Loss of some German channels

[Big_Cheese]

I am a German linguist, so particularly value the free to air channels on analogue satellite. Recently though, several channels have disappeared, including ARD, which I watch frequently. I don't think this is a hardware problem, as some channels (e.g. HR, ZDF) are still there. I've tried inputting the frequency again, but all I get is a fuzzzy Eurosport picture on that frequency. Anyone know what's going on?

 

[rolfw]

Have a look at www.lyngsat.com and navigate to 19E, see if your missing channels follow a trend, like all on one polarity, this would normally indicate an LNB fault, or perhaps dish mis-allignment.

 

[Big_Cheese]

OK, thanks for the tip - but if it is dish alignment or LNB, then I haven't a clue...

 

[Analoguesat]

The clue is in the fact you are getting the wrong channel.

ARD 1 is transmitted on 11494H

Eurosport is transmitted on 11259V

Your frequencies are 250 MHz too low, so try tuning the receiver to 11744 H.

 

[rolfw]

Interesting point, sounds almost like the LNB Local oscillator setting in the LNB setup menu has been changed from 9.750 or universal, to 10.000Ghz.

 

[Analoguesat]

I would be interested to hear from Big Cheese if *all* his frequencies are about 250MHz out. If so you would have to conclude that the receiver has been set up with the wrong LNB frequency at some point.

 

[Big_Cheese]

Thanks for the advice, chaps. I did try the 250MHz trick, and didn't get anywhere with that. Rolf - I have no technical knowledge, so don't know what you mean by the LNB Local oscillator. Can I set this myself?

 

[rolfw]

You will find this in one of the setup menus, depends on which receiver you are using. It may be listed as L.O. and could be any of the following values:

10.000Ghz, 9.750Ghz, 11.000Ghz or Universal 9.750 Low and 10.600 Low. It depends on which LNB is on your dish as to what it should be.

Can you give us a list of the information in the setup menus?

 

[Big_Cheese]

Thanks, Rolf - I will check and get back to the forum. I really appreciate the help. Thanks again.

 

[Analoguesat]

Big Cheese - have a look at the frequencies that are displayed within the settings on your receiver, and write a handful of them down. Then compare some of the channels to this list:

http://www.selkirkshire.demon.co.uk/analoguesat/astra1_19e.html

How do the frequencies compare?

 

[Channel Hopper]

Your frequencies are 250 MHz too low, so try tuning the receiver to 11744 H.

If this frequency is put into the receiver, the tone switch part of the LNB will be triggered if its a universal type

It sounds more like theres a frequency converter box (Astra 1D converter ?) somewhere in the chain, thats either on the blink, or has been disabled.

 

[rolfw]

LOL, hadn't thought of that, or somebody has just flicked the switch accidentally. :

 

[Big_Cheese]

Now you are blinding me with science. What's going on is this:
I have a Pace Prima receiver, and currently it's picking up the following channels: Phoenix, HR, CNN, BW, 3SAT, RTL, RBB, SAT1, 9LIVE, Pro Sieben, CNN, CNBC Eurosport and various German shopping channels. I got the system second hand, so don't have a handbook, but the menu for intallation does give an option with LNB stuff on it. Currently it says:
LNB Multi-Band Tone
Low Band 10.000 FSS B
High Band 10.750 DBS
which might as well be Martian to me - but you guys speak Martian, don't you?

 

[rolfw]

It should probably say

LNB Universal
Low Band 9750
High Band 10600

 

[Big_Cheese]

Thanks Rolf - just tried changing to universal on the LNB - it automatically adjusted the high and low to the values you suggested. BUT - no sign of ARD!
Back to the drawing board... O-no

 

[rolfw]

When you find Eurosport, have you tried changing polarity to see if it clears?

 

[rolfw]

PS. for £12 you could replace the LNB, then your troubles would probably be over.

 

[mal4040]

If you are only getting the Vertical channels it is most likely the LNB, to check to see if all the stations are the same polarity check the listing on www.satcodx2.com/0192/uke/ the channels in red are the analogue ones.

 

[rolfw]

Already suggested that mate, see second post.

 

[Big_Cheese]

Again, thanks for the suggestions. No, changing polarity doesn't seem to make any difference. In fact, changing polarity doesn't seem to make any difference at all - the channels I can get are there whether the polarity is V or H. Rolf - your tip about a £12 LNB - how do I go about that? And does it involve screwdrivers and soldering etc? Or should i just go on e-bay and get a replacement box?