Hi,
I recently installed the
Sadoun Power Tech’s DG-280 HH motor and cannot get it to turn predictability. I am using Technisat’s SkyStar 2 (SS2) PCI board with Technisat’s latest drivers (4.4.1) and a positioner console by MiBi; found in SS2DiSEqC110.zip.
Even though the SS2 card is only specified for DisEqC 1.0, it will generate DisEqc 1.2 commands to the motor. It is limited though, to 350 ma maximum; but, should work with the DG-280. Other users have claimed that the SS2 board does work with the
Moteck SG-2100.
Test set up:
- I have a Channel Master coaxial power injector connected to the SS2 RF port to monitor the DisEqc commands. The device is a simple device using a choke to isolate the power from the RF. An oscilloscope is connected to the power end of the choke.
- A PC sound card scope is connected to the oscilloscope line output port and is used to capture single shot events. While not nearly as accurate, it does provide a useful capture capability, which otherwise is lacking on the “real scope”.
Some test results:
- Using an oscilloscope, I can verify that the correct DisEqc 1.2 code is being delivered to the SS2 RF “F” connector, but under no load conditions (no connection to the motor).
- The east west buttons on the DG-280 does work as expected.
- I have 50 feet of RG6 cable between the PC and motor, direct connection.
- The DG-280 will return to 0.0 (south) using the GoTo 0.0 command, but not consistently. Most of the time, a Goto 0 command is ignored.
- Goto –17.1, as an example, the motor did turn to its limit. It actually kissed the roof; but no damage done.
- With the motor connected, after the “E0” “Framing byte function”(Command from Master, No reply required, First transmission), the oscilloscope shows a positive spike (very short duration about 2 volts) at the SS2 end. The spike occurs just after the odd parity bit is sent. Possibly this spike is interrupting the command. When the DG-280 disconnected, the spike does not happen. There are other spikes that appear elsewhere in the command string, but not as repeatable as the “E0” spike.
- The SS2 generates a square wave 1 volt peak to peak at 22Khz for DisEqc commands; as measured with a good quality oscilloscope. The SS2 also generates the 12 and 18 voltages accurately, as measured with a digital volt meter.
- I do not have a normal FTA receiver. I wish I did to simplify the setup; but my wife will kill me if I buy any more satellite stuff
Several questions:
- Has anyone been able to drive the DG-280 motor with Technisat’s SkyStar 2 PCI card?
- Is there a schematic available for the DG-280. A direct connection to power the motor, rather then coaxial power, will ovoid power glitches; as may be the case in 6 above. This will be a big help if available.
- Any one know of a manufacture that makes a bi-directional line buffer for DisEqc 1.2 commands?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.