edit/new satellite? ... and other questions

[techy5025]

Hello,

1. A search yielded no results..so the question..or several. I have a Fortec Star receiver and a SG2100 motor drive. My desire is to delete all preinstalled satellites and only have those that I will use. So I go to the "Utility/Edit Satellite" submenu and amongst other items, it wants to know the LNB low and LNB high values with 9750 and 10600 values prefilled. What are these values and how do I obtain them for each satellite? I assume they are the frequency extremes for the transponders.

I found that the software is unhappy if you delete all the preloaded sats. It seems to slap you and then reloads all the original values.

2. I assume that the receiver stores the longitude position in one of the "Position" memories in the motor drive and then when it needs to move the dish tells the motor drive to "go to position", but I searched and could find no discussion on the interaction between the two. I think I got the receiver in some mode where it indicated it was moving the dish, but the green light on the motor drive said no command was being sent. I guess I need to understand what DiSEqC 1.2 & USALS control really does...and how.

3. The information on the Sadoun website is contradictory regards the sg2100 motor drive and USALS. Is it compatable with USALS or only DiSEqC 1.2?

4. I know that the antenna is tracking the KU arc correctly because I have a signal meter at the LNB, but the level meter on the receiver seems to hang at 40 or so and never moves...is this normal? I know the the quality scale is what counts, I'm just not sure what the level guage is measuring.

Sorry for all the newbie questions. My last system was a Houston Tracker C-band system where you moved the dish to the satellite position and then told it to store it. The receiver kept up with where the dish was by counting rotation pulses from a sensor in the motor drive. Now I guess all the pulse counting is done and stored in the motor drive. I'm not sure which method was better. It just seems to add a lot of complexity to keep from running a sensor wire back from the dish.

Thanks for any answers!

Jim

[pictureon]

Hello,

1. A search yielded no results..so the question..or several. I have a Fortec Star receiver and a SG2100 motor drive. My desire is to delete all preinstalled satellites and only have those that I will use. So I go to the "Utility/Edit Satellite" submenu and amongst other items, it wants to know the LNB low and LNB high values with 9750 and 10600 values prefilled. What are these values and how do I obtain them for each satellite?
>>These are the lnb frequencies. If you're using universal lnb then leave it as it is but ifyou're using standard lnb then change to 10750.
I assume they are the frequency extremes for the transponders.
>>For the LNB.

I found that the software is unhappy if you delete all the preloaded sats. It seems to slap you and then reloads all the original values.

>>>You must have at least one satellite stored.

2. I assume that the receiver stores the longitude position in one of the "Position" memories in the motor drive and then when it needs to move the dish tells the motor drive to "go to position",

>>>>Correct for USALS

but I searched and could find no discussion on the interaction between the two. I think I got the receiver in some mode where it indicated it was moving the dish, but the green light on the motor drive said no command was being sent. I guess I need to understand what DiSEqC 1.2 & USALS control really does...and how.

>>>>>>Using USALS, the motor moved to the satellite position based on the long and lat information you entered. Using DISEqC the motor moved to the customized position you saved for the satellite.

3. The information on the Sadoun website is contradictory regards the sg2100 motor drive and USALS. Is it compatable with USALS or only DiSEqC 1.2?

>>>>>>>Compatible with both.

4. I know that the antenna is tracking the KU arc correctly because I have a signal meter at the LNB, but the level meter on the receiver seems to hang at 40 or so and never moves...is this normal? I know the the quality scale is what counts, I'm just not sure what the level guage is measuring.

>>>>>>>You may have your lnb settings wrong. That's why you do not see signal quality.

Sorry for all the newbie questions. My last system was a Houston Tracker C-band system where you moved the dish to the satellite position and then told it to store it. The receiver kept up with where the dish was by counting rotation pulses from a sensor in the motor drive. Now I guess all the pulse counting is done and stored in the motor drive. I'm not sure which method was better. It just seems to add a lot of complexity to keep from running a sensor wire back from the dish.

Thanks for any answers!

Jim

hope this will help.

