Title: CCElectronix.com- Troubleshooting
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
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1. The most common cause of test device not functioning properly is from poor soldering or a bad connection during installation. Inspect connections before applying power to the unit. Solder connections should be shiny and smooth. If connections are dull and/or rough, it could be a "cold solder joint".2. The second most common cause of test device not functioning, is that the device is not installed in accordance with the instructions supplied. Some test chips do not align pin 1 of test device with pin 1 of unit under test (Zenith ZF-1). Follow instructions "...to the letter". Be careful not to bend pins under chip when installing.
Do NOT try to "second guess" the instructions. Sometimes we substitute different brand test boards or chips. If they are "physically different" than the supplied schematic, we'll typically included an additional schematic showing key points, wires, etc.3. If installing the test device "piggyback" onto another chip, make sure that the pins of the test device are in contact with that of the "host" chip. Clean pins of host IC and solder on a socket first. Then plug the test chip into the socket. 4. Double check all work. A mistake in wiring may cause the test device to be damaged, and perhaps the box. Check your work carefully before the box is powered up. 5. Once installed correctly, if unit fails to work, make sure that it is connected to a signal that is compatible with that of the unit under test. I.E., a Zenith box will not work with a Jerrold type signal. 7. Sometimes the cable box/descrambler itself, is defective. If the box worked before you installed the test chip, and you suspect your installation as faulty, remove and reinstall test chip. test chip CANNOT resurrect a dead box if it has "physical damage", i.e., been dropped, spilt beer on (oooh, waste of beer!), set on fire, etc. S. To protect pins of test chips which are removed and replaced often, install test chip first into high quality socket. 9. Test chips, typically, will allow reception of all channels that the box is capable of receiving. This means that PPV or Premium channels may or may not be enabled for testing. Sometimes a second outboard descrambler, using a different scrambling method is required. Some test chips will reprogram the apparent locations of some or all channels. The box will still decode all channels, however, they may not all be in sequence. This is not a problem, it's just the way the test chip works. 10. If the box still does not operate, you must now determine whether (1) the box is at fault (2) the test chip or module is at fault (3) you have done a bad job of installing or (4) a combination of (1) through (3). If the box operates on all but a few premium channels, the cable company may be using a different descrambler to decode those channels. If this is the case, the installation is OK and the test chip is operating correctly. If not, then remove the test chip and return the box to its original condition. You may have to bridge cuts made on the PCB or re-install jumpers, etc. The easy way to do this is to follow the installation instructions for installing the chip, only do it in reverse. Start at the end of the instructions and remove instead of installing, uncut instead of cut etc. 11. Once box is returned to original condition, connect cable company cable TV, and power-up box. The box should operate as normal. I.E., you should be able to receive some sort of programming. If nothing happens, double check the work you just performed. If the box has been returned to normal condition, it should work same as it did before you began work. If it does not, the box may be defective, Or YOU may not have programming going into the box. If the box received channels before the installation of the test chip, but does not work now, you either have not returned the box to original operating condition or have damaged the box during the initial installation. If you have incorrectly installed the test chip or module the first time, you may have damaged either the box or the test chip / module or both. 12. If box works normally now, i.e., receives some channels, the box is OK. Now follow the instructions to the letter, and reinstall the test chip or module. Be sure to follow the instructions exactly. The majority of installation problems can be traced to improper installation. Very rarely, the chip or module will be bad. 13. If after re-installing the chip / module in a working box, it STILL does not work, contact us for return authorization (RMA number) to replace the module or chip. We have the facilities to check the chip or module for damage. If the chip or module is defective from manufacture, we will repair, reprogram or replace it at NO CHARGE to you. Chip returned without RMA numbers are subject to being returned without explanation (refused). Call or e-mail us first. Sometime we can answer a simple question and save you some money (postage).
EXCEPTIONS: If the chip or module has been installed incorrectly, or has been damaged in any manner by the person installing the module or chip, i.e., static damage, missing chip legs, internally damaged (burned-out) from being installed "backwards", cut traces on PCB boards, missing parts, dropped kicked, stomped on, labels or ID number(s) removed, somebody else's sale (not our parts), obvious physical damage, burn marks from overheating, added wires or other electronic parts, sanded off numbers, or other damage inflicted by the installer, it will not be replaced, but will be returned to you. |
Troubleshooting:
*Newer boxes may need to rent one pay-per-view movie before you perform the test.
Problem: *I got the RFT-DAM to unscramble some channels but some are still scrambled or taking a while to unscramble.
Unplug your RFT-DAM and remove the metal cover. Locate the big blue pot with a white dial in the middle. Turn the pot gently with a small screwdriver clockwise to increase your power. Turning the pot counterclockwise will decrease the power and likely scramble all your channels. Plug the RFT-DAM back in and check your results. You may do this with the power plugged in if you are very careful. If you’re still having problems, consult the additional operating instructions from the manufacturer. You may also fine-tune this blue pot for a particular problem channel by adjusting it while you watch TV.
If this doesn’t work, possibly those particular channels have been moved to the digital cable signal, there is nothing available to descramble digital cable. To verify, call your cable company and ask them if these channels are now on the digital cable signal.
RFT-GOLD PLUS Activator for Jerrold Models DPBXX, DPVX, CFT20XX, AND CFT22XX
*These instructions are also sent with the RFT-GOLD Plus
*2 SETS OF INSTRUCTIONS WRITTEN BELOW:
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are having problems putting box into ‘test’ mode, it may be necessary to unhook tester and rent one pay per view movie before testing. (This will load newest data into converter). If you are testing a box that was previously tested with another tester, you should have the cable box reset by cable company before testing with the RFT-GOLD Plus.
INSTRUCTION SET #1:
NOTE : You may also determine the frequency by doing the following: Look at the model number on the bottom of the converter box. The last two digits with /, /M1=97.5 A/ with no number or /S8, /b, /R1=106.5. /P1, /T1, V5, /OC, /R1=108.5. You will notice /R1 ends for both 106.6 and 108.5. Boxes with these endings must try both frequencies. One or the other will work.
Setting Serial Number: (see Serial Number Programming for further information) *WARNING: Step 2 is only required for CFT22XX model numbers, skip step 2 if model number starts with DP7, DPV7, DPBB7, or CFT20.
There are 2 options for determining the serial number for your cable box you are renting from the cable company:
Option 1: Determining the Serial Number using the converter’s digital
Option 2: Determining the Serial Number with the 12 digit barcode
Remotes without an F or P key: You can determine the serial number of your unit from the 12 digit barcode sticker on the bottom of your converter. The 12 digit number starts with a C. Do not use the last two digits. Use this conversion to figure out your serial number (barcode=tester display). A=0, B=1, C=2, D=3, E=4, F=5, G=6, H=7, J=8, K=9, L=A, M=B
Connecting and Activating
NOTE: AUTOMODE** If PPV Channels are scrambled then press the right button (0-255 times) until the channel unscrambles. If you are not on an AUTOMODE system you may need to set MODE 1 to B for automode timer OFF.
How to Get into UNIT PROGRAMMING MODE:
*Leave RFT tester unplugged and hold down right button while plugging in RFT tester. Should see an alternating "U P" on display until button is pressed again.
Mode 1: Automode Timer
Selection A On (default)
Selection B Off
Mode 2: IR LED
Selection A On
Selection B Off (default)
Mode 3: Self Test
Selection A Off (default)
Selection B On –runs self test when powered up
Mode 4: Reset
Once selected unit will default back to factory settings. The unit will then go back to power up mode "A"
Mode 5: Display EPROM contents
Once selected unit will display all 4 serial numbers and settings for modes. The unit will then go back to power up mode "A"
Mode E: Exit
Once selected the unit will exit the program mode and revert back to power up mode "A"
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INSTRUCTIONS WRITTEN IN ANOTHER FORMAT:
INSTRUCTION SET #1:
1. Set the frequency. This can be achieved 1 of
2 ways, if you know your frequency setting then unplug the cable going from your
wall to the converter then connect a cable from the out of the tester(rft) to
the cable in on the converter. Remove the metal cover from the rft, Locate the 2
buttons to the side of the digital display. The button closest to the end of the
circuit board is button 1 and the other of course is button 2 (next to
microchip) Plug the power wire in and then immediately press button 1 and hold,
You will notice a F on the display Let go and it will flash F S this is for
frequency select. Press button 2 and a 1 will show up this is for 89.3, press
button 2 again then a will show up this is for 97.5, press button 2 again and a
3 will show this is for 106.5, and press a final time and 4 will be displayed
this is for 108.5. To lock your frequency in press button 1 then afterwards it
will show the top half of a eight you can unplug the unit and got to step 2 from
here. IF YOU DON'T KNOW YOUR FREQUENCY
FOLLOW THESE STEPS. Press f4 on your remote or your converter if you do not have
one then you cannot use this guide. After pressing f4 you should see a -E on
your converter Display Plug in the rft and follow the above steps by pressing
button 1 and then button 2 until the converters display changes to a flashing -0
this is your frequency lock it in by pressing button 1. Now unplug your rft and
follow step 2.(Only for cft 22xx systems)
2. Setting the Serial number. (Only for CFT 22xx systems) Plug in the rft and
immediately hold down button 1 and 2 at the same time S will show on the display
when you let go it will flash between S & P Now you are ready to set your
serial number you can find this by the 12 digit barcode on the bottom of the
converter It will always start with a C. You will only enter the 1st 10 digits
disregard the last 2 to enter the numbers or letters make sure you converter
them correctly here is a chart to help you out. A=0, B=1, C=2, D=3, E=4, F=5,
G=6, H=7, J=8, K=9, L=A, M=B use these exact settings for L and M continuously
press button 2 until it shows a and then lock it in buy pressing button 1 you do
this for all serial entry's if it's a 4 press button 2 until it shows 4 then
press button 1 to lock it in you will do this for all 10 numbers after the last
number press button 1 one last time to lock in the serial numbers. After this is
done wait 30 seconds then disconnect the power wire.
3. Connecting the unit to the cable wire and activating. To do this connect the
cable coming out of your wall to the input connector of the rft replace the
cover to the rft and reconnect the power to the tester you should have a picture
and in about 30 second you should be able to test out premium channels if not go
back through steps 1 and 2.
Note 1: if PPV channels are scrambled press button 2 (0-255 times) until it
unscrambles, If you are not on a Automode systems (your channels may drop out
next day) you will need to set mode 1 on the unit to b to do this unplug tester
press and hold button 2 until it shows U then press button 2 again it will show
1 at this time press button 2 then button 2 until it says b then lock it in with
pressing button 1 this will turn the automode timer to off (it is set on by
default)
Note 2: To determine frequency You can look at the model number o the bottom of
the converter box.. The last two digits with /,M1 = 97.5 A/ with no number or
S8, /b, /r1 = 106.5 /p1,/T1, V5, /Oc, /R1=108.5 You Will notice/R1 ends both for
106.5 & 108.5. Boxes with these endings you must try both frequencies. One
of them will work
Instructions shown here may vary from the instructions sent. We send the current installation instructions for the particular board we sell. We purchase in bulk and resell. We do not manufacture any boards.
