Satellite Frequency Pol S/R FEC Vpid Apid PCR Identification MPEG Type of Feed Date Seen
Intelsat 12 11536 V 7200 Auto 308 256 8190 ITA 415 2S2 Feed 04/12/09
45 East 11645 V 6999 3/4 32 33 32 tv BTV 2S2 Programming (4 Chans) 11/12/09
12673 V 1850 7/8 308 256 8190 SERVICE 1 2 Encrypted ? 16/12/09
Turksat 3A 11154 H 2222 5/6 308 256 8190 ASU TV ARAC 2 Feed 05/12/09
42 East 11164 V 12500 Auto 308 256 8190 LIG TV SNG 2S2 Encrypted Feed 12/12/09
11522 H 10179 Auto 0 0 0 WNDL 2S2 ? 12/12/09
11037 V 2221 5/6 308 256 8190 SNG MEDYA 2 Feed 19/12/09
11045 V 2221 5/6 256 257 256 SNG TV KAYBERI 2 Feed 19/12/09
12624 V 4100 7/8 308 256 8190 YENIBOSNA IP-LB 2 Encrypted Feed 21/12/09
11044 V 3333 5/6 308 256 8190 SNG MEDYA 2 2 Encrypted Feed 22/12/09
11051 V 2169 7/8 4130 4131 4130 Channel 11 2 Encrypted Feed 22/12/09
11156 H 3699 5/6 308 256 8190 BU ULKE Feed 2 Feed 23/12/09
12625 V 2000 7/8 308 256 8190 SNG 4991 B 2 Feed 23/12/09
11172 H 3199 5/6 308 256 8190 SNG B 2 Feed 28/12/09
10983 H 9600 1/2 308 255 8190 KANAL TURK 2 Feed (2 Chans) 28/12/09
Turksat 2A 11885 V 5999 5/6 2160 2260 2160 JoJo 2 Programming (2 Chans) 21/12/09
42 East
Hellasat 2 11102 V 4400 Auto 308 256 8190 ITA 390B 2 Encrypted Feed 01/12/09
39 East 11097 V 3250 Auto 4096 4097 4096 ITA 501 2 Feed 06/12/09
11049 V 6600 Auto 512 4112 8190 OTE 1 2 4.2.2. Feed 07/12/09
11042 V 3214 Auto 512 4112 8190 SATNEWSTV01 2 Feed 16/12/09
SESAT 11107 H 7200 Auto 308 256 8190 ZONE_MIXTE 2S2 Feed 11/12/09
36 East 11098 H 7200 Auto 308 256 8190 POSTCOM 2S2 Feed 11/12/09
Eurobird 3 11128 H 6666 7/8 4194 4195 4194 SCHAWA-TV-STGT 2 Feed 05/12/09
33 East 11109 H 2800 3/4 308 256 8190 FOX ANK MRKZ 2 Encrypted Feed 05/12/09
11121 H 3124 3/4 308 256 8190 TUR-086 2 Feed 19/12/09
11110 H 2799 Auto 308 256 8190 FOX ANK MRK2 2 Feed 19/12/09
W 6 10980 V 2300 5/6 33 36 33 Unnamed Service 2 Feed 25/12/09
21.5 East 10985 V 2200 3/4 33 36 33 Unnamed Service 2 Feed 25/12/09
W 2 12688 V 6000 Auto 308 256 8190 LUX007 2 4.2.2. Feed 11/12/09
16 East 12549 H 6331 Auto 308 256 8190 M6_SNG_F335 2S2 4.2.2. Feed 12/12/09
12565 H 6333 Auto 308 256 8190 M6_SNG_F335 2S2 4.2.2. Feed 23/12/09
EW2A 11094 H 27745 Auto 512 4112 8190 FIFA HD2 2S2 4.2.2. HDTV Feed 04/12/09
10 East 10848 V 6111 Auto 512 4112 8190 Dimension TV RF AFS02 2 Feed 04/12/09
10750 V 5632 3/4 308 256 8190 Dimension TV RF Fly 2 Encrypted Feed 04/12/09
10792 V 4167 5/6 308 256 8190 ISOCAM 2 Feed 04/12/09
10798 V 4167 5/6 308 256 8190 GLOBECAST 2 Feed 04/12/09
10815 V 2815 Auto 512 4112 8190 UKI_1556_2 2 Feed 04/12/09
10826 V 13333 Auto 308 256 8190 GCA HD 2S2 4.2.2. HDTV Feed 04/12/09
10940 V 6666 3/4 308 256 8190 TELEMEDIA CAPE TOWN 2 4.2.2. Feed 05/12/09
12735 H 14400 Auto 32 256 32 GCI E243/MAIN 2S2 HDTV Feed 05/12/09
11018 H 14400 Auto 308 256 8190 Huri 5V2 2S2 HDTV Feed 05/12/09
11088 V 6620 3/4 ? ? ? DEFAULT 2 Feed 06/12/09
11046 V 12500 3/4 33 36 33 DCI 2 2 Feed (4 Chans) 07/12/09
11071 V 7200 5/6 50 52 50 IHA SNG PATH 2 Feed (2 Chans) 07/12/09
12513 H 3254 3/4 308 256 8190 ITA 299 +3934029 2 Feed 07/12/09
12610 H 9258 Auto 2100 2101 2100 TV1 2S2 Encrypted Feed (3 Chans) 07/12/09
12645 H 4280 3/4 308 256 8190 GCEF 1 CANARIAS 2 2 Feed 07/12/09
11075 V 7200 3/4 308 256 8190 IHA HQ 1 2 Feed 07/12/09
11083 V 14400 3/4 512 4128 8190 MobileLinks SWE-018 2S2 Feed 07/12/09
11104 V 3330 2/3 308 256 8190 DAD-1 Fiber TX-51 2 Feed (2Chans) 08/12/09
11539 V 3330 2/3 308 256 8190 DAD-1 Fiber TX-51 2 Feed (2Chans) 09/12/09
12708 H 4936 Auto 308 256 8190 UKI 706 2S2 Encrypted Feed 09/12/09
EW2A 12706 V 6510 Auto 308 256 8190 EGGERS 1 2 Feed (2 Chans) 09/12/09
Cont 11098 V 6620 3/4 308 156 8190 Miss World 2 4.2.2. Feed 10/12/09
11230 H 14400 Auto 101 102 101 LA LIGA SHOW HD 2S2 Encrypted HDTV Feed 10/12/09
11196 V 2200 Auto 512 4112 8190 Service 01 2 Feed 11/12/09
12693 H 14400 Auto 512 4112 8190 Levira HDDSNG EST003(1) 2S2 HDTV Feed 11/12/09
12717 H 3600 Auto 512 4112 8190 GUCCI-EQUIDIA 2S2 Feed 11/12/09
12545 H 3254 Auto 33 34 41 TUN-002A 2 Feed 12/12/09
11555 V 14250 Auto 1001 1002 1001 ALM Vs DEP 2S2 Encrypted HDTV Feed 13/12/09
11664 H 6111 Auto ? ? ? HIRTV DSNG 2 Feed 13/12/09
12720 H 6600 3/4 308 256 8190 ITA 491 ENC 3 2 Feed 13/12/09
12733 H 6600 3/4 512 4112 8190 ITA 491 ENC 2 2 4.2.2. Feed 14/12/09
11007 H 4434 7/8 512 4112 8190 DEARD 1 2 Feed 15/12/09
12600 V 2400 Auto 308 256 8190 CZE 021 2S2 Feed 15/12/09
11599 V 6666 7/8 308 256 8190 SPORTS COMM DSNG 1A 2 Feed 19/12/09
12685 H 14000 Auto 512 4112 8190 Xmas Concert 4S2 HDTV Feed 24/12/09
11560 V 7200 Auto 514 670 514 ARQ FAPL 3 2S2 Feed 26/12/09
11084 V 12891 5/6 308 256 8190 MET OPERA 2 (w/subt) 2 Feed 26/12/09
11089 V 7120 Auto 514 670 514 ARQ FAPL 3 2S2 Feed 26/12/09
11114 V 2200 Auto 300 1010 8190 SSPREESTV 2S2 Feed 26/12/09
11095 V 3255 3/4 308 256 8190 DRR SAT 2 Feed 27/12/09
11102 V 20926 3/4 308 256 8190 RUS-004 PRIME 2S2 Feed 31/12/09
W 3A 12691 H 2893 3/4 300 301 300 Love World 2 Programming (2 TV 3 Radio) 12/12/09
7 East 10998 H 8850 7/8 308 256 8190 ROU 038 2 Feed 16/12/09
11000 H 4936 Auto 512 4112 8190 HD SATCOM SNG 6/2 2S2 Encrypted Feed 19/12/09
11012 H 4936 Auto 512 4112 8190 D-381 SKY Frankfurt 2S2 Encrypted Feed 19/12/09
11168 V 1860 7/8 308 256 8190 PAL 26 KRAKOW ZAKOPANE 2 Feed 28/12/09
11056 V 19200 3/4 512 4112 8190 D265 Fernsehwerft 2S2 4.2.2. Feed 30/12/09
Sirius 4 12685 V 3124 3/4 110 256 8190 TVSAT UA5 2 Feed 06/12/09
4.8 East 12717 V 3472 7/8 308 256 8190 DSNG_3 ROU14 2 Feed 06/12/09
Intelsat 10-02 11529 V 3300 Auto 512 4112 8190 first_service 2 Feed 05/12/09
