Skybox F3s

[Piltdownpaul]

There is a software download available for this, 12.7.2013. Is the F3S different from a standard F3?

 

[Lazarus]

I saw that earlier, but noted that the standard F3 is still at 27/03.

No idea of the difference in models (if any), nor could I get any answer from searching.


PS: I'll shift this to the Skybox Forum ...............

(Done)

 

[Piltdownpaul]

I couldnt find the forum Tivu,i'm still a bit lost with this new setup, sorry. (and thanks)

 

[Lazarus]

Of course, you could Beta Test the Firmware as a favour to the Forum - I'm certainly not about to!

 

[Lazarus]

I couldnt find the forum Tivu,i'm still a bit lost with this new setup, sorry.

Glad you couldn't - it gave me the chance to test some of the new Mod Tools and also Topic Navigation!

As it happens, the Topic Tree is identical to what it was in IP Board.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

Of course, you could Beta Test the Firmware as a favour to the Forum - I'm certainly not about to!

If i had plenty of time on my hands i'd have a go but after resetting the dish back up i'm still springcleaning the channel lists......

 

[Piltdownpaul]

I cant see this thread when i click on whats new. It has never appeared since i started it some minutes ago.

 

[Lazarus]

If it doesn't appear in What's New, it invites you to go to "Recent" where indeed it does reside.

Don't worry, I'm almost on top of it after only a couple of days, whereas the last software took ages to get used to. You'll find the same, I'm sure.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

Ahahhhh, i see it now.

 

[Lazarus]

There is a software download available for this, 12.7.2013. Is the F3S different from a standard F3?

Skybox F3S


Skybox F3

 

[andyxxxx]

Not a lot of difference really then. I was hoping for a rear USB like the F5, the F3 looks untidy with anything plugged into the USB port.

Maybe the Sharp tuner is different however I have experienced no problems with the one on the F3

 

[Piltdownpaul]

I wonder what the sharp tuner is all about. I notice that whatever sat i check i cant receiver more than 82% SNR. If i plug my technomate up i'll get 97%SNR on Astra 28E.

 

[Lazarus]

I was under the impression that all the recent Skybox variants had the Sharp Tuner?

It is reputed to be the most sensitive tuner in the domestic Satellite market.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

Obviously one F3 next to another will have a different meter reading but i still think my meter is a little "deaf" although the receiver still works aswell and probably better than the technomate.

 

[Lazarus]

I wonder what the sharp tuner is all about. I notice that whatever sat i check i cant receiver more than 82% SNR. If i plug my technomate up i'll get 97%SNR on Astra 28E.

You cannot compare readings like that though - too many variables, not just with Tuner Sensitivity, but also how Metering is designed/implemented, how AGC functions etc etc.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

Yes ,but just how powerful a signal would be needed on the skybox to get a deflection over 92% for instance. The strength required to raise the meter by 1% isnt a linear value is it, its logarithmic surely.

 

[Lazarus]

Not necessarily - too many interrelated, interconnected and potentially conflicting factors.

Both my F3 and an old Fortec Star box I had, for instance, would actually cease showing an increasing reading with more refined alignment but then the reading would suddenly drop back to a fixed value. The Fortec Star showed 64 (Yes indeed) under near overload conditions (AGC working flat-out). The F3 shows around 88, IIRC.

It doesn't reliably follow any consistent rules.

That's why Receiver Metering should be treated as little more than a guide. Useful for alignment and useful for detecting when things are getting out of kilter - but only by reference to what you noted the figures were earlier in time.

A separate Professional Meter is really the way to go for those needing to ascribe meaningful and consistent figures.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

I follow you, and back to the thread,now that the F3S is on the go , i wonder how many more updates we'll receive for our machines in the future?

 

[tjl]

From another satellite forum I frequent, a member on there as used the latest f3s update on his f3 and reported back that the same software number was shown after updating his f3 box that was there originally and there was no difference he could see, his conclusion was that you can use the f3s update and he assumes that any other update for f3 will be compatible using f3s this of course will be left to individuals as to them wishing to do so

 

[Piltdownpaul]

Hvae you put it on yours then tjl?