The R2/V5/CFT Test Kit consists of a circuit board that installs in Jerrold DP series converters with model numbers ending in 'R2' or 'V5' as well as Jerrold CFT-2000 series converters. Additional included instructions show how to install on DPVxxx series, also. The instructions below describe how to install the test kit in the following model converters:
DPBB7312P/R2S8, DPBB7314P/R2S8, DPBB7322P/R2
DP7113/V5, DPV7212/V5, DPV7212/V5B, DPV7312V5B
DPBB7312V5, DPBB7522V5
CFT-2014/TS8, CFT2O24, CFT2O34/SB
CFT-2014/V5S8
CFT-2024/V5S8
The following instructions are general to the installation of the R2/V5 board. Printed instructions are supplied with each board specific to the board sent. There are 3 wires to hookup. One to ground, one to +5vdc, and one for the data 'pulse'. All boards tested prior to shipping.
1. First remove the cover by unscrewing the 4 GI STAR screws. This can be accomplished by using a GI STAR tool, appropriate size TORX Driver or by using a pair of wire cutters.
2. Determine which version of main logic board you have by referring to figures 1-7, and the model number printed on the bottom of the converter.
3. Find the battery as shown in the drawing and cut the positive terminal with a pair of wire cutters, It is easier to cut the terminal if it is as close to the circuit board as possible.
4. Insulate the cut battery terminal with suitable tape, to prevent it from shorting with any computer components nearby. If desired, you can completely remover the battery from the converter.
5. Examine the R2/V5/CFT test kit as shown in the figure below. Find the jumper. labeled J 1 in the figure. This jumper is used to select between Standard and HRC operation. Set the jumper as follows:
Note: In most cases, you should be able to leave the jumper in the Standard mode position and the converter will tune properly all of the channels on Standard as well as most HRC systems. The jumper is provided for those situations where the standard mode fails to bring in channels when the converter is connected to some HRC systems.a) For Standard mode operation - leave the shorting plug in piece on jumper J1.
b) For HRC mode operation - remove the shorting plug from the J1 jumper pins.
6. Examine the R2/V5/CFT Test Kit and locate the 28 pin wire wrap socket (the socket with long pins) and the single black wire. If you test board does not have long pins and a single wire, see the addendum to these instructions. We purchase from several suppliers. Boards may differ in construction, but all operate and hookup the same.
7. Find the 28 pin IC socket as shown in the appropriate main logic board corresponding to your converter model (see figures 1-7). On some models there is an IC plugged into this socket. Carefully remove this IC noting its orientation before removal. There should be a notch or dot on one end of the IC.
8. Install the R2/V5/CFT test kit by plugging it into the 28 pin IC socket of the converter. Be sure to orient the board as shown in the appropriate figure (1-7), and make sure that all of the pins on the 28 pin wire wrap socket of the test kit line up with the mating pins of the 28 pin socket on the converter maim logic board. If the test board supplied to you does NOT have the pins, additional instructions will be supplied showing how to tap +5vdc and where ground connections are to be made.
Press down firmly on top of the test kit wire rap socket to seat the pins. You should feel them snap into place when properly seated an IC was removed from the 28 pin socket of the converter, replace this IC now by plugging it into the 28 pin socket on the R2/V5/CFT kit. Be sure to orient the IC in the same direction it was facing when it was removed from the converter logic board. See the appropriate figure (1-7) for proper orientation.
The next steps to perform in the installation procedure will depend upon the particular model of converter you have. The instructions are different for each model. Follow the procedures which match the model of your converter below. If your model number does not exactly match the numbers listed, then find the closest number and check the main logic board shown in the figure corresponding to this model for a match.
For model # DPV7212P/R2, DPV7113P/R2 or DPV7113P/R2 see figure 1
9. There are two possible locations for connection of the wire of the test kit. These are shown in figure 1. The recommended location is the jumper labeled W46 in the drawing and is located under the tuner. Alternately, the jumper labeled W66 may be used for the wire connection.
For Installation Using Jumper W46 (if desired)
a. Find the jumper located on the main logic board of the converter labeled W46 as in figure 1. This jumper is located under the left front portion of the tuner and is accessible without removing the tuner. It is easier to access this jumper if you remove the mounting screws and nuts and shift the tuner to the right slightly to expose the jumper. Cut this jumper (W46) with wire cutters.
b. Attach the wire of the test kit to the cut end of jumper W46 which is closest to the left side of the converter. Re-install any tuner mounting screws and nuts removed in step a.
For installation Using Jumper W66 (alternate)
a. Find the jumper located on the main logic board of the converter labeled W66 as shown in figure 1. This jumper is located under the right edge of the tuner and is accessible without removing the tuner. Cut this jumper with wire cutters
b. Attach the wire from the test kit to the cut end of jumper W66 which is closest to the front of the converter as shown in figure 1.
For model # DP7113/VS, DPV7212/V5, DPV7212/V5B, or DPV7312/V5B see Figure 2
Find the jumper located on the main logic board of the converter labeled W26 as shown in figure 2. This jumper is I in the center of the main logic board just above the small metal crystal can and to the right of the 24 pin IC socket. Cut this jumper with wire cutters.
9b. Attach the wire from the test kit to the cut end of jumper W26 which is closest to the front of the converter as shown in figure 2.
For model # DPBB7312/V5, DPBB7522/V5 see figure 3
9a. Find the jumper located on the main logic board of the converter labeled W37 as shown in figure 3. This jumper is located to the left of the tuner just below and to the right of the 40 pin IC in the center of the main logic board. Cut this jumper with wire cutters.
9b. Attach the wire from the test kit to the cut end of jumper W37 which is closest to the left side of the converter as shown in figure 3.
For model # DPBB7312P/R2S8, DPBB7314P/R2S8 or DPBB7322P/R2 see figure 4
9a. Find the 20 pin IC Labeled LA7770 located under the tuner as shown in figure 4. You will need to disconnect several of the wires which connect the logic board in order to access this hip. Be sure to mark the wires so that you can re-connect them properly later.
9b. Carefully find and cut pin 18 of the IC labeled LA7770, cutting the pin as closely as possible to the IC. The pins are numbered on the IC as shown in figure 4, starting with pin 1 at the upper right corner of the chip (end with notch or dot).
9c. Bend the cut pin away from the IC and solder the wire from the test kit to the cut portion of the pin that is attached to the main logic board. Do NOT solder it to the point on the PC board where the IC pin was attached.
9d. Re-install the tuner and any wires that were disconnected in step 8a. Make sure that you re-solder these wires to the correct terminals on the tuner.
For model # CFT-2014/T1S8, CFT-2024, CFT2034/SB see figure 5
9a. Find the jumper located on the main logic board of the converter board labeled W18 as shown in figure 5. This jumper is located immediately to the left of the tuner just above a small crystal can. Cut this jumper with wire cutters.
9b. Attach the wire from the test kit to the cut end of jumper W18 which is closest to the left side of the converter as shown in figure 5
For model # CFT-2014/V5S8 see figure 6
9a. Find the jumper located on the main logic board of the converter labeled 98 as shown in figure 6. This jumper is located immediately below the left front corner of the tuner. Cut this jumper with wire cutters
9b. Attach the wire from the test kit to the cut end of jumper W98 which is closest to the left side of the converter as shown in figure 6.
For model CFT-2024/V5S8 see figure 7
9a. Find the jumper located on the main logic board of the converter labeled W98 as shown in figure 7. This jumper is located immediately below the left front corner of the tuner. Cut this jumper with a pair of wire cutters.
9b. Attach the wire from the test kit to the cut end of jumper W98 which is closest to the left side of the converter as shown on figure 7.
10. Mount the test kit in a convenient location inside the cabinet. Be sure to insulate it from any metal surfaces that it may contact.
11. Replace the cover and screws removed in step 1.
To hook up you R2/V5 or CFT-2000, do the following steps:
1. Connect the input cable to the input connector of the converter.
2. Connect your TV or VCR to the output connector on the converter.
3. Connect the power cord from the converter to your 110 VAC outlet.
4. Select channel 3 on your TV or VCR.
5. Wait approximately 35 seconds to 1 minute for the converter to be activated. The number “02” should automatically appear on the display after this time period and you should be able to view the signal on your TV or VCR.
6. You should now be able to select channels from 2 through 99.
If after waiting I minute from the time you plugged in the converter you still cannot access any channels, check for proper installation as follows:
1 . With the box plugged into the 110 VAC outlet, press the ON/OFF button on the keypad on top of the converter.
2. Press the F button until *F" shows on the display.
3. Next press the 4 button.
4. The display should indicate a solidly lit '- O' with a small vertical bar below the “-“ flickering. If the display shows a '-E', then check the connection of the 3 wires on the test kit to see if they have been installed properly.
5. If the display appears to be correct ('-O'), then try re-starting by unplugging the converter from the 110 VAC outlet, waiting 2 minutes. and plugging it back in again. It is important to allow sufficient time for the memory in the converter to clear before plugging the power plug back in.
2. The second most common cause of test device not functioning, is that the device is not installed in accordance with the instructions supplied. Some test chips do not align pin 1 of test device with pin 1 of unit under test (Zenith ZF-1). Follow instructions "...to the letter". Be careful not to bend pins under chip when installing.
Do NOT try to "second guess" the instructions. Sometimes we substitute different brand test boards or chips. If they are "physically different" than the supplied schematic, we'll typically included an additional schematic showing key points, wires, etc.3. If installing the test device "piggyback" onto another chip, make sure that the pins of the test device are in contact with that of the "host" chip. Clean pins of host IC and solder on a socket first. Then plug the test chip into the socket.Do NOT try to install with other than the recommended and supplied schematics diagrams. Do not try to "fake it". Models number have to be exact...just not close. 8600 means 8600 NOT 8602 or 8610.
4. Double check all work. A mistake in wiring may cause the test device to be damaged, and perhaps the box. Check your work carefully before the box is powered up.
5. Once installed correctly, if unit fails to work, make sure that it is connected to a signal that is compatible with that of the unit under test. I.E., a Zenith box will not work with a Jerrold type signal.
7. Sometimes the cable box/descrambler itself, is defective. If the box worked before you installed the test chip, and you suspect your installation as faulty, remove and reinstall test chip. test chip CANNOT resurrect a dead box if it has "physical damage", i.e., been dropped, spilt beer on (oooh, waste of beer!), set on fire, etc.
