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Monthly Whinge

This might amuse you. A "customer" just cancelled his PSU order because we "hadn't provided a return address". (Actually, the link to full instructions, including our address, was in the email that was sent automatically the instant he placed his order, but he hadn't clicked on it, according to our server records.)

Anyway, he first emailed to ask for the address then almost immediately followed up with a cancellation because he'd "found a much cheaper PSU, with return address supplied, typed in capitals!"

I have to say that if your ability to read is so compromised, you might be better off getting someone else to do the repair. Also, if low price and CAPITAL LETTERS are your main purchasing criteria, rather than quality, reliability, full instructions and guarantee, I'd recommend eBay.

And now a grovel...

Business is so bad that I need to beg for your help. Near the top of the home page of our SatCure web site is a Facebook "Recommend" link. IF you are a member of Facebook and IF you feel it's appropriate, please click on the "Recommend" button. This will put a link to our site on the "walls" of your Facebook friends and help to spread the word. (There's also a "Recommend" button at the top of this page, in case you think it's more appropriate than a link to our home page. But I suggest you use one or the other - not both.)

Note: browser plugins such as "NoScript" will block the "Recommend" button or render it invisible.

In addition, if you frequent any relevant forums dealing with satellite TV, Freeview, camping/caravans, PLEASE look for any opportunity to mention the SatCure web site. Please avoid any obvious "spamming". I'm merely asking you to mention "SatCure" IF someone asks "where can I find...?" and IF you feel it's really appropriate to recommend us. I don't want you to tell lies or act as sales people get into trouble!

Note: please, please don't exhort people to buy! Just let them know that the SatCure site is full of information.

Thanks in advance to every one of you.

Martin

Readers' Feedback

Reply to your last news letter

Hi Martin

You are not alone in seeing business decline over the last 12 months in our trade. My Aerial installation work has dropped as well, more due to economic worries than anything else. People aren't spending money now unless they have to. Vat and cost of living are all going up sharply; they are cutting back anything they can. We can only weather the storm and hope things improve.

Oh, Srewtwist.com will always have their own customers, makes me laugh when I look around at those diy Aerial jobs, big Aerials and 1" poles with tiny brackets. I hate it when they call me to fix their bodged installation, and expect it to cost them no more than £20.00 !!

Regards

Keith.

Hi Martin

I just want to express my sympathy regarding your sales situation. I remember being in a similar place thirty odd years ago in the sewing machine trade.

I think it comes down to 'you can fool some of the people, all of the time'. (not you, the other guys)

We would offer people all the right advice, plus the best equipment there was, at a fair price. But then others saw the opportunity and began selling inferior stuff a bit cheaper.

We would get these duped people coming to us for help when it went wrong, but then it was too late, the big sale, where the profit was, had already gone.

'fraid it's probably human nature, sorry, I don't know the cure.

I have passed your name of course, on to my 'competent friends', but I've only got two of them !

Good luck

Fred

I checked our records and she had ordered a diplexer from us, which (our suppliers then informed us) was no longer manufactured. It took me several weeks to locate an alternative and, in the meantime, the customer's Support Ticket had been forgotten and no apology had been made by us.

I have to say that this is rare but I admit that we have an ongoing problem. Our computer order-handling system was originally written in (I think) dbase 4 and subsequently transferred to "Windows". Bear in mind that I'm in Greece and have no access to it, so I don't know what I'm talking about. However, it seems to me that it incorporates no way of setting a reminder so that each day a warning pops up to remind the girls that something hasn't been sent or a customer is waiting for a reply. In my opinion the whole system needs to be trashed and replaced but that would cost a large bundle of money, which we never seem to have!

So the girls continue to rely on "postits" and memory. (Thank goodness they aren't relying on MY memory!)

Anyway, my conclusion is that you must hassle us on a daily basis if we forget something.

Also, I don't honestly think that we screw up often enough to drive away a significant number of customers. We are all quite passionate about providing a fast service and value for money. Those who know us understand that we will not screw a customer over for the sake of a few pounds.

*Later: I found her message! It's lengthy so I have reproduced it, below.

Readers' Contributions

If you have problems with our email form "spam filter", please post your contribution in the public forum. If you want a mention in this monthly newsletter, just ask. I will then decide whether your message is suitable for inclusion or whether I should simply include a link to it here.

 

