DMX741u issues
I have jumped head first back into C -band when This baby came along but I've had my own issues:
1)Screw holding lnb stripped threads on lnb collar(Scalar Ring?) and had to find a new screw in my spare parts bin that would still work to hold lnb.
2) new screw stripped threads again during peaking for Ku band on third day. Turns out metal plate is made of thin, soft metal - so after stripping threads a second time, I switch back to the OLD c-band lnb holder (Chaparal scalar ring?) - Which turns out to be a better engineered holder(3 screws and a naturally snugger fit overall) - thanks to someone on this board who mentioned THAT possibility.
My arms got very tired playing (peaking) this new toy of mine.
3) Is it me or despite company claims of having Ku lnb and c-band lnb's at "perfect" locations - I found that best Ku band performance occurred (peaked) at different focal point setting than c-band setting. This was especially true of digital broadcasts (dvb) on 133 (caribbean tv). This dual LNB setup design could have been design with only 10' dishes in mind - since I've read only one report where it worked perfectly on both Ku & C and that was a 10' Dish. On my 8' unimesh dish (f/r=3.75) - i get near peak c-band signals from anywhere between 3.4 all the way up to 4.2 setting (quite a range!). But Ku doesn't begin to come in until I've slid it back down to 3.4 and doesn't peak in quality (over 30 units) until I've moved down to 3.2. Too far down to receive C band digital signals with any quality (>30 at this position).
I believe a further design improvement could be achieved if the ku band lnb were placed into a sliding collar to allow for peaking differences between Ku and C-bands, on differing size dishes and varying focal depths.
4) Contrary to install instructions - Dialectric plate CAN BE left Installed (horizontal position only) - and won't interfere with standard linear reception. SURE, you'll lose about 30 points in Quality, but if it's a real strong Ku signal, it will still come through enough to be receivable. But don't install in vertical position if you want to see any linear signals. Oh, and leaving in the PLATE will mean giving up on digital C-band signals. They're reduced too much to be viewable.
On my unit, there are "slots" for installing Dielectric plate in Either position. Only the "vertical" position (12/6 O'clock - relative to "Zero" mark on top of unit beign 12 O'clock) allowed reception of both types of signals - Of interest to those having to choose between CIRCULAR and LINEAR signal-reception installation choices. Apparently, you DON'T have to choose. Provided you're willing to put up with the above mentioned detractions.
Of course, this could all be a figment of my Sun-stroked mind, since I was under a hot, Southern, afternoon Sun, atop a tall ladder for almost 4 hours before I took a break and went inside for COOL AC
I'm taking a few days off, before I go back and try re-adjusting it again.
5) Built in "DiseqC" switch never seemed to work. There are two versions of the "DMX741" - one with a Standard Ku LNB and a 22Khz Switch, and MINE, a "UNIVERSAL Ku" with a DiseQc switch (the -U model).
I tried everything, including using 22kHz and DiseqC commands to change bands, with no luck. Finally, I went back to running two cables, from both LNBs and plugged them into a cheaper (mini) DiseqC switch i'd gotten a couple of years ago. Using two 4" pieces of RG-6 cables, I can keep the switch inside the LNB cover, running only one cable into the house. The Mini-switch worked like a charm using standard diseqc commands
Of course, that means I have to keep it plugged into just my DVB receiver, and use the Uniden Ultra as a dish positioner... but it works now - so I guess it's time to go "mess" with it again
Has ANYONE had as many or similar/disimilar problems that I have? I'd like to know anyone's experiences.