S. To protect pins of test chips which are removed and replaced often, install test chip first into high quality socket.
9. Test chips, typically, will allow reception of all channels that the box is capable of receiving. This means that PPV or Premium channels may or may not be enabled for testing. Sometimes a second outboard descrambler, using a different scrambling method is required. Some test chips will reprogram the apparent locations of some or all channels. The box will still decode all channels, however, they may not all be in sequence. This is not a problem, it's just the way the test chip works.
10. If the box still does not operate, you must now determine whether (1) the box is at fault (2) the test chip or module is at fault (3) you have done a bad job of installing or (4) a combination of (1) through (3). If the box operates on all but a few premium channels, the cable company may be using a different descrambler to decode those channels. If this is the case, the installation is OK and the test chip is operating correctly. Also see Scrambling VS Filtering Below!!!
If not, then remove the test chip and return the box to its original condition. You may have to bridge cuts made on the PCB or re-install jumpers, etc. The easy way to do this is to follow the installation instructions for installing the chip, only do it in reverse. Start at the end of the instructions and remove instead of installing, uncut instead of cut etc.
11. Once box is returned to original condition, connect cable company cable TV, and power-up box. The box should operate as normal. I.E., you should be able to receive some sort of programming. If nothing happens, double check the work you just performed. If the box has been returned to normal condition, it should work same as it did before you began work. If it does not, the box may be defective, Or YOU may not have programming going into the box.
If the box received channels before the installation of the test chip, but does not work now, you either have not returned the box to original operating condition or have damaged the box during the initial installation. If you have incorrectly installed the test chip or module the first time, you may have damaged either the box or the test chip / module or both.
12. If box works normally now, i.e., receives some channels, the box is OK. Now follow the instructions to the letter, and reinstall the test chip or module. Be sure to follow the instructions exactly. The majority of installation problems can be traced to improper installation. Very rarely, the chip or module will be bad. The return rate is under 1%, and not all of those are defective.
13. If after re-installing the chip / module in a working box, it STILL does not work, contact us for return authorization (RMA number) to replace the module or chip. We have the facilities to check the chip or module for damage.
14. If you get most/all of the channels, but some are "snowy" or have ghosts/interference. There could be several reasons for this to occur. None of them involve the test chip/board. These are the most common.
A. Old, dirty or corroded f-connectors or old cable will not pass the frequencies required for a proper picture on the new box. The newer cable systems use a higher frequency to transmit, normally around 750MHz or above. The older systems were 450MHz systems.
B. Your apartment or house must be equipped with a signal splitter of NOT LESS than 750MHz. A 1GHz splitter is preferred. This will ensure complete passage of all available frequencies.
C. You could be using sub-standard wire. Wire bought at the large electronics outlets, malls, etc, is normally of very low quality, even the so called "Gold" wire. Try and obtain RG-6 for use in your home. If you can't find RG-6, use the highest quality RG-59 you can find. The larger hardware outlets normally carry medium quality wiring of this type. Also, try to stay away from "molded" connectors. This is the cheapest manufacturing method available. What we may now consider sub-standard wiring was standard wire and recommended for use as late as 1997.
If the chip or module is defective from manufacture, we will repair, reprogram or replace it at NO CHARGE to you. Chips returned without RMA numbers are subject to being returned without explanation (refused). Call or e-mail us first. Sometime we can answer a simple question and save you some money (postage). No cash refunds issued on electronic components. Exchange/credit only.
EXCEPTIONS: If the chip or module has been installed incorrectly, or has been damaged in any manner by the person installing the module or chip, i.e., static damage, missing chip legs, internally damaged (burned-out) from being installed "backwards", cut traces on PCB boards, missing parts, dropped kicked, stomped on, labels or ID number(s) removed, somebody else's sale (not our parts), obvious physical damage, burn marks from overheating, added wires or other electronic parts, sanded off numbers, or other damage inflicted by the installer, it will not be replaced, but will be returned to you.
Chip or modules damaged in transit and not insured will be returned. Package the returned item at least as well as we sent it. Warranty on chips or modules returned to us, but NOT PURCHASED from CAS, for repair or replacement, will not be honored.
We're sorry, but these limitations are not covered by our warranty. We have no control over the filtering being used by any cable company.
Inversion Demos
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Video Inversion: Corrected Picture: |
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| Sample of "Random" Inversion |
Inversion can now easily be corrected with the Universal Converters we carry. CONVERTER / DESCRAMBLER by simply hitting the MEM 1 button on the remote control! For "inversion" pressing the the MEM 1 button once will fix inversion for good. For "Random Inversion", you will need to press the MEM 1 button each time the channel changes. For some cable systems the "BLINKING" you see above happens only every 30 minutes or so. For others, it happens quite often.
TO SEE IF YOUR CABLE SYSTEM IS USING IT, COMPARE THE SCRAMBLED CHANNELS ON YOUR TV WITH THE ‘RANDOM INVERSION’ PICTURE ABOVE.
For negative picture click on the A/B button
To change channels press ch3/ch4 button on the box
To switch signal types use the HRC/STD switch at the bottom of the box
To remove colors press the button at the back of the box.
Press FT+ and FT- to adjust the fine tuning if the picture is fuzzy. Once the picture is clear press Mem and then press FT+ to store the fine tuning setting.
Lock Up - Your converter has locked-up (will not change
channels)
Channel Mapping - Some premium channels are coming in
scrambled (also see Scrambling vs Filtering)
No. This 8600 board will only work on 8600 series., 8602 are the replacement boxes designed specifically to render the test boards ineffective.
No. This 8600 board will only work on 8600 series., 8610 are the replacement boxes designed specifically to render the test boards ineffective.
No. This 8600 board will only work on 8600 series., 8610 are the replacement boxes designed specifically to render the test boards ineffective. No guarantees on boxes made or used in other countries. It may work it might not.
The legal terminal test, hereafter referred to as "LTT", is a command that can be issued from the headend computer controller as often or as rarely as desired. This test is sent along the existing addressable information data stream (FM band). Every Factory SA converter connected to the system, including those under control of a test kit, will respond to this test.
When the test command is received by the connected factory SA converter it will execute an instruction inside the main converter microprocessor. This instruction will compare certain market data programmed inside the microprocessor against the market data present on the data stream. If the microprocessor data does not match the data stream data, the converter will be instructed to disable, and "nc" will appear on the display.
If a particular converter is under control of a test kit, receiving and restoring power from the converter will restore operation. However, if the "LTT", is activated on a frequent basis, removing and restoring power will not be an acceptable solution.
A factory SA converter will NOT execute the "LTT" if the command is NOT received from the addressable data stream. Therefore, if the data receiver inside a factory SA converter is disconnected, the "LTT" instruction cannot be received and executed by the converter. The same is also true if the data stream is blocked by installing two FM band traps in series prior to the input terminal of the converter. Band traps of this type are often referred to as "Bullet Busters".
The data receiver is a module inside every Factory SA converter. This module always has a coax cable running to it from near the input connector. Do not confuse this with the module that has a coax cable running to it from near the output connector. If the coax cable running from near the input connector to the data receiver is cut or disconnected, the converter will not receive any of the data stream information. However, in addition to blocking the "LTT" information, other information, such as the system time and channel mapping data (used primarily by 8580 models) will also be blocked.
Furthermore, the converter itself tests internally for the of the data stream every 72 hours. If the data receiver is blocked or disconnected, the internal test will fail and 'nc' will appear on the display. Operation can be restored by removing and restoring power (every three days or so).
Summary: Not all headends are capable of the 'LTT'. The data stream should be left unblocked unless problems are observed, in which case installing the two FM band traps in series as outlined above is the simplest remedy, with the side effect of having to remove and restore power when 'nc' appears on the display (every three days or so).
Connecting the converter: Very Important: When you receive the unit, connect the incoming and out to the TV cables--then plug the unit in. After 3-5 seconds 02 should pop up on the converter display. Scroll through all your channels. Most likely some or many channels will appear in the wrong order. This is very common on Jerrold systems and is because your cable company is using "channel mapping". Try and locate the the premium channels (pay-per view is best). If they are descrambled (can be viewed clearly) then you are done. If you scroll through channels 2-13 and most of them are very fuzzy or static, proceed to HRC Instructions. If some of the premium channels desramble and some do not (are still scrambled), proceed to Multi-Mode Instructions.
HRC
INSTRUCTIONS: Unplug the unit. Hold the switch located on
the back of the unit down while plugging the unit into the wall. Wait for 02
to show on the converter display. Release the switch. All basic channels
should be viewable. If any premium channels are showing scrambled,
proceed to Multi-Mode Instructions.
Locked Up: If
your converter ever locks up--this means that even though you change the
channel, the picture stays the same (or the channels won't change or the
converter will not respond to the remote)--UNPLUG THE UNIT FOR 15 MINUTES. The
converter will reset and should resume normal operation upon plugging it back
in.
Jerrold Conversion
Charts
Serial Number Conversion Chart
1 = 1
2 = 2
3 = 3
4 = 4
5 = 5
6 = 6
7 = 7
8 = 8
9 = 9
0 = 16
A = 10
B = 11
C = 12
D = 13
E = 14
F = 15
Bar-Code Conversion Chart
A = 16
B = 1
C = 2
E = 4
F = 5
G = 6
H = 7
J = 8
K = 9
L = 10
M = 11
N = 12
O = 16
P = 13
Q = 14
R = 15
T = 1
Please Note: If the instructions that came with test device differ
from these instructions, please use the web page instructions
Press the following key and digit on either the keypad or remote control unit.
F 1= Dynamic Diagnostics
This mode permits the monitoring of the descrambler circuit, the FM receiver and
the FM signal.
Digit 1 = State of descrambler
C = Clear channel
S = Scrambled channel
B = Barker channel - = Disconnected
Digit 2 = State of FM Receiver
O = FM Data "OK"
E = FM Data "ERROR" Indicator
"A" lights when unit sees a purchasable event Indicator
"B" lights when unit is addressed over the FM Data
F 2 = Serial number &
firmware version
1st Number = Place made 00 = Japan 01 = Taiwan
2nd Number = Year made 11 = 1991 12 = 1992 13 = 1993 14 = 1994
3rd Number = Month made 20 = Jan, 21 = Feb, 22 = Mar, 23 =Apr, 24 = May, 25 =
Jun, 26 = Jul, 27 = Aug, 28 = Sep, 29 = Oct, 2A = Nov, 2B = Dec
11th Number = Firmware versions
F 3 = Firmware Mode
I = Internal firmware
R = Expansion ROM version
F 4 = STATE diagnostic Mode
Digit 1 = State of FSK data
R = Receiving Data
- = Idle
T = Transmitting Data (2 way only )
F 5 = STATUS
Diagnostic Mode Alternating display of the Frequency & Level.