1 West 11497 V 3124 3/4 308 256 8190 ARQIVA UKI 590 2 Feed 05/12/09
11480 V 2222 7/8 308 256 8190 Unnamed Service 2 4.2.2. Feed 12/12/09
11485 V 3038 7/8 308 256 8190 Dagenham X-Factor R 2 4.2.2. Feed 12/12/09
11489 V 3038 7/8 308 256 8190 R16 2 4.2.2. Feed 12/12/09
11094 V 3038 7/8 308 256 8190 X-Factor South Shields 2 4.2.2. Feed 12/12/09
11475 V 3038 7/8 308 256 8190 R16 2 4.2.2. Feed 13/12/09
11472 V 5550 7/8 308 256 8190 R16 2 4.2.2. Feed 13/12/09
11480 V 5550 1/2 308 256 8190 Unnamed Service 2 4.2.2. Feed 13/12/09
11092 V 5550 7/8 308 256 8190 X-Factor South Shields 2 4.2.2. Feed 13/12/09
11484 V 3472 7/8 308 256 8190 DNK 33 2 4.2.2. Feed 16/12/09
11505 V 14400 Auto 512 4112 8190 CIELE JOHN 2S2 HDTV Feed 17/12/09
11516 V 3472 7/8 308 256 8190 4.5MHz 16/9 2 4.2.2. Feed 17/12/09
11523 V 25666 Auto 308 256 8190 NHK VIENNA MAIN 2S2 4.2.2. HDTV Feed 30/12/09
Atlanticbird 3 11519 H 13000 Auto 308 256 8190 ARQIVA HD 2 HDTV Feed 22/12/09
5 West
Atlanticbird 2 12516 V 3600 Auto 512 4112 8190 GCR/F40/1/6.1113 2S2 Feed 05/12/09
8West 12558 H 5000 Auto 512 4112 8190 DSNG-LILLE 2S2 Feed 05/12/09
12523 V 7200 Auto 512 4128 512 Unnamed Service 2S2 Feed 05/12/09
12538 V 7200 Auto 512 4112 512 GCR/F32/1/7.2 8PSK 2S2 Feed 05/12/09
12555 V 6600 3/4 308 256 8190 ITA 81 2 Encrypted Feed 05/12/09
12564 V 6600 3/4 308 256 8190 ITA 299 +39340298023 2 Encrypted Feed 05/12/09
12573 V 6600 3/4 512 4112 8190 ITA 403 MANTOVE 2 Encrypted Feed 05/12/09
12536 V 14400 Auto 308 256 8190 O 2S2 4.2.2. HDTV Feed 06/12/09
12720 V 1950 Auto 308 257 8190 I>tele 11 2 Feed 06/12/09
12665 V 5632 3/4 512 4112 8190 FDS5-F114 2 Feed 12/12/09
12558 V 7200 Auto 308 256 8190 ARQIVA UKI-589 2S2 Encrypted Feed 12/12/09
12518 V 14400 Auto 308 256 8190 GCI E281/1 2S2 Encrypted Feed 12/12/09
12671 V 6600 3/4 4194 4195 4194 ITA-610 2 Feed 12/12/09
12580 V 6600 3/4 308 256 8190 ITA 390 B 2 Feed 12/12/09
12649 V 28800 Auto 308 256 8190 TELESPAZIO HD 1 2S2 Encrypted HDTV Feed 12/12/09
12557 V 14400 Auto 308 256 8190 ITA 403 MANTOVE 2S2 Encrypted Feed 12/12/09
AB 2 12635 V 5632 3/4 4194 4195 4194 SCOPUS-NET-TECH 2 Feed 16/12/09
Cont 12660 V 3333 7/8 512 4112 8190 F131 GORDON S1 2 Feed 16/12/09
12635 V 6666 7/8 512 4112 8190 Canal + boxen 2 4.2.2. Feed 17/12/09
12656 V 3300 3/4 308 256 308 ITA 000 2 Feed 19/12/09
12514 V 6500 Auto 512 4112 8190 2-SAT 2 Feed 31/12/09
Atlanticbird 1 11142 V 3124 Auto 300 1010 300 Service 01 2 Feed 02/12/09
12.5 West 11146 V 3100 Auto 308 256 8190 LINKS ENC ONE 2 Feed 02/12/09
11072 V 4440 Auto 308 256 8190 SI 5 CODER 2 2 4.2.2. Feed 05/12/09
11080 V 6600 Auto 308 256 8190 ITA 342(1) VIDEE 2 4.2.2. Feed 06/12/09
11063 V 6600 7/8 308 256 8190 Tandberg Service 2 4.2.2. Feed 08/12/09
11107 V 6600 Auto 308 256 8190 VIDEOBANK ITA-302 2 4.2.2. Feed 10/12/09
11109 V 3300 Auto 308 256 8190 VIDEOBANK ITA-302 2 4.2.2. Feed 11/12/09
11098 V 6600 Auto 308 256 8190 VIDEOBANK ITA-302 2 4.2.2. Feed 11/12/09
11370 H 3333 Auto 308 256 8190 ENC 1 2 Feed 13/12/09
11008 H 6666 7/8 362 363 362 ITA82 TELESPAZIO 2 Feed 14/12/09
11089 V 5632 3/4 308 256 8190 HOL-172 ENG Company 2 Feed 14/12/09
11105 V 3200 3/4 ? ? ? MCR RM 2 Feed 15/12/09
11056 V 2318 7/8 4194 4195 4194 UKI 613 P2 2 Feed 15/12/09
11063 V 3400 3/4 ? ? ? TVI2/POR16 ENC 1 2 Feed 16/12/09
11192 H 7030 Auto 308 256 8190 M6_SNG_F335 2 Feed 19/12/09
11060 H 3200 3/4 308 256 8190 E-60 2 Feed 22/12/09
12671 V 2692 Auto 308 256 8190 KANAL 4 2S2 Feed 24/12/09
11062 H 6111 3/4 308 256 8190 ITA 570 CATB TANDBERG 2 Feed 27/12/09
11152 V 19200 Auto 300 1010 8190 AUT 2 2S2 4.2.2. Feed 31/12/09
11105 V 3333 Auto 4194 4195 4194 CORATO 2 Feed 31/12/09
Telstar 12 11677 V 3037 7/8 308 256 8190 Reverse Vision 2 Feed 17/12/09
15 West 11672 V 5632 3/4 308 256 8190 CNN PATH 1 2 Feed 27/12/09
11539 H 1882 3/4 273 102 273 BTV-1 2 Feed 31/12/09
Intelsat 905 11639 H 3213 3/4 4194 4195 4194 MSAT8 VIA1 2 Feed 30/11/09
24.5 West 11461 V 3400 3/4 308 256 8190 BGVR-1 E-299 2 Feed 30/11/09
11466 V 3400 3/4 512 4112 8190 BGVR-2 Via1 E-300 2 Feed 30/11/09
11514 H 28500 Auto 5001 5011 5001 Match 5 9AMERICAS) 2S2 4.2.2. HDTV Feed 04/12/09
11689 H 6620 3/4 512 4112 512 TSA M-67 1 2 4.2.2. Feed 04/11/09
11649 H 9230 Auto 512 4112 8190 E/318 VIA 3 2S2 4.2.2. Feed 04/12/09
10969 H 14250 Auto 401 402 401 RMAD Vs ALM CINES 2S2 Encrypted HDTV Feed 05/12/09
11464 V 7200 Auto 308 256 8190 ITA 273 2S2 Encrypted Feed 05/12/09
11044 H 6620 3/4 308 256 8190 TCLM04 E-291 ES6K2 2 Feed 05/12/09
11055 H 4500 3/4 308 256 8190 TCLM 04 E-291 ES6K2 via 2 2 Feed 05/12/09
11627 V 13333 3/4 512 4112 8190 BALONMANO ALCOBENDAS 2 Feed 05/12/09
11671 H 21600 Auto 512 4124 512 F271 (1) 2S2 4.2.2. HDTV Feed 05/12/09
11690 H H 5632 3/4 679 4096 679 7 MEDIA C-1 2 Feed 06/12/09
11548 V 4500 3/4 512 4112 8190 Vicas 04 2 Feed 06/12/09
11662 H 5632 3/4 308 256 8190 Service 1 2 Feed 06/12/09
11671 H 5632 3/4 308 256 8190 Service 2 2 Feed 06/12/09
10997 H 3214 3/4 308 256 8190 OVERON E-342 VIA 1 2 Feed 06/12/09
11544 V 3333 Auto 308 256 8190 ENC-1 2 Feed 06/12/09
11485 H 10600 Auto 512 4112 8190 NATV #6 PATH 1 2S2 4.2.2. Feed 06/12/09
11489 H 3600 Auto 512 4128 512 GCR/F37/3/3.6/DVBS2 2S2 Encrypted Feed 10/12/09
11469 V 6333 7/8 308 256 8190 SIS LONDON HD/SD-1 2 4.2.2. Feed 11/12/09
10968 H 14250 Auto 101 102 101 FCB CINES HD 2S2 Encrypted HDTV Feed 12/12/09
11680 H 6620 3/4 512 4112 8190 UMI SEVILLA-AD M65 VIA 1 2 4.2.2. Feed 13/12/09
11071 H 6620 3/4 512 4128 512 DSNG 1 EXTREMADURA 2 Feed 13/12/09
11645 H 13333 7/8 512 4128 512 HDSNG F374 2 Encrypted Feed 13/12/09
