1926 lines
74 KiB
Plaintext
1926 lines
74 KiB
Plaintext
|
|
|
|
|
|
D O - I T - Y O R S E L F U P G R A D E S
|
|
A N D M A I N T E N A N C E
|
|
|
|
F O R T H E
|
|
|
|
A M S T R A D S R X 1 0 0 / 2 0 0 / S R D 4 0 0
|
|
|
|
S A T E L L I T E R E C E I V E R S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compiled by:
|
|
|
|
Mike Ginger
|
|
|
|
Internet: mike.ginger@metricom.seuk.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
2nd Edition: 14 November 1995
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I N D E X
|
|
=========
|
|
|
|
Subject Page
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contacting the Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
|
|
|
|
Extra Audio Sub-Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
|
|
|
|
Extra Remote Control Functions (SRX200/SRD400) . . . . . . . 11
|
|
|
|
Extra 'Free' PreSets (SRD400) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
|
|
|
|
Optional VideoCrypt Decoder Selection (SRD400) . . . . . . . 28
|
|
|
|
Resetting the SRD400 if it Locks-Up in Standby mode . . . . . 33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C O N T A C T I N G T H E A U T H O R
|
|
=========================================
|
|
|
|
If you have any questions about these modifications, or would
|
|
like to share your own modifications/experiences with others,
|
|
then please contact me on one of the following electronic
|
|
networks:
|
|
|
|
Internet: Mike.Ginger@metricom.seuk.com
|
|
FidoNet: Mike Ginger, 2:251/21
|
|
|
|
I look forward to hearing from you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
*****************************************************************
|
|
* *
|
|
* EXTRA AUDIO SUB-CARRIERS FROM THE AMSTRAD SRX100/200 AND *
|
|
* SRD400 SATELLITE RECEIVERS *
|
|
* *
|
|
*****************************************************************
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introduction
|
|
============
|
|
|
|
As standard, the Amstrad SRX100/200/SRD400 family of satellite
|
|
receivers are only able to receive audio sub-carriers 7.02, 7.20,
|
|
7.38 and 7.56 MHz. For Astra satellite television viewing only,
|
|
this is fine. However, for those wanting extra radio stations (at
|
|
7.74 and 7.92 MHz) and/or to pick-up the sound carrier on the
|
|
Eutelsat and Intelsat satellites (6.50, 6.60 & 6.65 MHz), then
|
|
this limited selection of audio sub-carriers is somewhat
|
|
frustrating.
|
|
|
|
Various commercial audio upgrades have been available for these
|
|
receivers for some time - however their relatively high price has
|
|
made it difficult for most Amstrad owners to justify this
|
|
expense!
|
|
|
|
This article describes how to make such an upgrade, yourself, for
|
|
about 10 UKP, if you want to add subcarriers 6.50/6.60/6.65 and
|
|
7.74/7.92 MHz. If you want to add just 7.74/7.92 MHz then it will
|
|
only cost about 3 UKP. It should be of interest to Amstrad
|
|
owners, who want more than to just watch television from Astra,
|
|
and also anyone that might want to buy one of these receivers
|
|
secondhand (they are very cheap now to pick-up - the SRD400 is
|
|
usually a bargain as it has VideoCrypt built in) and upgrade it
|
|
cheaply.
|
|
|
|
This upgrade involves desoldering crystal(s) from your receiver,
|
|
placing them elsewhere on the main PCB board and connecting them
|
|
up to either a SPDT switch (by adding one additional crystal) or
|
|
a DPDT switch (by adding two additional crystals) - very easy!
|
|
|
|
Please note that the following upgrade has been successfully
|
|
performed on an Amstrad SRD400, but should be very similar for
|
|
the SRX100/200 family of receivers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Components Required
|
|
===================
|
|
|
|
In order to perform the upgrade, the following components are
|
|
required. These are available from Maplins (and other component
|
|
suppliers like RS Components) and their order reference and price
|
|
(UKP) is also given, which are valid until 28 February 1996.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Code Description Quantity Price Each
|
|
------ ---------------------- ----------- ----------
|
|
1) FY84F MP Crystal 18.432 MHz (see note 1) 1.29
|
|
2) FH98G SPDT Ultra Min Toggle (see note 2) 0.89
|
|
or FH99H DPDT Ultra Min Toggle (see note 2) 1.10
|
|
3) M10K 10Kohm 0.6W Resistor (see note 3) 0.04
|
|
4) XR88V Miniature Coax 1 (metre - see note 4) 0.39
|
|
|
|
Notes:
|
|
-----
|
|
1) This is a Series Resonant crystal, utilising Can Style HC-49U.
|
|
It will only be required if you want sub-carriers 7.74 & 7.92
|
|
MHz.
|
|
|
|
2) Order a Single Pole/Double Throw (SPDT) switch if you want to
|
|
fit ONLY ONE additional crystal, otherwise order the DPDT.
|
|
|
|
3) You will need one resistor for each additional crystal you are
|
|
fitting: order one, or two, as appropriate.
|
|
|
|
4) This is 75ohm miniature coax cable. If fitting two crystals
|
|
then you should have a bit left over from 1 metre.
|
|
|
|
All the components above are available from Maplins:
|
|
Tel. +44 (0) 1702 554161
|
|
Fax. +44 (0) 1702 553935
|
|
|
|
Please note that Maplin add a handling charge of 1.55 UKP per
|
|
per order.
|
|
|
|
In addition, if you require 6.50/6.60/6.65MHz audio sub-carriers
|
|
then you will need to order a 17.170 MHz Series Resonant crystal
|
|
(Can Style HC-49U) from QuartSLab Marketing Ltd. This firm can
|
|
make crystals up to any value (apparently). This cost me 6.50 UKP
|
|
inclusive of VAT and p&p in January 1995 - contact them first and
|
|
confirm details and prices (note they only take cheques/money
|
|
orders) before ordering. QuartSLab can be contacted at:
|
|
|
|
QuartSLab Marketing Ltd., PO Box 19, ERITH, Kent, DA8 1LH. UK
|
|
Tel. +44 (0) 1322 330830 Fax. +44 (0) 1322 334904
|
|
|
|
Please note that I have no connection, or interest, with these
|
|
companies whatsoever except as a satisfied customer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tools Required to perform the upgrade
|
|
=====================================
|
|
|
|
The following tools will be required to carry out the audio
|
|
upgrade:
|
|
|
|
1) Soldering Iron
|
|
2) Sharp Knife
|
|
3) Phillips (cross-head) screwdriver
|
|
4) Wide(ish) flat-head (normal) screwdriver
|
|
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How is the UpGrade possible?
|
|
============================
|
|
|
|
The Amstrad SRX100/200 and SRD400 family of receivers use two IF
|
|
filters to derive the left channel (audio modes 3 and 5) and
|
|
right channel (audio modes 4 and 6). The values of these IF
|
|
filters are 10.70 MHz (left channel) and 10.52 MHz (right
|
|
channel).