There are 16 different levels ( 0 - 9, A - F)
F 9 = Clock Function Toggles Clock on & Off
F 0 = Error Codes
EO = Normal
E1 = Reset timeout or good FM Packet not received
E4 = Illegal Converter
E5 = Converter has default address, initialize again
E7 = Faulty ROM or wrong initialization process
E8 = Site code error
E9 = Bad checksum pattern in non-volatile memory
EA = Invalid serial # entry (Wrong checksum)
Sorry, no. Only the listed units will work with the board.
No. 5507 and 5508 were designed specifically to render the VIP series test chips ineffective. There is NO provision for a system EPROM. You can substitute a 5507VIP box for a 5508 box. We do not have chips for 5506, 5507 or 5508 boxes.
Sorry, no. What you see is what we sell. We DO NOT know when and if ever, there will be test chips for boxes not listed.
Generally, no. If you "hack" the chip or board, you are on your own.
Sorry, no. We do not do spec work or work on descrambler boxes.
Not known. We sell what's generally available, purchasing directly from manufacturers in quantity. We DO NOT know when and if ever, there will be test chips for boxes not listed.
Unknown. Try a web search of both the manufacturers name and the model number. We DO NOT know when and if ever, there will be test chips for boxes not listed.
You are about to install a test device in a cable descrambler. There are several things you should be aware of before you open the package containing the chip or board.
Once installed, you own the chip or board. Any damage done to the box or test chip/board is your responsibility. DO NOT install this chip or board in a box not owned by you unless you have permission from the owner of the box.
There is no magic involved with these chips or boards. They work by telling the microprocessor that all channels the box is normally capable of receiving are OK to "turn on". This DOES NOT necessarily mean that the chip or board, once installed, will "get all channels. It may or may not.
These are "test" devices, not theft devices. There does NOT exist a chip or board to GET all channels for free. Programming MUST enter the box to be seen. Test chips or boards only "enable signals" that are there for testing box.
It may or may not be able to test all channels, depending upon the installation by your cable company of any extra "traps and filters". Please re-read the preceding until you understand this basic point.
Once installed, ALL channels that the box is "capable of receiving" are "turned on" enable testing of individual channels of the descrambler. If you intend to view programming on continued basis, you must pay for the programming.
After installation, begin testing. All channels that you previously received prior to the installation of the test chip or board should be viewable. If you then tune to a premium channel, such as HBO, which was NOT previously watchable, and it DOES NOT COME IN CLEARLY or AT ALL, the test board or chip is MOST LIKELY still working properly.
The reason that the descrambler is NOT displaying the channel is most likely due to the cable company having installed a "trap" on the cable line servicing this descrambler. The "trap" has removed the HBO channel from the cable. NO signal, NO picture.
The signal for HBO not being there means it cannot be displayed by the descrambler. The descrambler before the test chip was installed could not tune the channel. Now it can, but the channel is "missing" due to the "trap".
This is common in some areas and not in others. It costs money to have an employee of the cable company come out and remove or re-install the trap each time you wish to view a PPV event or add Premium channels. So, the cable companies have mostly gone to addressable descramblers.
Each addressable descrambler box has a unique electronic serial number (ESN) that can be "spoken to" by the cable company (CACO), or "head-end" as it is called. Authorization is done electronically by telling a specific ESN, what channels are authorized.
Installation of test chip or boards may enable all channels, including PPV and other Premium channels, but only for a short time. In these cases, Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) have most likely been sent from the headend to ALL boxes. Only those boxes WITH test chip or boards installed permanently will be affected.
See Starcom Diagnostic Codes Below
Unplugging the box for 10 minutes and then plugging again may reset the box back to normal until the next ECM hit. If you have an authorized box and the programming disappears without reason, call the cable company and asked that the box be "re-initialized" or sent a "hit".
ECM can be "controlled" by installing a filter to trap out the ECM signal, which is usually transmitted as a 106MHZ carrierwave "on top" of the regular programming. These traps are known collectively as "Bullet Busters".
Bullet Busters are specific to the frequency of the transmitted ECM signal, so they usually are adjustable. Follow the installation instructions for the particular Bullet Buster you are using.
Installation of a test chip or test board DOES NOT mean you can legally watch channels that you have NOT PAID for. Use of the test chip or board is legally limited to testing descramblers and viewing channels that have been paid for but are otherwise not viewable.
One example could be where a second box has been installed, with a test chip, in a house that has paid for cable programming and the cable company is unable to authorize the second box. Another example is where the descrambler, because of some electrical fault, is incapable of displaying channels that have been paid for.
Boxes with test chips will display all programming input to it, but you are legally only authorized to view programming you have paid for. If you have any doubt as to whether or not you would be breaking the law in you community, we suggest that you consult an attorney for legal advice before installing or testing any channels.
DISCLAIMER
The sale(s) of all test chips or boards are made with the understanding that the user of these device(s) will comply with all laws, both State and Federal. If in doubt, consult an attorney prior to use.
TECHNICAL HELP
No technical help is included with the sale of a test chip or board. Installation is simple, with most systems requiring only a few solder connections or the swapping of a chip. Chip Guys does not supply technical advise for the use, installation or repair of cable test boxes. All Sales Final.
| Test codes for
Starcom, Jerrold/GI Impulse 7000 RF, BB & CFT Units Press the following key and digit on either the
keypad or remote control unit F 1= Dynamic Diagnostics Digit 1 = State of descrambler Digit 2 = State of FM Receiver O = FM Data "OK" Indicator "A" lights when unit sees a
purchasable event
F 2 = Serial number & firmware version 1st Number = Place made 2nd Number = Year made 11 = 1991 3rd Number = Month made 20 = Jan, 21 = Feb, 22 = Mar, 23 =Apr, 24 =
May, 25 = Jun, 26 = Jul, 27 = Aug, 28 = Sep, 29 =
Oct, 2A = Nov, 2B = Dec 11th Number = Firmware versions F 3 = Firmware Mode I = Internal firmware R = Expansion ROM version F 4 = STATE diagnostic Mode Digit 1 = State of FSK data R = Receiving Data - = Idle T = Transmitting Data (2 way only )
F 5 = STATUS Diagnostic Mode Alternating display of the Frequency &
Level. There are 16 different levels ( 0 - 9, A - F) F 9 = Clock Function
Toggles Clock on & Off F 0 = Error Codes EO = Normal E1 = Reset timeout or good FM Packet not
received E4 = Illegal Converter E5 = Converter has default address, initialize
again E7 = Faulty ROM or wrong initialization process E8 = Site code error E9 = Bad checksum pattern in non-volatile
memory EA = Invalid serial # entry (Wrong checksum) |
TOCOM
NON-AUTOMAPPING CHIPUsed for testing purposes only, the chip forces the box to "turn-on" all channels the box is normally capable of receiving. If the box did not receive a given channel before, if will still not receive that channel after the test chip is installed. This chip, typically, does not alter the order in which the channels are placed. I.E., channel 5 is still channel 5 on the box display. Channel order is the same as before the test chip is installed into the box.
AUTOMAPPING CHIP
Also used for legal testing purposes only, this chip is different in that it "remaps" all channels by deleting the "empty" channels where no programming was present. As with the NON-AUTOMAPPING chip, channels that were not present before will not be added. Specifically what this means is if a premium channel was not decodeable by the converter, it will still not be decodeable by the converter with the test chip installed. To decode premium channels a second box with a descrambler is sometimes used. Another method used by cable companies is to place premium channels on a different coax. Typically both chips will allow testing of all channels that the box is capable of receiving and decoding.
KNOWN PROBLEMS
In some areas on the United Sates, such as Dallas,TX, Los Angeles, New York City, and others, the AUTOMAPPING chip will not work properly. There have been no reported problems with the NON- AUTOMAPPING version, however.
VIP OR NOT
To determine which series box you have, look for the series number 5503 or 5507
on the bottom, front or back of the box. There MUST be a suffix of VIP after the
numbers. If the VIP suffix is not present, you do not have a VIP series box, and
the test chips will not work.
USE OF CHIP
The purpose of these and all other test chips is to enable full channel testing of the descrambler/decoder. It is not intended to defraud any cable service provider from income due them. It is the responsibility of the user of these test kits to comply with State and Federal law in the use and testing of descrambler/decoders. Purchase of any test kit or chip does not imply that the user is authorized to use this test kit or chip in an unlawful manner. If in doubt, consult an attorney.
You are about to install a test device in a cable descrambler. There are several things you should be aware of before you open the package containing the chip or board.
Once installed, you own the chip or board. Any damage done to the box or test chip/board is your responsibility. DO NOT install this chip or board in a box not owned by you unless you have permission from the owner of the box.
There is no magic involved with these chips or boards. They work by telling the microprocessor that all channels the box is normally capable of receiving are OK to "turn on". This DOES NOT necessarily mean that the chip or board, once installed, will "get all channels. It may or may not.
These are "test" devices, not theft devices. There does NOT exist a chip or board to GET all channels for free. Programming MUST enter the box to be seen. Test chips or boards only "enable signals" that are there for testing box.
It may or may not be able to test all channels, depending upon the installation by your cable company of any extra "traps and filters". Please re-read the preceding until you understand this basic point.
Once installed, ALL channels that the box is "capable of receiving" are "turned on" enable testing of individual channels of the descrambler. If you intend to view programming on continued basis, you must pay for the programming.
After installation, begin testing. All channels that you previously received prior to the installation of the test chip or board should be viewable. If you then tune to a premium channel, such as HBO, which was NOT previously watchable, and it DOES NOT COME IN CLEARLY or AT ALL, the test board or chip is MOST LIKELY still working properly.
The reason that the descrambler is NOT displaying the channel is most likely due to the cable company having installed a "trap" on the cable line servicing this descrambler. The "trap" has removed the HBO channel from the cable. NO signal, NO picture.
The signal for HBO not being there means it cannot be displayed by the descrambler. The descrambler before the test chip was installed could not tune the channel. Now it can, but the channel is "missing" due to the "trap".
This is common in some areas and not in others. It costs money to have an employee of the cable company come out and remove or re-install the trap each time you wish to view a PPV event or add Premium channels. So, the cable companies have mostly gone to addressable descramblers.
Each addressable descrambler box has a unique electronic serial number (ESN) that can be "spoken to" by the cable company (CACO), or "head-end" as it is called. Authorization is done electronically by telling a specific ESN, what channels are authorized.
Installation of test chip or boards may enable all channels, including PPV and other Premium channels, but only for a short time. In these cases, Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) have most likely been sent from the headend to ALL boxes. Only those boxes WITH test chip or boards installed permanently will be affected.
Unplugging the box for 10 minutes and then plugging again may reset the box back to normal until the next ECM hit. If you have an authorized box and the programming disappears without reason, call the cable company and asked that the box be "re-initialized" or sent a "hit".
