NOTE: This analogue receiver is obsolete. Most accessories and modifications mentioned on this page are no longer available. Frequently Asked Questions - Echostar SR5500 1. My receiver is dead. What should I check? 16. Can I convert my receiver to give 13/17v LNB switching? 17. Can I use a One For All remote? Here is the information to use Echostar SR-5500 with One For All remote (checked with OFA-8) You can find info for upgrading, including a manual for the upgraded s/w at: http://home.sol.no/~torebo/sat_frmw.html (Sorry, disappeared) A complete fault-finding guide called "The Satellite Repair Manual V" is available. THIS FAQ IS NOT APPROVED BY SKY OR BY ECHOSPHERE CORP. This Web Site was produced entirely on a Macintosh computer 
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2. My receiver is dead but the power supply is "ticking".
3. Why are there horizontal bars across the picture?
4. Why does the dish not move?
5. How do I set favourite channels?
6. What Eprom versions are there and can I upgrade?
7. What secret codes exist?
8. What causes memory loss?
9. My Echostar Satellite Interface Module will not work correctly
10. I get a blank screen with rolling graphics on every channel
11. Polarisation reverts back, 3 seconds after change
12. Tunes only every 4th or 5th channel
13. Changes channel by itself
14. Loses sat position by several count
15. Can I fit a threshold Extension Filter ?
16. Can I convert my receiver to give 13/17v LNB switching?
17. Can I use a One for All remote?
1. My receiver is dead. What should I check?
Switching mains on occasionally causes failure of Power Supply Unit.
There are two fuses behind the mains switch cover. The left hand fuse is designed to melt, in the event of a mains surge, and will protect the power supply itself from failure. The right hand fuse protects the positioner transformer. Always replace a fuse with an identical one.
Dead:
Check fuses. Later models blew the lA for no apparent reason - Check if S.M.P. running. If so, positioner transformer o/c or poor connection (processor monitors the positioner supply: no voltage = no function/display.) Replace C12/13 (lOOuF 35V 105 C low ESR)
Replace Rl/R2 (llOK/lOOK High Voltage)
Check large smoothing capacitors C101, C102 for splits or bulges.
The transistor (FET) is an IRFBE30 but a BUZ80A will work perfectly.
There is a 1A fuse next to the transistor. Replace this with a BUSS1A; replace the ferrite beads on its lead. Some models use a low value resistor instead. A 0R22 fusible resistor from an SS9000 seems OK.
Monitor the DC voltage on the large power supply connector on the main board, third pin from the left. Adjust the potentiometer (anticlockwise to reduce) on the power supply board until the voltage reading is 5.0 volts. (Power supplies made after August 1992 have no adjuster). Measure the voltage on the centre of the left hand of the two potentiometers on the front panel PCB and adjust it to 1.4 volts or until the on-screen graphics are centralised. Adjust the voltage on the other potentiometer to read 3.95 volts. If a Sharp tuner is fitted you must interrupt the brown supply wire close to the tuner and insert a 470 H choke. Failure to do so could result in fine white horizontal line interference on the picture. A capacitor may also be required between the tuner-side of the choke and 0 volts. This modification is not required for the later AT2352 tuner made by Astec.
WARNING:
PSU capacitors hold charge for a long time after disconnection.
2. My receiver is dead but the power supply is "ticking".
Check the two 6v8/1W3 zeners hidden amongst the toroidal inductors.
3. Why are there horizontal bars across the picture?
Replace C101 (220uF 25V) and C 102 (100uF 25V) - gives noise on 12V rail. Also, if pictures are poor, check 20V tuner rail - most likely low.
4. Why does the dish not move?
Check fuses. Check 24v transformer output. Check relay board. Check actuator.
5. How do I set favourite channels?
Adaptation of the favourite video programme in the later versions of the SR-5500 (such as channels on Astra 1B) is done as follows:
Type in channels as usual (video, polarity etc.)
Access the favourite programme list.
Find vacant numbers on the list (there should be gaps everywhere) and write the numbers down on paper.
Exit the menu and tune in to an unallocated channel.
Press the Favourite button once, followed by one of the unused numbers.
Press STORE. The graphics will then indicate how to enter a new name.
Use the channel up/down buttons and the tuning left/right buttons to assign this channel a name; e.g. "EUROSPORT/N3" or similar.
Press STORE.
6. What Eprom versions are there and can I upgrade?
The existing Eprom version can be displayed on the first line of the Status Menu by pressing [EXTRA FEATURES] followed by [5] on the Remote Control.