11469 V 14400 Auto 308 256 8190 ITA 630 2S2 Encrypted Feed 13/12/09
11053 H 5632 3/4 5152 5153 5152 E 65 2 Feed 13/12/09
11042 H 4500 3/4 308 256 8190 GRANADA M64 E82 2 Feed 14/12/09
11516 H 4500 3/4 308 256 8190 Lanzadera 2TVV E98 2 Feed 14/12/09
11058 V 6620 5/6 ? ? ? Intelsat Napa SENC 1 2 Feed 15/12/09
10995 V 20770 Auto 512 4112 8190 TSA E/43 HD 1 2S2 Encrypted HDTV Feed 16/12/09
11099 H 8887 Auto 3301 3302 3301 MI Tierra 1 2S2 Encrypted (10 Chans) 16/12/09
11477 H 20770 Auto 512 4112 8190 E21 VILLAREAL 2S2 Encrypted HDTV Feed 17/12/09
11473 V 7200 Auto 512 4112 8190 ITA 403 NYON 2S2 Feed 17/12/09
11522 H 14400 Auto 308 256 8190 VIDEOPIU' 2S2 Encrypted Feed 18/12/09
11044 H 6111 Auto 308 256 8190 SIS 5 CODER 1 2 4.2.2. Feed 19/12/09
Intel 905 11526 V 15000 Auto 308 256 8190 DIGITAL SPACE HD 2S2 4.2.2. HDTV Feed 19/12/09
Cont 11089 H 6620 3/4 512 4112 512 Vicas 04 2 Feed 19/12/09
11640 V 6666 5/6 308 256 8190 UKI 510 2 Feed 19/12/09
11084 V 14400 Auto 308 256 8190 GCI E256 BKP 2S2 Encrypted Feed 20/12/09
11086 H 4500 3/4 514 4111 513 Huri 5v1 2 Feed 22/12/09
11680 H 21600 Auto 512 4128 8190 GCR/F200/1/21.6 DVBS2 2S2 HDTV Feed 23/12/09
11540 H 2700 3/4 33 34 41 CAN2 VIA1 2 Feed 24/12/09
11549 H 2700 3/4 33 34 41 CAN5 VIA1 2 Feed 24/12/09
11560 H 6620 3/4 308 256 8190 M60 E83 TSA MALAGA 2 Feed 27/12/09
11055 H 4280 3/4 ? ? ? A15-E51 2 Feed 28/12/09
11058 V 6111 3/4 ? ? ? SERSAT TELEPORT 2 Feed 31/12/09
11005 V 3500 3/4 289 290 289 ITA 505 2 Feed 31/12/09
11544 V 3300 Auto 308 256 8190 ITA 501 2 Feed 31/12/09
Intelsat 801 11087 V 4224 7/8 4194 4195 4194 BBC UKI 845 2 Feed 23/12/09
31.5 West
Telstar 11N 12640 H 3213 3/4 4194 4195 4194 MSAT8 VIA1 2 Feed 30/11/09
37.5 West 10976 H 5632 3/4 5000 5001 5000 DJV GRAFICOS 03 2 Feed 01/12/09
10976 H 6111 3/4 5000 5001 5000 DJV GRAFICOS 03 2 Feed 02/12/09
12651 H 4280 3/4 512 4112 8190 E331 VIA 1 2 Feed 02/12/09
12667 H 4280 3/4 308 256 8190 OVERON E381 Via 1 2 Feed 02/12/09
12657 H 4280 3/4 512 4112 8190 OVERON E322 Via 1 2 Feed 05/12/09
12675 H 4280 3/4 308 256 8190 OVERON E-42 VIA 1 2 Feed 05/12/09
12676 H 6111 3/4 308 256 8190 MEDIASAT 11 Via 1 2 Feed 05/12/09
12639 H 20000 Auto 308 256 8190 Tandberg Service 2S2 Encrypted HDTV Feed 05/12/09
12664 H 20000 Auto 308 256 8190 Tandberg Service 2S2 Encrypted HDTV Feed 06/12/09
12552 V 6250 5/6 40 41 40 IHA SNG PATH 1 2 Feed (3 Chans) 07/12/09
12647 H 6111 3/4 181 182 181 ETB LOT 08 2 Encrypted Feed 07/12/09
12669 H 14394 3/4 100 101 100 MSAT 18.1 2 Feed (3 Chans) 10/12/09
12653 H 14364 3/4 308 256 8190 Tandberg Service 2 Feed 12/12/09
12664 H 6111 3/4 308 256 8190 E329 VIA 2 Feed 12/12/09
10975 H 2894 3/4 33 34 33 DVB Server 2 ? 16/12/09
10986 V 28800 Auto 308 256 8190 GCI_HD_E280/1 2S2 Encrypted HDTV Feed 20/12/09
Telstar 11 12675 H 3214 3/4 100 110 100 MSAT 8-VIA 1 2 Feed 23/12/09
Cont 12671 H 3214 3/4 309 258 34 L22 2 Feed 23/12/09
12673 H 6111 3/4 512 4112 8190 E331 VIA 1 2 Feed 26/12/09
Intelsat 14 11509 H 26691 5/6 1160 1120 1160 CCTV 2 Programming (2 Chans) 30/12/09
45 West 11675 V 1240 2/3 0 3111 3111 CRI Radio 2 Radio 30/12/09
11452 V 1917 3/4 0 0 0 WNDL 2 ? 30/12/09
11495 V 7592 3/4 0 0 0 WNDL 2 ? 30/12/09
Sunday, 3 January 2010
My System. By Roy Carman.
I first became interested in civilian satellite communications some 26 years ago after leaving the Army where I had been an Instructor in Communications, both Radio and Human, as well as many other things. So I have been “feed hunting”, in one way or another, for over 50 years.
26 Years ago there was very little on the Clarke Belt to view. If my memory serves me right there really was only one receivable analogue satellite at that time and that was an Intelsat at 27.5 degrees West, Intelsat 601 rings a bell.
Equipment and interest has gained momentum since then, somewhat. People ask me if I watch television, possibly sarcastically after seeing my dishes. When I answer “No!” the questioner appears a little perplexed.
I don’t watch television, I Feed Hunt.
I am a little old fashioned in my feed hunting, in that I do not use a spectrum analyser. I know many people do use a spectrum analyser, but I regard that as equivalent to fishing a lake by putting a large fine mesh fishing net into a lake at one end, and dragging it across the width and breadth. I don’t see any joy in that.
However I do use a Spectralook, an inexpensive device that allows you to look at the frequency spectrum that your receiver/dish is looking at. It does not give you the frequency of a signal, but only an indication that a signal is there. It is excellent for tweaking your dish, you only need a TP to be operating on a satellite, you do not need to know that transponders frequency etc.
Some lady visitor once said “I certainly would not allow all that in my living room”. To which I replied, “And you wouldn’t be there either!”
My system has grown over the years, thankfully and mainly because I have an extremely tolerant and loving wife, that now the lounge looks like the flight desk of the Star Ship “Enterprise”.
The main television is a 32 inch Sharp LCD TV, and all equipments can also be viewed on the Samsung 19” widescreen computer/monitor/TV and a 7 inch Saka widescreen TV.
The system has been designed so that the Wife and Grandchildren can watch TV, using either, Freeview, Sky, DVD-RW or VCR and I can still stay in the room with them and feed hunt. Or I can use both the main TV and the computer/monitor TV to feed hunt. The whole system is designed to be of the ultimate in flexibility.
