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Thread: NewB altech dsd4121 STB weird problem

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    Default NewB altech dsd4121 STB weird problem

    New member Hope Im in right place altech dsd4121 STB
    Hi All, I have an Altech DSD4121 STB
    recently developed odd issue, where it will not lock sat signal, issue started 3 months ago, this fault occurring between 2pm-4 pm daily
    now its longer 1pm-6pm (summertime) the sat dish is fixed location as am I
    I have tried reset a hundred times, manual tuning checked cables, re seated card, turned off at powerpoint etc etc
    it automatically comes back to life, lock, scans etc all Ok after 6 pm-ish

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    Sounds more like a signal issue than a decoder fault.

    What are your signal readings when reception is OK and what are they when reception is lost?

    Where are you located?

    What size dish?

    It's likely a dish/LNB skew alignment issue.

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    Being a 'Newbie' you wont be aware that MTV is VASTLY (PUN intended) knowledgeable in matters relating to both the STB and VAST itself as he is by trade a qualified and active Installer along with a several other Forum members so when you answer his queries, can you also advise who installed the Dish and equipment if possible please as many VAST users have added their STB to an existing Austar/Foxtel installation, some were done by Government contractors when VAST was commenced and others had it done either by an Installer or a friend.

    Apart from what MTV has suggested, looking at the times your quoting when your problems occur, could it be heat related as in the STB itself getting too hot or the LNB maybe as this has been known to happen before.

    Dont laugh but last week I had a neighbour bring me the UEC VAST STB I had bought for him that apparently wasnt working due to a fairly large Tom Cat who likes to 'spray' everywhere had finally managed to totally short out his STB by piddling on it........................and you think you have problems????
    Last edited by gordon_s1942; 22-01-17 at 12:17 PM.
    I stand unequivicably behind everything I say , I just dont ever remember saying it !!

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    Default NewB altech dsd4121 STB weird problem

    Thankyou for yr reply very much appreciated, the STB / Sat dish where already installed when we purchased the house (therefore installer unknown) I dont think Austar was ever installed here. Its odd issue is only 3 months old, and occurs at predictable times (outside temperature appears to have no effect on lock failure). I thought about heat, house is airconditioned, so if is heat Im guessing must be LNB overheating (guess)
    Sounds more like a signal issue than a decoder fault..

    What are your signal readings when reception is OK and what are they when reception is lost?
    how does one measure that

    Where are you located? Strathbogie 3666

    What size dish?
    2' around 0.6M

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    Default NewB altech dsd4121 STB weird problem

    Gorden not sure if protocol I need to reply to you as well, have responded to MTV
    Thanks so much for taking the time to comment

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    Default NewB altech dsd4121 STB weird problem

    Gorden even tried some ice/ cooling on LNB (Zinwell ZKF-M21F) and a cardboard mini shade (no bigger than LNB itself
    "unable to lock Sat." issue expect for next 4-5 hours (blow cant watch cricket)'

    PS no cats here

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    Default NewB altech dsd4121 STB weird problem

    Hi MT even tried some ice/ cooling on LNB (Zinwell ZKF-M21F) and a cardboard mini shade (no bigger than LNB itself
    "unable to lock Sat." issue expect for next 4-5 hours (blow cant watch cricket)'V

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    Sounds like a typical Austar/Foxtel dish of 65cm.

    For VAST in a fixed installation, I recommend a minimum of 85cm, but 65cm is OK.

    You can check signal readings on the tuning page.

    Have a read of the sticky at the top of this section.



    Where it says 'when powering up'... that means from the mains power... not from standby.

    It's also possible there is some form of interference occurring, especially if start/stop times of the issue are constant..... things like faulty electric fences can cause dropouts if the signal isn't strong enough.

    As mentioned, heat, both within the decoder and/or LNB is another possibility.

    We need to go through a process of elimination, so the first thing we need to know is what signal readings you're getting.

    Even a very slight movement of dish alignment can make a huge difference, which the dish may have moved a bit in strong winds.

    LNB skew is critical for VAST, so before you go looking for interference issues, you need to ensure your dish and LNB are set up perfectly.

    BTW, you don't need to post the same reply twice.

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    Thanks again
    yep been thru tut and have done that exercise before, issue is I get no signal at all, says sat unable to lock
    I put stb in freezer for 5 mins and it worked after that for 10mins
    sorry not sure waht this means Have a read of the sticky at the top of this section.

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    The sticky post... (which is the second post in the VAST forum) you said you've been through the tutorial, so you've obviously read it and followed it.

    So using that tutorial to obtain signal readings... what are they, when it's working?

    Do you have and can use a multimeter to check voltage to the LNB?

    Could be LNB failure, cabling/connector fault, or power supply fault in the decoder.... the latter is a fairly common fault with these boxes.

    If cooling the box worked (I don't recommend putting it in a freezer... likely to cause more damage) it may be a dry solder joint, expanding with heat and losing contact.

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    went through this routine
    reset (fan now on STB)
    watching signal scale screen
    signal quality 75%, signal strength 80% sat locked, all good
    then after 5-10 mins it fails (still watching signal scale screen)
    signal strength 0, sat unlocked

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    0 signal strength indicates no signal from the LNB, possible causes mentioned above.

    You didn't answer my question if you can measure LNB voltage (1. out of the decoder. 2. at the LNB connector)

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    Default

    Measuring LNB voltage/ 0 signal
    So I measured with STB going but no signal strength
    12.65 VDC at sat input socket (lid of stb open)
    when RF/sat input cable connected it reads 12.78VDC (again no signal state)

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    Voltage OK out of the box suggests LNB/cabling/connector fault.

    Can you measure voltage at the LNB?

    Have you inspected the LNB and connections?

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    had a look LNB all looks OK as far as a novice can tell (I do have some electronic knowhow/ no understanding of LNBs)
    cable and connector look in order Zinwell ZKF-M21F
    what voltage should be coming out of LNB ?? what is mystifying is why does it do this for a daily 5 hour window
    Hey thanks for being so jolly helpful

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    Quote Originally Posted by boyd View Post
    cable and connector look in order Zinwell ZKF-M21F
    what voltage should be coming out of LNB ?

    There is no voltage coming out of the LNB (only signal).

    If you take the connector off the LNB, measure the voltage on the connector on the coax.... it should be around 13VDC.

    If you get a reading around 13VDC but no signal at the decoder, it suggests an LNB fault.

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    Boyd, this is a very open and informal forum and you address any reply to who you want and no one will be upset if you address/reply to one in preference to another.
    One thing that is appreciated is when a member advises the eventual outcome even if its just to say that their problem has been not been solved unfortunately.

    UEC went through a period where they were having power board problems but I dont think anyone said they were so time specific as yours seem to be.

    One last suggestion if all else fails is can you either take your STB to another location or to try to beg, borrow or steal one to try there perhaps?
    PS, Glad we can eliminate Cat Piddle as a problem..........
    I stand unequivicably behind everything I say , I just dont ever remember saying it !!

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    yep 13VDC up at LNB, even when no signal at STB

    so thanks so much for help
    guess we try to swap out decoder somehow and see what happens

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    thanks so much everyone

    we have no solution

    and no cricket, sadly

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    Replace the LNB... and be sure to seal the connection with self-amalgamating tape, to prevent moisture ingress.

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