View Full Version : Set up help for new GB E2 box + motorised dish
Hi Group - Happy New Year!
Got new Gigablue UHD UE 4K box for Christmas. Fitted HDD and flashed with latest OpenVix image. Think I also downloaded VHannibal channel list for motorised dish (on the box itself, not FTP).
My dish was installed using a TM-5402, which is working fine. The old-school installer doesn't know E2 boxes and I reckon I can handle that part (with so many friends here!). He's left me a loan TM-5402 box so I can crosscheck thngs but also be able to identify/control dish positions for setup.
Only thing is we couldn't get the TM set up to use USALS, only DiSeq 1.2 (which means manually finding and tuning each satellite in turn, which I thought USALS avoided). Didn't think that mattered as I'd load a channel list and EPG for the GB anyway.
Where I've got stuck is the exact sequence I need to follow and how to access channels and bouquets. I've read the GB manual, the OpenVix one and several guides and threads on here.
Latitude and longitude are correctly entered in Tuner Configuration, it's Set to Advanced, use USALS (Select satellites) but even if I set the dish correctly to Thor 1W (on the TM), when I then use Positioner (Select satellites) and a TP I know has strong signal, no signal is found on the GB. When I come out of Setup, the dish goes off to Hotbird 13E and finds nothing.
Questions:
If I've loaded a channel list, do I need to scan channels at all?
How do I set the GB to accept the 'real' dish position for Thor so it can find the other satellites?
How do I find the bouquets I thought I'd loaded
I'll then go on to edit the bouquets on the computer (have DBEditor and Echannelizer at the ready)...
Many thanks
Can someone help me with a 1-2-3 starter guide?
abu baniaz
02-01-19, 04:45
Scanning:
You don't need to scan if you have a settings/channel pack installed.
Only considerations are that the "settings" will not contain services that have changed since the pack was created
The channels on the plugin server are only up to date as the last time a build was run on the build server. To me, it is a waste of time having these on the plugin server, we run a build roughly every two weeks. You can get Vhannibals most recent pack using his plugin.
The settings will contain services you cannot receive. For example, it has 28.2 services. People in Italy won't be able to get most of them.
Bouquets:
On most receivers, on openvix, pressing the TV button opens th bouquets list. The Gigablue does not have that button, I'll try and add the F1 key to achieve that. For all receivers, press up (next to OK), blue button will be favourites.
However, consider using the Green for satellites instead so that you can pick from a specific satellite. There is a limited functionality of searching channel names, you can only do first letter.
More info here:
https://www.world-of-satellite.com/showthread.php?51808-EPG-Channels-and-Bouquets
Tuner configuration:
I'm sure you have your tuner configuration wrong. Section 1.5 of the Vix manual describes how to set up a motor for non-usals. You are meant to say "no" for use USALS, The picture does show yes, ignore it.
In terms of 1,2,3,
Download latest pack from
http://www.vhannibal.net/
Transfer to receiver using your channel editor program
Set up tuner correctly for non-usals
optional:
If the motor followed the arc properly, you could set it for usals and fool the software by offsetting your co-ordinates. The better fix would be to move motor assembly slightly so it can use USALS.
Scanning:
You don't need to scan if you have a settings/channel pack installed.
Only considerations are that the "settings" will not contain services that have changed since the pack was created
The channels on the plugin server are only up to date as the last time a build was run on the build server. To me, it is a waste of time having these on the plugin server, we run a build roughly every two weeks. You can get Vhannibals most recent pack using his plugin.
The settings will contain services you cannot receive. For example, it has 28.2 services. People in Italy won't be able to get most of them.
Bouquets:
On most receivers, on openvix, pressing the TV button opens th bouquets list. The Gigablue does not have that button, I'll try and add the F1 key to achieve that. For all receivers, press up (next to OK), blue button will be favourites.
However, consider using the Green for satellites instead so that you can pick from a specific satellite. There is a limited functionality of searching channel names, you can only do first letter.
More info here:
https://www.world-of-satellite.com/showthread.php?51808-EPG-Channels-and-Bouquets
Tuner configuration:
I'm sure you have your tuner configuration wrong. Section 1.5 of the Vix manual describes how to set up a motor for non-usals. You are meant to say "no" for use USALS, The picture does show yes, ignore it.