The equipment is divided up into 8 Main Parts.
Part 1 is a feed acquisition set up based on a 1.2 Channel Master dish.
Part 2 is a feed acquisition set up based on a 90 centimetre Triax Dish.
Part 3 is Sky Television and Freeview.
Part 4 is the recording set up, based on 1 VHS video recorder and 3 DVD-RW recorders.
Part 5 is the Audio Entertainment side of life
Part 6 HDTV.
Part 7 consists of the computer/s set up.
Part 8 is the wiring and distribution.
I will now expand upon each part, describing the equipment used within.
Part 1. Satellite signal acquisition set up based on a 1.2metre dish.
The 1.2metre Channel Master dish is mounted on a 5 metre 4” diameter metal pole bolted to the concrete shed at the bottom of the back garden. Some 15 metres separate the dish from the receiver area. The dish is set up with and moved by an 18inch “Superjack” heavy duty actuator. This dish views the Clarke Belt from 64 degrees east to 37.5 degrees west.
The Low Noise Block (LNB) used here currently is an Inverto White Tech Twin Universal .3db. This is an exceptional LNB.
Sat FT 100 cable connects the LNB to the principle receiver, an Echostar AD-3600IP Viaccess. This receiver also moves the Channel Master dish by controlling the 36 volt Superjack actuator. The LNB Cable first enters a Global 4 Way active splitter. Also attached to this splitter is a Technomate TM-6900 HD Combo Super USB PVR Ready receiver that receives MPEG 2, MPEG 2S2, and MPEG 4, MPEG 4S2 signals and also terrestrial “Freeview”
The other LNB leg is connected to an 8way Eurostar IF (Intermediate Frequency) active splitter, via Sat FT 125 cable.
The Eurostar 8way IF splitter provides LNB (IF) power to, firstly a Manhattan Plaza XT-F 100, blind search satellite receiver.
Another lead, from the 8 way splitter, is then connected to a manual “A/B” switch; this in turn is connected to a Quali QS 1080 IRC (MPEG 2) High Definition Common Interface Satellite Receiver. This receiver reads 4.2.2., as well High Definition MPEG 2.
These Eurostar 8 Way active splitters are ideal because the signal gain to each output socket is 1db up on the inputted signal.
The Manhattan Plaza XT-F 100 and Technomate TM-6900 will “Blind Search” the KU Band spectrum. Because of the shortcomings of the Technomate TM-6900 receiver I need to search both with the Technomate TM-6900 and the Manhattan XT-F 100 at the same time to compare the end results to discover as to which feeds are MPEG 2 and those that re MPEG 4. The Technomate TM-6900 does not delineate which feeds are MPEG2 or MPEG4, I feel that this is a major failing in the software of this otherwise excellent receiver.
The Manhattan receivers when searching a satellite will display the Frequency, Polarity, Symbol Rate and FEC as well as the Programme Identification Data (PID) on any feed/programme found, unfortunately the Technomate does not display the FEC (Forward Error Correction). The Manhattan is MPEG 2 and is the only blind search receiver to register FEC in its search findings.
The IF splitter also feeds an IF signal to the Spectralook via yet another A/B switch. More about these switches later.
A spare lead from the 8 way IF splitter is stored in the cabinet so other receivers can be attached and viewed when required. Often you will find another satellite receiver connected here, either for computer updating or testing purposes.
You have to be a little alert to use these IF distribution units as you need to turn off any other receivers that are fed by the unit and use just the one you are working on. After a while you can soon use two or three receivers at a time by co-ordinating polarity and band. The general rule is that the last receiver switched on dictates the polarity and band in use.
Part 2. Satellite signal acquisition based on a 90 centimetre Triax dish.
The Triax 90 centimetre dish is fitted with a Smart Titanium .2db Twin Universal LNB and is located on the west facing wall of the house. The dish is moved using a Jaegar 128 H to H motor driven by a second Echostar AD 3600 IP Viaccess, a combined analogue/digital receiver. This dish can view from 28.5 degrees east to beyond 61 degrees west.
Again I use Sat FT 100 cable to an Echostar AD 3600 IP Viaccess, the principal library receiver, via a second Global 4 Way active splitter. The Echostar controls the dish movement. Also another cable from the Global 4 way splitter goes to the A/B switch as described in the 1.2 meter dish set up, onward to the Technomate TM-6900 HD receiver.
The Echostar receiver AD 3600 can store 1,299 TPs (5000 Channels). The AD 3600 will also store some100 satellites. All receivers in use are capable of receiving both Multiple Channel Per Carrier (MCPC), sometimes referred to as Muxx or Bouquet, and Single Channel Per Carrier (SCPC). The Echostar 3000 and 3600 are about the only receivers still around that will receive Analogue TV as well as Digital TV.
Sat FT 125 cable connects to a second Eurostar 8 way IF active splitter.
One IF socket serves a Manhattan Plaza XT-F 100 Free to Air (FTA) receiver, this receiver is used to find the “new” feeds on this Triax dish based set-up in the same manner as the 1.2.Metre dish set up.
Another socket sends IF to the Quali QS 1080 IRC via the other A/B switch also mentioned in the 1.2 metre dish set up.
Other IF leads from the 8 Way connect to the Spectralook of course via the second A/B switch mentioned in Part 1.
The Spectralook, Quali, and Technomate can be switched between the two main dishes.
Again a spare lead is connected to the IF splitter and stored within the cabinet for external receiver testing.
A third A/B switch comes into play here. This A/B switch allows me to switch the Sky receiver between the standard 45 centimetre and the 80 centimetre dish to compensate for bad weather.
You may wonder how on earth you can operate similar receivers within the same system, Well you turn one off the other comes on, if I need to keep both receivers of similar type on I have a Remote Control Unit (RCU) blocking device that is placed in front of one of the receivers.
Part 3. Sky and Freeview.
A mini dish with a quad LNB, mounted on the chimney, feeds both mine and the neighbours Sky receivers, allowing us a spare IF input for the hard disk type Sky receiver, or HD Sky Box when purchased. At the time of the Sky dish being set up my neighbour had a tree that prevented him having a dish anywhere on his property.
The roof mounted wideband TV aerial provides IF to a Digital Terrestrial Freeview receiver as well as to the ATi ALL-IN-WONDER X800 analogue/digital TV card in the Hybrid computer and also to the HP Computer Media Centre. The UHF feed also goes to the two bedrooms that have a digital terrestrial TVs as well as DVD players. Sky and freeview can also be watched on the computer monitor.
Unfortunately because we use the Reigate “fill in” transmitter to receive terrestrial digital signals, we will not receive the full programme availability of Freeview until April 2012.
Part 4 is the video recording side of life.
In the cabinet I have three Digital Versatile Disk-Re Writers (DVD-RW). They are, Sony RDR-GX 120 (+R), Samsung DVD (-R) and a Toshiba HDD @ DVD Video recorder RD-88DT (+R & -R). The Samsung and the Sony have attached a Scart type Freeview receiver attached at the rear.
The Panasonic NV-HS880 (SVHS) is the only VHS recorder in use.
Each recording device can record analogue terrestrial TV and digital terrestrial TV and also every satellite receiver via scart or phono leads, via a Keene Professional switch/patch box!
The UHF antenna is mounted on the chimney, the signal is then passed into 2 UHF/VHF amplifiers that distribute the UHF signal to the 3 DVD recorders, VCR, 2 computers, main TV, Monitor/TV, and 7 inch widescreen TV, as well as to the bedroom TVs.
Note the DVD-RW recorders are not fitted with a UHF tuneable output so the component video outputs have been utilised.
The Hybrid computer also has a NEC DVD/CD recorder and an LG DVD/CD player/recorder built in, along with a Freecom stand alone USB 2 link DVD+RW. These three DVD recorders allow me to record a channel direct digitally from the Ati All In Wonder X800 card or any other source
The HP computer has on board a Lightscribe HL-DT-ST DVDR+RW GSA-H200 DVD recorder and a Pioneer DVD-RW DVR-112D, the computer can also share the Freecom USB 2 DVD+R via the USB/VGA switch.
My Sony Mini DV Handycam can also be fed into the system. To maintain digital integrity I connect the Sony camera into the Toshiba HDD & DVD Video recorder via a 4 wire “I” link cable, and then can pass the camera recording to either the Hard Disk Drive or to disk.
The Sony Mini DV Handycam also has SVHS and Composite output with stereo audio, therefore I can transfer from camera to the Sony DVD +RW or Samsung DVD –RW. The camera can also be connected direct to the TV via USB mini to USB lead.
The camera can also be fed into both computers digitally by using the same type USB link.
