Replacement Vu+ Duo2 compatible DVB-T/T2 tuners

intracube

Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2011
Messages
73
Reaction score
29
Points
18
My Satellite Setup
DM600
My Location
England
Hi, my parents have a Vu+ Duo2 receiver and have been having issues with the DVB-T/T2 tuner. Part of it 'Tuner D' failed a while ago and the other part 'Tuner C' works intermittently.

Does anyone know if there are known issues with tuners on the Vu+ models and if there's any fixes - eg capacitor issues or dry solder joints?

Unfortunately, it looks like new T/T2 replacements aren't commonly available . Are there any generic or compatible tuners under a different brand/label that are still available, or are they all custom designed just for these Vu+ boxes?

I've seen them pop up on Ebay from time to time, so I could get a refurbished one from there.

Thanks.

Edit: They bought a DVB-S/S2 tuner with the box which is currently unused, so I might just help them put up a new dish which would have the benefit of the extra channels.
 
Last edited:

Mickha

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
6,049
Reaction score
928
Points
113
My Satellite Setup
1.2M Channel Master, 1224 motor, VU+ Duo 2
My Location
North West
What about trying a USB tuner, as the T2 internal tuners don't appear to be available?
 

Channel Hopper

Suffering fools, so you don't have to.
Staff member
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
Messages
35,992
Reaction score
8,712
Points
113
Age
60
Website
www.sat-elite.uk
My Satellite Setup
A little less analogue, and a lot more crap.
My Location
UK
(Not) commonly available suggests there is a source.
 

Channel Hopper

Suffering fools, so you don't have to.
Staff member
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
Messages
35,992
Reaction score
8,712
Points
113
Age
60
Website
www.sat-elite.uk
My Satellite Setup
A little less analogue, and a lot more crap.
My Location
UK
Looks rather familiar....


vuduo2_insidetuners-625x351.jpg
 

Channel Hopper

Suffering fools, so you don't have to.
Staff member
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
Messages
35,992
Reaction score
8,712
Points
113
Age
60
Website
www.sat-elite.uk
My Satellite Setup
A little less analogue, and a lot more crap.
My Location
UK
From nine years ago


I had word back from Vu, it seems they do not check what the TUNE supports, they just assume it does T2, (BH use same code as VU), in vix, i read the Driver to see what the TUNER support, in the ultimo the driver is correct in saying it is DVB-C / DVB-T2, but in Duo2 driver only says it is DVB-C / DVB-T, vuplus have told me they will fix this in next driver update.

then

It looks like VU has fix:
update driver
20140418
- Fix DVB-S2 Single(AVL6211) tuner problem(duo2, ultimo)
- Change nim_sockets of DVB-T2 tuner(duo2, needs a E2 update)

Although it says ''needs E2 update' it is possible that this is only applicable to OI. So those of you who have a T2-internal tuner could try to use the drivers from
and see if it works.
But please backup your image for chances are that it doesn't work at all.
It does work with Zeus 023 just replacing four files in /lib/modules/3.3.8-2.0/extra. But only with manual service scan. So all multiplexies having T2 broadcasts have to be scanned one by one.
 

intracube

Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2011
Messages
73
Reaction score
29
Points
18
My Satellite Setup
DM600
My Location
England
What about trying a USB tuner, as the T2 internal tuners don't appear to be available?
Do you know if a general purpose USB tuner should work or do I need one with a particular chipset for the Vu+ or Linux?

(Not) commonly available suggests there is a source.
Yes, I checked Ebay last month for completed Vu+ Duo2 T/T2 sales and there was one sold as-new/unused in the original box just a week before. Also another seller who had 5 for sale, used. So they seem available fairly regularly.
 

intracube

Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2011
Messages
73
Reaction score
29
Points
18
My Satellite Setup
DM600
My Location
England
I had word back from Vu, it seems they do not check what the TUNE supports, they just assume it does T2, (BH use same code as VU), in vix, i read the Driver to see what the TUNER support, in the ultimo the driver is correct in saying it is DVB-C / DVB-T2, but in Duo2 driver only says it is DVB-C / DVB-T, vuplus have told me they will fix this in next driver update.
In our case, we haven't update the firmware in some years (OpenViX) so it seems to be a hardware fault that's developed. Also, the 'C' tuner still works if the unit is warmed up and left on, but might fail if the box has been off for a while (which only usually happens after a power cut). Normally it's left on 24/7 and 'C' is fairly reliable.
 

Mickha

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
6,049
Reaction score
928
Points
113
My Satellite Setup
1.2M Channel Master, 1224 motor, VU+ Duo 2
My Location
North West
Providing the drivers are available, they should work.
Hopefully someone else, running OpenVix, can recommend working USB terrestrial tuners.
Which version of OpenVix do you have installed?
 

