Analog Receiver

reho33 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 04:15 PM

I am getting a free Houston Tracker V from a friend. I was suprised at the amount(yet small) of NTSC channels on Ku (some on C also). Is this a good receiver to slave off my Fortec? Or is there another type of analog receiver that I could get that would fill the bill?

rainman · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 04:21 PM

houston tracker were top of the line receivers in their days it should fit the bill just fine.

pmb1010 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 04:39 PM

make sure you get the remote control

reho33 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 09:56 AM

Friend said that the remote was lost but that it was easy to get them 2nd hand. Also, I guess there are no "blind scan" functions on this receiver, how do you go about "looking" for active analog signals?

rainman · #5 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reho33

Friend said that the remote was lost but that it was easy to get them 2nd hand. Also, I guess there are no "blind scan" functions on this receiver, how do you go about "looking" for active analog signals?

when you go to a channel 1 thru 24 for c band if anything there it will show no need to scan in analog feeds.

wejones · #6 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rainman

when you go to a channel 1 thru 24 for c band if anything there it will show no need to scan in analog feeds.

For Ku, however, the transponders aren't standard. Typically with Ku, if you see evidence of a channel there, you may need to tune it by changing the frequency. My Drake has an automatic freq control of some kind that does this automatically, but my old Houston Tracker/Echostar (different model) required me to manually adjust the freq on most Ku channels. I don't know if the HT-V is like that or not.

pmb1010 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reho33

Friend said that the remote was lost but that it was easy to get them 2nd hand.

Well, I was given a "Legend" C/Ku analog receiver with no remote.
This particular model is UHF remote control, so all the aftermarket remotes would not work with it. Bill was kind enough to mail me one he had, but unfortunately it got lost in the postal service.

And, the front buttons were not enough to get the thing to operate (no way to switch from Ku to C band).

Hopefully, the one you get will have IR remote capability and you can get it to work with an aftermarket remote.

wejones · #8 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmb1010

Well, I was given a "Legend" C/Ku analog receiver with no remote.
This particular model is UHF remote control, so all the aftermarket remotes would not work with it. Bill was kind enough to mail me one he had, but unfortunately it got lost in the postal service.

And, the front buttons were not enough to get the thing to operate (no way to switch from Ku to C band).

Hopefully, the one you get will have IR remote capability and you can get it to work with an aftermarket remote.

Or, perhaps the HT-V has the same hidden panel with all the buttons that my HT-8 / Echostar-7000 had. I could do everything from the front panel, but I think your Legend didn't have that hidden panel.
I still have a "Simple" remote for the HT, but it doesn't have the programming buttons, only the use buttons, like sat/channel.

rainman · #9 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wejones

For Ku, however, the transponders aren't standard. Typically with Ku, if you see evidence of a channel there, you may need to tune it by changing the frequency. My Drake has an automatic freq control of some kind that does this automatically, but my old Houston Tracker/Echostar (different model) required me to manually adjust the freq on most Ku channels. I don't know if the HT-V is like that or not.

yep got to do the same thing on my undien for ku Bill.

reho33 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 01:46 PM

Thanks, should be fun to mess about with. Amazing that there is still analog stuff out there.

rainman · #11 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reho33

Thanks, should be fun to mess about with. Amazing that there is still analog stuff out there.

yeah some good college basketball on sbs 6 ku analog.

reho33 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-10-2007, 06:03 PM

I have the receiver but when I power it up, it just does a "fast scan" of channels 1-24(?) and if I hit the SAT button, it gives ER 17 and beeps. Then it says NS and does it's fast scan again. No video out to TV at all

. Yes, this one has the UHF remote that is needed. I guess if I can't get 'er going it will join my Primestar receiver, in the garbage.

pmb1010 · #13 (**permalink**) 02-10-2007, 06:31 PM

take a look here, see if there are any system reset instructions for the receiver.
Echostar/Houston Tracker Receivers

reho33 · #14 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 12:00 PM

Thanks, but there is an update.....
I was able to connect the receiver to another TV for testing. Yes, it does output video. It's asking to set "west limit" on dish. This is related to the actuator ( which doesn't exist at this point). At least I know that the receiver is "doeable" but I really need to start hunting for that remote as all the commands rely on it. I guess that it will really work well once I start getting it going. Currently it is stuck in the "C Band" position. I need to get it to Ku. Then I will "slave" it off my Fortec and see what happens. I really don't think that analog is going away as most birds use that analog channel as a "backup" in case of digital failure. At least that is what ABC ABsat says on there page. I will also use the receiver as a positioner for the C-band dish when it comes. This receiver also has the VC2 module installed, but no "access card".

pmb1010 · #15 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 12:32 PM

You can fake out the actuator gripe message, by editting the satellite and setting the limits. It will think the full east and west position are the same value.

Make sure you get a DC block device at Radio Shack if you slave off your DVB receiver.

In regards to the VC2 module, they have the card slot but it was never used. It was there in case VCII got cracked (never did).

You might want to think about changing the lithium battery in the VC2 unit. If the battery goes dead the module is useless.
see here VideoCipher VC2 VCII VCII+ VCRS backup battery replacement

reho33 · #16 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 01:01 PM

Thanks again. With the module in, is there a "Fixed Key" or "Zero Key" that this unit uses(kinda like DCII)? Or is the module totally useless? What is transmitted in VC2 format analog today anyway? Maybe Bill could give some input too?

rainman · #17 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reho33

Thanks again. With the module in, is there a "Fixed Key" or "Zero Key" that this unit uses(kinda like DCII)? Or is the module totally useless? What is transmitted in VC2 format analog today anyway? Maybe Bill could give some input too?

the vcII board does receive some programs in fixed key mode from time to time last time i checked scifi usa and fox news was in fixed key never know for how long though could be a hour or could be a month.