problem with motorised Technomate 6800HD

[satmad123]

Folks,

This is my first post so I hope this makes sense.

Please can someone offer some advice.....

I've had a Technomate TM6800HD and Cryptic motor runnig for several years with no problems.
Lately, when changing satellites, the dish is not stopping exactly on the satellite.

For example, if the dish is moved to say 1 West, there is no signal. I can find the channels again by moving the dish and saving the new position. However, if I move the dish back to 13 East, then the problem repeats and I have to adjust the dish position again. Once the dish is aligned on a satellite, the signal is good; it's just that I have to set up the dish position every time I change satellites.

I'm guessing the motor drive may be worn and there is backlash in the gear train.
I can't rock the dish sideways so if there is backlash, it isn't obvious.
I've tried reseting the Cryptic motor and setting up the satellite positions again from scratch, but the problem remains.

I don't mind buying a new motor, but would like to make sure before I spend some money. Any thoughts, please?

Does anyone remember how to perform a master factory reset on the Technomate 6800HD (not just a factory reset from the menu on the remote control). Seem to recall it was buttons 4321 something?
It might be worth clearing out all the memory from receiver and motor after several years of patching.

I also recall reading that the Cryptic motor can be 'hard' reset rather than just from the receiver menu.
Thanks in advance if anyone can help.

satmad123

[Nutsandbolts]

Hi. If using USALS you can try the following:
1) Set the motor to 0 reference ( GOTO REFERENCE in motor menu). This will put the motor at 0 .
2) From the same MOTOR MENU send the dish to HOTBIRD by using GOTO option in menu.
3) The dish will move to HOTBIRD at 13 EAST. You can check by looking at the motor dial and the arrow should be pointing at 13 mark on the EAST side.
4) If you dont get a signal or picture then adjust the dish manually until you do get a signal. Then tighten the dish up and send it to a different satellite.
The problem with USALS is that it is software driven and when you sent it to a satellite ie HOTBIRD it will stop at the position indicated in the motor menu. You can alter this position yourself ie put HOTBIRD at 12.8 degrees etc. I would personally just try to adjust the dish manually if you can. Also when you fine tune a channel in USALS (by using the BLUE button) you will lose the signal once you change channels or satellites. If you are using DISECQ(1.2) you can fine tune the channels and save them. If you require further help let us know. Regards.

[dick b]

if the problem is worse when you go to your target sat from one direction eg:if you go to 1W from 5E you lose the signal but going to it from 5W you dont,(or vice versa)then it does sound like backlash problems,I dont know cryptic motors but you can adjust it on a lot of motors.

[satmad123]

Many thanks folks.

The receiver does not support USALS, only DISECQ 1.2.

It has always worked perfectly until recently, and the problem has been getting progressively worse with time and use.

If I move the dish from 19 E to 13 E, no channels are received and I have to fine tune the dish position and then save it. All channels are then Ok.

If I go back to 19E, I have to fine tune the dish position and save it. This process has to be repeated every time I change satellites.

The problem exists in both directions and every time I change satellites and the dish moves.

I have a DISECQ switch for Astra 28 E on a fixed dish, so the motorised dish doesn't move and I can happily switch between 28 E and 19 E with no problems.

I think I need a new motor after 5-6 years.

satmad

[Manic01]

They are cheap as chips.

[dick b]

Many thanks folks.

The receiver does not support USALS, only DISECQ 1.2.



I think I need a new motor after 5-6 years.

satmad

the TM6800HD does support usals but the motor may not so it looks like its time for a new one

[Nutsandbolts]

Hi. I think the problem you have by what you are saying is this. You are fine tuning the channels with the BLUE button but not saving the satellite position. So when you go back to 19 EAST it is ok. Then when you go back to HOTBIRD the channels are lost. This is because you have not saved the HOTBIRD position in the INSTALLATION menu. Try this method. Go to HOTBIRD and make a note of the frequency of the channel you are trying to fine tune ie RAI 1 - 10992V s/r 27500 . Do NOT fine tune the channel. Go into INSTALLATION menu - MOTORIZED SETTING. Check you have option 1.2 in DISEQC MOTOR. In TRANSPONDER setting put it to RAI1 frequency as an example 10992V 27.500. Go to MOVE line and press VOL+ key( right key) on your remote once to move dish WEST. When you get the correct signal strength for the frequency use the SAVE option to save it. Then set the MOTOR option to OFF and exit and save. Now check if the channels are ok. If channels need a bit more tuning go back into the motor menu and select 1.2 and use the MOVE FINE option to increase the signal strength and use the SAVE option before you exit. Try it and see what happens. If it works do the same for the other satellites. Remember when you fine tune a particular channel that you are currently watching and save it the channel will be ok (and any other channel on the same frequency) . As soon as you go to another satellite that position would be lost when you go back to it. You Must save satellite positions and not channel position. I have had this problem a number of times especially when the dish slips a bit out of alignment. Regards.

[satmad123]

Thanks folks.

Replaced the motor and all is now back to normal.
Guess they wear out after 6 years as dickb says.