NOTE: This analogue receiver is obsolete. Most accessories and modifications mentioned on this page are no longer available. Frequently Asked Questions. Cambridge RD480, Matsui RD480, Nokia SAT5100 Contents 1. Why can't I receive "Sky Movies Gold" or "Zee TV" or....? 28. Common faults: >Poor picture, distortion on sound, a bar moving up My first move would be to replace all 14 diodes of the 1N400x type. I use a better type - BYV95A with narrower wires - easier to fit. These diodes tend to go "leaky", sometimes becoming worse with temperature, and cause the symptoms described. You should also measure the ESR of the associated electrolytics but bear in mind that a faulty capacitor usually produces 100Hz hum (two horizontal bars) and a faulty diode 50Hz hum (1 bar). The diodes tend to rip the tracks off the top of the board when you tug them, so make sure you suck out the solder (use Multicore desolder wick®) so they rattle free in their holes before you start to do your dentist act! It can help if you snip the diodes off their wires first. Martin Pickering can be contacted for advice about satellite receiver repair via the Internet: Send this page address - CLICK HERE - to a friend ! This Web Site was produced entirely on a Macintosh computer
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2. How do I re-tune channels?
3. How do I use a D2Mac decoder?
4. How do I listen to satellite radio programmes in stereo?
5. How do I get the on-screen menu for my satellite receiver ?
6. What do I do if the receiver is faulty ?
7. What are the channel frequencies ?
8. Why does the front panel display flash ?
9. What does the Mute button do ?
10. How do I enter the Lock code ?
11. How do I Skip channels ?
12. How do I fine-tune each channel frequency ?
13. How do I select the LNB input with 2 LNBs ?
14. How do I select the polarisation, H or V ?
15. How do I program the Favourite channels "P1" to "P8" ?
16. How do I alter the audio mode for each channel ?
17. How do I Change the lock code ?
18. Is there a factory reset code ?
19. Why are some number channels missing ?
20. How do I watch programmes from "Hot Bird" as well as Astra ?
21. Why can't I receive all the channels from Astra 1B. (The highest frequencies) ?
22. Why do I get "Card Invalid" message ?
23. Why can I get only channels P1 to p8 ?
24. Why do I get just a blank screen ?
25. Why do I get no "Please Insert Card" message and it won't decode ?
26. Why do I get "SC" flashing in the display ?
27. Why can't I get horizontal channels with an ADX fitted ?
28. Common faults
1. Why can't I receive "Sky Movies Gold" or "Zee TV" or....?
These channels are transmitted by the fourth Astra satellite called "Astra 1D".
The channel frequencies are lower than your receiver can accept.
In order to view these programmes you must fit an "ADX" unit between your receiver and the dish cable.
2. How do I re-tune channels?
There is a fine tune facility but you can't tune a channel to a different programme. However, you can select ANY program to be on the first ten channel numbers ("Favourite channels" P0 - P8). See later paragraphs.
3. How do I use a D2Mac decoder?
The RD480 is not designed to work with a D2Mac decoder. However, it will work with some models. The RD480 has no Mac baseband output so it will work only with a decoder which accepts PAL input. You should take your receiver to a satellite specialist and get him to provide a D2Mac decoder which is compatible. Be sure to ask for a demonstration of the decoder with your own receiver. Be sure to buy the same connecting lead and the decoder which are actually used in the demonstration. Bear in mind that a smart card may not be available for the programmes you want to watch. Ask your dealer about this.
4. How do I listen to satellite radio programmes in stereo?
Connect the audio outputs to the "Aux" or "CD" input on your Hi-Fi amplifier.
Select the appropriate audio frequency on the appropriate satellite channel (see section 2.1.3). You do not need to have the TV switched on to listen to satellite radio if you connect the receiver to your Hi-Fi system.
5. How do I get the on-screen menu for my satellite receiver ?
The RD480 does not have this facility.
6. What do I do if the receiver is faulty ?
Try to test it on a friend's system to make sure that it is the receiver which is faulty.
Make sure that the fault is not caused by the dish LNB or cable or SKY card.
Take or send the receiver to a satellite repair specialist.
7. What are the channel frequencies ?
All channel frequencies are fixed and can be fine-tuned only.
A full channel frequency list is available in a printed manual which we produce.
The manual includes all of the information provided here and more.
