FTA HD Channels Missing

[woodpoleman]

I laid up my VU+ Duo while subscribing to Sky for F1. I've just dusted it off loaded openvix 5.2.045, updated the xml plug-in and auto scanned channels at 28.2 enlisting ABM. Apart from Channels 4 & 5 HD all other HD channels are missing. Tried manual tuning by frequency for FTA HD channels but every time message No Channels Found. I also think Tuner B is kaput with message Failed to tune FreeSat UK on Tuner B, which also shows SNR of 0% when trying to manually tune to anything. Is there a way to get FTA HD channels and also test the possible failed tuner or just invest in a new VU+ PVR?

[abu baniaz]

Your post is not very clear a s to what the problem is. Do you have a tuner issue or an ABM issue or both. You cannot just scan FTA HD channels using scanning function in Enigma2. ABM does create an FTA HD bouquet, but that depends on the settings you use. Please expand on the problem and we will assist you.


Latest image (unless your receiver was dropped) is 5.3 025.

[Andy_Hazza]

Last image for the Vu+ Duo was 5.2.045.

Better boxes out now IMO as your receiver will no longer receive updates etc.

You don’t even have to spend a fortune to get a great spec’d box too.


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[woodpoleman]

Thanks. The issue is that I cannot get any HD channels apart from 4 & 5 regardless of auto or manual scan. I didn't know if this is because my box is old or the providers have changed how channels are configured. The ABM is not an issue but mentioned it because its settings are often questioned in other posts. I mention tuner B because I think it is kaput but don't know how to test it. My thoughts are to buy a new box but before doing so wanted to check out if there is a fix for this one.

[Andy_Hazza]

If not already, try using ABM (AutoBouquetsMaker) and use Sky FTA in your chosen Providers selection.


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[ccs]

Disable tuner A and then try a working channel. You'll soon see if tuner B is ok ( - if it's not, it may be because it hasn't been configured correctly).

[woodpoleman]

Thanks. I've been looking at the Ultimo 4K and will probably go that route when the Sky contract ends in August. My LNB is as provided by Sky just over a year ago, is there any benefit in upgrading it?

[Andy_Hazza]

Thanks. I've been looking at the Ultimo 4K and will probably go that route when the Sky contract ends in August. My LNB is as provided by Sky just over a year ago, is there any benefit in upgrading it?

That could be your problem. Is it a SkyQ LNB? The Wideband LNB’s sky engineers provide is just for SkyQ boxes unless you specify you want a SkyQ Hybrid LNB.

The Vu+ Ultimo 4K is their premium box, but IMHO better boxes about unless you want to have FBC tuner(s), then you will need to move onto a Unicable/JESS II LNB to fully utilise the FBC tuners.


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[abu baniaz]

When you scan, you check the frequencies listed in satellites.xml ( I am not referring to ABM, best to do one process at a time). Update the XML file then scan. Easiest way is to use XML updater.

Fault finding signal/reception issues involved several variables. I've not seen many posts about faulty tuner B on Duo. So likely to be cabling or LNB issue.

[woodpoleman]

Thanks to all.

Had another go today and made some progress. To answer one question, I'm using an older Sky dish with its original LNB not my Sky Q dish. Checked coax feeds and swapped them around tuner A & B, only tuner A shows up on front panel, lose signal when coax removed from tuner A, assume tuner B is kaput. Changed settings on ABM and re-scanned tuners. Can now see all FTA HD but only CH4 & CH5 operate all other HD message "Tune Failed!" Some channels like Smithsonian SD are pix-elated.

Checked against the Freesat Channels on my TV and all work well using the same coax feed from the same dish. If you have any suggestions that would be most helpful but think it's time for a new PVR.

[abu baniaz]

Tuner shown on front panel is tuner in use. It doesn't mean tuner B is kaput. Best way to check is to use signal finder. Select tuner and check different transponders.

A faulty/dying PSU won't supply enough current to tuners. Buying a new box will overcome this if it is the issue.

[woodpoleman]

Thanks again but sorry to be a pain. The main issue for posting is and always has been that I am unable to tune into FTA HD channels apart from CH4 & CH5. I can see all the channels but when I access them the message reads "tuner failed!". Would the dying PSU also cause this? If not is there a solution to enable receiving FTA HD channels?

