Advice Needed Which E2 receiver for best tuner sensitivity?

Captain Jack

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I'll come straight out - the tuner in Vu+ Solo2 box, compared to F15, sucks. I've been monitoring signal on 4W all day today on the same frequency on both receivers at the same time, connected to two different TVs (but same dish/LN:cool: and Solo2 simply doesn't cut the mustard on fringe...

I was often greeted with a broken picture or simply "Tune failed!" on Vu+ when it was absolutely fine on F15... From observations, I need at least 0.7 to 1.0dB more on Solo2 to get a lock and stable image than F15.

Sooo.... I would like to see if there's a better E2 receiver out there with a better tuner. The Uno I had was on-par with F15 and had no qualms about it. The only issue is that it was somewhat slow and only had a single tuner.

So... requirements:
  • At least two tuners
  • Sensitive tuners!
  • A driver that will display real dB figure instead of a quasi one you get on Vu+ boxes (derived from %...whatever that is)
  • Potential ability to run SatDreamGr image (@MCelliotG) for TI2-MI capability
  • Preferably but not necessary at this point - a CI+ compatible CAM slot (restricts me to Mutant receivers)
  • Something that's stable, well supported and won't go out of business in 2 weeks
Thanks!
 

humaxboy1

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I'll come straight out - the tuner in Vu+ Solo2 box, compared to F15, sucks. I've been monitoring signal on 4W all day today on the same frequency on both receivers at the same time, connected to two different TVs (but same dish/LN:cool: and Solo2 simply doesn't cut the mustard on fringe...

I was often greeted with a broken picture or simply "Tune failed!" on Vu+ when it was absolutely fine on F15... From observations, I need at least 0.7 to 1.0dB more on Solo2 to get a lock and stable image than F15.

Sooo.... I would like to see if there's a better E2 receiver out there with a better tuner. The Uno I had was on-par with F15 and had no qualms about it. The only issue is that it was somewhat slow and only had a single tuner.

So... requirements:
  • At least two tuners
  • Sensitive tuners!
  • A driver that will display real dB figure instead of a quasi one you get on Vu+ boxes (derived from %...whatever that is)
  • Potential ability to run SatDreamGr image (@MCelliotG) for TI2-MI capability
  • Preferably but not necessary at this point - a CI+ compatible CAM slot (restricts me to Mutant receivers)
  • Something that's stable, well supported and won't go out of business in 2 weeks
Thanks!

You don't have to look around a lot ...try Octagon SF4008 4K !. Silabs tuner are far the best and sensitive tuner that I've ever had. I also owned Solo2 and his tuner is average. But Octagon 4008 is another league, trust me. You can find some info also in this forum. It can receive DVB-S2X, TI2-MI (complicated but can be done), Multistream (example 5 W) and SR below 1000, even SR 250 is not a problem...

Humaxboy
 

MCelliotG

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Honestly, I want to buy the Octagon SF4008 receiver (for T2-Mi any stb with openatv would do), but...
there are certain things that hold me back, the development on certain things has either stalled or simply some features are not there, such as blindscan, full APSK support (only tuner B seems to be working properly), Hbbtv, latest linux kernel (certain USB devices won't work otherwise) and openGL support! If it had all the above it would already be sitting on my rack.
I also have an eye on the upcoming Zgemma H7. It has all of the above, but I don't know what tuner is gonna be used, they promise DVBS2X too. If they go with pluggable Silabs too I'll be very happy...
 

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Honestly, I want to buy the Octagon SF4008 receiver (for T2-Mi any stb with openatv would do), but...
there are certain things that hold me back, the development on certain things has either stalled or simply some features are not there, such as blindscan, full APSK support (only tuner B seems to be working properly), Hbbtv, latest linux kernel (certain USB devices won't work otherwise) and openGL support! If it had all the above it would already be sitting on my rack.
I also have an eye on the upcoming Zgemma H7. It has all of the above, but I don't know what tuner is gonna be used, they promise DVBS2X too. If they go with pluggable Silabs too I'll be very happy...
This is the trouble with Enigma2 receivers, they promise you the earth, then fail to deliver. I learnt my lesson with the AZBox!
 

dxhound2003

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The only E2 receiver I had was the AzBox and of course it did not start out as an E2 receiver. But I only ever used it looped through from my F15 receiver, which I use to tune in feeds and other signals. Maybe this would be a good solution, a sensitive non Linux receiver looped through to an E2 box with all the bells and whistles. I never found a signal with the F15 which did not resolve on the AzBox using this method.

My small amount of experience with E2 made me think it is a lot less user friendly with a motorised set up compared to the non Linux receiver.