In terms of 1,2,3,
Download latest pack from
http://www.vhannibal.net/
Transfer to receiver using your channel editor program
Set up tuner correctly for non-usals
optional: If the motor followed the arc properly, you could set it for usals and fool the software by offsetting your co-ordinates. The better fix would be to move motor assembly slightly so it can use USALS.
Dear Abu
Thanks so much for such a swift and helpful reply.
I'll work my way through this evening.
Couple of comments/queries:
1. I am in the UK - someone on here recommended the VHannibal bouquet and it was on the GB server to download. Now I can see the list (using up arrow as you said!), I see it's Italy-centric. I am in the UK and using the dish for all available European areas. I will load UK channels on 28.2 as a backup for when my wife is using both record tuners on our Freeview Play box!
If there's another leading well-maintained bouquet you'd suggest, I'm not tied to VHannibal. For example on here, I see Predr@g is the most up to date and MaliMali is on my box and here...
2. Green button for satellite selection would be great (the TM has a Sat button) and a 1st letter sequence/search is fine if I know which sat I'm on. (Blue button at the moment gives 1. CrossEPG, 2. EPG-Importer, 3. Softcam, 4. ViX Blue Activate PiP)
3. Tuner configuration - is there any advantage to trying to get USALS work, rather than DiSeqc? I only went for the Advanced config because that was where the only mention is USALS was.
optional: On the TM, the dish tracks fine satellite to satellite but we did set and tune satellite by satellite using a list of strongest TPs and Diseqc 1.2, as the USALS autoscan didn't move to the next satellite to scan. What I am assuming is that the engineer didn't enter the right coordinates at the start so there's a built-in error/difference from my actual location.
Maybe if I entered the coordinates the TM box thinks I'm at onto the GB, that would be the correct offset for USALS? Or is there a mathematical way to calculate the offset to enter into the GB?
Me touching the dish isn't an option as it's big, high up and I could ruin the install!
abu baniaz
02-01-19, 17:04
2. Green button for satellite selection would be great (the TM has a Sat button) and a 1st letter sequence/search is fine if I know which sat I'm on. (Blue button at the moment gives 1. CrossEPG, 2. EPG-Importer, 3. Softcam, 4. ViX Blue Activate PiP)
After you press up
3. Tuner configuration - is there any advantage to trying to get USALS work, rather than DiSeqc? I only went for the Advanced config because that was where the only mention is USALS was.
Ease and time. If it is 1 degree out, adjust yours by the same
abu baniaz
03-01-19, 01:23
Bouquets:
On most receivers, on openvix, pressing the TV button opens th bouquets list.
The Gigablue does not have that button, I'll try and add the F1 key to achieve
Correction, the button is there. Top left of remote, TV/radio button.
Correction, the button is there. Top left of remote, TV/radio button.
Ah-ha - got it! Thanks.
Plan on tryng to work out the offset over the weekend. Think it might be worth the extra time spent to get USALS working. It may be that the TM box thinks it's in UK and the default coordinates on the GB are Germany, so tweak those back bit by bit as a start.
Keep you posted!
abu baniaz
03-01-19, 15:17
The way I have learnt to do a motor.....
1. Forget scanning and bouquets
2. Forget scanning and bouquets
3. Forget scanning and bouquets
4. Reset motor. The TM receivers are brilliant at this.
5. Send motor to "0"
6. Install channel list on E2 receiver
7. Configure tuner for USALS
8. Select a service on a chosen satellite. Somewhere near middle of arc
9. Tweak dish assembly to get best signal
10. Select another service on another chosen satellite on western extremity
11. Tweak dish assembly to get best signal
12. Select another service on another chosen satellite on eastern extremity
13. Tweak dish assembly to get best signal
As you dish follows the arc, it should be simple
Ah-ha - got it! Thanks.
Plan on tryng to work out the offset over the weekend. Think it might be worth the extra time spent to get USALS working. It may be that the TM box thinks it's in UK and the default coordinates on the GB are Germany, so tweak those back bit by bit as a start.
Keep you posted!
Just a thought goldenet, try setting your Longitude to 000.000 WEST but keep the LATITUDE to the correct setting in USALS.
This is what I had to do when my dish was set up wrongly by my installer. Might be the same problem and not that much of a pain in the arse so long as you remember for the next time. It's an obvious mistake when setting up motorised dishes but an easy one to correct.