ECM can be "controlled" by installing a filter to trap out the ECM signal, which is usually transmitted as a 106MHZ carrierwave "on top" of the regular programming. These traps are known collectively as "Bullet Busters".
Bullet Busters are specific to the frequency of the transmitted ECM signal, so they usually are adjustable. Follow the installation instructions for the particular bullet buster you are using.
Installation of a test chip or test board DOES NOT mean you can legally watch channels that you have NOT PAID for. Use of the test chip or board is legally limited to testing descramblers and viewing channels that have been paid for but are otherwise not viewable.
One example could be where a second box has been installed, with a test chip, in a house that has paid for cable programming and the cable company is unable to authorize the second box. Another example is where the descrambler, because of some electrical fault, is incapable of displaying channels that have been paid for.
Boxes with test chips will display all programming input to it, but you are legally only authorized to view programming you have paid for. If you have any doubt as to whether or not you would be breaking the law in you community, we suggest that you consult an attorney for legal advice before installing or testing any channels.
DISCLAIMER
The sale(s) of all test chips or boards are made with the understanding that the user of these device(s) will comply with all laws, both State and Federal. If in doubt, consult an attorney prior to use.
TECHNICAL HELP
No direct technical help is allowed by law. Installation is simple, with most systems requiring only a few solder connections or the swapping of a chip. Chip Guys does not supply technical advice for the use, installation or repair of cable test boxes. No cash refunds on electronic components. We do provide extensive instructions, support, FAQ's, troubleshooting help pages, etc..
GENERAL INFORMATION ON ALL DESCRAMBLERSCABLE TROUBLESHOOTING DISCLAIMER The ownership of a signal descrambler does NOT give the owner the automatic right to decode or view any scrambled signals without authorization from the corresponding company or individual. Use of such a device without permission may be in violation of state and/or federal laws. The information contained herein is intended to serve as a technical aid to those person seeking information on various scrambling technologies. No liability is assumed for the use or misuse of this information. SCRAMBLING TECHNOLOGIES Traps(Traps/Addressable Taps) A cable system may not be scrambled at all. Some older systems (and many apartment complexes) use traps or filters which actually remove the signals you aren't paying for from your cable. (These are negative traps because they remove the WHOLE signal.) These systems are relatively secure because the traps are often located in locked boxes, and once a service technician finds out they're missing or have been tampered with (by pushing a pin through a coax trap it to change its frequency, for example), it's a pretty solid piece of evidence for prosecution. Another method is where the head-end ADDS an extraneous signal about 2.5 MHz above the normal visual carrier which causes a tuner to think its receiving a very strong signal--the tuner then adjust the automatic gain control and buries the real signal. If you pay for the service, the cable company adds a positive trap which then REMOVES the extraneous injected signal so it becomes viewable. (This system is very easy to circumvent by building your own notch filter, so it is not very commonly used.) Advantages to a cable system with this technology is that you don't need a cable box--all your cable-ready TVs, VCRs, etc. will all work beautifully. The disadvantage is that pay-per-view events are not possible, and that every time someone requests a change in service, a technician has to be dispatched to add/remove the traps. An article for building a tunable notch filter to block data streams sent just above the FM band was in the April 1992 issue of Radio-Electronics (pp. 37-39). Notch filters (as well as kits for them) for other frequencies are frequently advertised in Nuts & Volts magazines as beep filters and the like. Becoming more and more popular, not only because of the Cable Act of 1992 but also in an effort to stop pirates are addressable taps. Many cable companies will be moving to this technology in the near future, (which they call interdiction). These are devices located at the pole, where your individual cable feed is tapped from the head-end. Similar to addressable converters, they each have a unique ID number and can be turned on/off by a computer at the head-end. Any stations which you are not paying for are filtered out by electronically switchable traps in the units. (Including the whole signal if you haven't paid your bill or had the service disconnected.) {Several patents have already been issued for various methods of making SURE you don't see a channel you don't pay for.} Again, these almost guarantee an end to piracy and don't have any of the disadvantages of the manual traps. Plus, they provide a superior signal to those customers paying for service because they no longer need complicated cable boxes or A/B switches -- and they can finally use all of the cable-ready capabilities of the VCR, TV, etc. About the only known attack on this type of system is to splice into a neighbors cable, which again provides plenty of physical evidence for prosecution. SINE-WAVE Early Oak (and some very early Pioneer boxes) employed a sine-wave sync suppression system. In this system, the picture would remain vertically stable, but wiggling black bars with white on either side would run down the center of the screen. The lines were caused by a 15,750 Hz sine-wave being injected with the original signal, causing the sync separator in the TV to be unable to detect and separate the sync pulses. Later, Oak came out with a Vari-Sync model, which also removed a 31,500 Hz sine-wave added to the signal. Oak was one of the first to use extra signals (tags) as a counter-measure for pirate boxes -- in the normal mode, a short burst of a 100 kHz sine-wave (the tag signal) would be sent during the VBI, along with the AM sine-wave reference on the audio carrier and scrambled video. They would then put the AM sine-wave reference signal onto the audio carrier, leave the video alone, and NOT send the tag. Any box which simply looked for the AM sine-wave reference would effectively scramble the video by adding a sine-wave to the unscrambled video! Real decoders looked for the tag signal and still worked correctly. Other combinations of tag/no tag, scrambled/unscrambled video were also possible.
6 DB IN-BAND SYNC SUPPRESSION Early Jerrold boxes used in-band gated sync suppression. The horizontal blanking interval was suppressed by 6 dB. A 15.734, 31.468 or 94.404 kHz reference signal (conveniently all even multiples of the horizontal sync frequency) was modulated on the sound carrier of the signal, and used to reconstruct the sync pulse. An article in February 1984 issue of Radio-Electronics explains this somewhat-old technique. Converters which have been known to use this system include the Scientific-Atlanta 8500-321/421, a number of Jerrold systems [see numbering chart], Jerrold SB-#, SB-#-200, SB-#A, RCA KSR53DA, Sylvania 4040 and Magnavox Magna 6400. TRI-MODE IN-BAND SYNC SUPPRESSION A modification to the 6dB sync suppression system, dubbed Tri-mode, allows for 0, 6 and 10 dB suppression of the horizontal sync pulse. The three sync levels can be varied at random ,as fast as once per field, and the data necessary to decode the signal is contained in unused lines during the VBI along with other information in the cable data stream. See the February 1987 issue of Radio-Electronics for a good article including both theory and schematics, on the Tri-mode system. Converters which have been known to use this system include a number of Jerrold systems [see numbering chart], Jerrold SBD-#A, SBD-#DIC, Jerrold Starcom VI (DP5/DPV models), Regency, Scientific- Atlanta 8550-321 and early Pioneer systems. Out-Band Sync Suppression Out-band gated sync systems also exist, such as in early Hamlin converters. In this system, the reference signal is located on an unused channel, usually towards the higher end (channels in the 40's and 50's are common, but never in the low 30's due to potential false signaling.) The signal is comprised of only sync pulse information without any video. Tuning in such a channel will show nothing but a white screen and will usually have no audio. SSAVI / ZTAC SSAVI is an acronym for Synchronization Suppression and Active Video Inversion and is most commonly found on Zenith converters. ZTAC is an acronym for Zenith Tiered Addressable Converter. Besides suppressing sync pulses in gated-sync fashion, video inversion is used to yield four scrambling modes (suppressed sync, normal video; suppressed sync, inverted video; normal sync, inverted video; and normal sync, normal video). The horizontal sync pulses of an SSAVI signal can be absent completely, at the wrong level, or even present, and can be varied on a field-by-field basis. Any decoder for an SSAVI or similar system has to be able to separate a video line into its two basic components-- the control and picture signals. In SSAVI, the horizontal sync is never inverted, even if the picture is. So a method of inverting the picture without inverting the control section is necessary. This is complicated by the fact that almost every line in an SSAVI signal has no horizontal sync information, making it difficult to perform the separation since the usual reference point, the horizontal sync pulse, is gone. In the older suppressed-sync system, the sync pulse could be recovered from the gating signal buried in the audio subcarrier, but SSAVI is pilotless. The key to this system relies on the strict timings imposed by the NTSC standard--if you can locate one part of the signal accurately, you can determine where everything else should be mathematically. Since the cable company is sending a digital data stream---the security and access-rights--during the VBI of the signal, the VBI makes a great place to find a known point in the signal. Obviously if the electronics in the cable box can locate this information, so can electronics outside the cable box! The only constant in the SSAVI system are the horizontal sync pulses during the VBI (the first 26 lines of video), which are sent "in the clear". The pulses from the VBI can be used as a reference for a phase-locked loop (PLL) and used to supply the missing pulses for the rest of the video frame. With 20 or so reliable pulses at the beginning of each frame, you can accurately generate the missing 240 or so pulses. Of the 26 lines in the VBI, lines zero through nine are left alone by request of the FCC, lines 10 to 13 are commonly used to transmit a digital data stream, line 21 contains closed-caption information, while other lines are used for a variety of stuff depending on the cable system and the channel you're watching. When you tune to a scrambled channel with a cable box, logic circuits in the unit count the video lines, read the transmitted data stream, and compare the transmitted data with the information stored in the box. If the box is authorized to receive the signal with that particular data stream, the decoder is enabled and the scrambled signal becomes viewable. If not, the signal is passed through without being decoded, or more commonly, a barker channel (whose channel number is sent via the data stream) is automatically tuned instead. This prevents people from using the unit as a tuner for add-on descramblers often advertised in the back of electronics magazines. In the SSAVI system, the video can be sent with either normal or inverted picture information. The descrambler needs a way to determine whether to invert the video or not. Originally this information could be found on line 20, but has since moved around a lot as the popularity and knowledge of the system increased. In any event, the last half of the line would tell the decoder whether to invert the picture or not. If the rest of the field was not inverted, the last half of the line would be black. If the video in the rest of the frame was inverted, the last half of the line would be white. The Drawing Board column of Radio-Electronics starting in August '92 and going through May '93 described the system and provided several circuits for use on an SSAVI system. Note that audio in the system can be scrambled - usually by burying it on a subcarrier that's related mathematically to the IF component of the signal. Addressable data for Zenith systems is sent in the VBI, lines 10-13, with 26 bits of data per line. TOCOM SYSTEMS The Tocom system is similar to the Zenith system since it provides three levels of addressable baseband scrambling: partial video inversion, random dynamic sync suppression and random dynamic video inversion. Data necessary to recover the signal is encrypted and sent during lines 17 and 18 of the VBI (along with head-end supplied Teletext data for on-screen display). The control signal contains 92 bits, and is a 53 ms burst sent just after the color burst. Up to 32 tiers of scrambling can be controlled from the head-end. Audio is not scrambled. NEW PIONEER SYSTEMS The newer 6000-series converters from Pioneer supposedly offer one of the most secure CATV scrambling technologies from a major CATV equipment supplier. From the very limited information available on the system, it appears that false keys, pseudo-keys and both in-band and out-band signals are used in various combinations for a secure system. From U.S. patent abstract #5,113,441 which was issued to Pioneer in May '92 (and may or may not be used in the 6000-series converters, but could be), "An audio signal is used on which a key signal containing compression information and information concerning the position of a vertical blanking interval is superimposed on a portion of the audio signal corresponding to a horizontal blanking interval. In addition, a pseudo-key signal is superimposed...so that the vertical blanking interval cannot be detected through the detection of the audio signal… Descrambling can be performed by detecting the vertical blanking interval based on the information...in the key signal, and decoding the information for the position which is transmitted in the form of out-band data. Compression information can then be extracted from the key signal based on the detected vertical blanking interval, and an expansion signal for expanding the signal in the horizontal and vertical blanking periods can be generated." Note that Pioneer boxes are booby-trapped and opening the unit will release a spring-mechanism which positively indicates access was gained to the interior (and sends a signal to the head-end on a two-way system, and may disable the box completely.) {See U.S. patent #4,149,158 for details.