Here is an excellent article written by Dave Sullivan who provides us with the equally excellent and informative web site Satellite For Caravans.
	I have caravanned for well over 30 years but I'm not into all that 'communing with nature' nonsense. I believe in comfort and that includes the ability to watch TV as and when I want to (a 12" B&W in the early days!). However at that time, it was impossible after you crossed the English Channel. So ten years ago, I decided to take a mobile satellite dish and a Sky digibox with me to Spain. That dish was a spare Sky oval but I later replaced it with a 60cm Triax with a folding arm, as supplied by Satcure.
In 2001, satellite dishes were virtually unheard of on British campsites, although they were occasionally seen with foreign outfits on European sites. At that time I had a Panasonic TU-DSB31 Sky digibox, a box which still remains in occasional use to this day, but one serious disadvantage in Europe was that the 1 hour time shift meant some programmes finished too late into the evening (especially after a day spent sampling the local vino). For some years a video recorder, and later a DVD recorder, solved the problem but all too often, I set the record times wrongly. And of course it was always my fault! So last year, I decided to take my Humax FoxSat HDR to France instead. It meant some changes to the caravan cabling, and this is how I did it. I needed to upgrade the LNB to a twin, get an extra length of cable, and fit extra F connector sockets in the caravan. My existing cable was yellow, courtesy of Satcure, because it shows up better on the ground and is therefore less of a trip hazard. Unfortunately WF65 (shotgun) cable isn't available in yellow (are you listening Martin?!) so in the event I went for a second length of the yellow. However WF65 is available in white - not as visible on some surfaces as yellow but I might rethink it at some stage. It's less likely to get tangled up in transit than 2 separate lengths.
	I have short lengths of cable permanently attached to the dish and terminated with double-ended F sockets.
The full lengths of cable are then fitted with F connectors at both ends and connect to the dish sockets at one end and the caravan sockets at the other. It means that each cable has a lot of connections in its route from the dish to the receiver but I've never found it to be a problem and I've been using that system for several years, first with just the single cable and now with the two.
	Rewiring the caravan was the hardest part. I had a Maxview aerial/satellite (with a co-ax and F socket) external fitting on the outside of the caravan so I replaced that...
	...with one containing twin F sockets (about £15 depending on where you buy it).
Cutting a hole through the side of the caravan is scary to say the least and you might wish to leave it to the professionals but it's a straightforward enough job provided you measure up carefully. In my case I'd already cut a hole for the previous fitting so it was now just a case of feeding the two new cables along the same route as the previous ones to a new double F wallplate inside the van. The cable enters the van in the cupboard below the TV/worktop and then into the recess behind the power panel (easily accessed by unscrewing the top shelf - this is in a Lunar Clubman, other models will obviously vary).
	The internal wallplate wasn't difficult to source but be careful. Many on the market have solder points on the reverse side of the plate. These are designed for American UHF TV and are totally unsuitable for LNB frequencies.
	Satcure sells one with double-ended screw fittings (code S122-327 double "F" connector wall plate) which is a lot easier to connect to using conventional F connectors. As the connectors pass straight through, the signal losses are negligible.
Some modern caravans are now pre-wired for satellite but they only have a single socket (the manufacturers obviously haven't heard of twin tuner recorders yet!). The cabling usually terminates in the battery locker and it might be possible to add an extra socket. You'd still be left with the problem of taking the second cable through (or under) the vehicle and getting it to the inside where it's needed. My caravan wasn't pre-wired (the new Clubman is but I'm not ready to change yet!) so I've not investigated how easy it would be to fit an extra cable and sockets.
	That's really all there is to it, apart from aiming the dish. The trickiest part is getting the elevation right so here I've made a small modification to the dish. I attached a steel 'L' bracket to the back of the dish on to which is placed a magnetic inclinometer. The inclinometer bracket is just a 4" (100mm) steel bracket from B&Q and clamped between the parabola and the mounting panel. It's left in place permanently and the magnetic base of the inclinometer just attaches when needed.
The cheapest place I've found to buy the inclinometer was Amazon where I paid a little under £5 including postage http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-Inclinometer/dp/B001JJR38S but a Google search will throw up other suppliers. The B&Q bracket was about 70p! Find the elevation angle for your home, aim the dish, and then bend the bracket until the inclinometer reads the same. Once the bracket and inclinometer have been 'calibrated', you only ever have to elevate or lower the dish until the inclinometer reads the correct angle for wherever you are in Europe. You can find the elevations from dishpointer (see link on this page.) The inclinometer is magnetic so can be removed when not in use.
	And finally, to protect the dish surface during transit, I place a glove puppet over the LNB (some people use an old sock, but the glove puppet causes more amusement!) Dave Sullivan - Satellite For Caravans

If you have anything of interest to contribute, please contact me with details. What have you installed? What problems have you had? Have you been ripped off? Tell us all about it. (Make it interesting.)

New Products

We have spent some time looking for new products. Those of you interested in Gaming might like to see our new Gaming Accessories page. Let me know what you think.

We've also added many new products for those of you interested in camping/caravanning.

And a repair kit for the PSU in the Humax Foxsat HD Freesat (single tuner) and Humax fox-T2 terrestrial HD Freeview receiver (non PVR version).

Also:-

	A hand tool for fitting 'F' plugs without taking the skin off your fingers.
	Ever-popular DUCT TAPE for fixing cables to the floor and sealing gaps.
	If you scroll down the page you'll find a really cheap multimeter. It's basic but it does the job. No excuses now for saying "I can't check the fuse" or "I can't measure the 'magic eye' voltage on RF2".

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Questions

- a selection from this month's emails

(If you are a new subscriber I'm afraid that you might find some of my replies a little blunt to the point of being rude. That's just the way I am after answering customers' questions for the last fourteen years. Please don't take offence. Sometimes I'm a little tired, ratty or impatient and it shows! Generally, if you ask for a free reply, you'll get what you pay for. If you DO have a question, PLEASE read the web site information and eBooks first. I get the same questions day after day because people can't be bothered to look.)

The Triax offers tv,fm plus sky in 2 rooms off outputs 7 & 8 or sky + in one room using outputs 7 & 8 .

It's unclear what the Televes offers. Does it offer the same options ?

Unfortunately, we have no further information and I've never installed a Televes Attic Box, so I regret that I can't give specific advice.

However, the wiring diagrams certainly look similar, don't they? And they both handle four cables from a quad-output LNB.

Drew A.

Hi, Drew. Unfortunately, I can't help you unless you are referring to a linear actuator, in which case you measure the actual distance travelled by the extending "piston".

Graham T.

See http://www.satcure.com
Click on the orange "FAQs" tab
Click on "How to Order".

You'll find the items here:

http://www.satcure.com/accs/page4.htm#wallscart

Unfortunately, we don't sell PF100 so I have no way of checking.

Also would your modual socket system support this cable {using an f plug socket?} and if so are there different size F sockets for this modual system? Thanks Ian

All 'F' sockets have the same thread.

I tried other devices on the same HDMI input of the TV (works fine) and also tried the box on 2 other TV-sets (nothing).

I also changed te HD quality in the settings menu of the box to 526, 720i, 1024 and "auto" but no positive result.

Any ideas on this ?

If you haven't upgraded the power supply see

http://www.satcure.com/tech/thom_psu.htm

If you HAVE upgraded it then I don't know the cause.