IMPORTANT: The replacement of older Eprom versions may be carried out only in accordance with the following list:
Old Eprom version may be replaced as follows:
1.02, 1.11S or 1.22ES replace with 1.26EA2
1.22EA replace with 1.26EA
1.21/S or 1.22/S replace with 1.26/S
1.22/A 1.26/A replace with 2.03 or later (Used in the SR-5500 PLUS).
Provides direct numeric frequency entry and menus include features to control the internal ferrite polariser and LNB voltage switching circuitry of the PLUS version. May be used in a receiver with either ASTEC or SHARP tuner version to replace any previous software.
Note: The default setting is for a SHARP tuner. For an ASTEC tuner then you must select tuner type 1 thus:
Press [Extra Features]
select [3] Installation
enter password 7907878
select [1] System setup
select [7] Tuner type -- 1
Store the change.
In addition, for pre - SR5500 PLUS receivers you will need to press
[5] to select 13/18v PRESENT...NO and also press
[6] for FERRITE....OFF (but read notes below).
Versions 2.05 and 2.06 A slight upgrade from 2.03 in that the radio channel list is updated and the Polarity Peaking software is improved.
An extra digit is provided for direct frequency entry.
Versions 2.07 and 2.08 channel lists updated.
Version 2.10 April 1995. FSS tuning range 10700 to 11999
Quatro & Triple Band LNB DRO of 9750 and 10 MHz (limited range).
IMPORTANT!
After fitting updated Eprom you must CLEAR memory.
Then you must CLEAR ALL MEMORY as follows:
[Extra Features], [5] status, [Enter], [Enter], [<] tuning, [Enter].
7. What secret codes exist?
Installation access code: 7907878
External decoder:
On selected channel press [Tuning Select]: enter 94 to toggle.
NTSC instead of PAL
On selected channel press [Tuning Select]: enter 95 to toggle.
(Not certain of this one. Please let me know!)
Inverted video output:
On selected channel press [Tuning Select]: enter 96 to toggle.
Later SR-5500 versions have the ASTEC AT2352 tuner and software version 1.26EA2 (or later). A Technical Bulletin dated 06-06-91 describes the new features. You may also need the Technical Bulletin dated 05-31-91 entitled "SR-5500 Triple Band Operation - Astec Tuner Version".
8. What causes memory loss?
Memory loss in the SR-5500 can have many reasons --
A loose or empty battery The battery should read at least 3.0 volts (3.2v new).
Memory loss caused by power interruption.
For the latter cause, a remedy is available in the form of a package which includes an MC34064 -- an under voltage sensing circuit designed specifically for use as a reset controller in microprocessor systems. When this circuit is mounted in the SR-5500, the gate array U-6 will be reset before a voltage drop can affect memory.
New software fitted without a complete Hard Reset being carried out (this is not simply "Clear All Memory". See note at the end of Eprom section).
Please contact an Echostar dealer for Technical Bulletin TB SR-55 91.5 which describes the modification in full.
9. My Echostar Satellite Interface Module will not work correctly
Please ask your dealer for a copy of the Technical Bulletin (no reference number) which deals specifically with this unit. You may also need the Technical Bulletin dated 05-31-91 entitled "SR-5500 Triple Band Operation - Astec Tuner Version" which shows a diagram with the interface connections.
10. I get a blank screen with rolling graphics on every channel
Usually caused by lack of -5v from power supply. Lack of voltage may be caused by the demise of C106 and diode CR103. At this stage the power supply should undergo complete upgrade or it will fail again in the near future.
The power supply voltages should be your first measurement with any fault on the SR5500.
11. Polarisation reverts back, 3 seconds after change
In the Installation Menu, select FERRITE ON. If you select the OFF option, the polariser signal remains on just long enough to work a mechanical polarotor.
12. Tunes only every 4th or 5th channel
Replace SAA1057 at the side of the tuner module.
13. Changes channel by itself
Check 5v rail. Should be 5.05v. Cover IR sensor. If that cures it, the cause is sunlight or other light source. Otherwise, disconnect IR sensor plug; if that cures it, replace IR sensor. Otherwise, replace 100 pin gate array IC.
14. Loses sat position by several counts
Ensure correct screened ribbon cable is used and screen is connected to 0v ground ONLY at receiver end (not at dish). Otherwise, check tightness of actuator bolts. Otherwise, replace reed switch in actuator.
15. Can I fit a threshold Extension Filter ?
The Threshold Extension Filter is available from your local Echostar Dealer and is an accessory which can be added to the SR-5500 receiver.