} The unit cannot be reset without a special device. Pioneer systems transmit their addressing data on 110.0 MHz, and there are several programmable cubes that can activate these systems. The data is a manchester I encoded FSK signal at ~6kHz data rate. NEW SCIENTIFIC-ATLANTA SYSTEMS Some of the early S-A boxes used 6 dB only sync suppression (some of the 8500 models), and some of the 8550 boxes are Tri-mode systems. The three digit number after the model (such as 321) is a code which indicates the make of the descrambler in the unit. Apparently some of the newer S-A boxes use a technique called dropfield, and some of the newer 8600 and 8570 models use baseband methods. Scientific-Atlanta systems transmit their FSK addressing data on 106.2 or 108.2 MHz. There are several programmable cubes that can activate these systems. On the newest 8600 systems the address data is hidden elsewhere, possibly the video blanking region. OAK SIGMA SYSTEMS This a secure system which replaces the horizontal sync of each line of video with a three-byte digital word. Video is switched from inverted to non-inverted between scene changes, and the colorburst frequency is shifted up. This is a standard suppressed sync video scrambling method and is relatively simple to defeat with the appropriate circuitry. However, the three-byte digital word in the area where the sync normally is contains audio and sync information. The first two bytes contain a digitized versions of the audio, the third byte contains sync information and perhaps addressing data. The two bytes of digitized audio are encrypted; a separate carrier signal contains the decryption keys for the digital audio datastream. JERROLD BASEBAND (DPBB AND CFT MODEL UNITS) Jerrold has gone one step further in scrambling the signal at the baseband level. Other less complicated methods like Tri-mode scramble the signal at the RF level where the channel 73 signal is scrambled when the signal is already modulated on channel 73. With baseband scrambling the signal is scrambled, then modulated on the desired channel. Using this method the scrambling device has more control and more complicated methods can be used. The most popular way to defeat these systems is to use a test chip or a cube device to activate the original Jerrold equipment. Add-on descramblers are more difficult to build since you have to convert the signal to baseband levels, descramble, then remodulate the signal. Cable Companies have been experimenting with several new methods of defeating test chips and cubes, most notably is the use of Multi Mode and adding an extra checksum byte in the FSK data packet format. Pirates are starting to clone cable companies test boxes to get around the most problem areas of multi mode and newer test chips and cubes are getting smarter to combat both multimode and the extra checksum bytes. CHAMELEON The research and development division of Fundy Cable Ltd., NCA Microelectronics, has a system dubbed Chameleon. They claim it is a cost-effective solution that prevents pay TV theft by digitally encrypting the video timing information of sync suppression systems. The company claims the technology has been proven to be effective against pirate and tampered boxes. Supposedly, existing decoders can be upgraded to Chameleon technology with a low-cost add-in circuit, and that the card's sealed custom IC, developed by NCA, is copy-proof. VIDEOCIPHER The VideoCipher system is now owned by General Instrument and is used primarily for satellite signals at this time. VideoCipher II is the "commercial" version which uses slightly watered-down version of the DES (Data Encryption Standard) for encrypted audio. Video is "scrambled" by deleting the horizontal sync signal. A VC-I descrambler uses line dicing for the video portion and the same audio scrambling scheme as the VCII, but is not available for "home" owners. VideoCipher II is the now-obsolete system which used a relatively simple video encryption method with DES-encrypted audio. Specifically, the audio is 15 bit PCM, sampled at ~44.1 kHz. It is mu-law companded to 10 bits before transmission. This has recently been replaced by the VideoCipher II+, which has been incorporated as the 'default' encryption method used by VideoCipher IIRS (a smart-card based, upgradeable system). Coded data relating to the digitized, encrypted audio is sent in the area normally occupied by the horizontal sync pulse in the VCII system. (The Oak Sigma CATV system uses a similar technology.) The Plus format put the datastream data in the HBI. DIGICABLE/DIGICIPHER DigiCipher is an upcoming technology being developed by General Instrument for use in both NTSC and HDTV environments. The DigiCipher format is for use on satellites, and the DigiCable variation will address CATV needs. It provides compression algorithms with forward error correction modulation techniques to allow up to 10 "entertainment quality" NTSC channels in the space normally occupied by one channel. It provides true video encryption (as opposed to the VCII-series which only DES encrypts the audio). In a Multiple Channel Per Carrier (MCPC) application, the data rate is ~27 MB/second via offset QPSK modulation. Audio is CD-quality through Dolby AC-2 technology, allowing up to four audio channels per video channel. The system uses renewable security cards (like the VCIIRS), has 256 bits of tier information, copy protection capability to prevent events from being recorded, commercial insertion capability for CATV companies, and more. The multichannel NTSC satellite version of DigiCipher started testing in July of 1992, and went into production several months later. B-MAC MAC is an acronym for Mixed Analog Components. It refers to placing TV sound into the horizontal-blanking interval, and then separating the color and luminance portions of the picture signal for periods of 20 to 40 microseconds each. In the process, luminance and chrominance are compressed during transmission and expanded during reception, enlarging their bandwidths considerably. Transmitted as FM, this system, when used in satellite transmission, provides considerably better TV definition and resolution. Its present parameters are within the existing NTSC format, but is mostly used in Europe at this time. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION Two-Piece vs. One-Piece There are both advantages and disadvantages to the one-piece and two-piece descramblers often advertised in the back of electronics magazines. Most one-piece units are real cable converters, just like you'd get if you rented one from the cable company. It has the advantages of real descrambling circuitry and the ability to fit-in well when neighbors come over (avoids those my box doesn't look like that...or get all these channels! conversations. A disadvantage is that if you move or the cable company installs new hardware, you may now have a worthless box -- most one-piece units only work on the specific system they were designed for. Another disadvantage is that if the box has not been modified, it can be very easy for the head-end to disable the unit completely. A two-piece unit (combo) usually consists of an any-brand cable TV tuner with a third-party descrambler (often referred to as a pan) which is designed to work with a specific scrambling technology. The descrambler typically connects to the channel 3 output of the tuner, and has a channel 3 output which connects to your TV. Although some tuners have a decoder loop for such devices. They have the advantage that if you move or your system is upgraded, you can try to purchase a new descrambler -- which is much cheaper than a whole new set-up. You also can select the cable TV tuner with the features you want , i.e., remote, volume control, parental lockout, baseband video output, etc. Two-piece units typically cannot be disabled by the data stream on your cable. Note however that there ARE add-on pans manufactured by the same companies who make the one-piece units that DO pay attention to the data stream and can be disabled similarly! The main disadvantage is that a third-party descrambler MAY not provide as high of quality descrambling as the real thing, and it may arouse suspicion if someone notices your cable thing is different from theirs. JERROLD NUMBERING SYSTEM To decode older Jerrold converters, the following chart may be helpful. __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ | | | | | | | | | | | | | |____________ T = two-way capability, C = PROM programmable | | | | | | | | | | | |____________ DI = Inband decoder, DO = Outband decoder, | | | | | PC = Single pay channel, A = Addressable | | | | | | | | | |______________ Output channel number (3 very common) | | | | | | | |________________ D or I = Tri-mode system, N = parental lockout | | | feature (6 dB-only systems are "blank" here) | | | | | |_________________ M = mid-band only, X = thru 400 MHz, | | Z = thru 450 MHz, BB = baseband | | | |___________________ S = Set-top, R = Remote | |____________________ D = Digital tuning, J = Analog tuning Most Jerrold systems in the United States and Canada transmit their addressing data on 97.5, 106.5 or 108.5 MHz. Some DPV7 and DPBB7 models have S7, S8, or S9 as the last numbers on there model numbers, these correlate to 97.5, 106.5 and 108.5 MHz directly. CFT model numbers almost always use 108.5Mhz. DPV5 and older units mostly use 106.5Mhz. In Europe 122.75 Mhz seems to be the addressing frequency used, at least in several parts of England. The datastream is Manchester II encoded FSK, with approximately a 14kHz clock. SCIENTIFIC-ATLANTA SUPPRESSED SYNC BOX NUMBERING
Model 8600 - _ _ _ _
| | | |
| | | |___ Impulse PPV Return: N=none, T=telephone, R=RF
| | |_____ Dual cable option: N=none, D=dual cable
| |_______ Descrambler type: S=SA standard, K=oak
|_________ Channel: S=selectable channel 3/4
The 8600 has 240 character on-screen display, multimode scrambling, 8 event 14 day timer, and is "expandable". Model 859_ - 7 _ 7 _ | | | | | |__ Dual cable option: D=dual cable | |______ Descrambler: 5=SA scrambling+video inversion, | 7=5+Oak |____________ 0=No Impulse PPV, 5=Telephone IPPV, 7=RF IPPV The 8590s feature volume control, multimode scrambling, 8 event 14 day timer... Model 858_ - _ 3 _ - _ | | | |__ Dual cable option: D=dual cable | | |______ Data carrier: 6=106.2 MHz, 8=108.2 MHz | |__________ Channel: 3=channel 3, 4=channel 4 |______________ 0=No Impulse PPV, 5=Telephone IPPV, 7=RF IPPV The 8580s use dynamic sync suppression, 8 event 14 day timer, and built-in pre-amp. The 8570 is similar to the 8580. Model 8550 - _ _ _ | | |__ 1=108.2 MHz data stream | |____ Jerrold, dropfield, SA descrambling |______ Channel: 3=channel 3 The 8550 is not a current model; it can be replaced with an 8580-321. Non-addressable products include the 8511, 8536, 8540 and 8490. The SA models below 8600 transmit there FSK addressing data on one of two frequencies. MARKET CODES Note that almost every addressable decoder in use today has a unique serial number programmed into the unit -- either in a PROM, non-volatile RAM, EAROM, etc. This allows the head-end to send commands specifically to a certain unit to authorize a pay-per-view events, for example. Part of this serial number is what is commonly called a market code, which can be used to uniquely identify a certain cable company. This prevents an addressable decoder destined for use in Chicago from being used in Houston. In most cases, when a box receives a signal with a different market code, it will enter an error mode and become unusable. This is just a friendly little note to anyone who might consider purchasing a unit from the back of a magazine -- if the unit has not been modified in any way to prevent such behavior, you could end up with an expensive paper weight. TEST CHIPS Test chips are used to place single-piece converters that is, units with both a tuner and a descrambler into full service. There are a number of ways to accomplish this, but in some cases, the serial number/market code for the unit is set to a known universal case or, better yet, the comparison checks to determine which channels to enable/disable are bypassed by replacing an IC in the unit. Hence, the descrambler will always be active, no matter what. This latter type of chip is superior because it cannot be disabled and is said to be bullet proof, even if the cable company finds out about a universal serial number. When the cable company finds out about a universal serial number, it is easy for them to disable the converter with a variation on the bullet described below. CUBES Another type of test device has been advertised in magazines such as Electronics and Nuts & Volts. It's called a cube and it simulates the addressing data signal test signal for a cable box, most commonly for those from Pioneer and Jerrold. The Zenith data stream is sent in the VBI, making this approach more difficult. You plug the cable into one side, where it filters out the real data signal, and out the other side comes a normal signal, but with a new data stream. There are also wireless cubes which you just periodically set near your box with the cable disconnected to refresh it. This new data signal tells whatever boxes the cube addresses to go into full-service mode, including any cable company-provided boxes. Sometimes it is a non-destructive signal, and if the cube is removed from the line, the real data signal gets to the electronics inside and the converter goes back to normal non-test mode. Note that sometimes it is destructive. There are some cubes that re-program the electronic serial number in a converter to a new value. This type has the advantage that it will work with any converter the cube was designed to test but changes the serial number to some preset value. The non-destructive versions of a cube usually require that you provide the serial number from the converter you're interested in testing. That way a custom IC can be programmed to address that converter with the necessary data. Otherwise the converter would ignore the information, since the serial number the cube was sending and the one in converter wouldn't match. BULLETS First and foremost, the "Bullet" is nothing more than the normal cable FSK data stream with the appropriate code to disable a converter which has not been acknowledged by the cable