Please post your question in the various UK satellite TV forums.

omer

See http://www.satcure.com/tech/thom_psu.htm

Hi, Do you sell a replacement RF Modulator for a 1TB amstrad DRX895 box? My RF2 output is broken and the whole modulator need replacing.

Thanks

Andy

Are you certain that it's a separate unit? On many models it's part of the mother board.

Unfortunately, Amstrad spares are totally unavailable so I recommend you contact Michael:

http://www.digifixltd.co.uk

Many Thanks,

Roger

Hi, Roger. See http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/cupboard.htm

If you use the tvlink-plus, it can be powered by the Sky Digibox. However, as it's a Thomson, please ensure that it has an upgraded Power supply.

I have 2 coax cables from the Triplex loft-box coming to an outlet. I have put another outlet about 1 metre away from the first outlet.

I bought from you:

1 x LAB62A LAB PSW132 SAT+TV+DAB Outlet plate

1 x GLO28 GLOBAL TV+FM/DAB DIPX SCREENED/NON-ISOLATED

Question:

- Can I connect the 2 coax cables to the TV+FM/DAB and then extend them to the SAT+TV+DAB? If yes, how do I do it.

If no, should I use 2 F connectors to extend the cables from the first outlet and finalise them in outlet 2 with SAT+TV+DAB (putting a blanking plate in outlet 1 and forgetting about the TV+FM/DAB).

Many thanks for your reply

Juan

Sorry, I don't understand what you are trying to do. (I have never heard of a "Triplex Loft Box".) Please upload your complete wiring sketch, including your proposal, then send me an explanation.

http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/lofthelp.htm#layout

http://img864.imageshack.us/i/photoyh.jpg/

Your product 090-4333 TV to F adapter looks similar but I'd like to know if it also comes with a black plastic screw end..

Ray

OK, I understand. No, we don't supply the plastic cap.

I would suggest the "090-4333 TV to F adapter", plus the appropriate metal 'F' plug to fit whatever cable you are using.

http://www.satcure.com/accs/page7.htm#fconn

The plastic cap looks to me as if it might pull off rather easily.

Note that, however you do it, you'll end up with rather a long plug. It's not ideal since the leverage could damage the socket. Why not use an ordinary TV plug? Easy to fit!

See http://www.satcure.com/tech/tvplugs.htm

We also sell straight and right-angle TV plugs that have a screw connection.

See http://www.satcure.com/accs/page7.htm#tvplugs

Hello,

My name is Rene Fritznel; I am contacting you from the USA

I would like to know if you have any Info for European living in the United States looking to receive European broadcast via satellite.

What should I do to receive UK and France Television Channels?

Also, Middle East, Australian, Asian and African Television Channels

I am in the east coast of USA

Thank you

Mr. Rene F.

Same answer as given here:

<http://www.avforums.com/forums/sky-sky/1430927-sky-uk-help-please.html#post14310631>

Hi, John. Unfortunately, there is no OCTO Invacom LNB and we can't offer an OCTO that will provide the same cross-polar modulation characteristics as the quad-output Invacom.

You could try an Invacom Quattro with a multiswitch but I can't guarantee the results.

Obviously I can't comment on the level of difficulty because I don't know what make/model dish you have or where it's located. However, if you can hold a screwdriver, then it should be within your capabilities if you can reach the dish easily. (The fact that you need to ask suggests that you need to do some reading before embarking upon this project. There's a mass of information on our web site. All you need is time and patience to read it.)

From the image you provide on the instructions page, the metal right-angled bracket should be flush against the black plastic LNB holder to stop the entire LNB bracket rotating about the bolt that attaches the LNB holder to the dish. However, the metal right-angled bracket is too small to stop this from happening, as you can hopefully see from my attached photos.

Hi, Chris. I don't have a bracket here to measure the distance between the holes but my guess is that yours are drilled too far apart. So your choice is either to contact Sales for a replacement or get out your rat-tail file and elongate the hole into a slot. Profuse apologies!

I get a first-rate picture on my Humax Foxsat HD-R via the one cable currently in place, but wish to replace the LNB with a Quad version and an extra cable to take full advantage of the Foxsat. I didn't install this dish myself, so am not certain what I have, and am not sure which of your quad LNBs I should buy for the dish. I have tried to make a choice via your helpful pages but I'm not confident in making a decision.

The dish was installed in 2006/7 and the rectangular arm has outside dimensions of approx 20mm x 30mm, if that helps.

Kind regards

Iain

Hi, Iain. It looks to me as if your dish will accept a MK4 LNB with a 28 x 18.5mm MK3 adapter. You need to check your INTERNAL arm dimensions.

We provide full information about dimensions on this page:

http://www.satcure.com/accs/quad_sky_lnb.htm

I have already had your valuable help (thanks!) when setting up simple Free to Air satellite TV in France (my LNB was faulty and you helped with the diagnosis). I now want an LNB with more than one output so as to be able to record something I'm not watching. Because I'm getting the kit delivered to UK and will take to France I just want to be sure I'm getting it right. All I really need to know is that the things I'm ordering are all compatible with each other, and that there isn't an obvious thing missing.

I already have:

• Satellite dish (round, not Sky)
• LNB single output, to be replaced
• Single cable with F connectors
• Single input Strong receiver(to be replaced)
• TV set (!)
• Sat finder

I'm ordering

• LNB19 INVERTO/MTI 0.4DB QUAD LNB
• FOXHD - HUM02 Foxsat-HD-PVR 320GB
• WF65BLC Shotgun black twin (Copper screen) cut 7 m
• FPS4.8 SPECIAL F plug x 4
• SG2 50g tube silicone grease
• FIX01 CABLE TIE BLACK 200mm x 4.8mm x 3

I'm assuming that I can use the old cable and receiver to watch TV in a different location by connecting to the third output. Also assuming that the new LNB won't need rubber boots (unusual as in rural Normandy rubber boots are essential...).