|
|
|
|
Two crystals are also employed in deviring the subcarriers, one
|
|
is 17.72 MHz (audio modes 1 and 3/4) and 18.08 MHz (audio modes 2
|
|
and 5/6).
|
|
|
|
If you take the crystal value and subtract the IF filter value
|
|
the result is the subcarrier frequency that will be received, eg:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crystal IF Filter Subcarrier Remarks
|
|
Value (MHz) (MHz) (MHz)
|
|
|
|
17.72 - 10.70 = 7.02 ) ie. audio modes
|
|
17.72 - 10.52 = 7.20 ) 1 and 3/4
|
|
|
|
18.08 - 10.70 = 7.38 ) ie. audio modes
|
|
18.08 - 10.52 = 7.56 ) 2 and 5/6
|
|
|
|
and if we add crystals 18.432 MHz and 17.17 Mhz:
|
|
|
|
18.432 - 10.70 = 7.732 or nearly 7.74 MHz
|
|
18.432 - 10.52 = 7.912 or nearly 7.92 MHz
|
|
|
|
17.17 - 10.70 = 6.47 or nearly 6.50 MHz
|
|
17.17 - 10.52 = 6.65 also picks-up 6.60 MHz
|
|
|
|
You might want to add subcarriers 8.10 and 8.28 MHz (with an
|
|
18.80 MHz crystal!):
|
|
|
|
18.80 - 10.70 = 8.10
|
|
18.80 - 10.52 = 8.28
|
|
|
|
In practise, the 18.432 MHz crystal gives excellent performance.
|
|
|
|
The 17.17 MHz crystal is satisfactory for subcarriers 6.50 MHz
|
|
and 6.65 MHz. A slight distortion is experienced on 6.60 MHz, the
|
|
distortion being worse on weak stations. This may, however, have
|
|
more to do with the de-emphasis system used on the Eutelsat
|
|
satellites (50 us) as the Amstrad receivers use 75 us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performing the UpGrade
|
|
======================
|
|
|
|
When referring to top, bottom, left hand side, right hand side,
|
|
etc. please note that I am referring to the view of the receiver
|
|
when it is in its normal position with the control panel facing
|
|
you, as below:
|
|
|
|
Rear/back of the receiver
|
|
|\------------------------------------------\ Right
|
|
Left | \ \ Hand
|
|
Hand | \ Upper Tray \ side
|
|
side |\ \ \
|
|
\ \ \ \
|
|
\ \ \ \
|
|
Lower Tray > \ |-------------------------------------------
|
|
(underneath) \ \ | Front |
|
|
\ \| Panel (controls) |
|
|
\|-------------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
Figure 1: Amstrad SRX100/200/SRD400 satellite receiver
|
|
|
|
|
|
Once you have obtained the components, outlined above, proceed as
|
|
follows:
|
|
|
|
1) Disconnect your receiver from the electricity mains supply and
|
|
disconnect all leads going into the receiver (LNB, TV aerial,
|
|
RF out, etc.).
|
|
|
|
2) Place your receiver on a suitable workbench.
|
|
|
|
3) Switch on your soldering iron (to warm up!).
|
|
|
|
4) Turn the receiver over and undo the four screws underneath.
|
|
|
|
5) Remove the top cover (slide backwards and lift).
|
|
|
|
6) Remove the front (facia) cover - there are two plastic clips
|
|
holding this on underneath (unclip these first) and three on
|
|
the top (unclip these last).
|
|
|
|
7) Remove the VideoCrypt decoder board (SRD400):
|
|
Unclip the three leads - gently tease the leads out of their
|
|
sockets with a thin wide(ish) blade screwdriver. Remove the
|
|
two screws holding the board on. Lift out the Videocrypt board
|
|
by pushing the body lugs outwards.
|
|
|
|
8) Gain access to underneath of main PCB:
|
|
Remove the two screws holding the board to the lower tray.
|
|
Push lugs to left of receiver outwards and lift from left
|
|
hand side, pull slightly leftwards and then hinge on left
|
|
hand side. Their is no need to remove this board fully.
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The next thing to do is locate the original crystals supplied, on
|
|
the main board, which you will need to remove by desoldering one,
|
|
or two, as appropriate. The two crystals will be located together
|
|
on the board, one being marked 17.720 and the other marked
|
|
18.080.
|
|
|
|
Before removing the crystal(s) pause and think, at this stage,
|
|
how you want to be able to switch to your new selection of audio
|
|
sub-carriers. By keeping it simple, I'll assume that you wish to
|
|
fit only the 18.432 MHz (7.74/7.92) crystal. If you want to
|
|
select 7.74/7.92 on audio 1/3/4/7 then desolder crystal 17.720
|
|
otherwise desolder crystal 18.08 (audio 2/5/6). You will only
|
|
need to de-solder both if you are adding two (or more?) crystals.
|
|
|
|
If only adding one extra crystal, then the new circuit for
|
|
switching between the old and new crystals is given below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
----------------
|
|
| |
|
|
| (4) Crystal (6)----------------(9)
|
|
| | One | / \
|
|
- | ------------ \ \
|
|
| 10Kohm / \
|
|
| resistor \ (8)----------
|
|
| / SPDT |
|
|
- | ------------ \ Switch |
|
|
| | | / |
|
|
| (3) Crystal (5)----------------(7) |
|
|
| | Two | |
|
|
- | ------------ |
|
|
| |
|
|
(1) ---------- |
|
|
(Old crystal |
|
|
position) |
|
|
(2) ------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
Figure 2: Schematic diagram of adding one crystal.
|
|
|
|
If you wish to select your new crystal on setting audio 1/3/4/7
|
|
then 'Crystal One', in the diagram, would be the (desoldered)
|
|
17.720 crystal whilst 'Crystal Two' would be your new 18.432 MHz
|
|
crystal.
|
|
|
|
The connections, that will require soldering, are marked (1)
|
|
through to (9) above. These connections should be made by using
|
|
the inner strand of the miniature co-ax cable. Technically, the
|
|
outer strands should be earthed, to reduce any interference,
|
|
although I found that this was not necessary. Keep these
|
|
connections as short as possible.
|
|
|
|
Decide where, on the board, you wish to re-locate the crystals (I
|
|
turned mine upside down and glued them to the main PCB very near
|
|
to their original location) and do a quick 'dry-run' of cutting
|
|
the co-ax to its appropriate length before soldering anything.
|
|
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You will need to locate your switch somewhere convenient. This is
|
|
best fitted after you have made your solder connections, (1) and
|
|
(2) in the diagram figure 2 above, to the main PCB and refitted
|
|
the main PCB back into the lower (cover) tray with the two screws
|
|
(solder these connections underneath the board).
