Coolsat For Dummies And Installation

Programming the Coolsat for Dummies Page 1 of 20

Programming and setting up the Coolsat for Dummies

By: Kuzco - version 1.0

The following is a detailed explanation of the required steps to successfully setup a Coolsat 4/5/6000 Platinum receiver. The receiver can be new right from the box or a previously configured Coolsat. If it’s new then only a few steps are needed. Before we start please familiarize your self with the Coolsat and the cable, open the box and inspect the Coolsat. Look at its connections and read the back of the Coolsat box. This procedure is written around the Coolsat 4/5/6000 Platinum with one (1) typical, very popular dish setup: The Dish 500. Parts list that will be used during the programming processes 1. Coolsat 4/5/6000 Receiver. 2. PC with Windows OS system. Example, Windows XP, 98, 2000. 3. Cable RS232 (this cable comes with the Coolsat and it is used for programming the Coolsat receiver) 4. Coolsat v2.4 programming software (The software can be downloaded from the Coolsat website or equivalent source) 5. Latest “Bin” software (version 120 for April 14, 2006, the software can be downloaded; you might need to do a “Google Search” via the internet for this file). 6. One free communications com port also known as RS232. Most PC’s have at least one com port however, more and more laptops are doing away from RS232 and moving into USB. If this is the case with you’re laptop you might need to purchase a USB to RS232 adapter. If you do not know what an RS232 connection looks like you might want to take a look at your PC and or read the manual that came with it.

RS232 Cable used to program the Coolsat

Coolsat programming software

Coolsat latest “Bin” software Coolsat 6000

Figure 1

http://krimo666.mylivepage.com/


Bin software and the Coolsat programming software Let’s start programming the Coolsat. 1. We need the RS232 cable. See figure 1. 2. The current “Bin” file “NORW_120.stb”. The “bin” file is a firmware used to decode channels on the Coolsat in other words removes the word “Scrambled” on your TV. 3. The current Coolsat Pro Loader software. See figure 1.

Note: For each Coolsat model there is a specific “Bin” release. For example, you can NOT load the same “Bin” file for the Coolsat 5000 to the Coolsat 4000. The files are specific to each Coolsat model. See “identifying the correct “Bin” file to use for your Coolsat model”.

Loading the Coolsat with the new “Bin” file Follow the simple steps below. 1. Turn power OFF on Coolsat with the front button. 2. Turn OFF rear power switch. See figure 3. 3. Unplug the Coolsat (The power cord 120 volts). 4. With all power OFF, connect the RS232 cable from Coolsat to PC. See figure B. 5. Plug in the receiver (The power cord 120 volts). 6. Locate and execute the application “Coolsat Pro Loader v2.4” software. See figure 2.

Figure 2

Coolsat Pro Loader, the latest version is at 2.4 Identifying the correct “Bin” file to use for your Coolsat model

This tells you what model this bin file is made for. This is for the “Coolsat model 5000”.

This is the release notes. It tells you what this version fixes are or the updates from the last version

This tells you the latest release firmware version. “120”


Programming the Coolsat for Dummies Page 3 of 20 7. Turn power ON from the REAR switch located on the back of the Coolsat and turn ON front power button. See Figure 3.

Figure 3

The back of the Coolsat

To TV To Satellite Antenna

RS232 cable connector to PC

Power OFF/ON Switch

8. Locate the file for your Coolsat 4/5/6000, it would read “NORW_1.20.stb” or current bin file. See Figure 4.

Check Tab “Software” Check “ToReciever”

Norw-120.stb

Figure 4 Coolsat programming software version 2.4

9. Select the Coolsat 4/5/6000 “NORW_120.stb” file then click on the “Open” button. See Figure 5.



Figure 5

Coolsat 5000 “Bin” file to load.

Locating the “Bin” file 10. Click the button “Auto Detect” to see if port setting is correct and your Coolsat is communicating to the PC. If port setting is correct, the Com port and current bin version loaded to the receiver will show. See Figure 6.

