Need help with SM3D22 and Ivacom Quad

[babootska]

I am using the SM3D22 and the Ivacom Quad Polar LNB with a Viewsat Xtreme STB. The LNB input configuration is #1 Linear #1 Circular #2 Linear #2 Circular for two receivers. I'm only using one receiver. I have the #1 position linear LNB hooked to port 2 on the SM3D22 switch and the #4 position Circular hooked to port 1 on the SM3D22 switch.

The problem: The motor is set up to dial in a 6 degree change when you switch to port 2 to compensate for a second separate LNB. The Ivacom is actually like 2 LNBs in one but they are all packaged into one LNB housing so you should not have to dial in the 6 degrees. The manual for the SM3D22 says you can change this to zero. Can anyone tell me how?

Sorry if I bored you but being a newbie supreme... Well what can I say

Thanks

[boroda1]

Yes, manual for SM3D22 says, it will rotate 6° when switching from one LNB to another, and I don't know, how to disable or modify this internal setting.
I will receive my SM3D22 in a week or less, and will need to figure out the way for myself, because my LNBs are only 4 - 5 degrees apart, attached to each other with electrical tape.
However, we can always trick the motor by giving a "wrong" position for satellite in receiver USALS settings:
let's say you need to receive from 110°W: try to set position for this satellite, as it is at 104°W (or at 116°W, depending which direction this 6° move is).
Also, I would swap inputs from LNBs, so linear LNB connects to port1 and circular output connects to port2, because there are much more "linear", than "circular" satellites up there

[babootska]

True, the bogus sat locations would work but it would seem that since the owners manual says this can be changed, I would surely like to set it right. I did talk to the Tech and Sadoun but he also is finding it difficult to come up with the procedure.

My guess only: You would probably have to hold the 2 buttons on the motor down for a period of time and it would go into program mode and the led would give you feedback on the current conditions. After that, who only knows.
I sent email to the factory but I really doubt they'll answer. Hopefully someone there reads english.
Thanks for you work around.
Maybe someone can give us the information.

[babootska]

The following text is from an email I received from the factory on this issue. Hope it helps someone in the future.

We produce motors SM3D22 with and without 6 degrees shift. This setting is factory made and is not meant to be changed by customer. Motors with 6 degrees are meant for receiving the same satellite with two different LNBs (circular / linear polarization or Ku and C band), while 0 degrees shifted motor are meant for secondary fixed dish. Customer should decide it when buying.

The setting is a part of many internal settings, set and adjusted in the factory. Changing them is advanced procedure - wrong entry can cause wrong response of the motor.

While there are many customers demanding for this change, we add this option in our Universal DiSEqC controller ( http://www.sat-control.net/shop/page/group/grp/69/DISEQC_CONTROLLER/-/ ). You can find the one with this controller and change it within 2 seconds.

Other option is with some other DiSEqC open string generator, i.e. SkyStar2 PCI card or "Test Tool" (APG - Eutelsat). In this case I can lead you how to do it.

Best regards from Slovenia,

[boroda1]

Thanks a lot for posting this info!
I can tell that 6º jump works fine for my setup with the second circular LNB, attached to the right side of the central linear LNB (if I stand behind dish and look where it looks, it's right, or west side). I am receiving a signal from these satellites without re-setting their coordinates in receiver. If the shift would be 5 or even 4 degrees, still I would receive it , because it's strong from these satellites. I think it's even less than 6 degrees, because when I switch from 116.8ºW, set to DiseqC port A, to 110ºW, set to port B, motor does some significant movement to the West, more than 0.8º.
What's interesting, I tried to make a travel distance as short as possible by setting a satellite position to 111º or 112º, and still motor makes some minor jerky movement, when switching between them, with a short buzz sound.
So, for my situation, motor works great, because I don't need to change sat positions in receiver, but for Invacom owners, it's not going to work, and they need either do not use the built in switch, or compensate for the shift in the receiver settings, i.e . for Echo10 they need to specify it's position as 115º - 116º W, instead of 110º.

