 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
FTA FAQs
|
| Dish/ Bev Terminology |
Term: CHARLIE
Alias: Dish, DN, dish net, Chuck, Chucky
Details: Similar to "Dave" for DirecTV, only Charlie Ergen is a real person. He is the CEO of Echostar, the company that owns Dish Network and supplies equipment for Bell ExpressVu.
Term: BEV
Alias: ExpressVu, Bell, XVU, Boris, Boris & Natasha
Details: One of the two satellite providers in Canada. All of their equipment is made by Echostar and they use the Nagravision encryption system (the same used by Dish Network). For testers, this provides the advantage of cross-compatibility for all receivers, cards, etc.
Term: TEST CARD
Alias: cheat card, Rom 2, Rom 3, Rom 10, Rom 11, Atmega, AVR, emulator, Guardian 2, Casper, DSSRev, Rom X
Details: The collective term that refers to any device used to decrypt Dish Network or Bell ExpressVu programming.
Term: ATMEGA
Alias: none
Details: A black (although sometimes blue) card with an Atmel chip that is designed to simulate the functions of a smart card. The unit completely replaces the smartcard and requires no additional equipment other than a special inexpensive programmer. It is the most commonly used method of testing.
Term: AVR
Alias: AVR3, AVR6, AVR8, AVR9
Details: Stands for Audio Video Replicator. A card that fits into the card acceptor on the receiver that requires the original smartcard to be attached to it. It is a stand-alone unit that contains an Atmel chip and programmer. It uses the smartcard to acquire essential receiver information but allows the user to open all available channels.
Term: PLASTIC
Alias: Rom 2, Rom 3, Rom 10, Rom 11, E3M
Details: Dish Network or Bell ExpressVu smart cards that have been hacked and re-programmed to receive all available channels.
Term: EMULATION
Alias: WinVu, cemu
Details: Instead of using stand-alone cards, the receiver is hooked to a computer via a card-sized interface that is inserted into the receiver card slot. Software programs such as WinVu (Windows-based) or Cemu (DOS-based) allow the computer to mimic the functions of a smart card.
Term: IRD
Alias: receiver
Details: Stands for Integrated Receiver Decoder. It is your receiver.
Term: CAM
Alias: card, smartcard, access card
Details: Stands for Conditional Access Module. It is the smart card produced by Dish Network or Bell ExpressUu.
Term: TIERS
Alias: none
Details: Levels of programming that can be purchased by Dish or BEV subscribers that correspond to program packages.
Term: JTAG
Alias: none
Details: Stands for Joint Team Action Group. It is a simple device made of five resistors and a DB-25 connector that, when attached to specific points on the IRD mother board, allows the receiver to communicate with a computer.
Term: bJTAGi
Alias: buffered JTAG
Details: A JTAG device with a power supply (buffer) that some believe is more appropriate for programming a receiver with a computer than the simple JTAG device. There is considerable debate on this issue but in the end it is a matter of personal preference. |
|
| Multiswitch ABCs |
Pass through types:
The voltage and 22KHz tone stop at the built-in A/B switches. They have done their job by picking the satellite and the polarity. When one limits the number of satellites to view and then decides that 4 outputs are not enough because he wants to recorder (Tivo) at the four locations, one needs to expand the system, and to accommodate this one can add a pass-through type multiswitch. The four outputs of the first 5x4 (pass-through) that device and become the inputs of the next 5x4 multiswitch. The pass-through multiswitch is the only one that will allow the receiver control voltages for the A/B switches (22KHz too) to operate the next series of multiswitches. These are sometimes referred to as cascadable multiswitch. These are more expensive and have limited use except for Dish Pro installations (the DP34 is a pass-through device).
Here are some names for multiswitches that are not prevalent in this country….yet. Some prices are less than half from last month.