[techy5025]

Pictureon,

Thanks for the reply! I am tracking the arc correctly and once I can get the motor drive to the satellite longitude the scan works fine. My problem is that the dish refuses to move sometimes....works fine manually at the motor drive.

I unplugged the "Star" for ten minutes, reset it with the menu, paged to the antenna menu (which had the satellites as delivered), set my longitude and latitude, set all the Sats to USALS, clicked on USALS to get to the USALS menu, and tried to get the dish to move. It refuses to move to amc 9 83.0, amc 2 85.0, amc 3 87.0, or gal 28 89.0. It will move to most..but not all..other sats. If I am on a satellite it won't move to in the menu, it won't "go to zero" either. It will "go to zero" if a sat it will move to is shown. It also refuses to go to any satellite that I enter manually from the edit menu.

The green light on the motor drive flashes red when it does move and stays green when it doesn't so I assume the drive is working as commanded.

I assume that if I am in the Motorized Dish Setup/Positioner "USALS" menu, my lat and long are correct, and a sat is shown with degrees (W) that the dish should move to the correct calculated longitude when I click "go to position"...or am I missing something?

I just got this receiver so it may be DOA....very frustrating. At least I have the dish mounted on the ground ten feet from the receiver for testing.

Thanks again for the reply!

Jim

[Jim-S]

Have you gotten any picture on any satellite?
I wouldn't remove any satellites until you are familiar with the receiver!
Is the receiver a Mercury II?
What is your LNB?
What is your zip code?
How to install an HH-Mount Motor? Applies to DG240-SM3D22-STABHH100-HH120-Motech-SG2100
Have you read this page?
I would try to get your most south satellite working before you do anything else. Keep it simple.
After you get it working on that satellite then you can fine tune your system.
Jim-s

[techy5025]

Jim,

All the satellites (that are freeview) work fine (perfect scan and viewing) if I move the dish manually with the button on the motor. The dish is tracking the arc fine. The problem is that the motor is not receiving commands to move from the receiver for every satellite. As I posted, it will move to some satellites in USALS mode, but not all. Sometimes, rarely, it will move to a satellite from the east but not the west. Sometimes, if I change the transponder it will move. All testing was from the Mororized Dish Setup/ USALS menu page with my longitude and latitude entered correctly. Basically, the problem is that (for certain satellites) it will not respond to the "Go to position" or "Go to 0" commands and these satellites have the correct longitude entered on the satellite edit page.

I think I have a "bent" receiver!

Jim

Jim

[Jim-S]

I assume you have the Universal LNB which is (9750,10600) in your Antenna Setup. All satellites have to be the same in the antenna setup for the LNB.
Satellite has to be example (AMC 3 87W) On satellite line.
LNB line (shown above)9750,10600 universal
0/22khz line is auto
Switch line is none
Input line is none
Port line is 1
All satellites in the Antenna menu have be be like this.

Motorized Dish setup
Positioner USALS
Satellite example (AMC 3 87W)
Transponder...............
Go to pos.
Go to 0
Longitude.....example 79.4W
Latitude....example 43.4N

Add Satellite menu........the LNB has to match the LNB you have (5150).
Position has to be satellite example (87W)

Don't give up on your receiver they are very seldom bad. I thought mine was bad and had it tested it was OK. My trouble was I had a bad LNB causing me a lot of grief.

Double check all your settings..............
Believe me I feel your pain.
Jim-s

[Jim-S]

Fortec Star Mercury II Video Learning Series
Have you viewed these videos if not try them.

[techy5025]

Jim,

Thanks again. My settings are exactly as you described. The problem has nothing to do with the LNB...but with the motor drive. I have the same issues with only the motor connected...no LNB. I'm beginning to think that I may have a motor issue even though the green light on the motor blinks when on "good" satellites and doesn't on "bad' ones. Maybe its squirrelly on certain positions.

It would be great to have a new motor drive as a test as there are only three components...receiver, cable, and motor drive. As I said, I have removed the short LNB cable entirely as a test and the motor will still move to the "good" satellites. I've looked at the vids..nice but didn't address the problem. I'm convinced that the receiver is set up right.

Maybe I'll look at the signal the receiver is sending to the motor drive with a o'scope. No signal...no command to move...receiver! Signal...no move...motor!

