Faulty SPS1 Switcher ? - Sky+ HD

stevieboy378 · 26-10-2007, 17:32

Bought a SPS1 switcher box to enable me to use some of the Sky+ features of my HD box, using a single feed. However, I'm not sure whether or not it may be faulty.

I hooked up the switch and went to the signal test screen. With the fly-lead plugged into pin 8 of the TV out SCART input 1 was active. When I removed the fly-lead input 1 became inactive and input 2 became active - just as I presumed it should.

So - I went into the EPG and set up 3 recordings, each on separate channels, and with half an hour between the end of a program and the start of the next. Then I left the box in standby overnight to do its thing.
First thing this morning I fired up the box - it was showing a blue screen with "No Satellite Signal" on it. A press of the channel up button brought the box back into life.
I then checked the recordings - the first and last programs had recorded ok, but the middle one had failed - no satellite signal was the cause.

Next I set up to record 2 programmes on separate channels, with the first programme ending at the same time that the second one was due to start. I was expecting the second recording to fail, but it didn't. However, the first 17 minutes ( it was a 60 minute programme ) of it hadn't recorded . . .
I checked the signal test screen - both inputs 1 and 2 had a signal - surely this shouldn't happen ?
With the LNB1 cable unplugged the switch works fine - Input 2 shows no signal while the fly-lead is fitted. As soon as I pull out the fly-lead Input 2 enables. However, with the LNB1 cable plugged in removing the fly-lead has no effect - input 2 remains active . . .

Does anyone know If its possible for the switcher to allow both inputs to be active at the same time, or is it faulty ?

Also - I set the box this morning to record "Bergerac" ( UKTV Drama, 10AM ) and "Only Fools And Horses" ( UKTV Gold, 12Noon ). Both programmes recorded successfully.
I had turned off Anytime TV before putting the box into standby - could this be the difference between the failed recordings and the successful ones ?

HOUSEkid · 02-11-2007, 11:41

I have the same setup.

When I go into signal test I get signals on both LNBs with one feed.

On the Sps1 I think A needs to goto LNB 2 and B to LNB1.

pcbbc · 02-11-2007, 12:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevieboy378

Does anyone know If its possible for the switcher to allow both inputs to be active at the same time, or is it faulty ?

Yes this is possible - At least based on my understanding of this product (I don't actually own one!).

The switch does not control which input gets the signal from the dish - The single feed from the dish is always connected to both inputs.
The signal controls which input is controlling the LNBs selection of Hi/Low frequency and Horizontal/Vertical polarisation.

Therefore, if both tuners are attempting to access the same band and polarity, they will both receive a valid signal.

To fully test, you need to understand what transponders the box was requesting at the time. Usually (baring any recordings taking place at the time) both inputs will be requesting the default transponder - I believe.

pcbbc · 02-11-2007, 12:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOUSEkid

On the Sps1 I think A needs to go to LNB 2 and B to LNB1.

Correct, according to this description.

Quote:

If the main receiver does not turn off the LNB supply when in standby, connect the priority receiver to port B, and the black wire to a 0/12V port on the receiver, such as TV SCART pin 8.

Port B is therefore active when 12v is supplied. 12v is present when the box is on, and therefore port B needs to be connected to input 1 - Which the box usually uses for live viewing.

stevieboy378 · 02-11-2007, 13:32

Thanks for the replies - it does seem like the switcher is indeed functioning correctly - its just that I wasn't expecting to see 2 inputs active. I presumed that the switch would feed a signal to EITHER A or B, and not both at the same time, and that isn't the case.
As pcbbc says, the switch controls which input controls the LNB . . .

As for my failed recordings, I've found that the switcher can be confused when attempting to record 2 programmes, when the second programme starts at the same time that the first programme finishes. Luckily most channels that I record from also have a +1 channel, so its easy to leave a half hour gap between recordings.
I did have a few failed recordings during the nights, but disabling Sky Anytime ( which is pretty useless anyway ) seems to have cured that . . .