Part 5 is the Audio Entertainment side of life.
CD recordings can be played either using the computer, or any one of the three DVD-RW machines.
My VSX-909 RDS Pioneer Audio/Video multi-channel digital amplifier/receiver not only combines all external video and audio sources but also supplies my radio entertainment. The receiver has all the usual radio bands that are available on any normal entertainment radio. My VHF radio signal is received via a motorised VHF antenna.
Living as I do on the edge of the very beautiful Surrey Hills, I can receive signals from France. I can also listen to Isle of Wight Radio, a low level signal serving only the Island.
Part 6 the HDTV set up
Composite signals from all of the satellite receivers and SVHS VCR, these are fed through a Scart Auto Commander to the Pioneer Amplifier to a Data Composite Video/Audio amplifier direct to the second Scart socket on the rear of the TV. They can also be viewed on the TV by using the composite input on the TV
The satellite receivers are also fed to the first Scart socket on the TV via a Scart Auto Commander switch into a manual Scart switch. This manual Scart switch allows the satellite receivers and Sky receiver to be switched to the TV in RGB mode ensuring a much better resolution on the TV screen.
Component video from the Sony DVD+R and the Samsung DVD-R plus the component output from the Quali QS 1080 are fed through a an AVT component switch into the TV’s Component input. The Quali can also be viewed the TV’s 3rd HDMI socket..
The computers are also routed to the TV via the USB Data Switch (combines and switches the two computers) and a Candy VGA active splitter. A single VGA lead leaves the USB Data switch to the Candy VGA active splitter. One of the Candy VGA splitter outputs go to the Samsung LCD Monitor/TV and another to the VGA input on the TV. A quick note here, the Computer monitor is situated some 4 metres from the actual computers. Computer audio is routed to the Pioneer via a BTech manual scart switch.
The HDMI outputs from the Toshiba DVD+-R is direct to the TV via HDMI input 1 and the Technomate TM-6900 direct to the TV via HDMI input 2.
The two computers are sent direct to the TV when using the “catch up” facilities provided by the UK broadcasters, for example the BBC’s “I” player. (Odd fact here, you can only use the BBC I player direct from the BBC site to the TV via the HP Media Centre as for some reason when using the Windows XP Media Centre edition of computer software you cannot download the programme to the hard drive, whereas XP professional will allow the download and storage of the BBC “I” player.) This allows me to continue feed hunting whilst the wife catches up on programmes we missed or did not record.
The Technomate and the DVD recorders are Digital Audio wired to the Pioneer amplifier as well as by aanalogue connection.
The advent of the Sharp TV has made the wiring so much easier because of the vast amount of inputs available on the TV’s rear. 2 x Scart Sockets, 3 x HDMI sockets, 1 x Component socket (this component socket can handle Analogue Y Pb Pr and Digital Y Cb Cr signals), VGA RGB input for computers, and lastly a composite input comprising of three RCA sockets.
The Sharp TV has built into it an excellent Digital Scaler that provides atunning pictures at 576i level. The TV also handles 1080i pictures to almost 3D level.
Part 7 is the computers.
Linking the equipments to the computers.
The two computers, the “Hybrid” homemade computer, bit of a “bitsa,” bits of this and bits of that, and an off the shelf computer, an HP Pavillion t3625UK
The Hybrid computer has a 150Gbyte Hard Disk. Also built into the computer is a digital/analogue terrestrial television tuner that I have mentioned before (the ATi card).
The HP Pavillion has a 250 GByte Hard Disk. This is a Media Centre Edition and has its own on board TV set up. The reasons that I have an Hauppage USB TV unit attached to this is so that I can get “stills” direct from feeds, whereas if I used the Media Centre itself this would require recording the feed and then editing the “stills”.
With a bit of fiendish wiring I can either watch all of the satellite receivers on the computer, or with the pushing of an auto electronic switch I can also view all DVD-RW/SVHS Video Recorder.
To muster the equipments into the computers:-
The 2 x Echostar and 2 x Manhattan XT-F 100 satellite receivers I use a Philex TriStar 5 Channel AV Control Centre, this then feeds into a BTech Quintro Scart switch at Input 1.
Input 2 on the Quintro comes from the Pioneer Receiver/Amplifier.
Input 3 on the Quintro is for the Technomate TM-6900.
Input 4 on the Quintro is for the Quali 1080.
Input 5 on the Quintro is the recording Equipments (3 x DVD Recorder and Panasonic VCR) are fed firstly into a BTech Quarttro Scart Switch and this is then connected via Input 5 of the BTech Quintro.
The Quintro then is linked into the via a Scart amplifier. This scart amplifier then feeds into a Keene Distribution Amplifier KDA1S, onward to both computers, HP via Hauppage USB, Hybrid via Ati card mounted in the computer. This also feeds the Monitor /TV and the 7 inch Saka TV and can also be viewed on the main TV via the composite input..
Audio from the computers, via a BTV28 Headphone Pro Amp, can be listened to through earphones or the speakers mounted in the monitor/TV.
All of the satellite receivers are also connected to the computer using RS 232 9 pin connectors via an RS 232 switch box. This permits both software and database updating of the satellite receivers. Each computer has two “serial” outputs. Each of the two outputs connect too the switch box so that both computers can be used for the updating function.
The computer can also be used too pass to friends and colleagues, recordings of feeds found via MPEG 3 Disks, as well as storing important feed materials.
Computer users will also know that you can record your favourite tracks from records, cassettes or other CDs, so that you can make a CD of all your favourite music. Also I can edit my videos and re-record them.
Obviously I also use the computers as computers. Mainly to keep up the database that I started back in late 1998 of all digital feeds found. Microsoft Excel allows me to organise the databases in almost any order, be it by date, frequency, symbol rate, etc.
The computers can be viewed both on the Samsung SyncMaster 940MW 19 inch widescreen LCD monitor and the main TV via a USB Data switch.
The main TV can be connected to both the computers via a Candy VGA splitter.. There is a DVI socket on the ATi Card in the Hybrid, The HP also has a DVI socket and the Sharp TV has an HDMI socket, the change from DVI to HDMI is completed by HDMI/DVI lead adapters. Pictures are stunning when sent from the computer to the TV. The TV can be used as a stand alone computer monitor.
The business end (The monitor).
The manual B Tech switch panel seen below the stand drawer allows the switching to an insert on the computer monitor screen the picture that is passing through Pioneer amplifier, Scart Auto Commander, Spectralook and whatever the Quintro Scart Control Unit is switched to. The right hand set of buttons controls the picture going to the 7” Saka TV. This allows me to view both receivers at the same time, be they the Echostar, Technomate, or Manhatten 100 satellite receivers. All of these can also be received full screen on the computer monitor if required.
To the right of the monitor and on top of the 12 drawer unit are the audio controls to the monitor and to the headsets. The 7” Saka TV is wired separately for audio.
Part 8 The cabling and the Pioneer amplifier.
In the whole of my equipment connections there are very few ready made cables although with the advent of HDTV I am using ready made HDTV cables. However there are two ready made high-grade audio cables in use within the system and most USB cables are ready made.
I make all other cables myself, both to the Computers and to the Pioneer Amplifier, using the best materials available. It takes me absolutely ages to do because my hands don’t work properly, but the end result is well worth the trouble. Within the system there are many custom built leads especially in the scart side of the system. There are some 70 plus scart plugs in use! Many are daisy chained to get maximum flexibility out of the equipment. With so many different manufacturers equipments in use, good cabling must be used. Also many of the cables, because of what I am requiring them to do, cannot be purchased in any shop. By making my own cables I have totally eliminated the crosstalk problems that are created by many ready made cables. There is only one way to make an RGB scart and that is by using miniature co-axial cable to all pins. Hard work but great fun and time consuming.
Now the linking of the receivers, DVD-RW/VCR etc to the Pioneer VSX-909 RDS Audio/Video Multi Channel Receiver
The Echostar AD 3600 IP , Manhattan Plaza XT-F 100 (Channel Master dish), Echostar AD 3600 IP Viacess, Manhattan Plaza XT-F 100 (Triax Dish), Quali 1080 and Technomate TM-6900 are connected into a 6 Way scart commander unit. All cables are RGB and stereo audio capable, and are also wired for composite. The output cable from the the Scart Auto Commander provides RGB output and a composite output, both with stereo audio.
The RGB goes to the TV via a manual Scart Switch and also to the composite on the Pioneer Amplifier.
Most of the cables plugging into the TV carry an audio signal. Unfortunately the one failing of the Sharp TV has such poor audio, I therefore take the audio back out of the TV via the two RCA on the rear of the TV into CD player input of the Pioneer Amplifier.
By setting the Sharp TV and also the Pioneer Amplifier to “Surround Sound” I have found produces an exceptional manufactured surround sound capability.