[be236]

Wow.... I was about to buy that SMD322 motor and a Invacom quad (circular and linear) LNB, but that that we know this SMD322's internal DiSeq switch moves 6 degrees when you change switch ports... I'm hesistant to get this combo... I guess the option would be to use my own DiSeq switch (not the internal one of SMD322).. or use a different HH motor...

So, just curious, I have two LNBs, one is linear, the other circular (which I got from a DTV dish.heheh)... and when I watch to switch satellites, I have to physically swap out the LNBs, re-cable, 'em etc.. it's a pain.. are you saying I could simply use electrical duct tape and tape my circular LNB to the right side (west) of the middle linear LNB, and use a DiSeQ to switch between 'em? Does this really work? I have Fortec 80cm dish.

[Viking62]

I am new here-But,can you run 2 leads from Ivacom into a switch (2X1) then
plug into the #1 lnbf port. It seems this would bypass 6 deg. problem. I need to know also-I already have these/not installed them yet. Hope this helps.

[rainman]

Originally Posted by Viking62

I am new here-But,can you run 2 leads from Ivacom into a switch (2X1) then
plug into the #1 lnbf port. It seems this would bypass 6 deg. problem. I need to know also-I already have these/not installed them yet. Hope this helps.

it sounds like it should work don't have that motor so can't say for sure.

[elgemcdlf]

Not knowing what type of 2x1 switch you are planning on using but I am guessing you will have to designate port 1 in DiSEqC to flow out of the motor in which case how would you switch the second switch inline. If you told it to switch to port 2 wouldn't the motor kill port 1?

[Viking62]

I had to look this up (I am a noob). Would a Diplexer work?-2 cables in from L/C (Ivacom quad)--(Attach to 2x1 Diplexer)--1 cable to LNBF#1 port on motor. Use terminator caps on ports not used.
Sorry about switch terminology---I meant a signal combiner.
Great site for info. thanks for the awsome help....you guys are great!

[boroda1]

Originally Posted by be236

So, just curious, I have two LNBs, one is linear, the other circular (which I got from a DTV dish.heheh)... and when I watch to switch satellites, I have to physically swap out the LNBs, re-cable, 'em etc.. it's a pain.. are you saying I could simply use electrical duct tape and tape my circular LNB to the right side (west) of the middle linear LNB, and use a DiSeQ to switch between 'em? Does this really work? I have Fortec 80cm dish.

Yes, it's exactly what is working for me: KUL2 as a "central" primary LNB, DirecTV as a second, attached to the KUL2 with electric tape and a cable tie, and a motor:

[boroda1]

Originally Posted by Viking62

2 cables in from L/C (Ivacom quad)--(Attach to 2x1 Diplexer)--1 cable to LNBF#1 port on motor. Use terminator caps on ports not used.

Instead of Diplexer, use a regular DISEqC switch, and connect it the way you described, not sure would it work or not though, because I don't know, is motor's internal switch is automatically disabled, if nothing is connected to port 2

[Viking62]

I have yet to try this set-up. I just was hoping.... by combining both the C & L signals from Ivacom quad into the #1 port on the motor we could eliminate the 6degree port #2 problem with the SM3D22 motor/Ivacom quad installation. This will be my last post on this subject---I will excitedly await answers to this problem. Thanks guys

[be236]

I would guess that you plug the two outputs (L and C) from Invacom to a separate DiseqC switch (not the built-in switch of that SMD322) and hence the SMD322 doesnt know anything about a 2nd connector and you "should" be okay.. just guess here....

[be236]

Hi Boroda1,

Wow, how did I go from Newbie a few weeks back to Super Newbie? d'oh! shucks.. oh well...