SilentLoner · 02-11-2007, 14:18

why not have two feeds?

stevieboy378 · 02-11-2007, 15:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silent85

why not have two feeds?

I live in an apartment block, and the builders only saw fit to install a single feed to each property . . ..

JonStatt · 04-11-2007, 16:12

Be REALLY careful if you go into the signal test screen. This can actually make the Sky HD box switch from input 1 to input 2 while it is on (sometimes not always). So once you come out of this screen, you may get "no satellite signal" and make you think there is something wrong with the priority switch.

stevieboy378 · 04-11-2007, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonStatt

Be REALLY careful if you go into the signal test screen. This can actually make the Sky HD box switch from input 1 to input 2 while it is on (sometimes not always). So once you come out of this screen, you may get "no satellite signal" and make you think there is something wrong with the priority switch.

LOL - I've found this out the hard way . . . .

I am still getting some failed recordings - yesterday for example I set 4 recordings, each on different channels, and with at least a half hour space between each programme - the first programme recorded ok, but the other 3 failed, with "no satellite signal" as the cause . . .

chcov · 24-07-2008, 21:22

I've just bought one of these myself.
Without the fly lead connected my sky+ hd box is showing 50% signal strength and 100% signal quality on LNB1, 0% signal strength and 50% signal quality on LNB2.

When I connect the fly lead the SPS1 starts buzzing, my sky picture freezes and the signal strength/quality drop down on both LNB's

Faulty SBS1?

Sam Radford. · 24-07-2008, 22:52

I assume you bought the new version from Satcure?
I was just reading their forum posts and this is being discussed right now.
http://notonyourtelly.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7441

Taep · 24-07-2008, 22:58

I've got the same setup, I just set a dummy recording first then the programme I want to record. i.e.

If I want to record Lost on Sky 2 @ 8pm, I first set a programme to record on Living (for example) at the same time first. Then I select Lost to be recorded. Switch the box off and Lost records fine.

chcov · 25-07-2008, 08:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Radford.

I assume you bought the new version from Satcure?
I was just reading their forum posts and this is being discussed right now.
http://notonyourtelly.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7441

That's right, I'm the 2nd person who reported it and i'm being sent the amplifier to try, very helpful at Satcure

Sam Radford. · 25-07-2008, 10:11

Yes, I've found Martin to be helpful if you catch him in a good mood. But watch your spelling. He's even more pedantic than I am. I think it comes with age. Grumpy old men.

@Taep: Are you using the new Satcure SPS1 (silver) or the old black one? I notice they are asking in the forum for users to contact them. They want to know the make/model of your Digibox and whether it's working OK with the silver SPS1.

(I can't post there. My IP is blocked because I was rude. Well, he thought I was rude.)

26-10-2007, 17:32	#1
stevieboy378 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Walsall Services: Sky HD, Tiscali, PS3 Posts: 4,918	Faulty SPS1 Switcher ? Bought a SPS1 switcher box to enable me to use some of the Sky+ features of my HD box, using a single feed. However, I'm not sure whether or not it may be faulty. I hooked up the switch and went to the signal test screen. With the fly-lead plugged into pin 8 of the TV out SCART input 1 was active. When I removed the fly-lead input 1 became inactive and input 2 became active - just as I presumed it should. So - I went into the EPG and set up 3 recordings, each on separate channels, and with half an hour between the end of a program and the start of the next. Then I left the box in standby overnight to do its thing. First thing this morning I fired up the box - it was showing a blue screen with "No Satellite Signal" on it. A press of the channel up button brought the box back into life. I then checked the recordings - the first and last programs had recorded ok, but the middle one had failed - no satellite signal was the cause. Next I set up to record 2 programmes on separate channels, with the first programme ending at the same time that the second one was due to start. I was expecting the second recording to fail, but it didn't. However, the first 17 minutes ( it was a 60 minute programme ) of it hadn't recorded . . . I checked the signal test screen - both inputs 1 and 2 had a signal - surely this shouldn't happen ? With the LNB1 cable unplugged the switch works fine - Input 2 shows no signal while the fly-lead is fitted. As soon as I pull out the fly-lead Input 2 enables. However, with the LNB1 cable plugged in removing the fly-lead has no effect - input 2 remains active . . . Does anyone know If its possible for the switcher to allow both inputs to be active at the same time, or is it faulty ? Also - I set the box this morning to record "Bergerac" ( UKTV Drama, 10AM ) and "Only Fools And Horses" ( UKTV Gold, 12Noon ). Both programmes recorded successfully. I had turned off Anytime TV before putting the box into standby - could this be the difference between the failed recordings and the successful ones ?