Switched signals from the Pioneer are then fed into a 4 way Keene Data Video line amplifier combined time base corrector (TBC) to provide the connection of the composite TV signals to the TV.
Because of the introduction of DVD-RW capability (mentioned earlier) this has brought about the introduction of a Video/Audio sender that can transmit by RF to the bedrooms. The Video Audio sender can be plugged into either the Pioneer output (same as main TV) or the Quintro link. A homemade double scart socket at the front of the main cabinet provides the plug in source.
DVD and VCR audio are routed to the Pioneer via a BTech Quarttro scart switch and as previously mentioned this Quarttro signal is also carried to the Quintro Scart switch for onward to the computers and the Monitor/TV.
The Panasonic Sky Digi-box, Astratec Freeview, the 90 centimetre dish Echostar AD 3600 IP Viaccess receiver and I metre dish Manhattan XT-F 100 receivers can be switched via a B Tech Manual switch to either the Panasonic VCR or the Toshiba DVD-RW as well as the computers.
The system has been designed to avoid as much manual switching as possible. The whole system can be controlled from my bed via an X 10 PowerMid receiver.
A/B switches allow me to use the Technomate TM-6900, Quali IRC 1080 and the Spectralook on both dishes. These are low loss manual switches.
This is the system that is the ultimate “must” for the couch potato”. Yes I would agree, but I had to design it that way because of my disabilities as I have somewhat limited ambulation and 50% hearing loss.
Summary.
How do I use all of this equipment?
I mainly use the 1.2metre dish for my feed hunting unless I want to search beyond 37.5 degrees West, the Channel Master view is crested by the house beyond Telstar 11N (37.5 West). If I find something interesting I move the Triax dish to the interesting satellite and TP and leave it there whilst I carry on searching with the Channel Master set up.
Feed hunting is now virtually all done by Blind Search receivers.
Just enter the parameters I wish to search and set the receiver to search. Anything going on will be found. The only shortfall of the Technomate is that the receivers do not provide the FEC (Forward Error Correction) and it has a poor db threshold and it will not handle Symbol Rates (SR) below 2000.
Of course if you have the available cash you can buy a spectrum analyser and give up fishing with a rod and go to fine mesh net fishing, so to speak.
Moving on then, as I have said previously, received pictures can be viewed either on the TV or via the computer composite feed set up. I can use one dish arrangement on the TV, the other on the computer, or vice a versa or mix and match so to speak. Having several receivers also allows me to leave one on an active feed whilst another searches the rest of the satellite.
Any received signals can be recorded on any of the recorders that are free at the required time. This can be done either via the Pioneer Receiver Amplifier, or by simply wiring by a phono leads to the third input on the face of the DVD/VCR recorders
The Triax dish set up can be used in the same manner as the Channel Master.
Often I buy a piece of equipment to test, set it up, try it, don’t like it and move it on. Now and again a piece of equipment comes along that I do like and it stays and becomes integrated into the system. I can assure you there are not many pieces that stay!
I think part of my passion for satellite TV is the construction and design of a system that makes the equipment work to its utmost functionality, integration and performance. I am always looking for new ways to do things, and new equipment to try. Unfortunately most manufacturers and their vendors do not like honesty, nor do some satellite magazines, and I can write honestly because I do not have to rely on advertisers to obtain my revenue!
After reading this you may doubt my mental stability. I can assure you that it is Satellite TV that has maintained my sanity! Further more, where we are all going in the end, you cannot take your money with you, so why not spend it on something you enjoy doing whilst you are here.
I first became interested in civilian satellite communications some 26 years ago after leaving the Army where I had been an Instructor in Communications, both Radio and Human, as well as many other things. So I have been “feed hunting”, in one way or another, for over 50 years.
26 Years ago there was very little on the Clarke Belt to view. If my memory serves me right there really was only one receivable analogue satellite at that time and that was an Intelsat at 27.5 degrees West, Intelsat 601 rings a bell.
Equipment and interest has gained momentum since then, somewhat. People ask me if I watch television, possibly sarcastically after seeing my dishes. When I answer “No!” the questioner appears a little perplexed.
I don’t watch television, I Feed Hunt.
I am a little old fashioned in my feed hunting, in that I do not use a spectrum analyser. I know many people do use a spectrum analyser, but I regard that as equivalent to fishing a lake by putting a large fine mesh fishing net into a lake at one end, and dragging it across the width and breadth. I don’t see any joy in that.
However I do use a Spectralook, an inexpensive device that allows you to look at the frequency spectrum that your receiver/dish is looking at. It does not give you the frequency of a signal, but only an indication that a signal is there. It is excellent for tweaking your dish, you only need a TP to be operating on a satellite, you do not need to know that transponders frequency etc.
Some lady visitor once said “I certainly would not allow all that in my living room”. To which I replied, “And you wouldn’t be there either!”
My system has grown over the years, thankfully and mainly because I have an extremely tolerant and loving wife, that now the lounge looks like the flight desk of the Star Ship “Enterprise”.
The main television is a 32 inch Sharp LCD TV, and all equipments can also be viewed on the Samsung 19” widescreen computer/monitor/TV and a 7 inch Saka widescreen TV.
The system has been designed so that the Wife and Grandchildren can watch TV, using either, Freeview, Sky, DVD-RW or VCR and I can still stay in the room with them and feed hunt. Or I can use both the main TV and the computer/monitor TV to feed hunt. The whole system is designed to be of the ultimate in flexibility.
The equipment is divided up into 8 Main Parts.
Part 1 is a feed acquisition set up based on a 1.2 Channel Master dish.
Part 2 is a feed acquisition set up based on a 90 centimetre Triax Dish.
Part 3 is Sky Television and Freeview.
Part 4 is the recording set up, based on 1 VHS video recorder and 3 DVD-RW recorders.
Part 5 is the Audio Entertainment side of life
Part 6 HDTV.
Part 7 consists of the computer/s set up.
Part 8 is the wiring and distribution.
I will now expand upon each part, describing the equipment used within.
Part 1. Satellite signal acquisition set up based on a 1.2metre dish.
The 1.2metre Channel Master dish is mounted on a 5 metre 4” diameter metal pole bolted to the concrete shed at the bottom of the back garden. Some 15 metres separate the dish from the receiver area. The dish is set up with and moved by an 18inch “Superjack” heavy duty actuator. This dish views the Clarke Belt from 64 degrees east to 37.5 degrees west.
The Low Noise Block (LNB) used here currently is an Inverto White Tech Twin Universal .3db. This is an exceptional LNB.
Sat FT 100 cable connects the LNB to the principle receiver, an Echostar AD-3600IP Viaccess. This receiver also moves the Channel Master dish by controlling the 36 volt Superjack actuator. The LNB Cable first enters a Global 4 Way active splitter. Also attached to this splitter is a Technomate TM-6900 HD Combo Super USB PVR Ready receiver that receives MPEG 2, MPEG 2S2, and MPEG 4, MPEG 4S2 signals and also terrestrial “Freeview”
The other LNB leg is connected to an 8way Eurostar IF (Intermediate Frequency) active splitter, via Sat FT 125 cable.
The Eurostar 8way IF splitter provides LNB (IF) power to, firstly a Manhattan Plaza XT-F 100, blind search satellite receiver.
Another lead, from the 8 way splitter, is then connected to a manual “A/B” switch; this in turn is connected to a Quali QS 1080 IRC (MPEG 2) High Definition Common Interface Satellite Receiver. This receiver reads 4.2.2., as well High Definition MPEG 2.
These Eurostar 8 Way active splitters are ideal because the signal gain to each output socket is 1db up on the inputted signal.
The Manhattan Plaza XT-F 100 and Technomate TM-6900 will “Blind Search” the KU Band spectrum. Because of the shortcomings of the Technomate TM-6900 receiver I need to search both with the Technomate TM-6900 and the Manhattan XT-F 100 at the same time to compare the end results to discover as to which feeds are MPEG 2 and those that re MPEG 4. The Technomate TM-6900 does not delineate which feeds are MPEG2 or MPEG4, I feel that this is a major failing in the software of this otherwise excellent receiver.
The Manhattan receivers when searching a satellite will display the Frequency, Polarity, Symbol Rate and FEC as well as the Programme Identification Data (PID) on any feed/programme found, unfortunately the Technomate does not display the FEC (Forward Error Correction). The Manhattan is MPEG 2 and is the only blind search receiver to register FEC in its search findings.
The IF splitter also feeds an IF signal to the Spectralook via yet another A/B switch. More about these switches later.
A spare lead from the 8 way IF splitter is stored in the cabinet so other receivers can be attached and viewed when required. Often you will find another satellite receiver connected here, either for computer updating or testing purposes.