company. For instance, the head end could send a code to all converters which says unless you've been told otherwise in the last 12 hours, shut down. All legitimate boxes were individually sent a code to ignore this shut down code, but the pirate decoders didn't get such a code because the cable company doesn't have their serial number. So they shut down when the see the bullet code. The bullet is not a harmful high-voltage signal or something as the cable companies might like you to believe. If it was, it would damage anyone with a cable-ready TV or VCR connected to the cable and certainly not something the cable company wants to deal with! The only way to get caught by such a signal is to contact the cable company and tell them your illegal descrambler just quit working for some reason. Not a smart thing to do, but you'd be surprised, especially if it's someone else in the house who calls, like a spouse, child, babysitter, etc. While we're on the subject, it's also not a good idea to have cable service personnel come into your residence and find an unauthorized decoder. Don't hack on cable company decoders. TIME DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRY / LEAK DETECTION The cable company can use a technique called Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) to try and determine how many devices are connected to your cable. In simple terms, a tiny, short test signal is sent into your residence and the time domain reflectometer determines the number of connections by the various echoes returned down the cable. Since each device is at a different point along the cable, they can be counted. Each splitter, filter, etc. will affect this count. A simple way to avoid being probed is to install an CATV amplifier just inside your premises before any connections. This isolates the other side of the cable from the outside, and a TDR will only show one connection to the amplifier. Radio-Shack sell these as "Splitter Amplifiers" for about $15.00. The cable company also has various ways of detecting signal leaks in their cable. The FCC requires them to allow only so much signal to be radiated from their cables. You may see a suspicious looking van driving around your neighborhood with odd-looking antennas on the roof. These are connected inside to field strength meters which help locate where the leaks are coming from so they can be fixed thus preventing fines from the FCC! If you've tampered with a connection at the pole , say to hook up a cable that had been disconnected and didn't do a good job, chances are the connection will "leak" and be easily found by such a device. This can also happen inside your residence if you use cheap splitters/amplifiers or have poorly-shielded connections. The cable company will ask to come inside, and bring with them a portable field strength meter to help them locate the problem. Often they will totally remove anything causing the leak, and may go further, e.g., legal action, if they feel you're in violation of your contract with them with which you have already agreed to by paying your bill. Obviously it's a bad idea to let cable service personnel into your house if you are doing something you shouldn't ,but if you don't let them in, as is your right, it will definitely arouse suspicion. Eventually you will have to let them in to fix the "leak", or they will disconnect your cable to stop the leak altogether. SOME COMMON WAYS PIRATES GET CAUGHT There are many ways for a pirate to get caught. Since stealing cable is illegal in the U.S., you can be fined and sent to jail for theft of service. Cable companies claim to lose millions of dollars in revenue every year because of pirates, so they are serious in their pursuit of ridding them from their system. A pirate will often show-off the fact they can get every channel to their friends. Pretty soon lots of people know about it, and then the cable company offers a "Turn In A Pirate And Get $50" program. A "friend" needs the money and turns the Pirate in. A pirate or more likely, unsuspecting housemate of a pirate who knows nothing about what's going on calls the cable company to report a problem with the equipment or signal. The cable company makes a service call and finds gray-market equipment connected to the cable. During a pay-per-view event such as a fight, the cable company offers a free T-shirt to all viewers. Little does the "Pirates" know that just before that message appeared on the screen, legitimate viewer's boxes were told to switch to another channel while still displaying the original channel number. So now the legitimate subscriber continues to see the "original" signal, without the T-shirt offer, while the pirate gets an 800 number plastered on the screen. The pirate calls, and the cable company gets a list of all potential pirates... The cable company temporarily broadcasts some soft-core pornography onto what is supposed to be The Disney Channel (and vice-versa). They simultaneously reprogram subscriber converters to re-map the channels correctly, so the change is transparent to all but non-company converters. Those who call to complain about the "non-Disney" entertainment (or cartoons on the Playboy channel are more than likely to have gray-market decoders. A big cable descrambler business gets busted. The authorities confiscate their UPS shipping records and now have a list of "customers" who most likely ordered descramblers for illegitimate use. Unconfirmed reports of the cable company driving around with special equipment allowing them to determine what you're watching on your TV have also been mentioned. But this is unlikely. Of course, the best thing to do is simply pay for what you watch! Then you don't have to worry about the possibility of a prison term, criminal record, hefty fine, etc. THE UNIVERSAL DESCRAMBLER In May of 1990, Radio-Electronics magazine published an article on building a universal descrambler for decoding scrambled TV signals. There has been much talk on the net about the device, and many have found it to be lacking in a number of respects. Several modifications, hoping to fix some of the problems have also been posted, with limited success. The Universal Descrambler relies on the presence of the colorburst for its reference signal. In a normal line of NTSC video, the colorburst is 8 to 11 cycles of a 3.579545 MHz clock (that comes out to 2.31 microseconds) which follows the 4.71 microseconds of horizontal sync during the horizontal blanking interval. Since a large number of scrambling systems depend on messing with the horizontal sync pulse to scramble the picture, the Universal Descrambler attempts to use the colorburst signal to help it replace the tainted sync pulse. Unfortunately, random video inversion is still a problem, as are color shifts which occur from distorted or clamped colorburst signals, etc. Most people have not had very good results from the system, even after incorporating some modifications. GLOSSARY OF RELATED TERMS CATV: Acronym for Community Antenna television. Originally cable TV came about as a way to avoid having everyone in a community have to spend a lot of money on a fancy antenna just to get good TV reception. Really all you need is one very good antenna and then just feed the output to everyone. It was called Community Antenna Television (CATV). Of course, it has grown quite a bit since then and everyone now just calls it cable TV. The old acronym still sort-of works. Converter: A device, sometimes issued by the cable company, to "convert" many TV channels to one specific channel, usually channel 3. Used early-on when VHF & UHF channels were on different dials (and before remote controls) to provide "convenience" to cable customers. Now mostly considered a nuisance, thanks to the advent of cable-ready video equipment, they are mainly used as descramblers. An "addressable" converter is one that has a unique serial number and can be told individually by FSK or other signal, by the head-end to act in a certain manner such as enabling channel x, but not channel y. Addressable converters nearly always contain descramblers for decoding premium services subscribed to by the customer. Colorburst: Approximately 8 to 10 cycles of a 3.579545 MHz clock sent during the HBI. This signal is used as a reference to determine both hue and saturation of the colors. A separate colorburst signal is sent for each line of video, and are all exactly in phase to prevent color shifts. Control Signal: The first 11.1 microseconds of a line of NTSC video. The signal area from 0 to 0.3 volts (-40 to 0 IRE units) is reserved for control signals, the rest for picture information. If the signal is at 0.3 volts (or 0 IRE) the picture will be black. See IRE Units; Set-up Level. Cube: A test device that generates an FSK signal to the cable box to activate itself into full service mode also called FSK device or FSK unit. The first Cubes were named because of the cube shaped box that they were sold in. Field: One half of a full video frame. The first field contains the odd numbered lines, the second field contains the even numbered lines. Each field takes 1/60th of a second to transmit. Note that both fields contain a complete vertical-blanking interval and they both should have the same information during that interval. Since the NTSC standard is 525 lines, each field contains 262.5 lines--therefore it's the half-line that allows the two fields of a frame to be distinguished from one another. See Frame; Line. Frame: An NTSC video signal which contains both fields. A frame lasts 1/30th of a second. See Field; Line. FSK: Acronym for Frequency Shift Keying. A common data modulation method. Addressable cable systems usually send there control information using this method. FSK Device: See Cube. Head-end: The main cable distribution facility where your CATV signal originates from. Easily identified by several large satellite dishes, some smaller ones, and usually an antenna tower. HBI: Acronym for Horizontal Blanking Interval. The first 11.1 microseconds of a line of video. It contains the front porch, the 4.71 microsecond horizontal sync pulse, the 2.31 microseconds of colorburst, and the back porch. The horizontal sync pulse directs the beam back to left side of the screen. Almost every scrambling method in use today mutates this part of the signal in some way to prevent unauthorized viewing. See Colorburst. Interlace: Term used to describe the dual-field approach used in the NTSC standard. By drawing every other line, screen flicker is increased--but if all the lines were painted sequentially, the top would begin to fade before the screen was completely "painted". Computer monitors, which do "paint" from top to bottom, do not have the problem due to higher refresh rates. IPPV: Impulse Pay-Per-View. A method whereby a viewer can order a pay-per-view event "on impulse" by just pushing an "Order" (or similar) button on a remote control or cable converter keypad. A customer's purchases are sent back to the head-end via a standard telephone connection (the converter dials into the cable co. computer and uploads the data) or via radio frequency (RF) if the cable supports two-way communication (most don't). A pre-set maximum number of events can be ordered before the box requires the data to be sent to the head-end for billing purposes. IRE Units: IRE is an acronym for Institute of Radio Engineers. The NTSC standard calls for a peak-to-peak signal voltage of 1 volt. Instead of referring to the video level in volts, IRE units are used instead. The IRE scale divides the 1- volt range into 140 parts, with zero-IRE corresponding to about 0.3V. The full scale goes from -40 IRE to +100 IRE. This is convenient scale to make a distinction between control signals (< 0 IRE) and picture signals (> 0 IRE). See Control Signal. Line: A video signal is a series of repeated horizontal lines, consisting of control and picture information. The color NTSC standard allows a total time of 63.56 microseconds for each line, and each frame is composed of 525 lines of video information. The first 11.1 microseconds make up the horizontal blanking interval, or control signal, the following 52.46 microseconds make up the picture signal. See HBI; VBI. NTSC: Acronym for National Television Standards Committee (or Never The Same Color, if you prefer. Picture Signal: The 52.46 microseconds of signal following the control signal. Information in this area is between 0 and 100 IRE units. See IRE Units. PPV: Acronym for Pay-Per-View. A revenue-enhancing system where customer's pay to watch a movie or event on a "per view" basis. Customers usually place a phone call to a special number and order the event of their choice; some systems provide Impulse PPV. The presence of a PPV movie channel or your system guarantees you have addressable converters. See IPPV. Set-up Level: Picture information technically has slightly less than 100 IRE units available. That's because picture information starts at 7.5 IRE units rather than at 0 IRE units. The area from 0 to 7.5 IRE units are reserved for what is commonly called the "set-up level". Having a small buffer area between the control signal information and the picture information is a "fudge factor" to compensate for the fact that real-life things that don't always work as nicely as they do on paper. :-) See IRE Units. VBI: Acronym for Vertical-Blanking Interval. The first 26 lines of an NTSC video signal. This signal is used to direct the beam back to the upper-left corner of the screen to start the next frame. In order for the horizontal sync to continue operating, the vertical pulse is serrated into small segments which keep the horizontal circuits active. Both actions can then take place simultaneously. The VBI is the most common place for "extra" information to be sent, such as various test signals, and in some cable systems, a data stream. TELEVISION FREQUENCY CHART The following chart lists frequency information for the "standard" carrier sets. In an HRC (Harmonically Related Carrier) system, all picture carrier frequencies are derived from a 6 MHz oscillator, so all channels except 5 and 6 will be 1.25 MHz lower than usual. Channels 5 and 6 will be 0.75 MHz HIGHER than usual. An IRC (Incrementally Related Carrier) system, all channels are at their normal frequency except for channels 5 and 6, which will be 2 MHz higher than usual. Some older TV sets can't receive any channels except 5 and 6 on an HRC system, and can't receive channels 5 and 6 on an IRC system. This is also true of some cable converters. A few converters are set up to allow HRC or IRC operation but with channels 5 and 6 on different numbers -- 55 and 56, or 55 and 66.