|
|
|
|
I found an ideal place to house the SPDT (DPDT if adding two
|
|
crystals) switch was between the two lips that protrude slightly
|
|
inwards into the set on the right hand side of the lower tray
|
|
(immediately to the right of the crystals). You will find that
|
|
the switch will fit into the gap when the lever is facing either
|
|
towards the front of the set or to the rear of the set (not
|
|
facing up or down). You will need to make a small hole in the
|
|
right hand side of the lower tray so that the switch will fit
|
|
through. I found that I only needed one of the nuts supplied to
|
|
retain it in the tray. If you locate it here, you will also need
|
|
to remove, with a sharp knife, part of the lip on the upper
|
|
(cover) tray, or it will not fit back on!
|
|
|
|
Remember to connect a 10Kohm resistor to the throws of the
|
|
SPDT/DPDT switch (connections (7) and (9) in figure 2 above).
|
|
|
|
If you are adding two additional crystals then you need to just
|
|
'double-up' the schematic diagram in Figure 2 above.
|
|
|
|
Note that the connection of the crystal(s) is not polarity
|
|
dependant ie. they can be connected either way round.
|
|
|
|
Re-assembly is a direct reversal of dis-mantling the unit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Some extra hints and tips
|
|
=========================
|
|
|
|
I've tried my crystals on different settings and found that the
|
|
following combination gave the best results:
|
|
|
|
With DPDT switch facing to the front of the receiver (I call this
|
|
TV mode):
|
|
|
|
Audios 3 and 4 give 6.50 MHz and 6.60/6.65 MHz respectively.
|
|
Audios 5 and 6 give 7.02 MHz and 7.20 MHz respectively.
|
|
|
|
With DPDT switch facing to the rear of the receiver (I call this
|
|
Radio mode):
|
|
|
|
Audios 3 and 4 give 7.74 MHz and 7.92 MHz respectively.
|
|
Audios 5 and 6 give 7.38 MHz and 7.56 MHz respectively.
|
|
|
|
The reason that I set them up in this sequence is the rationale
|
|
that I would either want to sit down and watch TV or just listen
|
|
to radio stations (the switch involves getting up and flicking
|
|
the switch over on the receiver, rather than in the armchair!).
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Also, most people are 'lazier' when watching TV than when
|
|
listening to the Radio. Thus the ability to select any TV sound
|
|
when the switch is in any one position.
|
|
|
|
I reset all channels 1 to 48 to Audio 2 (normal Astra TV sound).
|
|
I can now select most Astra radio stations just by flicking the
|
|
switch over (most are on 7.38/7.56 MHz).
|
|
|
|
Particularly for Eutelsat viewing, I can do all the TV sound
|
|
selecting from the armchair! (6.50/6.60/6.65 and 7.02/7.20).
|
|
|
|
I found better performance from the 6.50/6.60/6.65 MHz crystal by
|
|
running it through the audio 1 circuit (I did try the audio 2
|
|
circuit on my first attempt but experienced more distortion).
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
*****************************************************************
|
|
* *
|
|
* EXTRA REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS ON THE AMSTRAD SRX200 AND *
|
|
* SRD400 SATELLITE RECEIVERS *
|
|
* *
|
|
*****************************************************************
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introduction
|
|
============
|
|
|
|
As standard, the Remote control unit on the Amstrad SRX200/SRD400
|
|
family of satellite receivers are not able to perform all
|
|
functions that are available on the front panel of the receiver.
|
|
|
|
The functions unavailable on the Remote Control are PRESET, H/V
|
|
select, TUNING DOWN, TUNING UP and AUTHORISE.
|
|
|
|
This is particularly frustrating to those users that want to make
|
|
use of the extended presets facility, outlined in the next
|
|
chapter, and those that want to scan the frequencies on other
|
|
satellites, like the Eutelsat family, without having to get out
|
|
of their armchair, kneel down perhaps, and press buttons on the
|
|
front panel of the receiver.
|
|
|
|
This article deals with upgrading the Remote Control to perform
|
|
all functions, except AUTHORISE.
|
|
|
|
This upgrade involves dismantling the Remote Control unit, making
|
|
up some connectors with tin-foil, perhaps soldering these
|
|
connections to make them more reliable, and making four buttons
|
|
out of any piece of spare rubber (black colour preferred!). You
|
|
will also need to cut out the new buttons positions on the
|
|
remote, with a sharp knife. This upgrade really is very easy and
|
|
virtually free.
|
|
|
|
Note that this upgrade has been successfully completed on an
|
|
Amstrad SRD400 remote. These notes can also be adapted to upgrade
|
|
the SRX200 Remote Control but the IC chip numbers, and Remote
|
|
Control layout, will be different on the SRX200 - experiment and
|
|
adapt!
|
|
|
|
For a more permanent fix, it may be better to purchase some
|
|
silver paint and use this instead of the silver foil. This will
|
|
prove more reliable in practise.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Components Required
|
|
===================
|
|
|
|
In order to perform the upgrade, the following components are
|
|
required. These are normal household items!
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1) Some silver foil, eg. Baking foil, Kit-Kat inner wrapper.
|
|
2) A small amount of glue.
|
|
|
|
OR
|
|
|
|
1) Small amout of Silver Paint. This is available from Car Spares
|
|
shops, eg. Comma Electrocure or from Maplins:
|
|
|
|
Code Description Quantity Price Each
|
|
------ ---------------------- ----------- ----------
|
|
1) FY72P Conductive Paint 1 6.79
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes:
|
|
-----
|
|
|
|
The components above are available from Maplins:
|
|
Tel. +44 (0) 1702 554161
|
|
Fax. +44 (0) 1702 553935
|
|
|
|
Please note that Maplin add a handling charge of 1.55 UKP per
|
|
order.
|
|
|
|
These prices are valid until 28 February 1996.
|
|
|
|
Please note that I have no connection with the above named
|
|
companies, except as a satisfied customer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tools Required to perform the upgrade
|
|
=====================================
|
|
|
|
The following tools will be required to carry out the remote
|
|
control upgrade:
|
|
|
|
1) Soldering Iron (recommended - may not be necessary - will
|
|
not be necessary if using the Silver Paint method)
|
|
2) Sharp Knife
|
|
3) Small length of wire (for circuit testing)
|
|
4) Wide(ish) flat-head (normal) screwdriver
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How is the UpGrade possible?
|
|
============================
|
|
|
|
The IC (Integrated Circuit) chip inside the Remote Control of the
|
|
Amstrad SRX200/SRD400 is capable of performing all functions that
|
|
are available on the front panel, except AUTHORISE (SRD400 only).
|
|
Also, there are four more 'press key' contacts inside the SRD400
|
|
Remote (sorry, don't know about the SRX200) that are blanked off
|
|
- one of these is between the STANDBY and RECALL keys, the other
|
|
three being below the CHANNEL DOWN, CHANNEL UP and AUDIO keys -
|
|
all very convenient for the upgrade!