It is a variable bandwidth filter, designed to be field adjusted for l.F. bandwidths between approx. 9 MHz and 22 MHz. The filter is intended to be adjusted once to a given bandwidth and then switched in and out by using the code "99" on the SR-5500 hand held remote control. The filter can be attached to SR-5500 receivers in lieu of an l.F. Iooping plug which is standard on later models. The looping plug is a wire connecting together two of the five pins in a Berg-stick type header. The plug is positioned inside the SR-5500, on the opposite end of the tuner from the tuner's input ports.
To install the filter, the looping plug is removed. A hole should be made in the chassis to give access to the single adjusting screw on one side of the filter. The filter is then installed in its place. The single adjusting screw on the filter should face the left hand (seen from the front) vertical part of the metal chassis. The two adjusting screws on the other side of the filter should face inside the receiver.
To adjust the filter to an optimum bandwidth for the chosen video carrier, a small non-metalic srewdriver is supplied. Both the filter bandwidth (by means of the single screw) as well as its frequency setting (by using the two inner screws) should be adjusted empirically to give the best picture.
After installation and adjustment the filter is then fixed to the chassis of the receiver by means of a small clip so it will not shake loose and become detached from the five pin header.
The SR5500 was designed to use a mechanical polariser. However, good results can be obtained with a 13/17v switching LNB of the Enhanced or Universal type.
A simple internal modification gives a 13/17 volt option if you upgrade the Eprom to 2.07 or a later version.
You will need the following parts:
7812 regulator. This must be a plastic insulated type or a metal tag type with an insulating kit fitted. Bolt it to the chassis using the ventilation hole which is farthest to the left at the front. Use thermally conductive grease.
A 3v9 400mW zener diode.
Three 1N4148 or 1N914 silicon diodes.
Two 1k 0.25W resistors.
A 6R8 2 Watt resistor.
A BC547B or any general purpose NPN silicon transistor.
A BC557B or any general purpose PNP silicon transistor.
A 2u2F/25v tantalum bead capacitor.
Thin, multistrand, insulated wire.
A voltmeter.
1. Bolt the 7812 to the base plate as described above.
2. Solder the 6R8/2W resistor to the input leg of the 7812.
3. Using the voltmeter, locate the wire which feeds 23 volts to the tuner.
4. Cut this wire close to the 7812 regulator and connect it to the resistor.
5. Connect the tuner end of the wire to the 7812 output leg.
6. Connect the positive wire of the 2u2F capacitor to the 7812 output leg.
7. Connect the other wire of the 2u2F capacitor to 0 volts (tuner box).
8. Connect the three diodes and zener in line as shown.
9. Connect them between the middle leg of the 7812 and 0 volts (tuner box).
10. Connect the two transistors and two 1k resistors as shown.
11. Connect a wire from the 1k resistor to the 12v dc socket on the back panel.
12. Connect a wire from the the PNP transistor emitter wire to a 12 volt link.
(The link next to transistor Q13 on the main board carries 12 volts. Measure it to be certain).
In the SYSTEM SETUP menu make sure that "13/18v Present" says "YES".
In the LNB Configuration menu, select the appropriate LNB.
To set the polarisation for each channel, press "TUNING SELECT" button 5 times.
Press "FORMAT" button to toggle H-V.
Press "STORE".
To enter a subcode to remote: Press: Shift -> Videopro 5 -> FF -> FF -> Shift -> and now the subcode. After entering the subcode, choose a button where you want to save that function.
170 is the master code for operating SR-5500
336 Audio De-emphasis
594 Audio bandwidth
398 Cancel / Favorite
526 Enter / satellite
398 Favorite PGM
339 Mask
526 Satellite
334 Stereo
271 Tune select
Numeric buttons (ex. 718 = 0, 531=1 and so on )
718 0
531 1
723 2
403 3
528 4
720 5
400 6
273 7
465 8
657 9
Other functions
397 Channel down
652 Channel up
593 Format
463 Mute
466 Store
268 Tuning up
460 Volume up
652 Channel Up
655 FSS / DBS
658 Stand By
525 Tuning Down
717 Volume Down
And finally the most important button: Extra Features: 250 (it took four days in the Netherlands to find the code for this Extra Features Button! )
With best regards,
Sami
Team Tronics Ky
Finland
Visit Our HOMEPAGE www.teamtronics.fi
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.
End of FAQ
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Copyright ©1997 SatCure
Version 1.7 updated on 3/5/99
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