This might be your offset.
Hope this helps.
Just a thought goldenet, try setting your Longitude to 000.000 WEST but keep the LATITUDE to the correct setting in USALS.
This is what I had to do when my dish was set up wrongly by my installer. Might be the same problem and not that much of a pain in the arse so long as you remember for the next time. It's an obvious mistake when setting up motorised dishes but an easy one to correct.
This might be your offset.
Hope this helps.
Hi Abu
OK - I'll try that - otherwise I'll try the Lat/Long that the TM has in the USALS setup.
I was going to ask in your step "4. Reset motor" whether this meant a reset via the TM box or the pinhole physical reset on the TM motor box outside. Again, as the dish tracks perfectly on the TM, I'd rather not to anything to lose that ability, rather reproduce workability on the GB...
I have a dual feed from the LNB, one cable through the motor, one direct, so I can have a connection to each receiver to cross-check services/channels and confirm which satellite I am pointed at. I used this facility to record onto both boxes (as I haven't yet looked into the FBC tuners!)
abu baniaz
04-01-19, 08:24
You would configure the FBC tuners same as standard ones, i.e to match what is attached to them.
If you connect both cables to the Gigablue, one would be simple, single, motorised. The other one would be 2nd cable of motorised dish.
don't reset the motor for now.
Just a thought goldenet, try setting your Longitude to 000.000 WEST but keep the LATITUDE to the correct setting in USALS.
This is what I had to do when my dish was set up wrongly by my installer. Might be the same problem and not that much of a pain in the arse so long as you remember for the next time. It's an obvious mistake when setting up motorised dishes but an easy one to correct.
This might be your offset.
That was exactly what it was Abu!
I got the TM box working on USALs (rather than Diseqc) by adjusting the Longitude down incrementally until the dish no longer moved and signal stayed strong (at its 'correct' Thor position) when I hit Go to Position. The sweet spot was indeed 0 deg.
So can I confirm this means that the installer positioned the correct arc on the dish/motor without making an initial adjustment for the correct longitude? He's coming back to tidy up the cabling next week - is this a simple thing for him to do or, now the GB box is working, do I just let it ride?
The VHannibal Dec Settings all seem to work fine and I can edit the file to suit myself once I become more familiar with everyday use of the box and editor.
Thanks SO much for your patient guidance on this...
abu baniaz
04-01-19, 16:46
It is a simple thing to do. Best you get it set correctly if he is coming back
Your hardware setup is as pictured below.
abu baniaz
04-01-19, 16:47
Don't forget to thank micsave
It is a simple thing to do. Best you get it set correctly if he is coming back
I thanked micsave (hadn't spotted it was another user from yourself).
I'll ask my engineer about the USALS reset.
Trying out couple of settings lists atm and familiarising myself with the interface of the new kit.
As far as Vhannibals settings is concerned, I use this but have it set to manually update and not auto.
I then use ABM and have that set to remember other settings so that it doesn’t wipe out Vhannibals settings and in my case have (Sky / Virgin) ABM always on top.
If you let Vhannibals auto update it’ll wipe out your ABM settings every time. You can set it not to but it’s a bit of a faff I find. Run it once or twice a week and if it needs updating then .et it do it’s thing and then re run ABM straight after.
Just wondering if your installer was my installer also seeing as it’s the same mistake, what part of the country are you in?
As far as Vhannibals settings is concerned, I use this but have it set to manually update and not auto.
I then use ABM and have that set to remember other settings so that it doesn’t wipe out Vhannibals settings and in my case have (Sky / Virgin) ABM always on top.
If you let Vhannibals auto update it’ll wipe out your ABM settings every time. You can set it not to but it’s a bit of a faff I find. Run it once or twice a week and if it needs updating then .et it do it’s thing and then re run ABM straight after.
Just wondering if your installer was my installer also seeing as it’s the same mistake, what part of the country are you in?
Hi
Thanks for sharing! I have (so far) swapped around with a couple of Settings Files (such as Catseyes) and come back to VHannibal as it seems to be more comprehensive and easier to find things.
In time, as I learn how to, I will tweak the file to reflect my own favourites and preferences.
I hadn't noticed an auto-update setting - where do I find that?
I looked at ABM when I first started up the box but not twigged that you can use it in conjunction with a loaded settings list - how handy!