7mdish

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 11, 2013
Messages
663
Reaction score
270
Points
63
My Satellite Setup
CM 2.4m motorised offset dish, Viking Ku-band 2-ports motorised feed, 2 SMW LNBs, RC2000A, Dreambox DM920.
My Location
Milan, Italy
I suggest you to get a new (used) original tuner. You never know what's going on with USB tuners.
I purchased one (exactly like yours, for Duo2) from SSS, but it was some years ago, maybe in 2019 I believe.
I don't know if they can provide it now, possibly you can ask them?
Or, maybe hm-sat in Germany, they sell Vu+ boxes in all part of Europe.
Last chance is ebay, as you mentioned.
 

jeallen01

Specialist Contributor
Joined
Oct 12, 2003
Messages
6,674
Reaction score
2,630
Points
113
My Satellite Setup
See Signature
My Location
Somewhere in England (possibly?)!
In our case, we haven't update the firmware in some years (OpenViX) so it seems to be a hardware fault that's developed. Also, the 'C' tuner still works if the unit is warmed up and left on, but might fail if the box has been off for a while (which only usually happens after a power cut). Normally it's left on 24/7 and 'C' is fairly reliable.
That sounds like a thermal expansion/contraction/corrosion problem where the tuner pins fit into the motherboard socket - which is often a problem with all sorts of "elderly" electronic kit that has "pluggible" connections!

Therefore take the lid off, carefully unfasten and remove the tuner module, and carefully clean the module pins with some switch cleaner (e.g. Servisol). Then fit and remove the module in the socket several times to help "clean up" the pins before you finally fasten it back in place.
 

Channel Hopper

Suffering fools, so you don't have to.
Staff member
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
Messages
35,992
Reaction score
8,712
Points
113
Age
60
Website
www.sat-elite.uk
My Satellite Setup
A little less analogue, and a lot more crap.
My Location
UK
In our case, we haven't update the firmware in some years (OpenViX) so it seems to be a hardware fault that's developed. Also, the 'C' tuner still works if the unit is warmed up and left on, but might fail if the box has been off for a while (which only usually happens after a power cut). Normally it's left on 24/7 and 'C' is fairly reliable.
Is your tuner the same as the one imaged upthread ? (LG TDFW-G331D)

 

Fisty McB

Member
Joined
Aug 11, 2012
Messages
442
Reaction score
652
Points
93
My Satellite Setup
See my signature...
My Location
County Tyrone, N. Ireland
I can confirm that the rtl2832 usb dvb-t(2) tuners that are the basic workhorses for the cheap RTL SDR dongles work with the Duo2 using Openvix (driver can be downloaded from the menus).

The Xbox dvb-t2 tuners *might* work as well, but IIRC they need a newer Linux kernel compared to the rtl2832 devices - I have two such Xbox terrestrial tuners hooked up on a Octagon sf8008.
 

intracube

Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2011
Messages
73
Reaction score
29
Points
18
My Satellite Setup
DM600
My Location
England
Which version of OpenVix do you have installed?
It hasn't been updated in a long time (5.1.019), but I'd definitely update before trying a USB tuner.
I suggest you to get a new (used) original tuner. You never know what's going on with USB tuners.
Yes, the extra USB layer adds complexity and might cause some unexpected issues, which is why I'd prefer an internal tuner. Still, it's useful to know that the Vu+ works with at least some alternative USB devices.
That sounds like a thermal expansion/contraction/corrosion problem where the tuner pins fit into the motherboard socket - which is often a problem with all sorts of "elderly" electronic kit that has "pluggible" connections!

Therefore take the lid off, carefully unfasten and remove the tuner module, and carefully clean the module pins with some switch cleaner (e.g. Servisol). Then fit and remove the module in the socket several times to help "clean up" the pins before you finally fasten it back in place.
Yes, I wondered if that might be the case. We've actually got some Servisol here but haven't used it so far, although the tuner has been unplugged and re-fitted a few times. I also wonder if it might be a bad solder joint as there's a rather long row of pins onto the PCB which might be vulnerable to expansion/contraction due to the length of them. There didn't seem to be any obvious cracks in the solder joints, but it's not always possible to see, so that's the next thing to look at more closely.
Is your tuner the same as the one imaged upthread ? (LG TDFW-G331D)
I can't easily check this unit right now, but I bought an identical Vu+ at a similar time to my parents and from looking through the top vents on mine it seems to have a smaller shielded box on the tuner (about half the length of the LG one pictured).
I can confirm that the rtl2832 usb dvb-t(2) tuners that are the basic workhorses for the cheap RTL SDR dongles work with the Duo2 using Openvix (driver can be downloaded from the menus).
Thanks for the info.
 