02-11-2007, 11:41	#2
HOUSEkid Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 91	I have the same setup. When I go into signal test I get signals on both LNBs with one feed. On the Sps1 I think A needs to goto LNB 2 and B to LNB1.

02-11-2007, 13:32	#5
stevieboy378 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Walsall Services: Sky HD, Tiscali, PS3 Posts: 4,918	Thanks for the replies - it does seem like the switcher is indeed functioning correctly - its just that I wasn't expecting to see 2 inputs active. I presumed that the switch would feed a signal to EITHER A or B, and not both at the same time, and that isn't the case. As pcbbc says, the switch controls which input controls the LNB . . . As for my failed recordings, I've found that the switcher can be confused when attempting to record 2 programmes, when the second programme starts at the same time that the first programme finishes. Luckily most channels that I record from also have a +1 channel, so its easy to leave a half hour gap between recordings. I did have a few failed recordings during the nights, but disabling Sky Anytime ( which is pretty useless anyway ) seems to have cured that . . .

02-11-2007, 14:18	#6
SilentLoner Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Aylesbury Services: PSN=SilentLoner Posts: 3,825	why not have two feeds?

04-11-2007, 16:12	#8
JonStatt Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 587	Be REALLY careful if you go into the signal test screen. This can actually make the Sky HD box switch from input 1 to input 2 while it is on (sometimes not always). So once you come out of this screen, you may get "no satellite signal" and make you think there is something wrong with the priority switch.

24-07-2008, 21:22	#10
chcov Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 20	I've just bought one of these myself. Without the fly lead connected my sky+ hd box is showing 50% signal strength and 100% signal quality on LNB1, 0% signal strength and 50% signal quality on LNB2. When I connect the fly lead the SPS1 starts buzzing, my sky picture freezes and the signal strength/quality drop down on both LNB's Faulty SBS1?

24-07-2008, 22:52	#11
Sam Radford. Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: N Yorks Services: Apple Mac, wheelchair & pacemaker. Thanked 354,768 times Posts: 13,713	I assume you bought the new version from Satcure? I was just reading their forum posts and this is being discussed right now. http://notonyourtelly.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7441

24-07-2008, 22:58	#12
Taep Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 103	I've got the same setup, I just set a dummy recording first then the programme I want to record. i.e. If I want to record Lost on Sky 2 @ 8pm, I first set a programme to record on Living (for example) at the same time first. Then I select Lost to be recorded. Switch the box off and Lost records fine.

25-07-2008, 10:11	#14
Sam Radford. Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: N Yorks Services: Apple Mac, wheelchair & pacemaker. Thanked 354,768 times Posts: 13,713	Yes, I've found Martin to be helpful if you catch him in a good mood. But watch your spelling. He's even more pedantic than I am. I think it comes with age. Grumpy old men. @Taep: Are you using the new Satcure SPS1 (silver) or the old black one? I notice they are asking in the forum for users to contact them. They want to know the make/model of your Digibox and whether it's working OK with the silver SPS1. (I can't post there. My IP is blocked because I was rude. Well, he thought I was rude.)