones - (might have a look at home - written on one like it) it should get BBC or RAI OK as they are at the lower end of the bands

bouncerbb · 14-05-2004 6:15pm

It is the old LNB I put in the bin.

It was an old Amstrad SLB1.

I bought a new Universial for 50 Euro and that gets BBC perfectly now and I am happy eating burgers and drinking milk watching "A question of Sport" on BBC 1 NI

Free-View

Comments