I've come over from a TM7102 so on the E2 learning curve but love the near instant loading/tweaking settings over the network from my laptop.
I'm in North Shropshire - you?
Hi
Thanks for sharing! I have (so far) swapped around with a couple of Settings Files (such as Catseyes) and come back to VHannibal as it seems to be more comprehensive and easier to find things.
In time, as I learn how to, I will tweak the file to reflect my own favourites and preferences.
I hadn't noticed an auto-update setting - where do I find that?
I looked at ABM when I first started up the box but not twigged that you can use it in conjunction with a loaded settings list - how handy!
I've come over from a TM7102 so on the E2 learning curve but love the near instant loading/tweaking settings over the network from my laptop.
I'm in North Shropshire - you?
Yes you can use both. I find it the best way, you can keep ABM on top for Sky / Virgin / Freesat and Vhannibal underneath and not have to worry about changing anything, it just works.
I’m in Staffordshire myself, could be Rick as I know he gets out into Shropshire.
Auto update in Vhannibals is on the left hand side of the main control screen. If you do use it in conjunction with ABM you can have it set to save other settings ie ABM but you have to tick every entry in ABM. If there is ever a new section added to that you might miss it when Vhannibals auto updates. That’s why I manually update Vhannibals and then run ABM Straight after to reinstate it. You can let ABM auto update but make sure in the settings to keep none ABM settings.
Hope this helps
abu baniaz
05-01-19, 14:39
I used to manually download Vhannibal's motorised pack and just use the lamedb file.
I’m in Staffordshire myself, could be Rick as I know he gets out into Shropshire.
Auto update in Vhannibals is on the left hand side of the main control screen. If you do use it in conjunction with ABM you can have it set to save other settings ie ABM but you have to tick every entry in ABM. If there is ever a new section added to that you might miss it when Vhannibals auto updates. That’s why I manually update Vhannibals and then run ABM Straight after to reinstate it. You can let ABM auto update but make sure in the settings to keep none ABM settings.
Hi again
Sorry - total Enigma newbie you're talking to here! What do you mean by "main control screen" - the OpenIF interface on my PC or a setting onscreen accessed from the remote? Can you guide me through the sequence to locate that Auto-update entry for VHannibal?!
ABM is currently set (onscreen via menu) to Keep all non-ABM bouquets=YES
My installer was not Rick - guy called Peter!
I used to manually download Vhannibal's motorised pack and just use the lamedb file.
So just download latest update and FTP the lamedb file across to which folder? I've been using e-channelier to read the complete pack and transfer to the GB. I like the sense of being in control of the data going across (and it's simple to adjust when I feel ready!)
abu baniaz
05-01-19, 20:06
/etc/enigma2
Option 1.
Transfer with FTP client
Reload with web browser (adjust ip address to yours)
http://192.168.0.33/web/servicelistreload?mode=0
Option 2.
Stop Enigma2 with init 4 command using Putty etc
Transfer with FTP
Restart with init 3 command using Putty etc
Vhannibals is in plugins in the extensions list, just download it as a plug-in then you won’t have to keep connecting to your computer, you can just run it and update it from inside the plugin.
Vhannibals is in plugins in the extensions list, just download it as a plug-in then you won’t have to keep connecting to your computer, you can just run it and update it from inside the plugin.
Hi - conflicting info I think? Abu advised me earlier in this thread to download latest VHannibal settings from his website, which I did. As I read it, Abu was suggesting the plug-in version is not updated as frequently as on the VHannibal site...
I'm happy to go with whatever works best! Perhaps I need to familiarise myself with the ABM and my own personal bouquet preferences first.
No problem but I find the plugin works well and is updated every few days.
Using the plugin just takes the faff out of keeping the other sats channels updated without having to keep searching for updates on line.
Each to his own I guess but I remember when I first started using these boxes, I was obsessed with keeping the channel list up to date. Having a motorised dish it was quite some task as well but all part of the hobby connecting to the box with the computer and being able to tweek this and that is why E2 boxes are so great.
But more and more plugins have come out over the years to make our life easier and I’ve embraced most of them along the way and whilst I love tinkering with these boxes, I also love these plugins that make life easier and the boxes are kept up to date on their own accord.