I would like to thank you for what is a really useful website, and apologise for asking what is probably an unnecessary question, but although I can follow your instructions, once it gets technical I'm out of my depth. I don't want to get it all there and find there is some sort of grommet or connector that is missing and would make it all perfect.

Thanks!

Sally

Hi, Sally,

Make sure your dish is designed to hold a 40mm diameter neck LNB.

I guess you might want an outside cable entry cover.

Inside you might want a cable tidy grommet for each individual cable.
http://www.satcure.com/accs/page8.htm#tidy

Or you might prefer a wall plate with threaded sockets. This plate can carry up to four cable connections straight through:
http://www.satcure.com/tech/extender_plate.htm

(The picture shows a different use for it.)

A wall plate would require a box.
http://www.satcure.com/accs/page5.htm#wallbox

I can't think of anything else apart from paint (protect the cable against sunlight) and tools (drill etc.)

Hi,

As a previous customer of an ebook I wanted to ask 2 questions.

1. For the last month or so I cannot now receive Sky Movies channels where I'm based in Glyfada Greece. Only Sky showcase 303. Very strange. Has something changed? I know I don't get the full list here living in Greece but wanted to check why this would be and rule out my equipment.

2. I was thinking to upgrade to a sky + HD box from my current sky + box. Can you recommend the best HD recording box that picks up the strongest signal? Are the Sky boxes the best? And if I get a new HD box and call Sky to migrate over will they insist I plug it into a phone line? My account is currently in the uk.

Thanks in anticipation.

Regards

Mark

1. Hi, Mark. I have no specific reports of transmission changes but I admit that I don't look for them. You'd be better advised to ask in the various UK discussion forums where satellite TV enthusiasts exchange such information.

Assuming that there have been no changes, you must have a fault in your cable, Digibox, LNB, dish alignment or something blocking or interfering with the signal. This can be traced only by a methodical process of elimination. Asking for guesses is not the way to go about it.

2. I have no recent reports about Sky HD Digiboxes that are capable of better-than-normal fringe area reception, although I understand that the (obsolete) Thomson DSI8215 works tolerably well, provided that its power supply has been suitably rebuilt. Again, ask on the forums because, although I live on Crete, I don't have a Sky+HD Digibox or a Freesat receiver available. Only Amstrad (now owned by Sky) makes Sky Digiboxes now.

You are probably aware that using a Sky card outside the UK is not illegal but IS a breach of BskyB's Terms & Conditions.

I have to tell you that I've had problems activating a card here - probably because signals are so weak. So activate your card in the Digibox in the UK if you can.

When you change to a different Digibox, it will be classed as a new 12 month contract. Since you won't be getting the Digibox from Sky, it will probably be classed as a "second-hand contract", since anything not supplied by Sky is thus classed.

House being renovated

There are seven rooms with quadplex modules (2xSat, FM/DAB & TV Aerial)but can increase modules (Aerial etc.)

There are twin coax(sky cable)and two coax cables for each room. I should have read up on the quadplex modules but I realise now I only need to use two coax cables.

The Inputs I would like the following:

FM, DAB, TV Aerial, Sky-Satellite (upto 6-feeds, but at first will only use 2 feeds)& an additional Foreign-Satellite (one feed.

As I will only have 2 feeds coming from the satellite (1st Cable straight to the Quadplex, 2nd cable to the LoftBox) I'm happy for only one room to be able to have Sky+ facility. And all the other rooms I'm under the impression can have either the Sky signal & tv-link.

With regards to the 2nd Satellite am I right in saying I will just need a splitter and I can use one of the coax cables which won't be needed?

Sorry if this seems very complicated! Would it be easier if I drew a diagram?

Thanks, Richard

Hi, Richard. Your questions go way beyond the scope of our free 2 minute reply so I'll give you brief pointers.

You can't "split" an LNB signal.

A Loft Box might partially fulfil your requirements. Please read all the notes here:

http://www.satcure.com/tech/lofthelp.htm

Some of your LNB feeds will have to go direct, bypassing the Loft Box.

I recommend you look, in particular, at our Triax DDU-112 Loft Box, since that has the most comprehensive capabilities. Please note that you must use the recommended wall plates or direct functional equivalents. (We can not advise on equivalents.)

You will most certainly need to draw yourself a comprehensive wiring sketch before you order anything from anyone. It's impossible to visualise this in your head (well, I can't) and calculate signal loss in cables, etc.

I have had lots of problems with my SKY Thomson box since, and wondered if it was due to having the "wrong" capacitors fitted, as mentioned in your January 2011 newsletter.

The tallest blue capacitor nearest the fan is only about 29mm tall from the bottom of the cylinder to the top, which you state is the wrong height. The only markings I can see on the side without removing the PSU are 100 (and I think the letter C) and the words CE FC (not CE FK).

Can you confirm I do have the right components in this refurbished PSU.

Thanks.

John N.

I don't recall the details but I did post a notification about markings etc. so, if your capacitors don't comply, please request a replacement kit from Sales or send your PSU to Digifix for repair under warranty.

(This is not an Amstrad model number. Look for the number beginning with "DRX".)

I have connected a second (analogue) TV to the RF2 output on my digibox and set RF outlet power ON. When the second TV power is switched ON the SKY+ remote control no longer operates the digibox i.e. no red light blinks on the front of the digibox when a button is pressed on the remote. When the second TV power is switched OFF the SKY+ remote operates the digibox normally.

What do I need to do so that the SKY+ remote operated the digibox when the second TV power is ON?

Simon B.

Hi, Simon. Try decoupling the lead between the "eye" and the TV aerial input. You may also need to move the "eye" well away from the TV.

See http://www.satcure.com/tech/satindex.htm

Click "75. How to Decouple your cable".
Also "55. Wired Remote Extender eyes".

My Sky HD box freezes etc. Using the internet it appears to be a PSU fault. I have looked at the PSU Pcb and several capacitors have the tell tale bulge .