|
|
|
|
It would seem that Amstrad did consider providing these
|
|
functions, as standard, on the remote but decided at a later date
|
|
to blank them off. I can only think that they did this so that
|
|
users would not accidently lock themselves out of the receiver by
|
|
inadvertently enabling the parental lock (more of this later).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performing the UpGrade
|
|
======================
|
|
|
|
In order to perform this upgrade, you will need to gain access to
|
|
the inside of your Remote Control unit.
|
|
|
|
To do this:
|
|
|
|
1) Slide off the battery compartment cover.
|
|
2) Remove the batteries.
|
|
3) You should see, inside the battery compartment, where the
|
|
upper cover (of the remote) meets the lower cover.
|
|
Insert a wide(ish) thin flat-headed screwdriver in here, as
|
|
indicated in figure 1 below.
|
|
Push the screwdriver in, and downwards (towards the upper
|
|
cover with the remote upside down) whilst pulling the upper
|
|
cover away from the lower. They should seperate. Repeat for
|
|
the other side of the remote.
|
|
Pull the lower cover slightly upwards whilst pushing in the
|
|
upper cover at the other two clip points (one in the middle
|
|
and the other at the end furthest from the battery
|
|
compartment).
|
|
|
|
With the lower cover removed access can now be gained to the PCB
|
|
of the remote.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
\
|
|
( \
|
|
\
|
|
) \
|
|
\
|
|
( \
|
|
\
|
|
) \
|
|
\
|
|
( \
|
|
\
|
|
) \
|
|
\
|
|
( \
|
|
\
|
|
) / | \ \
|
|
/ | \ \
|
|
( / /| |\ \ \
|
|
/ / | | \ \ \
|
|
) / | + | | \ \ \
|
|
/ | / / \ \ \ \
|
|
( / /| |/ / \ \ \ \
|
|
\ / / | / \ \ \ \
|
|
) / | - | / \ \< Insert Screwdriver
|
|
/ | / / \ \ here !
|
|
( \ \ |/ / \ \ \ \
|
|
\ \ / \ \ \ \
|
|
)\ \ \/ Inside of \ \ \ \
|
|
\ \ Battery \ \ \ \
|
|
( \ \ Compartment \ \ \ \
|
|
\ \ \ with cover slide off \ \ \ \
|
|
) \ \ \ \ \ / /|
|
|
\ \ \ \ / / |
|
|
) \ \ \ / / |
|
|
\ \ Lower \ \ / / |
|
|
\ \ Cover \ \ / / |
|
|
\ \ \ \ / / /|
|
|
\ \ \ \ / / / |
|
|
\ \ \ \ / / / |
|
|
\ Upper \ \ \ / / / |
|
|
\ Cover \ \ \ / / Lower / /
|
|
\ \ \ / Cover / /
|
|
\ \ \ / / /
|
|
\ \ | / /
|
|
\ \ | / /
|
|
\ \ | / /
|
|
\ \ | /Upper /
|
|
\ \|/ Cover /
|
|
\ | /
|
|
\ | /
|
|
\ | /
|
|
\|/
|
|
|
|
Figure 1: Amstrad SRD400 Remote Control, upside down viewed
|
|
from battery compartment end.
|
|
|
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remove the PCB from the upper cover, simply by lifting, and also
|
|
remove the rubber key selector (which is located underneath the
|
|
PCB with the Remote Control upside-down).
|
|
|
|
Now, replace the PCB in the upper cover, but the wrong way round
|
|
(so that the contacts face upwards, and towards you). At the
|
|
other end of the battery compartment, remove the battery
|
|
connector and replace the other way round. You can now replace
|
|
the batteries (the wrong way round) and lay the rubber key
|
|
selector on top of the PCB.
|
|
|
|
Pointing your remote at your receiver (with it switched ON) press
|
|
the key in the bottom right hand corner of the rubber key
|
|
selector (the key immediately below the AUDIO key - this key is
|
|
not full height). This should activate H/V select. No new
|
|
connection is necessary to enable this function (but you will
|
|
need to cut out the 'blank off' area and make a new key - more of
|
|
this later). Also note that this function is also available, at
|
|
this stage, by pressing the key to the left of it (immediately
|
|
below the CHANNEL UP key).
|
|
|
|
Whilst in this test mode you may like to test the different
|
|
selections possible, and check these with my results, by
|
|
connecting a short length of wire between the IC chip pins in all
|
|
the different permutations. The chip is located at the bottom of
|
|
the remote, or the point nearest the battery compartment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pin > 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9
|
|
No's> | | | | | | | |
|
|
| | | | | | | |
|
|
-----------------------------
|
|
| Amstrad SRD400 |
|
|
IC > | Remote Control IC |
|
|
| (Integrated Circuit Chip) |
|
|
-----------------------------
|
|
| | | | | | | |
|
|
Pin > | | | | | | | |
|
|
No's> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
|
|
|
|
Figure 2: The SRD400 Remote Control IC Chip and pin no's.
|
|
|
|
|
|
My testings have resulted in determining that the following
|
|
combinations are possible, as per the table in figure 3 below.
|
|
|
|
Note that some pin connection permutations do not activate
|
|
anything. SRX200 users will need to prepare their own table as it
|
|
may be different to the SRD400.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IC Pin
|
|
Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------
|
|
8 | | | | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|
|
| | | | | | | |
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------
|
|
9 | | | | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|
|
| | | | | | | |
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------
|
|
10 | | | | 9 | 0 | 1* | 2* |
|
|
| | | | | | | |
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------
|
|
11 | | | | 3* | 4* |TV/SAT |CHANNEL|
|
|
| | | | | | | DOWN |
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------
|
|
12 | | | |STANBY |RECALL | AUDIO | H/V |
|
|
| | | | | | | |
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------
|
|
13 | | | |CHANNEL|PRESET |TUNING |TUNING |
|
|
| | | | UP | | UP | DOWN |
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------
|
|
14 | | | | | | | |
|
|
| | | | | | | |
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------
|
|
15 | | | | | | | |
|
|
| | | | | | | |
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------
|
|
16 | | | | | | | |
|
|
| | | | | | | |
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
Figure 3: Table of possible Remote Control permutations.
|
|
|
|
In order to activate your new Remote Control selections you may
|
|
wish to solder small lengths of wire to the relevant IC chip pin
|
|
soldering the other end to your tin-foil, or whatever, button
|
|
switch.
|
|
|
|
I decided against this approach. The main reason being that the
|
|
pin connections are so close together on the chip that, I felt,
|
|
soldering direct to the pin(s) would have been too difficult.