Figure 6

“Connect” sends the data to the Coolsat “Auto Detect”

finds the Coolsat and reads the latest “Bin” file

Communicating to the Coolsat


Programming the Coolsat for Dummies Page 5 of 20 11. Click Exit to exit the Auto Detect. See Figure 7.

Figure 7

Reading the current “Bin” version on your Coolsat 12. Click on the Connect button another window will open then click on the Start button to continue the programming. You will see System Reset, Sending percent, Sending Ok and Erasing the bin. !Do not interrupt this process until the “Finish” window opens! The Finish window will show the prior version of bin loaded. See figure 8.

Sending data to the CoolSat

Original “Bin” files from factory

Click on “Start” to begin the programming

Figure 8 Sending the information and receiving the latest “bin” file

14. Click on the “Finish” button to continue and exit.


Programming the Coolsat for Dummies Page 6 of 20 15. Verify the “Bin” file by clicking on the “Auto Detect” button, the current version “bin” loaded will appear. See Figure 9.

Figure 9

Reading the newest “bin” file that was just loading to the Coolsat 16. Exit out of the Coolsat Pro Loader program by clicking on the “X” on the upper right hand application window. 17. Turn OFF Coolsat with rear reset button. 18. Disconnect RS232 cable from your PC.

PC

9 Pin Connector

Figure B

19. Install your Coolsat to your TV set. See figure A

TV

Coolsat

Dish

COM port 1

Back of the Coolsat

Latest “Bin” files.

9 Pin Cable (RS232)


Programming the Coolsat for Dummies Page 7 of 20 Figure A

20. Unplug the power cord of the Coolsat. 21. Reconnect LNB cable in and cable out to TV. See figure A. 22. Plug in Coolsat. 23. Turn ON rear reset switch. 24. Turn ON front button and wait for clock to come on. If first time flash of receiver wait until you see 0000 to show up on clock.



Database Reset and Factory Set “Flashing” This process resets and accepts the new file that was just programmed to the Coolsat. 1. Turn ON the Coolsat then the TV. 2. Via the remote control do the following. 3. Press “MENU” to “System Setting” then press “OK” on the remote and select “Database Reset” then press ok on the remote. 4. For the pin number enter “0000” and scroll to select “Delete All Channels”. Press “OK” on the remote and all channels will be deleted. 5. Next scroll to select “Factory Set” press “OK” on the remote. 6. The current loaded flash will be installed. 7. A message of “No Channels will be displayed”.

Note: You need to perform a Factory Set so that the Coolsat will recognize the current “Bin” file. If you do NOT do this all of the satellites will NOT appear in the satellite menu thus unable to continue.

Navigate from Systems Setting to Database Reset

Figure 10 Main menu of the Coolsat



Channel configuration “Auto Scan” The next process configures the channels. 1. Via the remote press the “MENU” button and select “Installation” then enter PIN “0000” next select “OPTIONS” then press OK on the remote. 2. Verify that the following are checked;

Use default CH name……………..ON Renumbering by SID……………...ON Sort by SID…………………………ON Sort by SID after Scan……………..OFF Beep on scan the signal…………...OFF Unlock lock CH after PIN………...OFF Renumbering BEV..........………….ON Auto CH/TP Update……………..ON

The Coolsat is now ready to be configured for the dish and LNBs being used. Channel configuration with template “No Auto Scan” If you plan to use a channel template for your local area set the following parameters. 1. Verify that the following are checked;

Use default CH name……………ON Renumbering by SID……………OFF Sort by SID…………………….....OFF Sort by SID after Scan…………...OFF Beep on scan the signal…………OFF Unlock lock CH after PIN………OFF Renumbering BEV.………………OFF Auto CH/TP Update……………ON

The Coolsat is now ready to be configured for the dish and LNBs being used.



Dish alignment for Satellites 110 and 119 Setup is for Dish Pro 500 antennas On the TV screen a multi-language display will be shown select “English”.

