Replacement Vu+ Duo2 compatible DVB-T/T2 tuners

[intracube]

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.

 

[Mickha]

What about trying a USB tuner, as the T2 internal tuners don't appear to be available?

 

[Channel Hopper]

(Not) commonly available suggests there is a source.

 

[Channel Hopper]

Looks rather familiar....

VU+ Duo2 Review - Linux-TV.com

Is the Vu+ Duo2 the best receiver ever? We review the Vu+ Duo2 and all of its great features.

linux-tv.com

 

[Channel Hopper]

From nine years ago

[VU+ Duo2] Missing Dvb-T2 driver for the Vu+ Duo2 dub-t2 model [Archive] - Satellite Support Forum .: Home of OpenViX Team:.

Hi, I have a new Vu+ Duo2 with the dvb-t2 tuner. When installing the VIX image I couldn't find channels using dvb-t2 tuner but only dvb-t tuner. Is the driver for the new dvb-t2 tuners coming to the image soon?

www.world-of-satellite.com

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

http://archive.vuplus.com/download/drivers/

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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)

Dreambox DVB-C/T-Tuner LG TDFW-G331D

Ich verkaufe diesen Tuner aus meiner Dreambox 7020HD v2. Nach Umzug musste ich meine Dreambox auf...,Dreambox DVB-C/T-Tuner LG TDFW-G331D in Dresden - Cotta

www.kleinanzeigen.de

 

[Fisty McB]

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]

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]

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]

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:

VU+ Hybrid Dual DVB-C/T2 Tuner for Vu+ UNO / SOLO SE V2 / ULTIMO / DUO2

Are you looking to install a home satellite dish system? With quality brands at low prices and years of experience, SystemSAT is the retailer for you

www.systemsat.co.uk

Vu+ Twin DVB-C/T2 tuner VU PLUS Dual Tuner DVB-C/T2 - Dual DVB-C2/T2 tuner for Vu+ Duo2/ Solo SE V2/ Ultimo/ Uno Plug and Play Switchable through s

Vu+ Twin DVB-C/T2 tuner VU PLUS Dual Tuner DVB-C/T2 - Dual DVB-C2/T2 tuner for Vu+ Duo2/ Solo SE V2/ Ultimo/ Uno Plug and Play Switchable through s

www.mondoplast.ro

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

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

 

[Channel Hopper]

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:

VU+ Hybrid Dual DVB-C/T2 Tuner for Vu+ UNO / SOLO SE V2 / ULTIMO / DUO2

Are you looking to install a home satellite dish system? With quality brands at low prices and years of experience, SystemSAT is the retailer for you

www.systemsat.co.uk

Vu+ Twin DVB-C/T2 tuner VU PLUS Dual Tuner DVB-C/T2 - Dual DVB-C2/T2 tuner for Vu+ Duo2/ Solo SE V2/ Ultimo/ Uno Plug and Play Switchable through s

Vu+ Twin DVB-C/T2 tuner VU PLUS Dual Tuner DVB-C/T2 - Dual DVB-C2/T2 tuner for Vu+ Duo2/ Solo SE V2/ Ultimo/ Uno Plug and Play Switchable through s

www.mondoplast.ro

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]

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]

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.

Vuplus duo2 dvb-t2 tuner Nim TT3L10 stopped working - [EN] Enduser support

Page 1 of 4 - Vuplus duo2 dvb-t2 tuner Nim TT3L10 stopped working - posted in [EN] Enduser support: Hi There. I just did a software update and the dvb-t2 combo tuner stopped working. No channels work, service searching finds nothing. After selecting a dvb-t channel, Ive got a black screen. After...

forums.openpli.org

 

[intracube]

This thread might be relevant.

Vuplus duo2 dvb-t2 tuner Nim TT3L10 stopped working - [EN] Enduser support

Page 1 of 4 - Vuplus duo2 dvb-t2 tuner Nim TT3L10 stopped working - posted in [EN] Enduser support: Hi There. I just did a software update and the dvb-t2 combo tuner stopped working. No channels work, service searching finds nothing. After selecting a dvb-t channel, Ive got a black screen. After...

forums.openpli.org

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]

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