|
|
|
|
Instead, I traced the relevant pin connections and translated
|
|
these into a map of the 'rubber-button' switch contacts. I
|
|
decided to solder to these contacts instead (much easier). At a
|
|
later date, I removed the silver foil contacts and replaced them
|
|
with new tracks painted with Silver Paint.
|
|
|
|
As standard, each switch contact appears as in figure 4 below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
----------------------------
|
|
Contact furthest > | Top |
|
|
from batteries > | Contact |
|
|
----------------------------
|
|
| ---------------------- < keys actually
|
|
---------------------- | < contact here
|
|
---------------------------- when pressed.
|
|
Contact nearest > | Lower |
|
|
to batteries > | Contact |
|
|
----------------------------
|
|
|
|
Figure 4: Standard switch contact on Amstrad SRD400 remote.
|
|
|
|
Which, in the map in figures 6 and 7 below, are shown as in
|
|
figure 5 below.
|
|
|
|
STANDBY < Key/Switch function
|
|
Furthest > ----------
|
|
from batts. > | 12 | < Pin number connected to, on IC.
|
|
----------
|
|
Nearest to > | 4 | < Pin number connected to, on IC.
|
|
batteries > ----------
|
|
|
|
Figure 5: Interpretation of keypad map in figures 6 and
|
|
7 below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Figure 6, below, is the map of the 'rubber-button' switch
|
|
contacts as standard, and before upgrading.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
unused key
|
|
STANDBY blanked off RECALL
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 12 | | | | 12 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 4 | | | | 5 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
1 2 3
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 8 | | 8 | | 8 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 4 | | 5 | | 6 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
4 5 6
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 8 | | 4 | | 5 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 7 | | 9 | | 9 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
7 8 9
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 9 | | 9 | | 4 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 6 | | 7 | | 10 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
0 1* 2*
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 10 | | 10 | | 10 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 5 | | 6 | | 7 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
3* 4* TV/SAT
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 4 | | 5 | | 6 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 11 | | 11 | | 11 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
CHANNEL
|
|
DOWN UP AUDIO
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 11 | | 4 | | 6 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 7 | | 13 | | 12 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
unused key unused key unused key
|
|
blanked off blanked off blanked off
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| | | | | |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| | | | | |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
Figure 6: Standard Amstrad SRD400 Remote Control layout
|
|
|
|
Now, lift off the rubber keypad selector, remove the batteries
|
|
from the battery compartment and remove the PCB.
|
|
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You are now ready to make the new connectors with tin-foil (or
|
|
paint new tracks on the board with Silver Paint).
|
|
First, decide the layout of your upgraded remote. I decided that
|
|
the layout, for my remote, would follow that in figure 7 below.
|
|
|
|
STANDBY PRESET RECALL
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 12 | | 13 | | 12 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 4 | | 5 | | 5 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
1 2 3
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 8 | | 8 | | 8 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 4 | | 5 | | 6 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
4 5 6
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 8 | | 4 | | 5 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 7 | | 9 | | 9 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
7 8 9
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 9 | | 9 | | 4 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 6 | | 7 | | 10 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
0 1* 2*
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 10 | | 10 | | 10 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 5 | | 6 | | 7 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
3* 4* TV/SAT
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 4 | | 5 | | 6 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 11 | | 11 | | 11 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
CHANNEL
|
|
DOWN UP AUDIO
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 11 | | 4 | | 6 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 7 | | 13 | | 12 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
TUNING
|
|
DOWN UP H/V
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 7 | | 6 | | 12 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
| 13 | | 13 | | 7 |
|
|
---------- ---------- ----------
|
|
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Figure 7: Converted Amstrad SRD400 Remote Control layout
|
|
|
|
No further work was needed to enable H/V select. There are two,
|
|
exposed, connecting contacts that are, conveniently, located
|
|
beneath the button.
|
|
|
|
In order to enable TUNING UP (which at this time functioned as
|
|
H/V select) I masked off the existing connection with a piece of
|
|
self-advesive paper (like that used for envelope labels) so that
|
|
it would not activate H/V select. I then cut out a piece of tin
|
|
foil for one side of the 'switch' (IC pin contact 6 in figure 7
|
|
above). I cut-out a second, longer, strip for the IC no 13
|
|
connection part of the switch - this doubled as serving the
|
|
TUNING DOWN switch as well. Position the tin foil connectors as
|
|
close to centre, of where the button will press, as possible.
|
|
Also, leave as small a gap between the connectors, for each
|
|
switch, as possible. Same applies if you are using the Silver
|
|
Paint method.
|
|
|
|
A thin, tin-foil, connection was then made between IC pin
|
|
connector 6, on TUNING UP and IC pin connector 6 on AUDIO.
|
|
|
|
A thin, tin-foil, connection was then made between IC pin
|
|
connector 13, on TUNING UP and IC pin connector 13 on CHANNEL UP.
|
|
|
|
This was the TUNING UP key enabled!
|
|
|
|
Half of TUNING DOWN key was already prepared when making the
|
|
connections for TUNING UP (the IC pin 13 connection). A largeish
|
|
piece of tin-foil was cut to double as the second half of the
|
|
switch connection, connecting directly to IC pin connection 7 on
|
|
the CHANNEL DOWN switch above it.
|
|
|
|
This was TUNING DOWN key enabled!
|
|
|
|
Finally, PRESET needed to be enabled.
|
|
|
|
A largeish piece of tin-foil doubled as the IC pin 5 connection,
|
|
connecting directly to IC pin connection 5 on the RECALL button.
|
|
|
|
A piece of tin-foil was then cut for the IC 13 connection part of
|
|
the switch. A long, thin, piece of tin-foil was then cut to
|
|
connect this IC 13 connection, on PRESET to IC pin 13 connection
|
|
on the new TUNING DOWN switch. This was run down the left-hand
|
|
side and underneath the switch contact side of the PCB.
|
|
|
|
This was PRESET enabled!
|
|
|
|
Finally, all new contacts were soldered at their joins. I did not
|
|
do this on my first attempt and suffered unreliable operation, so
|
|
I recommend that you solder these joins. Solder as far away as
|
|
possible from where the rubber keys will make contact, otherwise
|
|
these joins will 'break' as soon as you start using your remote
|
|
again!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To avoid any problems in the future, it would be better to use
|
|
the Silver Paint method instead, as this is more robust.
|
|
|
|
In order to use these keys you will, of course, need to cut-out
|
|
the rectangular key holes, which are blanked off, in the upper
|
|
cover of the remote.
|
|
|
|
Use a very sharp knife to cut out these holes. Try and smooth the
|
|
edges of these new holes after they are cut out.
|
|
|
|
Finally, you will need to make some new rubber keys in order to
|
|
use your new functions.
