Discussion split from the 'Pictures of members dish' thread and moved

[wod]

{Edit} ...Regarding elton's Precision dish and broken actuator... {/edit}

nice setup elton

on the actuator front, just buy a new one and unbolt the old one and put the new one on its easy to swap them over

[BGonaSTICK]

I suppose you've checked the output from whichever box is powering the actuator? There may be a blown fuse on the positioner power board. Are you using the Echostar to move the dish?

[elton]

Yes I'm using the Echostar to position and didn't realise there may be a fuse internally. You'd think the manual might have made reference. : Having the actuator checked this morning - hopefully - and if that fails will start on the receiver.

Thanks

[BGonaSTICK]

There may not be, but it's a possibility :?

Got to be worth popping the lid to have a look.

[elton]

Yeah right. Was hoping to get the actuator tested today but regrettably, the workshop wasn't open. Will try again tomorrow. Maybe I'll have a looksee inside tonight.

Tried the Echostar website and it looks very much that they no longer make receivers - so I suppose the software upgrade through Hotbird is probably no longer available either. Strewth. Ya stay away for a few years and everything changes! >

So where do you obtain the latest channel listings these days?

[elton]

Just flipped the lid after finding my security bit set (what they wanna do that for ) but no fuses for the activator. Only one for the mains inputwhich is fine.

[BGonaSTICK]

The big three are lyngsat.com kingofsat.net and flysat.com.

If you have a channel editor for the PC, then satcodx might give you a headstart.

[elton]

Gee wiz that's about a years reading on the 3 sites as a starter for ten! Thanks. Just need to get the darn thing working now - cos the receiver is now not wanting to come on > - but I cannot be bothered tonight, I'm tired and need to watch a film and chill with a few beers I'm imagining all manner of scenarios using my PC linked to the echostar via serial port - don't much about it but at least it gives my brain a work out! LOL

But you can guarantee I'll be cooking up further questions but I'll post them in the appropriate section.

Have a good night 8)

[Analoguesat]

elton the over the air updates for Echostars ceased 3 years back. the only way to upgrade the s/w now is using the loaders and software on the Echo site - although software development for most receivers also ceased 2-3 years ago.

[elton]

Thanks for the update. I didn't realise I was so far behind!

Got the receiver going again - pointing a Hispasat. But sadly, my friendly repair shop has closed for good. Roy wasn't making enough money from tv repairs so he's packed up. Thought I hadn't seen him about for a while.

So shall try elsewhere to get the actuator tested. Tried telephoning a few local repairers, but they are not prepared to test - just swap out for a replacement unit at circa £100 cost (I say rollocks to that!). Rather pick up another unit myself from Maplins or wherever if I cannot get this one tested.