You have to be a little alert to use these IF distribution units as you need to turn off any other receivers that are fed by the unit and use just the one you are working on. After a while you can soon use two or three receivers at a time by co-ordinating polarity and band. The general rule is that the last receiver switched on dictates the polarity and band in use.
Part 2. Satellite signal acquisition based on a 90 centimetre Triax dish.
The Triax 90 centimetre dish is fitted with a Smart Titanium .2db Twin Universal LNB and is located on the west facing wall of the house. The dish is moved using a Jaegar 128 H to H motor driven by a second Echostar AD 3600 IP Viaccess, a combined analogue/digital receiver. This dish can view from 28.5 degrees east to beyond 61 degrees west.
Again I use Sat FT 100 cable to an Echostar AD 3600 IP Viaccess, the principal library receiver, via a second Global 4 Way active splitter. The Echostar controls the dish movement. Also another cable from the Global 4 way splitter goes to the A/B switch as described in the 1.2 meter dish set up, onward to the Technomate TM-6900 HD receiver.
The Echostar receiver AD 3600 can store 1,299 TPs (5000 Channels). The AD 3600 will also store some100 satellites. All receivers in use are capable of receiving both Multiple Channel Per Carrier (MCPC), sometimes referred to as Muxx or Bouquet, and Single Channel Per Carrier (SCPC). The Echostar 3000 and 3600 are about the only receivers still around that will receive Analogue TV as well as Digital TV.
Sat FT 125 cable connects to a second Eurostar 8 way IF active splitter.
One IF socket serves a Manhattan Plaza XT-F 100 Free to Air (FTA) receiver, this receiver is used to find the “new” feeds on this Triax dish based set-up in the same manner as the 1.2.Metre dish set up.
Another socket sends IF to the Quali QS 1080 IRC via the other A/B switch also mentioned in the 1.2 metre dish set up.
Other IF leads from the 8 Way connect to the Spectralook of course via the second A/B switch mentioned in Part 1.
The Spectralook, Quali, and Technomate can be switched between the two main dishes.
Again a spare lead is connected to the IF splitter and stored within the cabinet for external receiver testing.
A third A/B switch comes into play here. This A/B switch allows me to switch the Sky receiver between the standard 45 centimetre and the 80 centimetre dish to compensate for bad weather.
You may wonder how on earth you can operate similar receivers within the same system, Well you turn one off the other comes on, if I need to keep both receivers of similar type on I have a Remote Control Unit (RCU) blocking device that is placed in front of one of the receivers.
Part 3. Sky and Freeview.
A mini dish with a quad LNB, mounted on the chimney, feeds both mine and the neighbours Sky receivers, allowing us a spare IF input for the hard disk type Sky receiver, or HD Sky Box when purchased. At the time of the Sky dish being set up my neighbour had a tree that prevented him having a dish anywhere on his property.
The roof mounted wideband TV aerial provides IF to a Digital Terrestrial Freeview receiver as well as to the ATi ALL-IN-WONDER X800 analogue/digital TV card in the Hybrid computer and also to the HP Computer Media Centre. The UHF feed also goes to the two bedrooms that have a digital terrestrial TVs as well as DVD players. Sky and freeview can also be watched on the computer monitor.
Unfortunately because we use the Reigate “fill in” transmitter to receive terrestrial digital signals, we will not receive the full programme availability of Freeview until April 2012.
Part 4 is the video recording side of life.
In the cabinet I have three Digital Versatile Disk-Re Writers (DVD-RW). They are, Sony RDR-GX 120 (+R), Samsung DVD (-R) and a Toshiba HDD @ DVD Video recorder RD-88DT (+R & -R). The Samsung and the Sony have attached a Scart type Freeview receiver attached at the rear.
The Panasonic NV-HS880 (SVHS) is the only VHS recorder in use.
Each recording device can record analogue terrestrial TV and digital terrestrial TV and also every satellite receiver via scart or phono leads, via a Keene Professional switch/patch box!
The UHF antenna is mounted on the chimney, the signal is then passed into 2 UHF/VHF amplifiers that distribute the UHF signal to the 3 DVD recorders, VCR, 2 computers, main TV, Monitor/TV, and 7 inch widescreen TV, as well as to the bedroom TVs.
Note the DVD-RW recorders are not fitted with a UHF tuneable output so the component video outputs have been utilised.
The Hybrid computer also has a NEC DVD/CD recorder and an LG DVD/CD player/recorder built in, along with a Freecom stand alone USB 2 link DVD+RW. These three DVD recorders allow me to record a channel direct digitally from the Ati All In Wonder X800 card or any other source
The HP computer has on board a Lightscribe HL-DT-ST DVDR+RW GSA-H200 DVD recorder and a Pioneer DVD-RW DVR-112D, the computer can also share the Freecom USB 2 DVD+R via the USB/VGA switch.
My Sony Mini DV Handycam can also be fed into the system. To maintain digital integrity I connect the Sony camera into the Toshiba HDD & DVD Video recorder via a 4 wire “I” link cable, and then can pass the camera recording to either the Hard Disk Drive or to disk.
The Sony Mini DV Handycam also has SVHS and Composite output with stereo audio, therefore I can transfer from camera to the Sony DVD +RW or Samsung DVD –RW. The camera can also be connected direct to the TV via USB mini to USB lead.
The camera can also be fed into both computers digitally by using the same type USB link.
Part 5 is the Audio Entertainment side of life.
CD recordings can be played either using the computer, or any one of the three DVD-RW machines.
My VSX-909 RDS Pioneer Audio/Video multi-channel digital amplifier/receiver not only combines all external video and audio sources but also supplies my radio entertainment. The receiver has all the usual radio bands that are available on any normal entertainment radio. My VHF radio signal is received via a motorised VHF antenna.
Living as I do on the edge of the very beautiful Surrey Hills, I can receive signals from France. I can also listen to Isle of Wight Radio, a low level signal serving only the Island.
Part 6 the HDTV set up
Composite signals from all of the satellite receivers and SVHS VCR, these are fed through a Scart Auto Commander to the Pioneer Amplifier to a Data Composite Video/Audio amplifier direct to the second Scart socket on the rear of the TV. They can also be viewed on the TV by using the composite input on the TV
The satellite receivers are also fed to the first Scart socket on the TV via a Scart Auto Commander switch into a manual Scart switch. This manual Scart switch allows the satellite receivers and Sky receiver to be switched to the TV in RGB mode ensuring a much better resolution on the TV screen.
Component video from the Sony DVD+R and the Samsung DVD-R plus the component output from the Quali QS 1080 are fed through a an AVT component switch into the TV’s Component input. The Quali can also be viewed the TV’s 3rd HDMI socket..
The computers are also routed to the TV via the USB Data Switch (combines and switches the two computers) and a Candy VGA active splitter. A single VGA lead leaves the USB Data switch to the Candy VGA active splitter. One of the Candy VGA splitter outputs go to the Samsung LCD Monitor/TV and another to the VGA input on the TV. A quick note here, the Computer monitor is situated some 4 metres from the actual computers. Computer audio is routed to the Pioneer via a BTech manual scart switch.
The HDMI outputs from the Toshiba DVD+-R is direct to the TV via HDMI input 1 and the Technomate TM-6900 direct to the TV via HDMI input 2.
The two computers are sent direct to the TV when using the “catch up” facilities provided by the UK broadcasters, for example the BBC’s “I” player. (Odd fact here, you can only use the BBC I player direct from the BBC site to the TV via the HP Media Centre as for some reason when using the Windows XP Media Centre edition of computer software you cannot download the programme to the hard drive, whereas XP professional will allow the download and storage of the BBC “I” player.) This allows me to continue feed hunting whilst the wife catches up on programmes we missed or did not record.
The Technomate and the DVD recorders are Digital Audio wired to the Pioneer amplifier as well as by aanalogue connection.
The advent of the Sharp TV has made the wiring so much easier because of the vast amount of inputs available on the TV’s rear. 2 x Scart Sockets, 3 x HDMI sockets, 1 x Component socket (this component socket can handle Analogue Y Pb Pr and Digital Y Cb Cr signals), VGA RGB input for computers, and lastly a composite input comprising of three RCA sockets.
The Sharp TV has built into it an excellent Digital Scaler that provides atunning pictures at 576i level. The TV also handles 1080i pictures to almost 3D level.
Part 7 is the computers.
Linking the equipments to the computers.
The two computers, the “Hybrid” homemade computer, bit of a “bitsa,” bits of this and bits of that, and an off the shelf computer, an HP Pavillion t3625UK
The Hybrid computer has a 150Gbyte Hard Disk. Also built into the computer is a digital/analogue terrestrial television tuner that I have mentioned before (the ATi card).