Contact:
Email
PRESET
CHANNEL NOS. SATELLITE
01-16 ASTRA lA
17-32 ASTRA 1B
33-48 ASTRA IC
49-54 TELECOM IC
55-99 IF frequency: 950 - 1710 MHZ in 20 MHZ steps.
In addition, channels "P1" to "P8" are preset but can be re-programmed to contain your eight favourite channels.
8. Why does the front panel display flash ?
Whenever the function key on the remote control is pressed, the front panel display will start flashing to alert the user and will continue to flash until the function key is pressed again (normal operation and coded access), or a preset channel channel key is pressed (normal operation only).
9. What does the Mute button do ?
This function mutes the sound. It also puts the receiver into standby if it is pressed and held . Press it again to bring the receiver out of standby.
a. Press the mute key once, briefly.
b. The sound is turned OFF, as indicated by mute LED being turned ON.
c. This function can be turned on and off by repeatedly pressing mute key briefly.
10. How do I enter the Lock code ?
All Receivers have a default lock code setting of 888.
a. Press the remote control Function key "Fn" once. The display will now flash the current channel number.
b. Now press the LOCK key. The display flashes "PL" to prompt entry of a three digit lock code using the Preset keys 1 to 8. Press 888
c. If the code entered is correct, the display will flash the currently selected channel number continuously until you enter the next command.
d. If the code entered is incorrect, the Receiver will automatically leave function mode, and display the current channel number (not flashing).
Most functions are available only after correctly entering the 3 digit lock code as described above.
11. How do I Skip channels ?
The SKIP function can be used to disregard those channels (01-99) which are not required to be viewed, excluding Presets P1-P8. This function can also be used to provide a parental lock by restricting access to certain channels.
a. enter lock code.
b. Press the SKIP key once.
c. The Receiver will revert to channel 01 and the display will flash "01 ".
d. If a channel is required to be skipped, press the SKIP key once. The Receiver will confirm that the channel has been selected to be skipped by lighting the mute and stereo indicators, which will continue to flash with the channel number.
e. Increment the channel number using the up arrow key. Repeat "d." if required. The down arrow key can also be used to check what channels have been skipped.
f. Repeat steps "d." and "e." as required, or until channel 99 has been reached.
g. Press the Function key "Fn" to terminate the skip mode. The display stops flashing and reverts to the channel selected prior to entering skip mode.
Channels selected to be skipped cannot now be viewed. To un-skip channels, proceed as follows:
h. Follow steps "a." and "b.".
i. Select the channel to be unskipped using the up/down arrow key. The Receiver will show that a channel has previously been skipped by lighting the mute and stereo indicators.
j. Press "SKIP" once. The Receiver will confirm that this channel will no longer be skipped by turning OFF the mute and stereo indicator lights.
k. Press function key "Fn" to exit the skip function.
NOTE: It is not possible to skip preset channels, therefore, if restricted viewing is required on one of these channels, then it must not be selected as a preset.
12. How do I fine-tune each channel frequency ?
NOTE: Default value for frequency tune is "0".
a. Enter lock code.
b. Press Frequency Tune key "Ft". The display flashes the frequency tune mode indicator "Ft".
c. Press the up/down arrow key and the display will flash the current frequency tune setting in the range "-9 to 9".
d. Whilst observing the picture, use the "up" or "down" channel keys to obtain the clearest picture.
e. Press the Function key "Fn" to save the new setting. The display now stops flashing and reverts to the currently selected channel.
13. How do I select the LNB input with 2 LNBs ?
This function is unique to this Satellite Receiver. It allows the user, with the addition of a special switch box uVH7, to select one of two LNBs mounted either on separate outdoor units or on the same outdoor unit (not to be confused with a twin output LNB). This function has no effect on a single LNB system.
a. Enter lock code.
b. Press the Low Noise Block key "LNB". The Receiver display flashes the current LNB setting (either "A" or "b").
c. Press the LNB key to select either LNB "A" or LNB "b".
d. Press the Function key "Fn" to save the new setting. The display stops flashing and reverts to the currently selected channel.
14. How do I select the polarisation, H or V ?
a. Enter lock code.
b. Press the polarisation key "POL". The Receiver display will flash the current polarisation setting either "H" for Horizontal, or "U" for Vertical.
c. Horizontal and Vertical polarisation can alternatively be selected by repeatedly pressing the Polarisation key "POL".
d. Press the Function key "Fn" to save the new setting. The display stops flashing and reverts to the currently selected channel.