9 x 4 Switch-X (Giga 9024) ($200.78)
13 x 4 Chess ($214.25)
17 x 4 Ankaro DK (limited to quad inputs or 4 satellites + 1 terrestrial)
17 x 8 Gigant ($375)
17 x 12 Gigant ($564.60)
17 x 16 Gigant ($672.40/ half price sale)
Prices vary from the hundreds of dollars to the thousands of dollars, for each system (layout).
Just when you think you know all you need to know we throw in the special DP34 switch. It operates on a pass through basis, works with DP LNBs, which comes in single, dual, or quad choices. If one wanted to hook up 2 sats to 4 receivers (119 & 110), or (82 &91) using a DP34 would be the simplest route. No other switches would be required. Once you surpass the two sats to something greater, or increase the number of receivers over 4, then things get a little more complicated, hence the many varieties of multiswitches, with multiple inputs and outputs. (See Goodq’s Pansat 2500A receiver Testing manual, rev. 6 for many diagrams using 22KHz switches. There are many contributors on various hardware problems, no matter what the receiver.)
Common system diagrams from simple switches to multiple switches.:
Originally Posted by JCuesta
I have 3 pansat 2500 receivers running with (2) 18 inch dishes that have single lnb.
Stevesxm:
simple... you need two eagle aspen dtv 3 x 4 multi switches and 3 diseqe switches--------
See drawing four, 2 satellites for 3 receivers (two versions).
|
|
| Proper installation tips |
Reading the forums seems to indicate that some people are experiencing problems that may be attributed to improper cable runs and other hardware difficulties. Below are a few good rules to follow for proper satellite viewing (borrowed from here and there). I hope this helps make you aware how important a proper installation is to your viewing experience.
Proper satellite cable installation tips;
1. Make sure all connections are correct and each connection is seated/tightened properly.
2. Inspect the inside of each cable end for dirt or possible case/shield shorts.
3. Make sure the Azimuth, Elevation & Tilt (skew) angles are specific to your zip code.
4. Make sure the mast is plumb/straight by checking with a level. (this can cause major alignment difficulty)
5. Remove any existing TV specific components, such as TV splitters, etc. Such components may not work with the satellite signal and may be in the wall or attic where you can’t see them. When in doubt, run RG6 cable directly to your receiver.
6. Make sure there are no obstructions (trees, buildings, corner or overhang of your roof)
7. Your LNB depends on your receiver to supply power, so, the longer the cable length to the lnb, the greater the DC voltage drop.
8. Your receiver depends on the antenna ( dish) to supply signal; the longer the cable run, the greater the signal amplitude attenuation.
9. RG6 cable lengths of more than 100ft. should be avoided if possible.
10. RG6 cable w/solid copper center conductor is preferred, due to it lower voltage drop compared to RG6 w/steel center conductor.
11. RG59 causes too much drop and signal loss; it can NOT be used to pass the signal. RG6 coaxial cable MUST be used.
12. Make sure the satelliete cable is connected to “Sat in” or “LNB in” and NOT to “antenna in” of your receiver.
13. Last but not least, some after-market, off the shelf components may NOT be as advertised. When in doubt, remove such components, and go back to a basic straight cable installation and verify signal.
For installations where cable runs exceed 150 ft., you need to use an AC power booster module as well as an additional RF signal amplifier to compensate signal amplitude loss. Otherwise your antenna and receiver may not work properly, causing erratic behavior and outages, or system reboots.
Other problems that may be overlooked include a loose dish that can be blown out of alignment from a heavy wind. Heavy snow accumulation is also a concern for northerners during winter months. Tree foliage growth into an antenna’s line-of- site may also result in signal loss. These are just a few common problems to look for that can make your equipment appear as if it isn’t functioning properly. As always read, read, read and familiarize yourself with your equipment and installation. This will ensure a personal sense of satisfaction and your continued, pleasurable viewing experience.
Keep the hobby alive, “pay it forward” and share your experiences with others...__________________
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