The HP Pavillion has a 250 GByte Hard Disk. This is a Media Centre Edition and has its own on board TV set up. The reasons that I have an Hauppage USB TV unit attached to this is so that I can get “stills” direct from feeds, whereas if I used the Media Centre itself this would require recording the feed and then editing the “stills”.
With a bit of fiendish wiring I can either watch all of the satellite receivers on the computer, or with the pushing of an auto electronic switch I can also view all DVD-RW/SVHS Video Recorder.
To muster the equipments into the computers:-
The 2 x Echostar and 2 x Manhattan XT-F 100 satellite receivers I use a Philex TriStar 5 Channel AV Control Centre, this then feeds into a BTech Quintro Scart switch at Input 1.
Input 2 on the Quintro comes from the Pioneer Receiver/Amplifier.
Input 3 on the Quintro is for the Technomate TM-6900.
Input 4 on the Quintro is for the Quali 1080.
Input 5 on the Quintro is the recording Equipments (3 x DVD Recorder and Panasonic VCR) are fed firstly into a BTech Quarttro Scart Switch and this is then connected via Input 5 of the BTech Quintro.
The Quintro then is linked into the via a Scart amplifier. This scart amplifier then feeds into a Keene Distribution Amplifier KDA1S, onward to both computers, HP via Hauppage USB, Hybrid via Ati card mounted in the computer. This also feeds the Monitor /TV and the 7 inch Saka TV and can also be viewed on the main TV via the composite input..
Audio from the computers, via a BTV28 Headphone Pro Amp, can be listened to through earphones or the speakers mounted in the monitor/TV.
All of the satellite receivers are also connected to the computer using RS 232 9 pin connectors via an RS 232 switch box. This permits both software and database updating of the satellite receivers. Each computer has two “serial” outputs. Each of the two outputs connect too the switch box so that both computers can be used for the updating function.
The computer can also be used too pass to friends and colleagues, recordings of feeds found via MPEG 3 Disks, as well as storing important feed materials.
Computer users will also know that you can record your favourite tracks from records, cassettes or other CDs, so that you can make a CD of all your favourite music. Also I can edit my videos and re-record them.
Obviously I also use the computers as computers. Mainly to keep up the database that I started back in late 1998 of all digital feeds found. Microsoft Excel allows me to organise the databases in almost any order, be it by date, frequency, symbol rate, etc.
The computers can be viewed both on the Samsung SyncMaster 940MW 19 inch widescreen LCD monitor and the main TV via a USB Data switch.
The main TV can be connected to both the computers via a Candy VGA splitter.. There is a DVI socket on the ATi Card in the Hybrid, The HP also has a DVI socket and the Sharp TV has an HDMI socket, the change from DVI to HDMI is completed by HDMI/DVI lead adapters. Pictures are stunning when sent from the computer to the TV. The TV can be used as a stand alone computer monitor.
The business end (The monitor).
The manual B Tech switch panel seen below the stand drawer allows the switching to an insert on the computer monitor screen the picture that is passing through Pioneer amplifier, Scart Auto Commander, Spectralook and whatever the Quintro Scart Control Unit is switched to. The right hand set of buttons controls the picture going to the 7” Saka TV. This allows me to view both receivers at the same time, be they the Echostar, Technomate, or Manhatten 100 satellite receivers. All of these can also be received full screen on the computer monitor if required.
To the right of the monitor and on top of the 12 drawer unit are the audio controls to the monitor and to the headsets. The 7” Saka TV is wired separately for audio.
Part 8 The cabling and the Pioneer amplifier.
In the whole of my equipment connections there are very few ready made cables although with the advent of HDTV I am using ready made HDTV cables. However there are two ready made high-grade audio cables in use within the system and most USB cables are ready made.
I make all other cables myself, both to the Computers and to the Pioneer Amplifier, using the best materials available. It takes me absolutely ages to do because my hands don’t work properly, but the end result is well worth the trouble. Within the system there are many custom built leads especially in the scart side of the system. There are some 70 plus scart plugs in use! Many are daisy chained to get maximum flexibility out of the equipment. With so many different manufacturers equipments in use, good cabling must be used. Also many of the cables, because of what I am requiring them to do, cannot be purchased in any shop. By making my own cables I have totally eliminated the crosstalk problems that are created by many ready made cables. There is only one way to make an RGB scart and that is by using miniature co-axial cable to all pins. Hard work but great fun and time consuming.
Now the linking of the receivers, DVD-RW/VCR etc to the Pioneer VSX-909 RDS Audio/Video Multi Channel Receiver
The Echostar AD 3600 IP , Manhattan Plaza XT-F 100 (Channel Master dish), Echostar AD 3600 IP Viacess, Manhattan Plaza XT-F 100 (Triax Dish), Quali 1080 and Technomate TM-6900 are connected into a 6 Way scart commander unit. All cables are RGB and stereo audio capable, and are also wired for composite. The output cable from the the Scart Auto Commander provides RGB output and a composite output, both with stereo audio.
The RGB goes to the TV via a manual Scart Switch and also to the composite on the Pioneer Amplifier.
Most of the cables plugging into the TV carry an audio signal. Unfortunately the one failing of the Sharp TV has such poor audio, I therefore take the audio back out of the TV via the two RCA on the rear of the TV into CD player input of the Pioneer Amplifier.
By setting the Sharp TV and also the Pioneer Amplifier to “Surround Sound” I have found produces an exceptional manufactured surround sound capability.
Switched signals from the Pioneer are then fed into a 4 way Keene Data Video line amplifier combined time base corrector (TBC) to provide the connection of the composite TV signals to the TV.
Because of the introduction of DVD-RW capability (mentioned earlier) this has brought about the introduction of a Video/Audio sender that can transmit by RF to the bedrooms. The Video Audio sender can be plugged into either the Pioneer output (same as main TV) or the Quintro link. A homemade double scart socket at the front of the main cabinet provides the plug in source.
DVD and VCR audio are routed to the Pioneer via a BTech Quarttro scart switch and as previously mentioned this Quarttro signal is also carried to the Quintro Scart switch for onward to the computers and the Monitor/TV.
The Panasonic Sky Digi-box, Astratec Freeview, the 90 centimetre dish Echostar AD 3600 IP Viaccess receiver and I metre dish Manhattan XT-F 100 receivers can be switched via a B Tech Manual switch to either the Panasonic VCR or the Toshiba DVD-RW as well as the computers.
The system has been designed to avoid as much manual switching as possible. The whole system can be controlled from my bed via an X 10 PowerMid receiver.
A/B switches allow me to use the Technomate TM-6900, Quali IRC 1080 and the Spectralook on both dishes. These are low loss manual switches.
This is the system that is the ultimate “must” for the couch potato”. Yes I would agree, but I had to design it that way because of my disabilities as I have somewhat limited ambulation and 50% hearing loss.
Summary.
How do I use all of this equipment?
I mainly use the 1.2metre dish for my feed hunting unless I want to search beyond 37.5 degrees West, the Channel Master view is crested by the house beyond Telstar 11N (37.5 West). If I find something interesting I move the Triax dish to the interesting satellite and TP and leave it there whilst I carry on searching with the Channel Master set up.
Feed hunting is now virtually all done by Blind Search receivers.
Just enter the parameters I wish to search and set the receiver to search. Anything going on will be found. The only shortfall of the Technomate is that the receivers do not provide the FEC (Forward Error Correction) and it has a poor db threshold and it will not handle Symbol Rates (SR) below 2000.
Of course if you have the available cash you can buy a spectrum analyser and give up fishing with a rod and go to fine mesh net fishing, so to speak.
Moving on then, as I have said previously, received pictures can be viewed either on the TV or via the computer composite feed set up. I can use one dish arrangement on the TV, the other on the computer, or vice a versa or mix and match so to speak. Having several receivers also allows me to leave one on an active feed whilst another searches the rest of the satellite.
Any received signals can be recorded on any of the recorders that are free at the required time. This can be done either via the Pioneer Receiver Amplifier, or by simply wiring by a phono leads to the third input on the face of the DVD/VCR recorders
The Triax dish set up can be used in the same manner as the Channel Master.
Often I buy a piece of equipment to test, set it up, try it, don’t like it and move it on. Now and again a piece of equipment comes along that I do like and it stays and becomes integrated into the system. I can assure you there are not many pieces that stay!
I think part of my passion for satellite TV is the construction and design of a system that makes the equipment work to its utmost functionality, integration and performance. I am always looking for new ways to do things, and new equipment to try. Unfortunately most manufacturers and their vendors do not like honesty, nor do some satellite magazines, and I can write honestly because I do not have to rely on advertisers to obtain my revenue!
After reading this you may doubt my mental stability. I can assure you that it is Satellite TV that has maintained my sanity! Further more, where we are all going in the end, you cannot take your money with you, so why not spend it on something you enjoy doing whilst you are here.
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