V Boxes

scopus

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Just copying and posting this off Ricks Satellite, possible further proof that satellite gear is going to become more scarce, as he's been quoted a minimum order of 2000 units for V Boxes!

I am still trying to find a source for more V-Boxes, as I have sold out. The past manufacturer wants a Minimum order of 2000 pieces and I just can't do that many. They said there is no longer a large enough demand for them.

Keep those spares!
 

jeallen01

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Sounds like it's time for someone to come up with a kit of parts so that people can build their own boxes.
 

Channel Hopper

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Take a flight to Dubai, travel empty and load up the suitcase with what you find on the streets around the electronics area.
 

Channel Hopper

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Which reminds me, I left a third box with TJExcalibur in Bournemouth to try out his dual axis tracking system on the 1.8 precision
 

statalite

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Wow I didn't know they were this rare, I don't have one but will need one in the future.
 

Mickha

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There were quite a few different versions, available, when I bought my first one, but when I needed a replacement there was only a few versions left, but a wide number of sites selling the same versions.
They are still widely available, at the moment, just search for a V-Box II satellite positioner.
 

Channel Hopper

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There were quite a few different versions, available, when I bought my first one, but when I needed a replacement there was only a few versions left, but a wide number of sites selling the same versions.
They are still widely available, at the moment, just search for a V-Box II satellite positioner.


Don't tell them Pike !
 

Dave5118

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Looks like I need a new V box :(
Stopped driving the dish east last night, drives west fine. Thinking it was a motor/sensor problem, tried swapping back to my old motor arm, and the problem is the same. Connected the original arm direct to the v box to see if it could be a cable problem, but no, still only drives the one way. I have had to resort to swapping the 'power' cables if I want to move the dish east. It's a primesat badged one, don't think I'll be getting that make again, only had it a couple of years, my original(protek, i think) lasted about 15 years or so. :angry:
 

a33

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Is the one relay of the V-Box stuck, maybe? That's what I read to check, when it does turn only one way.

Greetz,
A33
 

Dave5118

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Possibly, will try and have a look tomorrow. Not very good at this sort of thing, what would I be looking for?
 

a33

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You can tap on them. If then you can move both ways, it is most probably the cause.
With tapping you don't repair them, though. You just help them perform a few times more.

If you like to read, I googled a bit:
Vbox will not push West - Ricks Satellite Wildfeed and Backhaul Forum (post #19 has a picture)

And check for bad capacitors also, see WSI Vbox X Relay Stuck??
There in the picture you also see the two relays: the 'black boxes' lower left side.

I guess one can find more on google, but this will help you on the way I guess.

greetz,
A33
 

Dave5118

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Is the one relay of the V-Box stuck, maybe? That's what I read to check, when it does turn only one way.

Greetz,
A33
You were right :-clap Had to give them a good whack to free it though, are they easy to replace?
 

scopus

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You were right :-clap Had to give them a good whack to free it though, are they easy to replace?
If you are good at soldering Dave, then yes easy enough..
 
Last edited:

statalite

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My Satellite Setup
Nova-HD-S2, Dr HD D15, Free sat V7S, Free sat v8 finder V-71HD
Zone 1 @ 28.2°E
Zone 2 @ 19.2°E with 28.2°E and 13.0°E
Channel Master 1.0m (to be setup)
Channel Master 1.2m (to be setup)
SMR 1224
My Location
UK Midlands
There were quite a few different versions, available, when I bought my first one, but when I needed a replacement there was only a few versions left, but a wide number of sites selling the same versions.
They are still widely available, at the moment, just search for a V-Box II satellite positioner.

Should I look for a particular brand, are they all made to the same quality?
 

a33

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Oops, two threads running at the same time now....

@Dave5118
The de-soldering of the old one I always find the most difficult, as there are multiple pins to desolder. I usually suck the solder away with some electrical multithread wire (as a kind of braid, I believe the english term is), with some soldering paste on it.
Soldering the new one in shouldn't be difficult, after that.

greetz,
A33

Edit: BTW you only have to replace the defect relay, of course. And I had a relay in a timer switch that still worked some 4 month after tapping, so don't know how long your bad relay will last after your good whacking... :)
Hope you can easily find a replacement relay.
 
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Mickha

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Should I look for a particular brand, are they all made to the same quality?
There are very few models left, I have a Superjack V-Box II model, which works, but can be quite noisy, at times, producing a bit of a hum.
I even bought a spare, a few years back, just in case the occasional humming turns into something more serious.
 

Dave5118

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@Dave5118
The de-soldering of the old one I always find the most difficult, as there are multiple pins to desolder. I usually suck the solder away with some electrical multithread wire (as a kind of braid, I believe the english term is), with some soldering paste on it.
Soldering the new one in shouldn't be difficult, after that.

greetz,
A33
Thanks for that, looks a bit tricky for me, so i'll order another one and then have a go and keep it as spare.
 

Dave5118

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Channel Hopper

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Disconnect from the power and leave for at least an hour before taking apart.
 

jeallen01

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