Note: Use channel up down volume up and down to navigate through menu.

1. Via the remote press the “MENU” button and then select “Installation” then press “OK” on the remote. At the dialog box enter the PIN number “0000”. 2. Select “Dish Setting” from the menu then press “OK” on the remote. Select the first satellite to setup let’s start with 119.0W then continue with 110.West. Using the remote keys press the right or left arrow until you see “119.0W Echostar 7” this will be the first satellite we will align. Enter all the information for the first Satellite 119. See figure 11. Do the same for Satellite 110 West.

119.0W-EchoStar 7 110.0West-EchoStar 6, 8

Satellites 119 & 110 West

Coolsat setup

A typical two satellite setup via Dish 500 Azimuth: is the angle relating to the horizontal positioning of the dish. The angel is expressed in terms of degrees, with North = 0 degrees, South = 180 degrees Elevation: is the angle above the horizon and is also expressed in terms of degrees. This is the angle by which the dish must be “tilted” in the relation to the theoretical horizon, in the order to position it precisely for the desired satellite. Polarization: is the tilt of the dish on the skew axis, and is also expressed in degrees. This is the angle by which the dish must be “skewed” or rotated circularly to the change the angle of the attenuator arm, in order to position it precisely to the desired satellite.



First Satellite 119.0W - EchoStar 7 For DishPro Antennas (Dish 5000) Settings for 119.0W Satellite-EchoStar 7, the setup should be as follows: ------ Satellite 119.0W - Echostar 7 ------

LNB power………………..ON LNB Type……………….....OCS-DP LNB Freq………………….11250 22 KHz…………………….OFF DiSEqC Switch……………1.0 Committed 1………………MUST be “1” Legacy SW………………....OFF Note: If the dish is aligned properly, you should see a satellite ID banner in the upper right corner of the screen showing “Echostar 119.0 West”. If it is anything OTHER than that your dish is not aimed properly or incorrect settings have been entered.

At the bottom, you should see a “green” bar chart showing the strengths of the signal; Level: ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo 93% Quality: oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo 91% Must display EchoStar 119

119.0 W EchoStar 7

OCS-DP

Must be set to 1

Figure 11 First Dish Setting window, Satellite 119.0W Echostar 7



Second Satellite 110 - EchoStar 6, 8 For DishPro antennas (Dish 5000) Settings for 110 Satellite-EchoStar 6, 8 the setup should be as follows:

------ Satellite 110 - Echostar 6, 8 ------ LNB power…………………….ON LNB Type…………………….OCS-DP LNB Freq……………………..11250 22 KHz………………………..OFF DiSEqC Switch……………….1.0 Committed 2………………….MUST be “2” Legacy SW……………………OFF

Note: If the dish is aligned properly, you should see a satellite ID banner in the upper right corner of the screen showing “Echostar 110 West”. If it is anything OTHER than that your dish is not aimed properly or incorrect settings have been entered.

At the bottom, you should see a “green” bar chart showing the strengths of the signal; Level: ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo 93% Quality: oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo 91%

110.0W EchoStar 6, 8 Must be set to 2 Must display EchoStar 110 West

OCS-DP

Figure 12 Second Dish Setting window, Satellite 110.0W Echostar 6, 8



Scanning for channels Now you need to scan the Satellites for the Channels. 1. Click on the “MENU” button >AUTO SCAN >Scroll to 119.0W Echostar 7 Hit OK then right volume button on remote then Press OK, It will Scan the Satellite Just wait until it’s done EXIT and SAVE and then OK on the remote. Now do the same for the other Satellite and EXIT and SAVE.

