FortecStar Passion HD

stevesat8 · 13-09-2007

Has anyone purchaced the Passion HD box from Maplin ?
Bought mine 5 weeks ago, and even though the picture quality is excellent, the damn thing locks up, freezes or just reboots its self.
Have updated the software to that dated 29 Aug 07 but has made no difference. It did add RGB to output option on the Scart , but if you set this for TV you loose output from the component video outputs, which I am using for a HD projector.
Also added POWER SEARCH but have no idea what that does and an email to Fortec has given no answer.
The channel backup/recovery does not work, after a software update I had to rescan 19 sats

Anyone else have these experiences ?
Can anyone recommend a cam to go with this box, and what will I get ?

**aikon0029** · 17-09-2007

Originally Posted by stevesat8

Has anyone purchaced the Passion HD box from Maplin ?
Bought mine 5 weeks ago, and even though the picture quality is excellent, the damn thing locks up, freezes or just reboots its self.
Have updated the software to that dated 29 Aug 07 but has made no difference. It did add RGB to output option on the Scart , but if you set this for TV you loose output from the component video outputs, which I am using for a HD projector.
Also added POWER SEARCH but have no idea what that does and an email to Fortec has given no answer.
The channel backup/recovery does not work, after a software update I had to rescan 19 sats
Anyone else have these experiences ?
Can anyone recommend a cam to go with this box, and what will I get ?

Hi M8 may I suggest you go to Hi Definition TV & AV section, then look in the list headed Hi Definition Recievers, there are a few posts about the Passion receiver there and if you post your question there somebody will possibly be able to help you.

fortechd · 21-10-2007

Download the update to 1.5 from the Fortec site, this wil make alot of difference to the receiver.

The update will also fix the Power Search. This is a handy utility that apparently will automatically scan for new channels after the receiver has been on standby for a set period. The settings are only visible when you update to the 1.5 version.

The passion has very little glitches but it is a superb receiver with the best Colour I have ever seen (and that's on standard definition). I can't wait to see the HD images when I get my new telly!

**mick2me** · 27-01-2008

I have just purchased the Passion.
How can I tell what version of the software I have loaded?

**Llew** · 27-01-2008

Menu -

Across to third picture to System Settings -

Down to Other Settings -

Down to System Information -

Press OK.

Llew

**mick2me** · 27-01-2008

Originally Posted by Llew

Menu -

Across to third picture to System Settings -

Down to Other Settings -

Down to System Information -

Press OK.

Llew

Thank You Llew

I get

Loader version v1.4.0
Software version v1.0.7
Software Date 15/nov/2007 ?

What next?

**Llew** · 27-01-2008

That's it Mick. You're up to date with firmware and software versions (although apparently there's a v1.08 going the rounds, not official yet though).

As to what you want to do now, check the thread here for more info -
http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellit...ow-maplin.html

Llew

**mick2me** · 27-01-2008

Thank You.

Funnily enuf, I have just been reading that thread.
Though I am still baffled by much of the terminology?

I now want to know what next to buy to get the best from this box.
A Cam? Diablo? and then do I need anything else, or download anything else?

**Llew** · 27-01-2008

A Diablo or Dragon/TRex cam will work OK in the Passion. You'll need a programmer to keep the files on the cam up to date if you're considering opening non-FTA channels.

Best programmer for either cam is the CAS 3+. Check _www.duolabs.com for info on this.

Llew

**Llew** · 27-01-2008

I've moved the thread to the more appropriate HD section.

**mick2me** · 28-01-2008

I assume I need a
Cam
Card
Programmer

What can I expect to reasonably pay for the aforementioned items?

And another question...

Since I replaced the deceased SL65 with the Passion, (the dish was aimed at Astra 28e), When I tried to move to other satellites, I could not get any signals, and had to manually move back to the Astra 28e signal.

Does this mean I have to reset the dish to Thor which is south of me, and start again for this new receiver?

**Llew** · 28-01-2008

Expect to pay anything up to £100 for the cam and CAS programmer together. Check out our sponsors, or you might find a cheaper deal on fleabay. The Diablo doesn't need a card to assist in programming the cam, but you can only program it with a Duolabs CAS interface. The Dragon/TRex uses a loader card (comes with the cam) and can be programmed with, say, an Infinity USB Phoenix programmer (cheaper than a CAS interface), but if you are just starting from scratch I would choose the more versatile CAS, which will do most cams, including the Dragon or TRex.