Note: Channels 50 - 99 are factory preset to Horizontal polarisation.
Channels 01 - 49 are factory preset to alternate between H and V.
(01 = H, 02 = V, 03 = H etc.) You can use channels 50 - 99 for "Hot Bird" programmes (if you have a second LNB) or for radio.
15. How do I program the Favourite channels "P1" to "P8" ?
a. Select a picture channeL "01 - 99"
b. Select an audio channeL "Al - A9"
c. enter lock code.
d. Press the programme key "PROG". The display will flash "P-".
e. Select a preset, using keys 1 to 8.
f. Press the Function key "Fn" to store the channel into the preset number selected.
g. The display stops flashing and reverts to the programmed Preset number.
Favourite preset channels "P1" to "P8" can now be selected by pressing the appropriate key (1 to 8) or by using the up arrow or down arrow keys.
Channels "01" to "99" are selected by using the up arrow and down arrow keys. Channel "01" is selected by pressing the up arrow key when in Preset "P8".
16. How do I alter the audio mode for each channel ?
You can re-program the audio mode on any of the channels "01 - 99".
a. First put the Receiver into Function mode by pressing the "Fn" key once. The channel number will now start flashing.
b. Now press the "AUDIO" key and the display will flash the audio channel currently selected
c. The audio channel required can now be selected using the up/ down arrow keys. The audio channel selected will continue to flash whilst in Function mode.
d. Pressing the function key "Fn" will cause the Receiver to exit from the audio channel selection mode, and the display will revert back to the currently selected picture channel, with the newly selected audio channel.
NOTE: A change to the Audio channel will not be retained on power up or return from standby unless it has been saved using the programming function detailed in paragraph 3.2.7. Changing the audio on a Preset Channel will not cause the audio on the corresponding channel number to change and vice-versa.
To reprogram the audio mode permanently, proceed as follows:
a. Enter lock code.
b. Press the "AUDIO" key once.
c. The audio channel required can now be selected using the up/down arrow keys.
d. Press the Function key "Fn" to save the new setting. The display stops flashing and reverts to the current picture channel with the re-programmed audio mode.
[Actually, once the lock code is correctly entered, all coded functions can be changed by the user in any sequence (with the exception of the preset programming function "PROG") before finally exiting and returning to normal remote control operation].
AUDIO OUTPUT
MODE LEFT RIGHT
A I 1 2 STEREO
A2 3 4 STEREO
A3 1 1 MONO
A4 2 2 MONO
A5 3 3 MONO
A6 4 4 MONO
A7 5 5 MONO
A8 6 6 MONO
A9 5 6 STEREO
Stereo Modes A1, A2 and A9 place separate sound tracks on each audio output. For example, on a film programme you could select A1 to obtain stereo sound. On some channels some of the sound tracks carry stereo radio programmes separate from the video transmission. Mono modes A3 to A8 select one of the six independent sound tracks in turn as a mono signal, and the same soundtrack is fed to the left and right audio outputs. For example, one of the sports programmes could have simultaneous commentaries in German, English, Dutch and French. In this case you could select A3 for the German commentary, A4 for the English, A5 for the French and A6 for the Dutch.
17. How do I Change the lock code ?
This receiver is delivered from the factory with a default lock code of 888. A new lock code may be entered using this function. The new code will be retained even if power is removed from the unit.
a. Enter lock code.
b. Press "LOCK" key. Display will flash the Enter New Code prompt "EC".
c. Enter the new 3 digit code using the keys 1 to 8. Once the 3 digits have been entered, the display will flash "Pr" - for programme.
d. Press the Programme key "PROG". The display will again flash the Enter New Code prompt.
e. Enter the new 3 digit code again. If the code entered is not the same as that first entered, the Receiver will leave the coded access mode as indicated by the display showing the current channel number, but no longer flashing. If the code is the same, then the display will flash "Fn".
f. Press the Function key "Fn". The display will stop flashing and revert to the currently selected channel number. All coded access functions can now be obtained only by using your own unique code.
18. Is there a factory reset code ?
Yes. It can be used to reset the Receiver to any one of three language channel options. This affects only the eight favourite channels.