How much are your PSU pcbs and do you do and exchange service?

See "Your options" here:
http://www.satcure.com/accs/psu.htm

I see your PO box is Telford could I do a pick up as I have to visit there tomorrow (tuesday)

No, see http://www.satcure.com/useful/sales_help.htm#collect

thx

Darryl

See http://www.satcure.com/tech/satindex.htm

Click on "10. How can I Extend my Satellite/TV cable?"

Regards Garry B.

Hi, Gary. You are clearly doubtful about your own competence to carry out the repair and, as safety is involved, I would recommend that you please take or send your Digibox to a repairer.

See http://www.satcure.net/psu_fix.htm

(No acknowledgement received.)

We are still awaiting your response in the Sales Support Ticket.
Please reply in the Support Ticket System ASAP. Ticket number 665

(This person opened a Support Ticket and claimed that we'd sent an incorrect dish but never responded to our request for clarification. I find it plain weird that someone takes the trouble to report a possible problem but doesn't follow it up.)

Part number of 1 port LNB is "SING S843031063" but i am unsure what LNB i require from web site.

See http://www.satcure.com/accs/quad_sky_lnb.htm

The dish looks like a Sky dish but currently only recieving Freesat

Thanks

Nige

PS what cable would you recommend

See http://www.satcure.com/tech/cable.htm

Will the TECHNISAT HDFS FREESAT HD control a DiSEqC Switch?

I think so. If you see

http://www.satcure.com/accs/page14.htm#technisat
Click on the link "Click here for specification, user manual etc."
Click on the link for that model and read the specifications - it mentions DiSEqC.

If so, how many steps are involved in switching between LNBs, ie. do you have to go into a setup menu or do you just change channel?

You would have to post your question in one of the satellite TV forums where users of this model can tell you.

What would the recommended dish size be to mount 2 LNBs on in the South East of England.

Choose the dish size required for the weakest of the satellites that you want to receive signals from. Aim the dish at the weakest satellite so the stronger one is "off centre".

many thanks,

John

Hi, John. As with any RF modulator, it has an aerial input socket. It adds the modulated video signal, from the Freesat receiver, to the aerial signals. You select the UHF channel number so that it does not clash with any aerial signals. In some reception areas, where the UHF spectrum is full, you may need to add a filter to remove unwanted aerial signals to make a "quiet space" for the Freesat RF channel.

How much would it cost for a complete part ex power supply board mod no/fsp025-3901.It is from a Thomson DS14214C sky box.(Ihave removed the board already) On my board it has 4 caps blown ,c41,c70,c71,c81. I am a retired post office /bt telephone engineer although I could change the parts my self my eyesight is not as sharp as it use to be.

Regards

Jimmy D.

Unfortunately, we don't offer an exchange PSU for this model. However, you could send it to Digifix for repair:

http://www.digifixltd.co.uk

Alternatively, order the kit, print out the instructions, and take them with your Digibox to a local repairer.

http://www.satcure.com/psu_fix.htm

There's one listed in Mold.

Google also found this one:-

http://www.shopatatvs.co.uk

(See how I go out of my way to help!)

I need a 60mm dia pole, do you provide those ?

Frits B.

No, none of our suppliers stocks that size. Sorry.

(The guy is in London so, if anyone knows a local stockist, please let me know and include reference TE101760 )

I have not ordered from you but I work in a local post office and have taken a parcel in to despatch to you, in good faith. My customer has paid for Parcel Force 48hr return. Unfortunately it only carries your PO Box 72 address, but with this address parcel force inform me that they will not take the parcel.

I appreciate that you do not tolerate time wasters, and I keep my fingers crossed that you will be kind enough to help me provide the kind of customer service you would hope to receive.

I hope to hear from you asap.

kind regards,

Joanne

Hi, Joanne. I live in Greece and handle Technical Enquiries only. I don't know which Returns Address to give you because I don't know which warehouse the package needs to go to, but read on...

Usually, in order to get a Returns address, the customer needs to log in to the Sales Support system with his order number beginning with "SA". This should be printed clearly on the outside of any package.

See http://www.satcure.com/support.htm

He should state the stock code and description of each item for return and sales staff will reply with the appropriate address.

In the absence of such information, all I can do is give you the Sales Office address related to the PO Box. This is open 9am till 5pm weekdays. The driver might phone in advance to get directions because the office is in a converted barn in a rural area and the postcode doesn't get you anywhere near the entrance with any SatNav that I've tried. (However, the local Parcel Force driver will have been there many times unless he's new to the job.)

doug h.

Yes if it's identical to the one in the picture:
http://www.satcure.com/tech/humax.htm

Otherwise no but, if you list the parts required, we can supply them.

Alternatively, send your complete receiver to Digifix for repair.

With thanks

Alan R.

Yes, OK, done. You do understand "keep"?

GDAR

If you could point me in the right direction so I can place an order with you I would be grateful.

See the calculations on this page:
http://www.satcure.com/tech/amps.htm#rfamp

Above machine stuck in standby, tried all cures but still stuck. Your site says PSU is faulty,

Where? I don't think so.

I need to send you PSU for replacement and price. What I need are instructions to remove box covers and PSU without too much damage. Thanks.

Hi, Brian. we don't offer this service for the DRX780.

You need to send your _complete_ Digibox to Digifix.

I only have a single feed from a communial lnb but I have addrd a second digibox in another room. At the moment to use the second box I have to disconnect the cable from one and connect to the other. As the two will never be used at the same time is there a switching box I can instal to switch the feed from one digibox to the other?

regards

Steve

Yes, you can use either the 38013 manual A/B switch or the "Sadoun S-SM21V".
http://www.satcure.com/accs/page1b.htm#switch

This presupposes that you can afford to lose at least 3dB of signal. If you can't, then manual disconnection is the only way. You could fit a push-on adapter to make it easier.