But I think it is probably not fair to write off E2 on the basis of what the AzBox was able to do, since the Az was not designed for E2 originally.
 

humaxboy1

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Honestly, I want to buy the Octagon SF4008 receiver (for T2-Mi any stb with openatv would do), but...
there are certain things that hold me back, the development on certain things has either stalled or simply some features are not there, such as blindscan, full APSK support (only tuner B seems to be working properly), Hbbtv, latest linux kernel (certain USB devices won't work otherwise) and openGL support! If it had all the above it would already be sitting on my rack.
I also have an eye on the upcoming Zgemma H7. It has all of the above, but I don't know what tuner is gonna be used, they promise DVBS2X too. If they go with pluggable Silabs too I'll be very happy...

MCelliotG - i totally understand your point. It depends totally on the features that you need. Blindscan for me is not so important, but quick lock of signals,sensitive tuner, IPTV, webradio etc is.
APSK works fine only on B tuner (I hope it is just a software bug), HBBTv also (tried it for the first time yesterday). There are some issues with USB devices, that is true.
But all in all, this is great receiver, but not without mistakes/bugs. If you can live with that, it can be a fine receiver for first steps into 4K, Multistream etc...and hopefully some additional functionality will come in the future...
 

Captain Jack

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This is the trouble with Enigma2 receivers, they promise you the earth, then fail to deliver. I learnt my lesson with the AZBox!
AZBox was just awful! I had it for about a week back in 2010 before I ditched for a cheap DM800 clone.

I like E2 for its endless customisation abilities and I feel very much at home tinkering with it. I feel a bit 'claustrophobic' with non-E2 systems because I can't do much! E2 has its shortcomings but I am generally aware of what they are and can live with them. I think the Vu+ Uno was the best E2 receiver I had - very stable and had a great tuner. Solo2 is just ...OK. It's well built and stable but its very average tuner lets it down. Maybe I am just unlucky with this particular one...

Like others say, there are so many E2 (and non-E2!) receivers out there that promise the earth but upon release, half of the features on a glossy brochure are "in development", only never to be released. You don't buy a car with ABS brakes only to find out that out that they are disabled - to be potentially enabled later if the manufacturer can be bothered.

What I am really looking for is a modern Vu+ Uno - but with a faster CPU and two tuners. I do most of my watching/feed hunting on a 15" monitor - and at best, a 32" TV - so 4K receivers seem like a total waste. Octagon looks like decent value - not sure I need blind scan, since I get that with F15 (BS on there isn't the best either!) and I am really not too bothered about APSK, though looks like I'll need to connect my main dish to tuner B! Multistream and DVB-S2X is a good perk too.

I see that there's SatDreamGr image for the Octagon too, so that's a bonus. I tried OpenATV on the Vu+ but I really could not get on with it...
 

MCelliotG

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I can totally understand you Captain Jack. I began with closed sourced receivers before moving to Enigma in 2007. Since then I could never go back. Skinning and translating became a passion, the way you can contribute to the receivers in E2 is second to none.
MCelliotG - i totally understand your point. It depends totally on the features that you need. Blindscan for me is not so important, but quick lock of signals,sensitive tuner, IPTV, webradio etc is.
APSK works fine only on B tuner (I hope it is just a software bug), HBBTv also (tried it for the first time yesterday). There are some issues with USB devices, that is true.
But all in all, this is great receiver, but not without mistakes/bugs. If you can live with that, it can be a fine receiver for first steps into 4K, Multistream etc...and hopefully some additional functionality will come in the future...
And this is why we should all try to make this receiver the best there is on the market. Otherwise the competition will focus on its weak spots.
Besides manufacturers need to understand that along with the general consumer market, there's a DXing market as well. Certain features would make the receiver unbeatable.
However let's focus on things that are possible and should be there, if not already, certainly to do. I read today that they fixed extended CW api. I am waiting for Combo PLS support (mandatory in MIS reception) and of course blindscan. Kodi that I see lots of people bitching about is absolutely redundant for me, however OpenGL should be there also with that hardware, DTS native as well.
 

humaxboy1

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I like E2 for its endless customisation abilities and I feel very much at home tinkering with it. I feel a bit 'claustrophobic' with non-E2 systems because I can't do much! E2 has its shortcomings but I am generally aware of what they are and can live with them. I think the Vu+ Uno was the best E2 receiver I had - very stable and had a great tuner. Solo2 is just ...OK. It's well built and stable but its very average tuner lets it down. Maybe I am just unlucky with this particular one...

101% agree with you !! Before Solo2 I also had Vu+Uno and he was to slow at the end...Octagon on the other hand is super fast - from deep standby to Tv picture - cca 30 sek. It has even better picture quality, noticable on SD even on my 32" Tv.

What I am really looking for is a modern Vu+ Uno - but with a faster CPU and two tuners. I do most of my watching/feed hunting on a 15" monitor - and at best, a 32" TV - so 4K receivers seem like a total waste. Octagon looks like decent value - not sure I need blind scan, since I get that with F15 (BS on there isn't the best either!) and I am really not too bothered about APSK, though looks like I'll need to connect my main dish to tuner B! Multistream and DVB-S2X is a good perk too.