As an engineer, things like this just bug me! I do really appreciate the help. I was hoping someone on the forum had a similar problem...with a fix, but I couldn't find one. Sadoun tech thinks it's the receiver...Fortec tech is convinced it's the motor. Oh well.

Jim

[Jim-S]

Jim,

Thanks again. My settings are exactly as you described. The problem has nothing to do with the LNB...but with the motor drive. I have the same issues with only the motor connected...no LNB. I'm beginning to think that I may have a motor issue even though the green light on the motor blinks when on "good" satellites and doesn't on "bad' ones. Maybe its squirrelly on certain positions.

It would be great to have a new motor drive as a test as there are only three components...receiver, cable, and motor drive. As I said, I have removed the short LNB cable entirely as a test and the motor will still move to the "good" satellites. I've looked at the vids..nice but didn't address the problem. I'm convinced that the receiver is set up right.

Maybe I'll look at the signal the receiver is sending to the motor drive with a o'scope. No signal...no command to move...receiver! Signal...no move...motor!

As an engineer, things like this just bug me! I do really appreciate the help. I was hoping someone on the forum had a similar problem...with a fix, but I couldn't find one. Sadoun tech thinks it's the receiver...Fortec tech is convinced it's the motor. Oh well.

Jim

Sorry I can't be of more help..........One last thought have you tried moving the motor on the bench, just the receiver and the motor. I know it means removing it from the mount. Mark all the positions before removal.
This would eliminate the coax, LNB, Mount or anything that might be causing the trouble.
Or do you know anyone with a receiver you could test with.
I don't remember if you said you can do your testing at the dish with receiver, thats another way.
I'm just brain crunching, maybe something will jive.
Sometimes just getting away helps, like take a trip Ha Ha.
Jim

[StevenS]

There are several things you can check based on the information you provided;
1.) It is possible that you erased some of the motors preset positions.
2.) It is possible that you inadvertently set western limits in motor set up menu.
3.) It is possible that the backlash adjustment is out of alignment
4.) It is possible you entered your lat/long incorrectly or it didn't save.
5.) Check to see if your connectors have moisture in them and make sure you have good connections at all points, not too tight, and center conductor is at the correct length. I am assuming you are using the correct cable (RG6) and no run is longer than 100ft and there are no nicks in the line or splitters. This will eliminate voltage drop for spuratic movement.

These are all common with the symptoms you described. I have some suggestions that will help you eliminate as many variables as possible to get to the cause and solution.

First I do not think there is anything wrong with the receiver. So going with that assumption we will focus on the motor installation, however as a precaution I recommend you start over to narrow it down.

Here are your possible solutions:
1.) Do a hard re-set on the motor (consult your DG2100 manual).
2.) Do a factory default reset on the receiver, then make sure lnb type is set correctly for your lnbf. Double check that your mast is perfectly plumb, and set you motor elevation again using the calculator on our website. Re-point to your true magnetic south using a good compass. Set motor menu for USALS and make sure the limits are turned off.
3.) Use the manual buttons on the motor and move the dish around in both directions. If it stops moving and there is a clicking sound the backlash is off. Under the tamper tab is the backlash adjustment screw, you can tighten it there. Once you know the motor works correctly put it back to “0”.
4.)Re-enter your latitude and longitude and save, make sure they are “northern” hemisphere and western designations.

5.)Check you cable run. If you are not sure use a drop cable first. If it works fine then you have a problem in your cable run and will need to correct that first.

Understand that there are different methods for aligning a motorized dish. You can use DiSeQ 1.2 which is a manual type of setting and there is USALS (DiSeQ 1.3) which has the positions already set. We have found using the USALS method is the easiest for most of your customers. Do not use both! If you follow the quick set up guide on our website for motorized installation exactly you will be successful.

http://sadoun.com/Sat/Installation/Motorized-Dish.pdf

When you get to “testing your set up” use the USALS method.

By eliminating each variable one by one you will get your system up and running and be well on your way. If this all fails you may have to consider warrenty service on the motor and perhaps the receiver. But the vast majority of this problem is solved with these methods.