|
|
|
|
I suggest that you make the keys just a bit too big to start with
|
|
and cut to size gradually until you get a good fit. Also I
|
|
suggest you leave a thin 'foot' on your new rubber switches (this
|
|
will stop them from falling out of the upper cover of the remote)
|
|
as in figure 8 below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
/ \
|
|
/ \
|
|
/ \
|
|
/ \ < 'Finger press' contact of new
|
|
/ \ rubber switch.
|
|
|\ \
|
|
| \ \
|
|
| \ \
|
|
| \ \
|
|
| \ \
|
|
| \ \
|
|
| \ \
|
|
| \ \
|
|
| \ / |
|
|
| \ / |
|
|
/\ \ / |
|
|
/ \ \ / |
|
|
\ \ \ / |
|
|
\ \ | |
|
|
\ \ | |
|
|
\ \ | |
|
|
\ \ | |
|
|
\ \ | |
|
|
\ \ | | \
|
|
\ \ | | /
|
|
Retaining > \ \ | |/
|
|
Foot of new > \ \ | /
|
|
rubber switch > \ \ | /
|
|
\ | /
|
|
This can be quite \ | /
|
|
thin and is just \ | /
|
|
to stop the key
|
|
falling out of
|
|
the remote.
|
|
Figure 8: Shape of new rubber switches.
|
|
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you prepare your new rubber switches in this way then you will
|
|
actually install them by inserting them from inside the Remote
|
|
Control unit. The retaining foot is to prevent them from
|
|
inadvertently 'popping-out'.
|
|
|
|
I did try and glue the new rubber switches on my first attempt
|
|
but rubber is not the easiest material to glue - and easily un-
|
|
sticks!
|
|
|
|
Now reassemble everything, except do not replace the upper cover
|
|
of the Remote Control at this stage (ie. insert your new rubber
|
|
keys in their respective housings, replace the rubber key
|
|
selector and replace the PCB and batteries).
|
|
|
|
Whilst supporting the PCB with one hand, turn your remote over so
|
|
that the keys are facing you and check that all your keys,
|
|
including the new ones, function as they should.
|
|
|
|
If one, or more, of the new keys do not function then remove the
|
|
batteries from the remote, turn the PCB and battery connector
|
|
over and replace the batteries. Use your test wire to check the
|
|
connections on the tin-foil, near to where the keys are touching.
|
|
If the function(s) fails then this would indicate that one of
|
|
your connections has come loose - re-solder! If these connections
|
|
are ok then it may be that the rubber key selectors are not
|
|
connecting over the gaps in your tin-foil - reposition the tin-
|
|
foil connections before the glue sets!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Some extra hints and tips
|
|
=========================
|
|
|
|
Try to avoid, at all times, hitting the H/V select key twice in
|
|
quick succession - if you then press AUDIO or RECALL you will
|
|
enter one of the (damned!) parental lock sequences. If this
|
|
happens (four dashes will appear on your display) the best thing
|
|
to do is remove the mains plug, wait 10 seconds, then plug back
|
|
in!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credits
|
|
=======
|
|
|
|
Many thanks to Malik Dad, on the internet, for supplying
|
|
information on the Amstrad SRX200 remote control. This article
|
|
would not have come into existance without him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*****************************************************************
|
|
* *
|
|
* EXTRA 'FREE' PRESETS FROM THE AMSTRAD SRD400 SATELLITE *
|
|
* RECEIVER *
|
|
* *
|
|
*****************************************************************
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introduction
|
|
============
|
|
|
|
As standard, the Amstrad SRD400 satellite receiver appears to be
|
|
capable of storing only 48 channels. For Astra satellite
|
|
television viewing only, this is fine. However, for those wanting
|
|
extra presets to store radio stations and/or to store the
|
|
different frequencies on the Eutelsat and Intelsat satellites,
|
|
then this limited selection of presets is somewhat frustrating.
|
|
|
|
Various commercial '99 channel' upgrades have been available for
|
|
these receivers for some time - however their relatively high
|
|
price has made it difficult for most Amstrad owners to justify
|
|
this expense!
|
|
|
|
This article describes how to access an extra 80 presets and the
|
|
good news is that this will not cost you a penny or involve any
|
|
modifications whatsover.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accessing the Free Presets
|
|
==========================
|
|
|
|
Selecting the extra 80 presets is simplicity itself. Go over to
|
|
your SRD400 and press PRESET then press either one of TV/SAT or
|
|
RECALL.
|
|
|
|
If you pressed TV/SAT your display will now show channel 0
|
|
(Zero)!
|
|
|
|
If you pressed RECALL your display will show a frequency, then
|
|
the audio mode then 0 (Zero)!
|
|
|
|
I would recommend that you use the second method (PRESET then
|
|
RECALL) to access these extra presets, just in case you have an
|
|
ADX unit connected or intend to fit one at a later date.
|
|
|
|
The only drawback to these extra presets is that you can only
|
|
access them sequentially, by pressing the CHANNEL DOWN key to
|
|
scroll through them (you can press TUNING UP or TUNING DOWN
|
|
though).
|
|
|
|
Whilst in this mode, which we will call Extended Mode, you can
|
|
return to Standard (48 channel) mode by pressing CHANNEL UP key,
|
|
or by directly accessing one of the normal, standard, 48
|
|
channels.
|
|
|
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Do not store anything on these Extended Presets at this time -
|
|
read this article in full first!
|
|
|
|
If you press CHANNEL DOWN you will notice the display changes to
|
|
channel 95. Pressing it again will show channel 94 and so on in
|
|
steps of -1 (minus one).
|
|
|
|
The first 80 of these presets, in extended mode, are extra
|
|
presets. The next 48 are repeats of your Standard (48 channel)
|
|
mode - so changing any of these (in extended mode) will also
|
|
change them in Standard mode. The next 80 presets after this are
|
|
repeats of the first extra 80 presets in Extended mode, so I
|
|
suggest that you do not store anything whilst displaying these,
|
|
or be aware that any changes you make will also change the first
|
|
80 presets! After you have scrolled through these you will return
|
|
to Standard (48 channel) mode.
|
|
|
|
There does appear to be an exception to this rule though. If you
|
|
press CHANNEL DOWN until you come to channel 31, in extended
|
|
mode, you should see either a sparkly Teleclub or an Astra 1D
|
|
TestCard (at the time of writing) - these are two channels on
|
|
Astra 1D but the Amstrad SRD400 is picking them up (without an
|
|
ADX!!). Pressing RECALL shows the frequency to be around 6297 (or
|
|
16.297 GHz) which is incorrect. Channels 31 through to 20 step -1
|
|
show these funny frequencies together with Astra 1D channels 55
|
|
(Teleclub) or 56 (Astra 1D TestCard). If possible, do not store
|
|
anything on these channel presets in case someone can shed some
|
|
more light on these. If you keep pressing CHANNEL DOWN until
|
|
channel 63 is displayed then theory dictates that channels 63 to
|
|
52 step -1 should be repeats of the first set of Extended presets
|
|
31 to 20 step -1, but this time no TV transmissions are received
|
|
and pressing RECALL displays a frequency of around 2106 (12.106
|
|
GHz).
