TIP: BIRDOG

[Sadoun]

We got an inquiry from a customer that has the following error message on his Birdog Meter (I2C Error).

Notice that this is an isolated issue.

TIP:

This error message is usually displayed when the meter “senses” an excessive surge upon powering on (A typical example is when the air temperature is around freezing, or below, with a horizontal polarity setting, and the battery charge levels minimal).

I’ve experienced meters that have a tendency to keep displaying this error message after the initial display, though, and a hard re-set must be done to restore the meter to original operating efficiency.

*To hard re-set the meter, access the battery compartment and gently disconnect the battery leads from the meter for a few seconds. After re-connecting the leads, place the meter on the AC charger for a period of time (usually around an hour) until the display reads “100%”. This re-sets the battery management file in order to correctly monitor battery charging. The meter will operate without placing on the AC charger, but the display will read “0%”.

[bobkat]

Sadoun:

I get this error message all the time with my Birdog; it usually occurs when I disconnect the LNB coax cable from the LNB after testing - or if I want to test both outputs of a dual LNB. What I find works is to switch over to a different bird than the one you are testing; example - tune on Nimiq 91 for ExpressVu and check one LNB output - then switch over to Galaxy 3 (or whatever is next to Nimiq in your satellite list) ; then disconnect the LNB coax and connect next LNB output; then switch back over to Nimiq 91 (or whatever bird you are testing for) and check signal. This is weird but it works. Also, whenever my Birdog displays the I2C error it just shuts itself off - turn it back on and all is fine - no need to remove the batteries in my case.

kat

[Sadoun]

BOBKAT

To best preseve your BIRDOG for a long liftime, I recommend that everytime you connect/disconnect the coaxial cable from the BIRDOG or LNBF is to turn the BIRDOG OFF.

[bobkat]

Originally Posted by Sadoun

BOBKAT

To best preseve your BIRDOG for a long liftime, I recommend that everytime you connect/disconnect the coaxial cable from the BIRDOG or LNBF is to turn the BIRDOG OFF.

HeHeHe --- maybe if I break it then I can buy one of those groovy new Channel Master meters!!! :wink: :wink: :roll:

kat

[bobkat]

:lol:

WEIRD I2C ERROR UPDATE !!

That issue I reported above was caused by a faulty coax cable and not a problem with my Birdog -- I use a short "jumper" cable that I leave permanently attached to the Birdog and then hook it onto the LNB of the dish I'm aligning; well, seems this cable, after several dozen alignments, kinked at the connector and was making intermittent contact -- this caused the Dog to detect a short at the LNB at thus give the I2C error and shut down.

So guys -- use a good quality coax and compression type connector and replace it often...

Lesson learned...

ops:

kat'

[Sadoun]

Kat

That will definitely cause that. Yes, good advice. Use good coax with good connectors. No loose strands or shorts are allowed.

Happy dish installations. 8)