Anyways, nice picture of your dish and the duct-tape work of your two LNBs.... so basically you're saying I could save some dough by NOT buying that Invacom quad LNB, and just tape my two LNBs (Circ and Lin) together, like you did, then buy a DiseqC switch for $4-$9 and I am set to watch sats that have lin or circ polarity? nice...

Didnt realize that there is so much "leeway" that the 2nd LNB to the side of the center (not line of sight of the LNB arm) can still pick up a decent signal, even though it's offset from center of the dish reflection. heehh.

[boroda1]

Well, Invacom is more convenient. with "normal" motor, without that switch feature, because you don't need to setup fake satellite locations 4 -6 degrees away from what they really are, - for circular part of it.

[be236]

Yes, of course I know getting that Invacom is more convenient.. but it's $70, right? As opposed to duct-taping my two LNBs up like you did and getting a $4 DiSeqC switch, ain't that the "poor" man's solution? heheh... in the short term anyways... long-term I'd probably get that C & L LNB.

I'm surprised that only Invacom makes this dual-polarily all-in-one LNB.. Why dont other companies make it so there is competition so that the price can go down to $25 or so... heheh...

[raven1]

Originally Posted by be236

I would guess that you plug the two outputs (L and C) from Invacom to a separate DiseqC switch (not the built-in switch of that SMD322) and hence the SMD322 doesnt know anything about a 2nd connector and you "should" be okay.. just guess here....

if anyone trys this and it works can you please post your results. i have the same problem here and wondering how i can work around it.

my setup is invacom quad, smd322 motor, 90cm fortec star, viewsat plat. any hellp would be appreciated. if i knew this i would not have bought this motor. please hellp

thanks in advance

[be236]

Yeah, that's so stupid they designed that SMD322 that work... that when you switch ports that it moves the dish 6 degrees offset... They say there's a configuration of that model that doesnt move when you switch ports, but it's set at the factory and hence you have to specifically order it that way from the factory... perhaps Sadoun can order those types of units instead of the one that moves 6 degrees in the future for potential new customers like me?

[boroda1]

Originally Posted by be236

Yeah, that's so stupid they designed that SMD322 that work...

I don't think they were stupid...so called "multifeed" with a sort of LNB bracket or just with plastic ties, like I have, is a very popular "poor man's" solution.
...And for Invacom, you always can set your satellite location to 104° instead of 110°

[be236]

Ah, okay, so I know a little about the rationale now... Yeah, I'll probably go the "poor man's" route. ehhee... $70 is kinda high for that special LNB.. Also that SMD322, I guess, assumes most people do this LNB attaching to the side and they didnt know/aware of the Invacom LNB that can do both C and L in a single LNB and location.heheh.... Also, they should have made that a software/configurable or hardware switch on the outside to "turn on the 6deg offset or off." hehe.. oh well...

[boroda1]

Originally Posted by be236

.... Also, they should have made that a software/configurable or hardware switch on the outside to "turn on the 6deg offset or off." hehe.. oh well...

That's probably is an additional expence.
I am wondering, if Sadoun could get one of their "DISEqC Controllers",
for 600 eu, he would be able to turn off the feature (or modify the angle) on demand:
"...Beside all this features, controller has one special menu for doing all important settings for our Sat-Control motors. If you are our distributor or installater of polarmount motors, it is recommended to have it."
Or, he can have both "rotating" and "non-rotating" and sell them as separate items.

[spyvy]

I have this motor with the invacom lnb it sucks with the 6 degree shift / If i knew that before I bought it I would have gotten another motor. If your useing 2 lnbs its ok . So I would look for another if your useing the invacom lnb. And they dont give that option when you purchase the motor. Hence a foot note on the site to order a non 6 degree shift option You guys should fix that on your web site.

[kyzursozay]

Still waiting to find out how to switch from 50E/50W to asymmetrical rotation eg. 30E/70W also if maybe replacing the circuit board to one w/0 degree shift is possible. A lot cheaper than paying 600 euros for a disec controller!