Try both ways and see which works for you, that’s what makes this hobby so great.
abu baniaz
06-01-19, 17:04
Hi - conflicting info I think? Abu advised me earlier in this thread to download latest VHannibal settings from his website, which I did. As I read it, Abu was suggesting the plug-in version is not updated as frequently as on the VHannibal site...
I'm happy to go with whatever works best! Perhaps I need to familiarise myself with the ABM and my own personal bouquet preferences first.
I think you misunderstood. I was referring to the channel list on the image's plugin server. The ones you find under "settings".
Micsave is using Vhannibal's Auto Settings plugin. The plugin downloads directly from Vhannibal's server.
I think you misunderstood. I was referring to the channel list on the image's plugin server. The ones you find under "settings".
Micsave is using Vhannibal's Auto Settings plugin. The plugin downloads directly from Vhannibal's server.
Ah - think I see:
Abu - VHannibal plug-in loaded from within the Vix image
micscave - the autosettings download from VHannibal
me - I had downloaded the Enigma2 settings file from his website
There's a possible small fault on the GB which means it has to go back to WoS to be checked. While I am sure they can move the config across if they change the box, presumably, it's best I take a full backup of image and configuration to the internal HDD and a USB stick kept at home.
Thanks both
No I use the plugin from the VIX image for Vhannibals, same as Abu.
There's a possible small fault on the GB which means it has to go back to WoS to be checked. While I am sure they can move the config across if they change the box, presumably, it's best I take a full backup of image and configuration to the internal HDD and a USB stick kept at home.
Thanks both
Receiver will not be faulty, issue will be elsewhere.
Receiver will not be faulty, issue will be elsewhere.
It's a thin vertical white line about 5mm in from the right hand edge of the stb screen (runs just slightly off half way through the last digit of the time when on standby).
WoS has raised a RMA for it to go back to be checked/replaced - they suggest a possible loose connection.
If there's a display test/reset I can try first, happy to do so...
Thanks
No I use the plugin from the VIX image for Vhannibals, same as Abu.
Ah - so I should probably add in the built-in VHannibal module then...
Thanks
Ah - so I should probably add in the built-in VHannibal module then...
Thanks
Yes download from the extensions section in plugins and use in conjunction with ABM, it’ll make your life a lot easier.
Yes download from the extensions section in plugins and use in conjunction with ABM, it’ll make your life a lot easier.
Done - Motor+DTT Italia version as I couldn't find a motor only option in the list. I have also now made a couple of settings backups. I started one having gone into the backup option and selected all boxes - it was over 3GB when I cancelled it - I'm assuming it was also backing up the recordings files. FTP the standard backup across to my laptop in case anything goes awry with the return...
Bottom motor option 45E to 75W is the one I use.
I also use vhannibal update and found it handy on quad 13,19.2,23,28.2 and unknown to me had a you tube screen pop up,so not sure if i did something earlier on box or new update of channels.Webif to the rescue again.
It's a thin vertical white line about 5mm in from the right hand edge of the stb screen (runs just slightly off half way through the last digit of the time when on standby).
WoS has raised a RMA for it to go back to be checked/replaced - they suggest a possible loose connection.
If there's a display test/reset I can try first, happy to do so...
Thanks
Sorry that's something different that wasn't mentioned in your post. I assuming it was your scanning/motor issue.
Sorry that's something different that wasn't mentioned in your post. I assuming it was your scanning/motor issue.
No worries! I wasn't explicit... WoS sorting it and hope to have box back to me by the weekend. Have to say their customer service is top notch (so far!)
Bottom motor option 45E to 75W is the one I use.
I didn't see that last night but maybe I had selected it previously (plug-ins then disappear from the lists) - before downloading from the VHannibal site. Seems simpler to install plug-ins than remove them! Anyway, think I know what to do and have taken backups for while the box is in transit to/from WoS (for checking a small problem on the display screen).
Brief update - GB box returned to and by WoS - they replaced the LCD screen. My installer returned yesterday to tidy up cabling, fit flyleads etc. He didn't want to deal with the USALs coordinates issue as he said that meant realigning the dish - as it's tracking the arc perfectly, he said it makes little difference anyway.
So I'm set for continuing my explorations of matter E2! I found a first live opera feed last weekend doing a blind scan on the TM box. Need to try the comparable GB scan when I am next aware of a suitable feed. Anyone know a good reference for upcoming relays - I know Satelliweb - is there some email list I can subscribe to?
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