Channel Hopper

Suffering fools, so you don't have to.
Staff member
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
Messages
35,992
Reaction score
8,712
Points
113
Age
60
Website
www.sat-elite.uk
My Satellite Setup
A little less analogue, and a lot more crap.
My Location
UK
I can't easily check this unit right now, but I bought an identical Vu+ at a similar time to my parents and from looking through the top vents on mine it seems to have a smaller shielded box on the tuner (about half the length of the LG one pictured).
Tuner make / model will be important to verify suitable and affordable options. Hopefully it isn't one used in the TBS cards.
 

intracube

Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2011
Messages
73
Reaction score
29
Points
18
My Satellite Setup
DM600
My Location
England
Tuner make / model will be important to verify suitable and affordable options. Hopefully it isn't one used in the TBS cards.
Shouldn't it be the case that these components shouldn't matter in terms of basic compatability? Eg, these are also for the Duo2/Uno/Ultimo/Solo SE v2 but don't have an LG branded tuner:

It looks like different revisions, possibly down to component availability.

What's the issue with TBS tuners? I have a TBS 6983.
 

Channel Hopper

Suffering fools, so you don't have to.
Staff member
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
Messages
35,992
Reaction score
8,712
Points
113
Age
60
Website
www.sat-elite.uk
My Satellite Setup
A little less analogue, and a lot more crap.
My Location
UK
Shouldn't it be the case that these components shouldn't matter in terms of basic compatability? Eg, these are also for the Duo2/Uno/Ultimo/Solo SE v2 but don't have an LG branded tuner:

It looks like different revisions, possibly down to component availability.

What's the issue with TBS tuners? I have a TBS 6983.
It might be basic compatibility, though tuner manufacturers often release a model that has issues that cannot be fixed with a driver update satisfactorily.

Somewhere on here is a thread relating to a terminal issue with a PCI card, functional on DVB-S, but failing to receive DVB-S2.

You still haven't confirmed the tuner you have in the box.
 

intracube

Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2011
Messages
73
Reaction score
29
Points
18
My Satellite Setup
DM600
My Location
England
It might be basic compatibility, though tuner manufacturers often release a model that has issues that cannot be fixed with a driver update satisfactorily.

Somewhere on here is a thread relating to a terminal issue with a PCI card, functional on DVB-S, but failing to receive DVB-S2.

You still haven't confirmed the tuner you have in the box.
The box is in a stack of AV equipment at my parent's house, so I can't check right now but I'll post the details when I can get to it. OpenVIX lists it as: DVB-T NIM (TT3L10) (DVB-T2) although I don't know if that uniquely identifies this tuner.
 

Channel Hopper

Suffering fools, so you don't have to.
Staff member
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
Messages
35,992
Reaction score
8,712
Points
113
Age
60
Website
www.sat-elite.uk
My Satellite Setup
A little less analogue, and a lot more crap.
My Location
UK
The box is in a stack of AV equipment at my parent's house, so I can't check right now but I'll post the details when I can get to it. OpenVIX lists it as: DVB-T NIM (TT3L10) (DVB-T2) although I don't know if that uniquely identifies this tuner.
This thread might be relevant.

 

intracube

Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2011
Messages
73
Reaction score
29
Points
18
My Satellite Setup
DM600
My Location
England
This thread might be relevant.

Thanks, although in that case it was an abrupt tuner fault after a software update. Our issue seems like it's heat/component related as one tuner struggles after a cold start but is then quite reliable if the box is left on 24/7. We haven't had much free time to check the box, but if we find the cause I'll try and remember to post an update here.
 

stonesatellite

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2016
Messages
232
Reaction score
69
Points
28
Age
40
My Satellite Setup
Vu+ Duo 4K SE (2x DVB-S2X) (2x Xbox One USB tuners (1x DVB-C & 1x DVB-T2) (1x Nooelec NESDR Nano 2+ USB RTL-SDR tuner)
Octagon SF8008 (2x DVB-S2X)
Mut@nt HD51 (2x 2x DVB-S2X)
Triax TD110
Sky zone 1 minidish
Inverto Black Ultra Twin LNB
Alsat Superior Dark Motor
Onkyo TX-SR605
6x Bose Acoustimass/Lifestyle double speakers
My Location
Stone, Staffordshire
Do you know if a general purpose USB tuner should work or do I need one with a particular chipset for the Vu+ or Linux?


Yes, I checked Ebay last month for completed Vu+ Duo2 T/T2 sales and there was one sold as-new/unused in the original box just a week before. Also another seller who had 5 for sale, used. So they seem available fairly regularly.

Xbox One USB tuners work well with Enigma 2 & cost next to nothing on eBay
 
Top