[woodpoleman]

Thanks again Tuner B now working.

[Joe_90]

Thanks again Tuner B now working.

...and what fixed the issue? It's useful for future fault-finding.

[abu baniaz]

So the real problem is you are getting tune failed messages. You mentioning FTA HD missing just confuses the issue.


There are several factors that can cause the tune failed messages. There is no magic answer, you have to rule things out.

Dish alignment issue
LNB issue/fault
Cabling fault
Receiver fault
Tuner fault
Power supply fault

If you look in the channel list, it should show you the channel details. Use Vix Night HD or Simple 1080 if your current skin does not show details.

Channel 4/5 HD and BBC News HD are on Horizontal plane as indicated by an H. If all the ones that fail are on vertical plane, it is more than likely an LNB fault.

You can also check with Signal finder and check the transponders one by one.


Can you perform a manual scan using tuner A. Single satellite, complete, do not enable network scan. How many services do you get? (Do not use ABM, it reads tables, it does not scan)
Can you perform a manual scan using tuner B. Single satellite, complete, do not enable network scan. How many services do you get? (Do not use ABM, it reads tables, it does not scan)

You should get 900+ services if everything is right. I know you won't get this.
If both are roughly the same number, I think it is a dish alignment issue.

[abu baniaz]

Failed to tune FreeSat UK on Tuner B

AutoBouquetsMaker tunes to following when reading Freesat.



orbital_position="282"
frequency="11426000"
symbol_rate="27500000"
polarization="0"


Polarization 0 = Vertical
Polarization 1 = Horizontal

I'd say you have an LNB fault. Can you test with another dish (not with a wideband LNB for Sky Q). Obviously maintaining social distancing rules.

[abu baniaz]

Please ignore my last two posts, Andy-Hazza hit the nail on the head with the fact that you are using a Sky Q Wideband LNB.

Sorry. My mistake.

[Joe_90]

Thanks to all.

Had another go today and made some progress. To answer one question, I'm using an older Sky dish with its original LNB not my Sky Q dish. Checked coax feeds and swapped them around tuner A & B, only tuner A shows up on front panel, lose signal when coax removed from tuner A, assume tuner B is kaput. Changed settings on ABM and re-scanned tuners. Can now see all FTA HD but only CH4 & CH5 operate all other HD message "Tune Failed!" Some channels like Smithsonian SD are pix-elated.

Checked against the Freesat Channels on my TV and all work well using the same coax feed from the same dish. If you have any suggestions that would be most helpful but think it's time for a new PVR.

@abu - I believe the OP is using an older standard sky dish, not Sky Q - as per above post #10

[abu baniaz]

Bother!:o Thanks. Second sorry.

There is a peculiar fault with some Sky LNBs in that if two devices are connected to it, it fails. The test to rule that out is to ensure other devices connected to LNB are powered off (not just standby) or better still disconnected. Try one cable to one tuner at a time. If a single connection works, then it points to the LNB fault. If there is still a fault, then something up with receiver.

[Joe_90]

Multiple connections to one LNB cable using a splitter (if that's what is happening here) is never a great idea as you can't control what voltages or switching tones are present on the cable. But, I'm not sure if the OP has multiple devices connected to the same cable, although he mentions that it was working when connecting it directly to the TV. He also says that tuner B is now working (post #13), but hasn't identified what he did to resolve the problem.

[woodpoleman]

Thanks. I'll go through the checklist and let you know how I get on.

[woodpoleman]

Thanks to all, excellent help. I've been through everything suggested plus digging out an old Sky+ and a Sky HD box, both worked OK. As a last resort I checked out capacitor C848, which I'd replaced some time ago, only to find that the joint I'd soldered to the previous cap wire was not in tact. Fortunately I had another cap so to be sure removed the motherboard, drilled the old wire and solder out then soldered the new capacitor to the underside as per the original. Thanks to Abu, I did go through everything you suggested and learnt a lot on the way that I didn't know before. To be sure I reset the ABM and XML file, manually tuned B to every frequency, and restarted the GUI. Everything is now working apart from a "tune failed" on France 24 & S4C, which I will try and fix but if not can live with.

Thanks again to all who offered support.