Always use Auto Scan

Figure 13 Auto Scan window scanning the first Satellite 110W

ALL

ON

Press OK

Radio Channels TV Channels

Start with 110.0W Echostar 6, 8 then finish with 119.0West

Figure 14 Finding channels and radio stations



How-to-load a Channel List into the Coolsat Items needed 1. Channel list or template (This template can be downloaded via the Internet). 2. Coolsat v2.4 programming software. This is a short section detailing the needed procedures to properly load a Channel List into the Coolsat. 1. Via the remote press the “Menu” button and select “System Setting”. Next select “Database Reset” then press the “OK” button on the remote and select “Delete All Channels” then press “OK” again. All channels will be deleted. Press "Exit" to leave the "Menu". A message will display of “No Channels”. 2. Connect the RS232 (Programming cable) from the computer’s serial port on one end and other end to the Coolsat. See figure B. 3. Execute the Pro Loader V2.4 application software and select “Channels” tab on the upper top application make sure “To Receiver” and "Normal Channels" are checked. 4. Next, click the “Browse” button on the application and select the path/directory where the desired Channel list is located. When found highlight it and click on the “Open” button to continue. See figure C.

Check “Normal Channels”

Check “ToReciever”

Figure C.

5. Next, click “Connect” button. A dialog box opens and shows the current “Bin” version. If the Coolsat has the latest update then you will see “Version 120 detected”. 6. Press the “Start” button to continue the programming processes. !DO NOT INTERRUPT THIS PROCESS! 7. After completion a dialog box will show “Writing 100%”. When “FINISH” displays, click on it. 8. The Coolsat will reboot and in a few seconds. You have successfully loaded an external Channel list into the Coolsat. You can now remove the modem cable and enjoy.



Dish 500 setup and receiver plug in

Figure 15



Best location to install your Dish To get a signal, the satellite dish must be pointed directly at the satellite, with NO obstructions between the two. This means NO trees and NO buildings. Take into consideration future tree growth, house remodeling or additions and new construction in your area.

1. Do you have at least one clear view to the satellite? Remember, no trees, leaves, or buildings can be between the dish and the satellite.

2. The satellite signal WILL NOT PASS through leaves or branches.

Figure 16

TIP: You can fine-tune your dish by going back to the signal strength screen. While the signal bar is running, have someone out at the dish. He will need to loosen the collar that holds the LNB. This is done by slightly loosening the two screws that hold the collar together. Once these screws are loose, slowly twist the LNB a fraction of an inch. After each movement allow 5 seconds for the receiver to register the change and update your quality reading. If the quality readings immediately begin to get lower while the adjustments are being made, then the LNB needs to be turned in the other direction. Once the LNB fine tuning is complete, tighten the two screws on the LNB collar.


Programming the Coolsat for Dummies Page 17 of 20 About CoolSat and FTA receivers Free-to-Air (FTA) is exactly what the name implies. Free-to-Air systems do not require package programming; the channels are free to view and there are no monthly programming charges. Free-to-air channels can be broadcast in either analog or digital signals. Currently there are hundreds of freely available channels many of which are international language channels; many others are special interests channels broadcast in English. No contract is required and owners are able to view all the free-to-air channels that can be received without limitations. You can also view programming from various countries and if you are lucky you may actually get to view programming from your own home country if you happen to have been born outside of North America. You are not obliged to sign up to a contract. Overall the free-to-air systems are better, especially if you enjoy watching programming in other languages. You can rotate your dish to the satellite you want and watch as many free-to-air channels as you are able to receive. Free-to-air TV is clearly the choice if you are interested in multilingual broadcasts. For example, if you like to watch Greek broadcasts you have at least 3 channels to choose from; many of which are actually also broadcast over Echostar for a subscription. If you like to watch broadcasts in Italian there are over 5 Italian channels available. If you like to watch broadcasts in Spanish there are well over 49 accessible in North America from various countries in the world. There are over 30 broadcasts in Arabic, and the list goes on. Free-to-air television is an excellent hobby that will keep you busy with endless hours of entertainment without monthly subscription payments.