I have looked at your selection of LNB switches (my box doesn't support DisEqC), and wonder whether I could use one of the Global standby power switches. Could you give me a bit more information on these, please:

I have no information on those ancient switches but the switch you need is either the 38013 manual A/B switch or the "Sadoun S-SM21V".

http://www.satcure.com/accs/page1b.htm#switch

I have an aeriel on the roof with a cable running to the loft, 8 tv points around the house all wired separatley back to the loft (9 cables in the loft).

I have no sky etc just tv's with built in freeview, I live a simple life.

At present all of the cables are simply all jointed together in electrical connectors in the loft and everything works fine but looks a mess and obviously is not how it should be.

As an electrician I am not happy with them simply being jointed together in the loft and want to install some sort of splitter/amplifier and I am unsure how to proceed in knowing what to purchase from you.

I just want something that will do the job and tidy up the current mess. I like to purchase high quality products that will last the course, I only want to use the 'F' type connectors also.

What options do I have?

Thanks

Marc

Sorry, Marc. Your description is too vague. Without more information, my advice is to leave well alone since "everything works fine". The fact that it "looks a mess" may well annoy you but should not be a problem unless you plan to show visitors around your loft.

I can not picture in my head "all jointed together in electrical connectors in the loft" so, if you really want my help, please upload a clear photograph of these mysterious connectors and provide clear details of what you want to achieve. Also details of the type of cable and aerial and the approx. length of cable running to each of the eight points.

George R.

Unfortunately, I don't have a C120 flange LNB here in Greece to measure and we don't keep them in stock in the UK. They are rarely requested so we ship direct from the supplier.

See picture of a C120 flange.

http://www.norsat.com/images/stories/pdf/omt_ku_ns2_mc.pdf

DUAL WHITE LED STROBOSCOPE KIT 70-4052

Hi there, I want an LED driver circuit to run an LED cluster warning light. Can you tell me if this circuit will run on 12v DC, if I increased the resistor size?

Unfortunately, we have no information this.

Thanks

Alan

Unfortunately it's a physical impossibility - unless you are a member of the Flat earth society!

Use a Slingbox, as I do.

I HAVE a loft AERIAL BUT IT WILL NOT WORK MY BT VISION IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN HELP ME WITHI HAVE A SMALL SET TOP AERIAL WORKING IT AT THE MOMENT WHEN SOME ONE IN KITCHEN I LOSS PICTURE I WAS WORDING IF AERIAL LOG-PERIODIC AERIAL WOULD HELP ME

Hi, David. If you have some disability that prevents you from typing normally, please say so. Otherwise, please type normally.

The predicted signal at your location is massively high so maybe you have too much signal?

Thanks very much.

Adam T.

Hi, Adam. that looks like a Triax dish with a Mk3 LNB holder.

Assuming that your "Humax Recorder"? has two threaded input connectors, you'll have to fit a quad-output LNB. We supply a Mk4 with optional Mk3 adapter. See

http://www.satcure.com/accs/quad_sky_lnb.htm

Kind regards

Tony G.

Hi, Tony. I'm not sure what you mean but please assemble it exactly as shown in our photos. Don't worry about measurements. The LNB is positioned to "see" a roughly circular dish on the longest axis.

Explained here: http://www.satcure.com/tech/lnb.htm#oval

It shouldn't be 100% circular when viewed orthogonally.

Measured it and it is 60cm in height by just under 56cm in width.

Is this OK and within acceptable manufactured tolerances or is it supposed to be like this?

DISH10 60 cm dish Qty:1 at £24.95

http://www.satcure.com/tech/dish60.htm

Michael D.

It should appear pretty near circular when viewed by the LNB. Are you viewing it through the LNB clamp?

Anyway, our dishes are manufactured to better than 1mm tolerance so you can be certain that it will be fine.

I have re-read the article and nowhere does it mention "weak signal". Indeed the signal was moderate but complicated by reflections from nearby buildings, causing "ghosting" on analogue pictures (no longer broadcasting in Crewe) and breakup of Freeview pictures. Mr Boyd confirms that, now analogue is switched off and Freeview is boosted in Crewe, his aerial is still working fine.

The V10-040 is less susceptible to interference caused by reflections. I have found it suitable for use where the predicted signal is no less than 30dBuV/m.

You can look up your own predicted signal strength at
http://www.wolfbane.com/cgi-bin/tvd.exe?DX

You should check to see how this will change after "switchover" if your local transmitter* has not already been updated.

*Which will be Nottingham, Sutton Coldfield or Waltham.

Cheers,

Carl

Carl, I have been soldering and repairing equipment for 50 years. In my opinion it's so easy that I can do it with one eye closed and a hand tied behind my back.

Maybe you are asking the wrong person? Try asking in the various satellite TV forums. Get the opinion of someone with similar experience to yourself. If you have any doubts, get one of our listed local repairers to do the job.

ec lucy

Hello, ec,

You have clearly gone to a lot of trouble to contact the Technical Help department of SatCure but it seems to me that maybe you intended to open a UK Sales Support ticket to report an incorrect order?

You can do that here:

http://www.satcure.com/email.html

See "To ask Sales a question about .... incorrect items ..."

You will need your order number.

Please be sure to state specifically what you received (any printed markings on it so Sales can identify if it's incorrect) and exactly what the problem is and what you want Sales to do about it.

If they have sent something incorrectly, I very much doubt that they'll want you to return it, so please don't bother about that. Please be assured that any mistake will be corrected at no cost to you.

One other thought occurs to me. I see that you ordered a cable with screw-type 'F' plugs each end. Please make sure that this is really what you want. If you also need a threaded coupler to join the new cable to an old cable, be sure to tell Sales that.

If you need push-in TV plugs instead, be sure to say so.

As regards prices: the individual prices and order total is visible in the "cart" before you reach "checkout". It is also emailed to you immediately after you place an order. I think our cable prices are really competitive.