|
|
|
|
Whilst exploring these extra presets you will notice some funny
|
|
channel numbers being displayed.
|
|
|
|
The following table, summarising the sequence of channels, should
|
|
be of use to you when using these extra (Extended) presets:
|
|
|
|
Column Column Column Column
|
|
(1) (2) (3) (4)
|
|
|
|
Number Remarks Number Remarks
|
|
Displayed Displayed
|
|
--------- ---------------------- --------- --------------------
|
|
0 ||8 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
95 Can press CHANNEL UP for 0 ||7 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
94 ||6 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
93 ||5 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
92 ||4 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
91 ||3 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
90 ||2 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
|
|
Columns Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Column Column Column Column
|
|
(1) (2) (3) (4)
|
|
|
|
Number Remarks Number Remarks
|
|
Displayed Displayed
|
|
--------- ---------------------- --------- --------------------
|
|
89 ||1 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
88 ||0 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
87 | 9 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
86 | 8 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
85 | 7 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
84 | 6 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
83 | 5 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
82 | 4 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
81 | 3 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
80 | 2 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
79 | 1 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
78 | 0 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
77 A9 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
76 A8 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
75 A7 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
74 A6 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
73 A5 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
72 A4 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
71 A3 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
70 A2 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
69 A1 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
68 A0 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
67 99 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
66 98 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
65 97 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
64 96 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
63 95 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
62 94 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
61 93 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
60 92 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
59 91 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
58 90 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
57 89 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
56 88 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
55 87 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
54 86 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
53 85 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
52 84 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
51 83 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
50 82 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
49 81 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
48 80 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
47 79 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
46 78 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
45 77 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
44 76 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
43 75 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
|
|
Columns Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Column Column Column Column
|
|
(1) (2) (3) (4)
|
|
|
|
Number Remarks Number Remarks
|
|
Displayed Displayed
|
|
--------- ---------------------- --------- --------------------
|
|
42 74 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
41 73 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
40 72 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
39 71 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
38 70 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
37 69 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
36 68 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
35 67 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
34 66 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
33 65 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
32 64 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
31 ( Displays frequencies 63 ( Displays frequencies
|
|
30 ( in the range 6297 MHz 62 ( in the range 2106 MHz
|
|
29 ( (channel 31) to 6128 61 ( (channel 63) to 1953
|
|
28 ( MHz (channel 20). 60 ( MHz (channel 52).
|
|
27 ( Actual frequency must 59 ( Actual frequency could
|
|
26 ( be between 0818 and 58 ( not be determined as
|
|
25 ( 0803 as these would 57 ( no transmissions have
|
|
24 ( be the frequencies of 56 ( been received on these
|
|
23 ( transponders 56 and 55 ( presets!!! They are not
|
|
22 ( 55 on Astra 1D, which 54 ( repeats of channels 31
|
|
21 ( it displays!!! 53 ( to 20 step -1 in column
|
|
20 ( 52 ( (1) opposite !!!
|
|
19 51 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
18 50 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
17 49 Repeat of channel opposite
|
|
16 As Standard Mode channel 48
|
|
15 As Standard Mode Channel 47 And then back into Standard
|
|
14 As Standard Mode Channel 46 48 channel mode. Press PRESET
|
|
13 As Standard Mode Channel 45 and RECALL to re-enter extended
|
|
12 As Standard Mode Channel 44 mode at channel 0 in column (1).
|
|
11 As Standard Mode Channel 43
|
|
10 As Standard Mode Channel 42
|
|
09 As Standard Mode Channel 41
|
|
08 As Standard Mode Channel 40
|
|
07 As Standard Mode Channel 39
|
|
06 As Standard Mode Channel 38
|
|
05 As Standard Mode Channel 37
|
|
04 As Standard Mode Channel 36
|
|
03 As Standard Mode Channel 35
|
|
02 As Standard Mode Channel 34
|
|
01 As Standard Mode Channel 33
|
|
00 As Standard Mode Channel 32
|
|
9 As Standard Mode Channel 31
|
|
8 As Standard Mode Channel 30
|
|
7 As Standard Mode Channel 29
|
|
6 As Standard Mode Channel 28
|
|
|
|
Columns Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Column Column Column Column
|
|
(1) (2) (3) (4)
|
|
|
|
Number Remarks Number Remarks
|
|
Displayed Displayed
|
|
--------- ---------------------- --------- --------------------
|
|
5 As Standard Mode Channel 27
|
|
4 As Standard Mode Channel 26
|
|
3 As Standard Mode Channel 25
|
|
2 As Standard Mode Channel 24
|
|
1 As Standard Mode Channel 23
|
|
0 As Standard Mode Channel 22
|
|
-9 As Standard Mode Channel 21
|
|
-8 As Standard Mode Channel 20
|
|
-7 As Standard Mode Channel 19
|
|
-6 As Standard Mode Channel 18
|
|
-5 As Standard Mode Channel 17
|
|
-4 As Standard Mode Channel 16
|
|
-3 As Standard Mode Channel 15
|
|
-2 As Standard Mode Channel 14
|
|
-1 As Standard Mode Channel 13
|
|
-0 As Standard Mode Channel 12
|
|
U9 As Standard Mode Channel 11
|
|
U8 As Standard Mode Channel 10
|
|
U7 As Standard Mode Channel 9
|
|
U6 As Standard Mode Channel 8
|
|
U5 As Standard Mode Channel 7
|
|
U4 As Standard Mode Channel 6
|
|
U3 As Standard Mode Channel 5
|
|
U2 As Standard Mode Channel 4
|
|
U1 As Standard Mode Channel 3
|
|
U0 As Standard Mode Channel 2
|
|
||9 As Standard Mode Channel 1
|
|
|
|
And then to channel ||8 at the
|
|
top of column (3) on page 24.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Some extra hints and tips
|
|
=========================
|
|
|
|
Avoid pressing the 'H/V SELECT' key twice, as this may initiate
|
|
the, damned, parental lock function. If you do press it twice
|
|
then the best thing to do is press CHANNEL UP or CHANNEL DOWN key
|
|
- this will cancel any parental lock sequence.
|
|
|
|
If you do, inadvertently, enter the parental lock feature then
|
|
you will need to reset the receiver by un-plugging it from the
|
|
mains, wait around 10 seconds, then plug back in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
|
|
*****************************************************************
|
|
* *
|
|
* RESETTING THE AMSTRAD SRD400 SATELLITE RECEIVER IF IT *
|
|
* LOCKS-UP IN STANDBY *
|
|
* *
|
|
*****************************************************************
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introduction
|
|
============
|
|
|
|
When new, one of the Amstrad SRD400's selling points was it's
|
|
built-in parental lock 'feature', which was included to allow
|
|
parents to prevent their children, etc., watching the erotic
|
|
offerings from the clear PAL channels of RTL, SAT 1 and PRO 7.