GLOSSARY OF TERMS

•Analog A method of signal transmission in which information is relayed by continuously altering the wave form of the electromagnetic current. Now used in AM radio or most voice telephone circuits. •Backhaul Point-to-point video transmission from a remote site back to a central site for further distribution. •Bandwidth A range of frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum. •Bird Slang for communications satellite. •Broadband A descriptive term for evolving digital technologies that provide consumers a signal switched facility offering integrated access to voice, high-speed data service, video-on-demand services and interactive delivery services. •CEMA Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association. •Common Carrier The FCC's class of transmission systems, such as telephone, telegraph and certain satellites, open to public use with uniform fees. •Compression A term used to denote reducing the amount of bandwidth needed to transmit video or audio, thus increasing the capacity of a satellite transponder. •CONUS Continental United States Continuous Wave. •C-Band The 3.7 - 4.2 GHz (Gigahertz) frequency band is used for the distribution of programming by virtually all satellite/cable networks. There are 22 C-Band satellites in operation over North America today. They range in power from 5-11 watts per transponder, requiring receive antennas of 5-12 feet in diameter. Beginning in 1992, the fleet was gradually replaced with higher powered (10-17 watt) satellites. This allows the average size of a C-Band installation to be reduced to 90 inches in diameter. •Clarke Belt The name given in honor of Arthur C. Clarke, to the orbit 22,300 miles directly above the equator where satellites can maintain a stationary position in relation to the earth. Also called geostationary orbit. •dB, Decibel An analog unit of measure of signal strength, volume or signal loss due to resistance as expressed in logarithmic form. •DBS, Direct Broadcast Satellite The transmission of audio and video signals via satellite direct to the end user by C-Band and Ku-Band receivers. •Demodulation The process for retrieving an information signal that has been modulated onto a carrier. •Digital A method of storing, converting and sending data in the form of binary digits (i.e., 0 or 1). •Dish Slang term for antenna. •Dish cover A cylindrical weather protection device. •Downlink To receive from a satellite; also, the dish used for reception. •DTH, Direct-To-Home Official term used by the Federal Communications Commission to refer to the satellite television and broadcasting industries. •DVR Digital Video Recorders (same as PVR). •Encryption/ Decryption Encryption is the process of electronically altering a video and/or audio from its original condition. Decryption is the process of returning the video and/or audio to its original condition. •EPG Electronic Programming Guide. •Feedhorn The part of the satellite system that collects and focuses satellite signals reflected by the antenna. •FSS Fixed Satellite Service. •GSO Geosynchronous Orbit; satellites in geosynchronous orbit travel around the earth in an area approximately 22,300 miles from the surface at the same rate that the earth turns, therefore completing one revolution every 24 hours.


Programming the Coolsat for Dummies Page 19 of 20 •Headend A cable TV systems control center where incoming signals from satellites and other sources are put into the system. •High Definition Television Technology that significantly increases the resolution of digital video signals offering vastly improved picture quality over the current NTSC standard. •Hybrid Satellite A satellite that carries two or more different communications payloads (i.e., C-Band and Ku-Band). •Hz, Hertz Cycle per second; a measure of electromagnetic frequency that represents the number of complete electrical waves in a second. One kilohertz (KHz) is one thousand cycles per second; one megaHertz (MHz) is one million; one gigaHertz (GHz) is one billion. •ICTA Independent Cable & Telecommunications Association. •IPG Interactive Programming Guide. •INMARSAT International Maritime Satellite Organization. •INTELSAT International Telecommunications Satellite Organization. •ITU International Telecommunications Union. •IRD (integrated receiver decoder) A device capable of receiving and tuning satellite signals. The output of the receiver can be either baseband video for use with video monitors or RF for use with standard TV sets. •Impulse Pay-Per-View Technology that allows the consumer to purchase a movie or special event instantly via a computerized order processing center. This technology allows for the processing of a high volume of orders in a short time period. •Ka-Band A higher frequency than Ku-Band, operating from 18 to 31 gigaHertz. •Ku-Band The 11.7-12.7 GHz (Gigahertz) frequency band. This band has been split into 2 segments by the FCC. The first is the 11.7-12.2 GHz band known as FSS (Fixed Satellite Service). There are 22 FSS Ku-Band satellites in orbit over North America today. They range in power from 20-45 watts per transponder, requiring a 3-5 foot antenna for clear reception. The 12.2 - 12.7 GHz segment is known as BSS (Broadcast Satellite Service). Satellites in this band range in power from 100 - 200 watts per transponder, allowing the use of receive antennas as small as 12-18 inches. •KHz KiloHertz. •LEO Low Earth Orbit; satellites placed in orbit less than 22,300 miles above the earth. •LNB Low Noise Block convertor. System devise used to amplify and convert satellite signals into frequencies sent to the tuner. •MHz MegaHertz. •Modulation The process of superimposing an information signal onto a carrier for transmission. •MPEG Motion Pictures Experts Group. •NAB National Association of Broadcasters. •NCTA National Cable Television Association. •Packet Data A process where stored data is transmitted in discrete units, called packets, allowing for more efficient use of channel capacity and reliability of transfer. •Pad Slang for transponder channel attenuation. It is an electronic device that adds electrical resistance to a circuit to protect a transponder from signals that are too strong. •Personal Video Recorder (PVR) Product that tracks viewing habits, records programs and has other interactive features such as pause and rewind. •PCS Personal Communications System. •QPSK Quaternary Phase Shift Keying; a digital modulation scheme used in transmission communications that allows increased sending capacity •RPM Revolutions Per Minute. •RBOC Regional Bell Operating Company. •SBCA Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association.


