All posts by jb38
Below are all of jb38's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
Richard Baguley: I see that the R&T investigation department are on the ball, as the problem has been listed on their website as seen on the link for below.
(Please ignore post code used)
Radio & Television Service
| link to this comment |
Robin: Could you please clarify as to whether you are using a Sky box or a Freeview TV / box? as its your reference to BBC2 via a Sky card as well as mentioning Heathfield that I find confusing as there is no connection between them.
However, no matter what mode you are using "if" the receiver is being coupled into a TV via a scart lead then make sure that both scart connector plugs are firmly seated into the sockets on each device, this done by removing the plug at each end (in turn) and then reinserting it.
| link to this comment |
Jef: The usual cause of the actual coax becoming loose inside the "F" connector is by the connector being unscrewed whilst accidentally holding part of the knurled body of the plug as well as the flat nut section, as only the latter should be turned, however if you have now managed to cure the problem that's all that matters. Rebooting is always necessary if a box has been retuned whilst there was a fault on the inputs from the dish as the retune will have wiped the boxes memory of anything already stored, this meaning that once the input problem has been repaired its usually found that the box still wont work, a further reboot curing the problem, as indeed you have found. Although its a bit late now, but I found a You Tube video demo that you may find of interest on how to fit an "F" connector, the only point of criticism I do have of the demo being that the person demonstrating snips the copper core parallel to the front of the "F" connector, its always best angled. Video referred to / How to wire an F connector - YouTube
| link to this comment |
Nelly: On the assumption that your TV only has one scart socket you will have to purchase a "switchable" two way scart selector box to be able to use the devices mentioned for the purposes required.
The method of connecting being as follows.
Connect the common lead on the scart switch box into your TV's scart socket.
You then connect a scart lead between the one of the inputs on the scart switch box and the AV1 output on the DVD recorder.
Then connect another scart lead from the other input on the scart switch box into the black (AV1) socket on the GRD11
Then connect another scart lead from the blue socket (marked VCR) on the GRD11 into the AV2 input on the DVD recorder
In operation, if you just wish to view Freeview via the Goodmans box then you simply press the button on the scart switch box to connect the Goodmans into the TV, but if you want to record from the Freeview box then press the button on the scart switch box to connect the DVD / VCR combo into the TV and take the recorder out of stand-by.
You then go into the VR320's "input select" menu and select AV2 as the input, otherwise the recorder will try to record from its internal tuner (being analogue nothing will be received) however as soon as you select AV2 as the input you should see Freeview from the Goodmans but via the VR320's circuitry, you can then use the latter to record or play back previously made recordings as before or set it for recording via AV2 on input select.
The point to remember being, that the VR320's input select must "always" be kept on AV2 input for Freeview recording purposes, and when the scart switch box is set for the DVD / VCR combo this device can be used in exactly the same way as you possibly have been doing on the assumption you have had this a while.
Another thing being, that if your TV has Freeview built in then this will enable you to be able to record one programme using the Goodmans - DVD / VCR combo, and watch another channel on the TV if you select TV (or DVB) on the TV's remote control, if that is the TV is of the older type with analogue and Freeview capabilities.
| link to this comment |
Nelly: In addition to that already said, a suitable Alba brand scart switch box is sold by Argos item No 534 /9656 @ £7.99.
Another point to note being, that if you are looping the aerial via the Goodmans then into your TV, then make sure that the RF modulator in the Goodman's is set at Ch65 or over so as not to interfere with the Freeview signal, this being irrespective of wherever you might reside.
Finally, keep the aerial input or RF loop output leads from running across the top or bottom of the Goodmans box, as the plastic casing on the box offers no protection against interference radiating from the internal circuitry, something which is at a high level in that particular box.
| link to this comment |
Les Nicol: Well the problem is, that these "F" connectors come in quite a range of different qualities with the cheapest types (usually with the nasty tag) being shorter in length as well as being made from the thinnest metal possible, whereas the high quality types are the complete opposite and of very good construction similar to a "quality" version of a BNC connector, quality being emphasised as there are some iffy types of these around.
Of course you have to look at it from the installation point of view, insomuch if a Sky engineer is standing up a ladder in less than ideal weather conditions then the last thing that's wanted (by him) is to fuss about with a pair of relatively heavy (and quality) crimping pliers for fitting that type of connector, albeit that type is considered as being more secure.
As far as Quick mount types are concerned, I use these on the numerous terminations on my own installation, and indeed carry around a few jumper leads fitted with these type of connectors for making quick tests on both Freeview and satellite equipment, likewise fully endorsing your own opinion on these items.
| link to this comment |
Paul Kelly: This isnt really enough information to determine anything as there can be a multitude of different reasons for this, the info required being the type of Sky box are you using, e.g: a standard box / Sky + / or maybe a Sky+ HD box, and have you tried carrying out any checks such as mentioned in my posting of 11th Feb @ 11.00PM in reply to Steve, this being seen if you scroll up the screen above your own posting.
| link to this comment |
Steve: Although its always best in situations like this to make an enquiry with a neighbour that you might be on good terms with for purposes of verifying if others are also being affected, because if they report similar to yourself then the problem is up to a point outwith your control and this saves you making pointless checks, but purely from the aspect of curiosity I would be interested to know the result if you went into the tuning menu / manual tune and entering mux Ch60 into the box but NOT followed by pressing search or scan, as by not doing that your TV or boxes tuner then acts like a form of signal meter devoid of threshold level restrictions.
Once done and the levels appear you should observe the "quality" over a minute or so for the purpose of noting if fluctuations of any great magnitude are seen to occur, if they do, leave that screen running but remove the aerial plug and replace it with a short piece of wire (about 5 feet or so) pushed into the middle cup of the aerial socket, or if you have a set top aerial kicking around just try using that, if you get a reasonable level of signal by using either note if this fluctuates in the same way as when using the proper aerial, giving an update on results.
Another other point being, that its difficult to obtain fault information where commercial channels are involved, because by them not being part of the TV licence there isn't the same obligation for them to be reported in the same way as are any problems that may have developed with the PSB channels.
| link to this comment |
Pam: There is a couple of issues connected to that question, the first being, are you intending to scrap the cable service or have you already done so? as if you are (or have already done so) then are TV's you refer to Freeview capable sets? because if they are then all you require is a suitable aerial to be installed to feed the Freeview signal to both devices provided there are no restrictions in force at your place of residence that would not allow this to be done.
The other aspect being, that you could also receive Freesat on these TV's if the LNB on the dish was changed to a quad 4 output type (if not already that) and a pair of cables run from the LNB to the kitchen and bedroom TV's, of course it would also be necessary to purchase a Freesat receiver for each TV meaning that this method would probably be the most expensive of all.
Maybe you could clarify on the cable question as this determines the options available, plus if Freeview is a possibility then a post code or one from nearby (a shop etc) is necessary to access the signal predictor, this to get an idea of the level of signal thats expected in your area.
| link to this comment |
Friday 1 March 2013 4:39PM
Gareth Lewis: Please refer to my 3.59PM posting of today (1/03/2013) accidentally sent under Richard Baguley's heading.