|
VHF-Low Band
Center Video Color Sound Osc.
Channel Band Freq. Carrier Carrier Carrier Freq.
RFT-PLUS AUTOMODE for CFT22XX
1. Setting the Frequency (see Frequency Select Mode for further information)
Connect a cable from the output of the tester to the input of the cable box, make sure the incoming (live) cable is disconnected and not on the testers input. Remove the RFT-PLUS tester snap on metal cover. Press "F" then "4" or "P" then "4" on your cable box remote. You will see a -E on the cable box display. Hold down the tester's left button and plug it's power jack in. Wait until it displays an F, release the button. You will see F S flashing for frequency select. Press the right button until you see the cable box display change to a flashing -0 , then press the left button to save this frequency and the tester will exit this mode and begin sending test signals. (note: if you find that your converter flashes on more then one frequency setting then you may have to change it to the next one if the first one doesn't work)
2. Setting Serial Number (see Serial Number Programming for further information)
Warning: Step 2 is only required for CFT22XX model numbers, skip step 2 if model number starts with DP7, DPV7, DPBB7, or CFT20.
Obtain the box serial number by pressing "F" then "2" or "P"' then "2" on your cable box remote. The display on your box will flash a sequence of numbers, write down only the right hand digits in the order they are flashed out. The first 10 right hand digits is the serial number of your box. Output the serial number several times until you are certain you have written down the correct number. The number may contain the letters A thru F. Now enter this 10 digit serial number into the tester by holding down both push button switches while you plug in the power to the tester. When the tester begins to flash S P for Serial Number Programming, press the right button once, now you will see a 0 on the display. Now you can start entering the serial number by pressing the right button to increment up (0 thru 9 then A thru F) to the number you need. Now press the left button to enter it. You will now have the 0 displayed again and are ready to enter the second number. Do this for all 10 digits. After you have all 10 digits entered you will see the display go to the top of the 8. The cable box is now being activated, this takes only a couple of seconds.
3. Connecting and Activating
Connect the output of the cable box to the TV and then connect the incoming (live) cable to the input of the tester. Press the left button once. The decimal point will light and then go out on the tester. You should now receive all channels available through the converter. If nothing is coming in or everything looks the same, then go back to step 1 and do again or try a different frequency.
NOTE 1: AUTOMODE ** If PPV channels are scrambled then press the right button ( 0 - 255 times) until the channel unscrambles. If you are not on an AUTOMODE system you may need to set MODE 1 to B for automode timer OFF.
NOTE 2: Remotes without an F or P key: You can determine the serial number of your unit from the 12 digit barcode sticker on the bottom of your converter. The 12 digit number starts with a C. Do not use the last two digits. Use this conversion to figure out your serial number: (barcode = tester display) A=0, B=1, C=2, D=3, E=4, F=5, G=6, H=7, J=8, K=9, L=A, M=B.
NOTE 3: To determine your frequency: Look at the model number on the bottom of the converter box. The last two digits with /,/M1=97.5 A / with no number or /S8,/b,/R1=106.5 /P1,/T1,V5,/OC,/R1=108.5 You will notice /R1 ends for both 106.6 and 108.5. Boxes with these endings must try both frequencies. One or the other will work.
RFT-PLUS Programming DATA SHEET
Button Switches And IRD Designations and Operation:
Left Button Switch SWI
- Is accept or select in all programming modes
INITIALIZATION SWITCH in normal operation
Right Button Switch SW2
- Increment or toggle in all programming modes
- Multi-mode increment switch (sends out multi-mode change command for each push of the button. 0 thru 255)
IRD Infrared Detector (Remote Control Eye)
- Works the same a pushing the right switch when switching or pulsing in Multi-mode.
Power up operating modes:
NORMAL POWER UP MODE (No switch activated upon power up) Displays L for frequency lock OK then displays carrier frequency reference 1 for 89.3Mbz, 2 for 97.5Mhz 3 for 106.5Mhz and 4 for 108.5Mhz. Unit will display the top half of the 8 when it is running and codes are being output.
FREQUENCY SELECT MODE ( Left switch activated upon power up Alternating F S on display until switch is pressed ( default is 106.5Mhz )
Pressing the right increment switch will toggle through the usable frequencies. 1 for 89.3Mhz, 2 for 97.5Mhz, 3 for 106.5Mhz, and 4 for 108.5Mhz. Pressing the left switch will accept and store the selected frequency. During this selection process only connect the output of the tester to the cable box. Press F1 or P1 on the cable box, the cable box will display –E if you have the wrong frequency selected and will display a -0 ( it may flicker) for the correct frequency, save that frequency by pressing the left switch. After frequency selection is complete the unit will return to the power up mode "a".
UNIT PROGRAMMING MODE (Right switch activated upon power up)
Alternating U P on display until switch is pressedPress right switch to increment through the modes and then press left to go into that mode. Press right switch again to increment through the selections within that mode, then press the left switch to except that setting. You will then be bumped back up the mode list, press the right switch to continue incrementing through the modes. If you pass up the mode you want, keep going they will start over after the E. To exit unit programming select "E" for exit.
SERIAL NUMBER PROGRAMMING (Both switches activated upon power up)
Alternating S P on display until switch is pressed
Press and hold both switches down during power up. The display will alternately display S P. Press the right switch (increment) and the display will change from 0 thru 9 then A thru F and then rotate starting at 0 again. Keep pressing until you have reached the number you want. Then press the left switch to enter your selection. Now the display will start at zero (0) again. Again press the right switch until you have reached the correct number then press the left switch to enter it. If the number you need is a zero then just simply press the left switch to enter it. Once the 10 numbers for the SN have been entered the top of the 8 will be displayed and your converter will be initialized. The unit is now in normal power up mode.
HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR SERIAL NUMBER USING THE CONVERTERS DIGITAL DISPLAY (you may also translate the barcode on the bottom of the converter: see NOTE 2 & 3 at the bottom of the fist page of this manual).
Have a piece of paper and pen ready to write the serial number down.
Press "F" then "2" or "P" then "2" on your cable box and watch the cable box display. The numbers displayed are 0X, 1X,2X,3X,4X,5X,6X,7X,8X,9X, and some other diagnostic data that alternates after.
The 0 thru 9 in the LEFT DIGIT is constant and tells you which number is being displayed. This information can be ignored. You need to write down what is displayed in X the RIGHT DIGIT this is your serial number. Your serial number will be 10 digits long and may contain the letters A thru F.
Unit programming modes:
Mode1: Automode Timer
Selection A ON (default)
Selection B OFFMode 2: IR LED
Selection A ON
Selection B OFF (default)
Mode 3: Self Test
Selection A OFF (default)
Selection B ON Runs self test when powered up
Mode 4: Reset
Once selected unit will default back to factory settings. The unit will then go back to power up mode "A".
Mode 5: Display EPROM contents
Once selected unit will display all 4 serial numbers and settings for modes. The unit will then go back to power up mode "A"
Mode E: Exit
Once selected the unit will exit the program mode and revert back to power up mode "A"
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No picture
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My ClearMax
6000 won't descramble some channels.
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My Ranger
won't descramble some channels.
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No picture
(picture tube is black) but sound is ok
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Only the basic
channels are received
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Picture colors
are inverted
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Picture is
grainy or snowy
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TV screen
turns blue
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How do I use
my universal remote with the cable box?
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I can't find
my favorite channels. What happened?
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How do I use
the Parental Control feature?
(ClearMax & Davinci) |
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How do I reset
the box back to its factory settings?
(ClearMax & Davinci) |
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How do I reset
the box back to its factory settings?
(CoolBx) |
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How do I get
surround sound?
(CoolBx) |
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