Programming the Coolsat for Dummies Page 20 of 20 •SCPC Single Channel Per-Carrier; an economical way to get multiple signals on one transponder. •Scrambling Altering a video signal transmission so it can not be received without an authorized operating decoder. •Satellite Antenna (Dish) A parabolic antenna that collects satellite signals. C-Band antennas range in size from 5-12 feet in diameter; K-Band antennas range from 18 inches to 6 feet. •Satellite Programmer A company that produces, packages or distributes video, audio, and/or data services for distribution to the home satellite dish and cable markets. •Smart Card Technology that allows for the upgrade of encryption security through the use of a consumer-installable card containing a new computerized security code. •SMATV Satellite Master Antenna Television; or private cable; a miniature cable system that receives programming by one satellite dish and serves an entire housing complex or hotel. •SNG Satellite Newsgathering. •Spread Spectrum A means of transmission in which encoded information is carried in discrete packages of information, then spread over a wide bandwidth for transmission to specific receivers that filter out the coded material. •Superstation A local TV station whose signal is satellite delivered to cable systems and backyard antennas across the country. •Sun Outage When the sun passes behind a satellite in relation to the earth and it‰s energy momentarily interferes with the satellite signals. This happens two times each year during spring and fall equinox. •Tariff The usage fees charged for any given service. •Terrestrial In communications parlance, this refers to earth, land or ground-based telecommunications systems. •Transceiver A combination transmitter and receiver. •Transponder A satellite component that receives and retransmits a TV signal or perhaps many narrower-band data or audio channels. •TVRO (Television Receive-Only) An industry term used to describe a home satellite system that only receives and does not transmit satellite television signals. •UHF Ultra High Frequency; the band in the 500 to 900 MHz range, including TV channels 14 through 83. •Uplink To transmit to a satellite for relay; also, the dish used to transmit. •Value Added Service Provider In satellite communications, can refer to a third party who leases capacity for resale. •Video Compression Technology that significantly reduces the bandwidth required to transmit a video signal, making possible the carriage of numerous NTSC quality signals. •VHF Very High Frequency; the band in the 30 to 300 MHz range, including TV channels 2 through 13. •VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal; the electronic devise attached to a satellite dish that allows two way communications of video, voice or data between the dish and a specific satellite; typically used in business applications, with expanding use for residential high speed satellite internet services. •Zapping Changing the channel by remote control during a program to avoid a commercial. •Zipping Fast-forwarding through commercials when playing back a program on a VCR.


Education

Coolsat For Dummies And Installation