(I couldn't trace an order from anyone called "lucy" this month, nor anyone using the email address provided. And she/he never contacted sales or responded to my reply. Consequently I'm not sure whether this was simply a wind-up or a case of contacting the wrong company. We certainly don't supply inferior cable.)

please tell me how I can get Russian TV through satelite receiver.

Kassahun A.

Hi, you must aim your dish at a satellite that transmits Russian TV programmes.

Then read User Instructions for your satellite receiver to tune programmes.

Hello. About a year ago I got a second hand Amstrad DRX780UK Sky + HD box. I have a twin LNB and downlead (from previous occupier). I do not suscribe to Sky, so I am aware my built in recorder will not operate. I connected one of the LNB leads to 'input 1' and all has worked well for 12 months.

However, after not using the box for approx 4 weeks, it says 'no satellite signal received', although it does show the correct time and the details of the current programme being transmited, and the EPG etc., but no sound or vision. How does it do that if no signal is being received?.

Presumably the default transponder frequency carrying the data is being received, but the selected channel isn't.

I tried connecting the 2nd LNB lead with the same result. I then connected the LNB lead to 'input 2', and all works perfectly, also with the first LNB lead.

As I cannot use the recorder, this of course satisfies me for basically what I want, but I am curious as to why. Can either of the inputs be used, or (as I would have thought)is one supposed to be for the 'normal tuner' and one for the 'recorder tuner'?

Are you going to say the input 1 tuner is U/S, but please try to explain what may be wrong.

My thanks to all concerned. Keep up the good work.

Roy S.

Hi, Roy. As a test, I would set the Digibox to "single input" mode and connect each cable in turn to LNB1 input. See what happens. It might give further clues.

As you say the Digibox has not been used for approx 4 weeks, it may have missed a firmware update. Leaving it on, say, Sky News channel overnight for 3 nights should rectify this.

In any case, it's always a good idea to reboot a Digibox periodically, just as you would a computer when it misbehaves. Put it into standby; wait for the disk to spin down. Disconnect mains power for one minute. Reconnect mains and wait 5 minutes.

Thanks in advance

Ian D.

Hi, Ian. You may need cable clips and other items, dependent on how you plan to put the cable through the wall.

You won't need S.A. tape if your LNB has a pull-down cover. Actually, even if it hasn't a cover, a rubber boot will be easier to fit than tape.

See http://www.satcure.com/book.htm#installing

I want to install a dish to feed 20 sky (free to air) receivers however I am looking for 32 feeds to allow room for any future Sky+ upgrades for four receivers. I am in the process of buying items here on your website. I would appreciate if you could help me buy the right products.

I am buying

• 60cm Dish +bracket+fittings
• Quattro LNB
• 2 x Multiswitches 5x16

http://img138.imageshack.us/i/capturebal.jpg/

My question: can I use 2 multiswitches on one LNB using splitters?

or I have to buy 5x32 multiswitch.

regards

Andy

Hi, Andy. I believe it's possible to use splitters but I don't have any details. A 5 x 32 multiswitch should work out cheaper and easier.

http://www.satcure.com/accs/page1b.htm#multiswitches

Re this item in Review 150:

"Equipment made by: Grundig Sky
Model number on label or rear panel: 605310/2

...Since moving back to the UK late 2008 it periodically shows 'going into stand-by, press back-up to cancel'. This is something not seen previously. Can you advise please."

Isn't this a manifestation of the auto-Off 'feature' introduced by Sky, supposedly to save the power that's needed to light Birmingham for a week (or whatever the claim was)? If so, the solution is to turn off the feature in the Services options, isn't it?

Best regards, thanks for the service, and congratulations on the 150th Review!

Paul (in France)

Good point. I must have been asleep!

I've forwarded your suggestion to the owner.

Thanks Richard

The notes on this page might help:-

http://www.satcure.com/tech/extenders.htm

Kevin G.

Faulty box? Does it work with a different TV?

Incorrect settings? Check output of box. Make sure it's NOT set to S-VHS or S-Video.

Check TV input. Make sure it's NOT set to S-VHS or S-Video.

Regards,

Chris

Hi, Chris. The plate has no filter so you can use it for any signal.

The clamp plate is hinged. Loosen the two screws until you can open the clamp plate.

See http://www.satcure.com/tech/wall_plates.htm

If so, could you please advise price (Dish only, I have the rest including wall mounting bracket) and the overall dimensions of the shipping package.

Thanks,

Roger

Yes, the 1.2m Andrews dish is on our "Satellite Dishes" page.

http://www.satcure.com/accs/page2.htm#channel

http://www.satcure.com/accs/channelmaster_dish.htm

The box is roughly 1.3m square and 20cm deep.

An error has occurred while processing the expression: form.item2

Tony

Thanks. What was item 2?

What did you add to the cart and from which web page specifically?

(He never replied so I was unable to investigate.)

There you are - a sample of what I handle each week, in between doing actual work!

Happy Customers

(Well, OK, and not-so-happy ex-customers.)

Hi, I tried twice on the 10th of this month to order a set of FPQ20 adaptors and on both ocations everything went through correctly including the payment but after the PayPal closed there was a message stating that the order had not gone through. After the first attempt I tried again and the same thing happened and of course I did not have a sales number to give reference so I could not contact you. I then PHONED PayPal and they gave me their reference number as both orders had been paid. (7Y832287PF887401D) I find this type of system not very nice and even PayPal have asked me to inform them how I get on in either getting the order and the second one repayed or what ever transpires. I have tried to contact you via an e-mail on the PayPal site but when I entered everything it told me that you were giving a repayment of the money. On one or both orders. If there is not any satisfactory conclusion then I will be asking PayPal to have you withdrawn from they customers as what you are doing is impropper and of course against the law. I look forward with intrest to your reply.