Yes, you will have to set up your dish as per the manual's instructions, again using Thor as your reference satellite.

Llew

**mick2me** · 28-01-2008

I see some of the cams are wireless?
Do I need that?

**Llew** · 28-01-2008

No, useful I suppose if you want to share any subs cards you have remotely (another receiver or internet.)

Don't have one myself (just a Diablo Lite) so don't know what else it can do.

HDTVIRL · 28-01-2008

I have a FSP-HD, purchased before Xmas great picture and features I have not had the lockup issues others have commented on.

Today I received mY Diablo CAM Lite and CAS3+ Programmer which I purchased last Friday 4.00pm and it was delivered to Ireland this morning from HISAT.COM great service.

I am totally at sea with it No documentation for either the CAM or the Programmer I Downloaded the manual for the programmer and got it working with my laptop but what do I do with them now, I have no idea what I am looking for in either the Programmer or the CAM, looked at some web sites and they don't give any indication of what I should do.

PLEASE HELP !!!!!!

Thanks in advance.

HDTVIRL

**mick2me** · 29-01-2008

Hey that was gonna be my next question, after I bought the very same or similar?

In laymans language Please

**Llew** · 29-01-2008

Find Post#61 here,

Diablo Light Cam

Where our CAM programming expert Mickha describes the procedure.

Stealth files for the CAM can be found on various file upload sites.

Llew

**mick2me** · 31-01-2008

Originally Posted by mick2me

I replaced the deceased SL65 with the Passion, (the dish was aimed at Astra 28e), When I tried to move to other satellites, I could not get any signals, and had to manually move back to the Astra 28e signal.

Does this mean I have to reset the dish to Thor which is south of me, and start again for this new receiver?

Originally Posted by Llew

Yes, you will have to set up your dish as per the manual's instructions, again using Thor as your reference satellite.
Llew

Well I've been out most of this afternoon.

Re set the Passion to factory default to get rid of the Astra channels and any other settings.

Went outside re set the dish motor to the '0' position.
Pointed the dish due south of me looking for THOR (which is due south).

Set the Passion satellite setting to Thor.

Waggled the dish about, Waggled the dish about quite a bit.

Got some strong signals on the Satfinder in line with the dish and motor.

Checked on the receiver, No signal?

Changed the Sat on the reciever till I did get a signal.
Managed to pick up signals for other sats but no signal due south for THOR?

I assume all the settings the passion assigns for THOR are correct?

But if I set the Passion for THOR, should the Satfinder register signals for other sats?

Not finding THOR signal, is it still transmitting?

**mick2me** · 01-02-2008

Sorry for the BUMP

Still not found THOR, back on the ladder this morning, now the rain has stopped!

But when the reciever is set to THOR, should the Sat Finder respond to signals from other satellites?

**Llew** · 01-02-2008

Yes, as far as the finder is concerned, it's just using the power from your box to operate, whatever sat you are on.

Don't know why you can't find Thor, must be your dish alignment.

Llew

**mick2me** · 01-02-2008

Thanks Llew

That helps me.

I am up the ladder at the moment.
(Well not at this exact moment)

**mick2me** · 01-02-2008

Moving the dish till I get strong signals, and then changing the sat on the reciever
till the receiver meter shows a signal against one or more of its sats.

I get

Signal 1...
Eurobird 9e

Signal 2...
Nilesat 7w
Telecom2d&ab 8w

Signal3...
Sirius2,3 5e

5E, Thats the nearest I can get to south, will that do?

**Llew** · 01-02-2008

Looks like that's the one you'll have to use for your reference sat then.

Still can't understand why you can't get Thor if you can receive sats west of this. Have you a tree or something blocking the line of sight to 1w?

**mick2me** · 02-02-2008

Clear line of sight. Thor must be the highest, centre of arc.

I had no problem finding THOR with the SL65?

I managed to navigate from Sirius to astra28e
then nudged the dish on remote for best signal before saving.

Back on the ladder tomorrow, weather permiting?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)