|
|
|
|
However, this feature can be more of a nuisance than a facility
|
|
and there may be times, for instance if you have 'freinds' round
|
|
that don't know what they're doing or just simply like pressing
|
|
buttons in all sorts of combinations, when the receiver will
|
|
suddenly 'lock-up'.
|
|
|
|
In times like these then you will not know how to unlock the
|
|
receiver if the PIN is unknown. In this situation you have two
|
|
choices. Either leave the unit on STANDBY for at least 48 hours
|
|
(2 days) or read this article and unlock it electronically!
|
|
|
|
Please note that the following upgrade has not been performed on
|
|
my Amstrad SRD400.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Components Required
|
|
===================
|
|
|
|
In order to perform the upgrade, the following components are
|
|
required. These are available from Maplins (and other component
|
|
suppliers like RS Components) and their order reference and price
|
|
(UKP) is also given, which are valid until 28 February 1996:
|
|
|
|
Code Description Quantity Price Each
|
|
------ ---------------------- ----------- ----------
|
|
M1K 1Kohm 0.6W Resistor 1 0.04
|
|
|
|
Notes:
|
|
-----
|
|
|
|
All the components above are available from Maplins:
|
|
Tel. +44 (0) 1702 554161
|
|
Fax. +44 (0) 1702 553935
|
|
|
|
Please note that Maplin add a handling charge of 1.55 UKP
|
|
per order.
|
|
|
|
Please note that I have no connection, or interest, with these
|
|
companies whatsoever except as a satisfied customer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tools Required to perform the upgrade
|
|
=====================================
|
|
|
|
The following tools will be required to carry out the upgrade:
|
|
|
|
1) Soldering Iron
|
|
2) Phillips (cross-head) screwdriver
|
|
3) Wide(ish) flat-head (normal) screwdriver
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performing the Repair
|
|
=====================
|
|
|
|
When referring to top, bottom, left hand side, right hand side, etc.
|
|
please note that I am referring to the view of the receiver when
|
|
it is in its normal position with the control panel facing you, as
|
|
below:
|
|
|
|
Rear/back of the receiver
|
|
|\------------------------------------------\
|
|
Left | \ \ Right Hand
|
|
Hand | \ Upper Tray \ side
|
|
side |\ \ \
|
|
\ \ \ \
|
|
\ \ \ \
|
|
Lower Tray > \ |-------------------------------------------
|
|
(underneath) \ \ | Front |
|
|
\ \| Panel (controls) |
|
|
\|-------------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
Figure 1: Amstrad SRD400 satellite receiver
|
|
|
|
|
|
Once you have obtained the components, outlined above, proceed
|
|
as follows:
|
|
|
|
1) Disconnect your receiver from the electricity mains supply
|
|
and disconnect all leads going into the receiver (LNB, TV
|
|
aerial, RF out, etc.).
|
|
|
|
2) Place your receiver on a suitable workbench.
|
|
|
|
3) Switch on your soldering iron (to warm up!).
|
|
|
|
4) Turn the receiver over and undo the four screws underneath.
|
|
|
|
5) Remove the top cover (slide backwards and lift).
|
|
|
|
6) Remove the front (facia) cover - there are two plastic clips
|
|
holding this on underneath (unclip these first) and three on
|
|
the top (unclip these last).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7) Remove the VideoCrypt decoder board (SRD400):
|
|
Unclip the three leads - gently tease the leads out of their
|
|
sockets with a thin wide(ish) blade screwdriver.
|
|
Remove the two screws holding the board on.
|
|
Lift out the Videocrypt board by pushing the body lugs outwards.
|
|
|
|
Now, locate IC number IC104. This is located on the main
|
|
motherboard towards the rear/right-hand side of the receiver. It
|
|
is located just in front of the LNB input 'box'.
|
|
|
|
You will need to, temporarily, solder/connect one end of the 1K
|
|
resistor to pin 5 of IC104.
|
|
|
|
---------------------
|
|
| |
|
|
Pin 5 >>>>> [[| |]]
|
|
| |
|
|
[[| Chip |]]
|
|
| |
|
|
[[| IC104 |]]
|
|
| |
|
|
[[| |]]
|
|
| |
|
|
---------------------
|
|
|
|
Figure 1: Chip IC104
|
|
|
|
The other end of the resistor needs to be connected to 'ground'.
|
|
|
|
Do this by connecting it to any one of the 2 black leads which
|
|
you dis-connected from the rear of the VideoCrypt decoder (the
|
|
socket with two two white leads and two black leads).
|
|
|
|
Once you have connected the resistor up in this way, then re-
|
|
connect the LNB lead back into the receiver and plug back into
|
|
the mains (do not re-assemble the VideoCrypt decoder or replace
|
|
the receiver's cover at this time).
|
|
|
|
Do not touch anything inside the receiver (keep children/pets
|
|
well away) and press the following keys in the following
|
|
sequence:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1) Press STANDBY on Receiver's Front Panel.
|
|
Display should show 8
|
|
|
|
2) Press H/V button twice.
|
|
|
|
3) Press AUDIO button once.
|
|
Display should show - - - -
|
|
|
|
4) Press 1234 on Remote Control.
|
|
Display should show ]] ]] ]] ]]
|
|
|
|
5) Remove resistor whilst the receiver is still switched on. do
|
|
this by dis-connecting the end from the VideoCrypt lead.
|
|
|
|
DANGER. MAINS VOLTAGE - DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE INSIDE
|
|
THE RECEIVER WHILST IT IS STILL SWITCHED ON !
|
|
|
|
6) Press AUDIO button once.
|
|
|
|
7) Press STANDBY button once.
|
|
|
|
If the receiver still fails to respond then ic104 is probably
|
|
faulty.
|
|
|
|
If this was successful, then dis-connect the receiver from the
|
|
mains supply and dis-connect the LNB lead.
|
|
|
|
De-solder the other end of the resistor from chip IC104.
|
|
|
|
Re-assembly is a direct reversal of the dismantling instructions
|
|
above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Some extra hints and tips
|
|
=========================
|
|
|
|
Although the voltage and current that will go through the
|
|
resistor is very low, and safe, do not touch anything else inside
|
|
the receiver whilst performing this repair. Some parts are live
|
|
mains, although these items tend to be on the left-hand side of
|
|
the receiver, where the transformer is located.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credits
|
|
=======
|
|
|
|
This project would not have been possible without the help of:
|
|
|
|
Tony Theobald 2:250/220 (FidoNet)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
--
|
|
Standard disclaimer: My views are strictly my own.
|
|
|
|
|