George

See http://www.satcure.net
Click on the orange "FAQs" tab.
Click on "Paypal Problems".
Follow the instructions to request a refund.

It is not our fault that the Paypal system failed to forward your order.

In view of your threatening attitude, we do NOT wish to deal with you so please DO NOT place an order.

I read your monthly whinge about falling sales and would like to pass on the following observation.

I think part of the reason that your sales have fallen back may be that your service has fallen back over the years.

My first dealings with your website was back in 2004 , I ordered goods and ebooks and was pleased with all items. I was also impressed enough to recommend your site to colleagues.

Come 2009 I had moved house and had need of some more items. I placed an order - the first part of the order was for a magic eye plus sky remote + diplexer plus resistor. First of all magic eye plus resistor turn up with a packing note that implies the remote was also in the package. It wasn't - so I had to ask for it to be sent. It duly was but no apology.

The diplexer was supposedly on backorder. Months later I'm still waiting for said item and after I contact Satcure (not the other way round) I'm told I won't be getting one. Again no apology. Useless resistor (admittedly only 10p) now sitting in my drawer and I'll have to remind myself why I chose this diplexer in the first place.

Bit cheesed off but prepared to give SatCure benefit of the doubt so I ordered another magic eye and remote as a present for my adult stepdaughter.

Talk her through setting the RF2 voltage and plugging the thing in in the right place and she says it doesn't work. Give her a demo on our magic eye at my house &endash; she goes home and tries again but still doesn't work &endash; ask her to bring back the eye and plug into our system. Still doesn't work. Time from order to final conclusion 2 months and original packaging long since gone. At this point I cannot face finding packaging to send back and crossing my fingers that a 2 month delay won't be an issue and that return postage won't be a write off.

Useless magic eye still sitting in my drawer.

In summary I don't think what happened to me in 2009 would have happened to me in 2004.

Rose G.

Hi, Rose. thanks very much for your feedback and profuse apologies for the problems and inconvenience you suffered.

In order SATxxxxx you requested a "56713 DIPLEX- TMC3739 = 21-37 + 39-69 aerial/aerial combiner Diplexer".

The manufacturers ceased making this but we weren't told until it was too late to order stock. We searched for several weeks and eventually found a replacement, which is listed here as "DIP4047 Televes 21-37 + 40-69".

http://www.satcure.com/accs/page11c.htm#diplex

As far as I know it is either in stock or available from our suppliers within a few days.

I regret that it's more expensive but, if you still need it, please let me know and I'll make sure you get it for the original price. (I see that you last contacted Sales in November 2009 but the Support Ticket appears to have been closed without any resolution. Apologies for that.)

The "Visionlink" magic eye that you bought is one of the most reliable so your report surprises me. However, we offer a 2 year guarantee on all products so please contact Sales for an advance replacement. Please choose a different type if you wish, or return it for a refund.

I would add that the usual "fault" causes are incorrect connection (wrong way round) and badly fitted plugs on cables. For a comprehensive fault-finding procedure, download and read our PDF guide. We provided a link to the download page in your original order confirmation email. Here is the updated link:-

http://www.satcure.net/tech/tvlink2.htm

If you have any further questions or comments for me, please click on the Reply Form link.

(She didn't reply. Rose, I know that you are reading this so please reply and let us put things right!)

THANK YOU

Dear Satcure,

I have a Sky+ HD box (Thomson)which, since the bad weather before Christmas, would not display HD channels due to 'no satellite signal' and which scrambled BBC1's picture rendering it unwatchable. After browsing and checking various fora I (inevitably, I now see) ended up at Satcure and ordered your RELKIT33JS. The 'bits' arrived promptly and despite my scepticism I attacked the HD box thinking if it doesn't work I will just call Sky and pay the callout - nothing lost.

Frankly, I am gobsmacked! Bits added as per your detailed instructions and box reconnected produced beautiful HD pictures immediately on all channels with strong, high-quality signals on both inputs!

THANK YOU,

John Eccleston

(Please feel free to use this as a testimonial)

Thanks, John. In most cases the kit will do the job. In some cases the Hard Drive needs to be replaced shortly afterwards, as the typical life is only 3 - 5 years. In a very few cases, replacing both does not result in success but we are unsure why because the customers are unwilling to send the Digibox to our repair man for investigation.

In some respects, I can understand why they can't be bothered but I hope they realise that it's selfish because they are depriving others of the benefit of such research. It may turn out to be one or two simple faults that could be fixed for pennies.

My stuff arrived today. Thank you for all the info on your site and the confirmation mails. VERY professional. Hope I can follow the instructions!

Mary S

I just wanted to feedback that the RELKIT I ordered has fixed my SKY HD box a treat.

The picture was pixelating and freezing on HD channels, and the signal on input 2 was zero. Having read all the info in the links that were sent with the kit and followed the clear instructions, I was able to remove and replace all the PSU capacitors in a little over an hour and a quarter.

I'm delighted with the results, and the picture appears to be clearer and sharper than ever. Possibly a result of a cleaner power supply.

Thanks again for a great product.

Regards,

Ian

Just to say thanks for your speedy service, ordered a Channel Master LNB clamp Tue eve, even had hassle with Paypal, but followed your online instructions, clamp arrive this morn (Thu) Brilliant!!

Hope the cold is better.

Chris (Stoke-on-Trent)

Just wanted to say thank you for the quick service in sending out the parts for my Sky HD box. My friend and I repaired it today and my HD box now works a treat. The instructions were clear and simple and easy to follow.

Thank you.

Simon S

Thanks for a very efficient service.

Ordered Tuesday night, Arrived Thursday morning, SkyBox fixed by Friday evening in time for the six nations rugby!

Commendable attention to detail, every component present and correct and easy to follow instructions. All in all extreme value for money.

Many thanks

Ian

A BIG "thank you" to all those who took the trouble to write to us!

That's it for another month, friends!

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