The appropriate Front Panel key for each language setting is as follows:
Key Language
Down arrow P1 - P8 English (all Astra)
Up arrow P1 - P8 German (all Astra)
Function French ("P1-P6" - Telecom; "P7-P8" Astra)
a. Disconnect unit from mains.
b. Whilst holding down the appropriate Front Panel key on the Receiver, connect the mains power. The standby light will then be illuminated. Release the front panel key.
NOTE: After a receiver reset, the lock code will be reset to 888.
All customised channels and polarisation settings will be reset!
19. Why are some number channels missing ?
The "skip" function has been set or, if ALL number channels are missing, the EEprom chip may be faulty.
20. How do I watch programmes from "Hot Bird" as well as Astra ?
Use Two LNBs: you can use two separate dishes or just one dish.
To fit two LNBs on one dish you will need (in the UK):
An 80cm diameter dish (1 metre preferred in outlying regions such as Scotland). Lenson Heath manufactured dish is preferred.
Also an LNB adaptor bracket which allows you to fit both LNBs on the end of the dish arm. Very accurate alignment is necessary so be prepared to get a professional to complete the installation.
To use two LNBs on your dish you will need to buy the LNB switching unit which is part number "uVH7" and is available from SatCure.
Be sure to mention "Cambridge RD480 LNB switching unit type uVH7."
You can program your RD480 to communicate with this switching unit so that it selects the appropriate LNB automatically.
See paragraph 3.2.4 in your User Manual which tells you how to program LNB "A" or "b" for each channel. (This is also described above).
For "Hot Bird" programmes use channels 50 to 99.
As all of these channels are factory set to horizontal polarisation you will need to reset some of them to vertical polarisation. Channels 50 to 90 span the frequency range from 10.950 upwards.
Consult your latest satellite channel frequency listing in magazines such as "What Satellite" or "TELE-Satellite" and look at the pull-out guide in the centre of our special User Manual.
21. Why can't I receive all the channels from Astra 1B. (The highest frequencies) ?
You are using an Enhanced LNB. Fit an ADX. Otherwise, this may be a receiver fault. Replace C172 and the 14 power supply diodes.
22. Why do I get "Card Invalid" message ?
Get a new smartcard. If it still fails, try scraping the black spot off the card gold contact. Otherwise, take card and receiver to your dealer.
23. Why can I get only channels P1 to p8 ?
The number buttons on the handset select only the favourite channels. Use up/down buttons to get the rest. If it still doesn't work, the EEprom may have failed. Take the receiver to your dealer for repair.
24. Why do I get just a blank screen ?
Unplug mains. Wait an hour before reconnecting. If fault recurrs, suspect tuner module or LNB.
25. Why do I get no "Please Insert Card" message and it won't decode ?
Switch mains off then on. If fault remains the receiver is faulty.
26. Why do I get "SC" flashing in the display ?
Unplug the mains then disconnect the dish cable at the back of the receiver. Plug the mains back in. If "SC" still flashes, the receiver is faulty.
If not, the cable or dish installation has a short-circuit. Call your installer.
27. Why can't I get horizontal channels with an ADX fitted ?
The ADX channel extender has a small internal voltage drop which might prevent your LNB from seeing the voltage it requires in order to switch to horizontal polarisation. Remove the four rubber feet, remove the 6 cross-head screws and take off the top cover. Turn adjuster R125 (right hand side of board) anticlockwise just a fraction until horizontal polarisation is restored.
>the picture with the screen occasionally going white and becoming encrypted.
A complete fault-finding guide called "The Satellite Repair Manual IV" will be available in September 1996.
DISCLAIMER
This information is given in good faith, based on several years of workshop experience involving thousands of repairs. No responsibility will be accepted for any death, damage or injury caused either directly or indirectly by the use of this information. The reader should check the facts himself. It is assumed and stressed that the reader will be familiar with good, safe, electronic workshop practice and will be familiar with all tools, components and terms used. If there is any doubt about the reader's ability to carry out such work competently and safely, the work should be referred to a specialist engineer.
You should first read the Frequently Asked Questions files here before filling out the questionnaire.
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Copyright ©1997 SatCure
Version 1.2 updated on 30/8/99
This file may be downloaded for private and personal use but NO part of it may be published in any form without the prior permission of the author. 