I am afraid we would not see "brand new" Vu+ Uno with better specifications in the near future. Maybe Gigablue could suprise us with something new...if we talk about "big players".

I see that there's SatDreamGr image for the Octagon too, so that's a bonus. I tried OpenATV on the Vu+ but I really could not get on with it...

Ha, this is interesting. OpenAtv for me is essential. I don't even try other images because everything I need is in that image.
 

Captain Jack

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Ha, this is interesting. OpenAtv for me is essential. I don't even try other images because everything I need is in that image.
There is little point talking about images, since it's more often than not entirely personal.

Talking of Gigablue, I am surprised noone mentioned it - but I guess it's somewhat an older receiver now....
 

MCelliotG

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There's already an SP tuner for Gigablue that supports Multistream, but I don't know any further details.
 

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I see that there's SatDreamGr image for the Octagon too, so that's a bonus. I tried OpenATV on the Vu+ but I really could not get on with it...
I ordered SF4008 when it became available and been happy with it.
Relatively cheap, S2 tuner is much better than in VU+ (I also have Vu+ Uno 4K)
Currently using OpenVix image, Multistream, T2-MI and S2X is okay, you don't need special image or OpenATV
 

Captain Jack

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Thanks @ocean04 - looks like another positive for this receiver.
 

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Good day Sat mates.
I would like to crave your indulgence as I make a step into the arena of Linux receivers.
I would however want to start with some specification in mind.
As a satellite lover and Feed hunting (fringe reception) to be exact, I would wish to have a receiver with better tuner sensitivity to pull in more weaker channels. I am however considering the cost too.
Is against these background that I chose to buy either Vu Zero or Dreambox 520 HD. I have read about some other recommended E2 receivers here in this forum but I am handicapped by certain factors including availability and cost.
I am counting on your directives. Thanks.
 

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You don't have to look around a lot ...try Octagon SF4008 4K !. Silabs tuner are far the best and sensitive tuner that I've ever had. I also owned Solo2 and his tuner is average. But Octagon 4008 is another league, trust me. You can find some info also in this forum. It can receive DVB-S2X, TI2-MI (complicated but can be done), Multistream (example 5 W) and SR below 1000, even SR 250 is not a problem...

Humaxboy

I would like to replace my Vu Solo 2 with a DVB-S2X capable receiver. Im thinking about the Octagon SF4008 4K this doesnt have the motor lock issue ??
 

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At the current time, for tuner sensitivity, blindscan, MIS/PLS, T2MI the absolute best receiver is the Edision OS Nino Pro.

S2X capable. It is the only receiver that can blindscan and return MIS/PLS values. T2MI works, but not multi-PLP at this time (nor on any enigma2 receiver).

Receiver is only 750 MHz MIPS BCM. It is well built and shoe-horned into a tiny quality aluminium enclosure. 1x DVB-S2X tuner and 1x DVB-T2. Only 1080p not 4K, but does display H265. If you are looking for a receiver for Kodi, Stalker, etc. this is not the one, but for tuner sensitivity it is probably the best enigma2 receiver of all time.
 
Last edited:

Dave5118

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I totally disagree about the sensitivity of the Nino, on the 'service 3' feed on 10e (FEtv), the nino was breaking up badly tonight, but on my gigablue s2x tuner and my TBS 6903, the signal was very stable.
 

moonbase

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At the current time, for tuner sensitivity, blindscan, MIS/PLS, T2MI the absolute best receiver is the Edision OS Nino Pro.

S2X capable. It is the only receiver that can blindscan and return MIS/PLS values. T2MI works, but not multi-PLP at this time (nor on any enigma2 receiver)....but for tuner sensitivity it is probably the best enigma2 receiver of all time.



About the T2-M1, I scanned 40.5W C band with Edision Nino Pro running an OpenATV image and it does not detect any of the T2-M1 channels correctly. Also, when scanning the transponders after the blind scan it did not lock any of the T2-M1 transponders. This was using a satellites.xml file I downloaded from your site and validated on the validation site.

With an OpenVIX image, the Edision Nino Pro correctly identifies the T2-M1 transponders on 40.5W C band but after a blind scan and transponder scan the receiver has to be rebooted otherwise it justs sits on any channel with a black screen. Even after a reboot, ther Nino Pro does not give a picture on any of the T2-M1 channels.

In my personal experience, the T2-M1 does not work on this receiver for the tests I have done so far. It seems to have problems. If anyone else has managed to get any of the T2-M1 channels from 40.5W .working with a Nino Pro I am happy to repeat my tests using their configuration of image and satellites.xml.

I have attached a few pictures of the scan I did from 40.5W in C band.
 

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