KWS VAROS 109: New firmware 0.9a available!

Hi,

KWS Electronic just published a new firmware version for their satellite meter KWS VAROS 109.

What is new?

■ Disable AFC-Function to show df

AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) 

The device operates with the AFC switched on in the standard settings. This means that if the DVB-S/S2 receiver detects a frequency offset between the transmitter and the receiver, the tuner on the receiver is adjusted accordingly so that the frequency offset disappears. 

However, if, for example, the frequency drift of an LNB is to be observed, it is useful to switch off the AFC. In this case, the device shows the frequency offset in the display (df = …).
The resolution is 0.1 MHz. The sign in front of the value is determined by the following relationship: 

fLNB = finstrument + Δf 

with fLNB = LNB frequency, finstrument = adjusted frequency in the intrument, Δf = frequency drift

■ Programming via DiSEqC-Sequence

DiSEqC Script

Newer multiswitches for single-cable systems are programmable by DiSEqC-signals (like JULTEC a2CSS series). Usually manufacturers provide special program adaptors and PC-software tools. But this programming is also possible by this measuring receiver with the DiSEqC-Script function. A set of DiSEqC commands according EN 50494/50607 can be easily edited in a common texteditor end saved with the ending .dsq. Appropriate files can you get from the manufacturer (e.g. JULTEC). These files must be stored on an USB-stick which can be connected to the measuring receiver. The script function sends the of DiSEqC commands line by line over RF-connector to the DiSEqC-Uint.

Do the DiSEqC Script

First, the device has to be in initial state (running measurements stop by pressing ESC).Plug the USB-Stick containing the Script-Files to the receiver and connect the the DiSEqC-Uint via RF-Connector. Selecting LNB -> DiSEqC Script, choose one of the “.dsq-files” shown in a directory and by pressing ENTER the function starts. A window shows the first comment of the script file and the currently processed line. In the last line of the window a possible DiSEqC-Responce is shown.

Script structure

Sample of a DiSEqC-Script:WideBand mode UAS 474 2 x 950..3000 MHzE2 7F FB 40 00 00 03 52 00 00 03 52; LOF 9,75 GHz, IF 950..3000 MHzE2 7F FB FE; store data// comment

• First line: Comment, which is show during the whole processing.
• Further lines: DiSEqC-Commands composed of hexadecimal figures and a blank between each 2 Bytes. A command must start in the first column of a line and is terminated by a semicolon. The rest of the line is treated as a comment.
• A double backslash // marks a comment.
• An exception is the „18V“, which must be in an own line. Thereby the LNB-Voltage is set to 18V to create an UNICABLE standard transmission. The LNB-Voltage gets back to 14V after the next DiSEqC-Command was transferred.

This is very interesting for two reasons:

1. Professional installers can now program many SCR devices directly with the KWS VAROS 109 instead of having to use (purchase) special programmers. This will work with all SCR devices that use DiSEqC command scripts for programming.
2. It is now possible measure and monitor the frequency drift of the LNB, due to the fact that the AFC function can now be turned off and the KWS VAROS 109 then displays the measured frequency drift.
3. Satellite DX'er who are lucky enough to own this field meter can use a great hack: the "Programming via DiSEqC-Sequence" can be used for something pretty cool!
   
   Do you remember the DirecTV B-Band Converter (BBC), used in combination with the DirecTV Ka-Band triple LNB?
   
   If not, take a look here: http://www.tele-audiovision.com/TELE-audiovision-1305/eng/vitorsworkshop.pdf
   
   Right! In order to use this LNB for Ka-Band reception in Europe, you need to use the BBC to upconvert the Ka-Band from the LNB, which downconverts the L-Band to 250MHz750MHz, to the regular 1650MHz-2150MHz. This is commonly done by modding the BBC.
   
   Well, with this field meter you can just program two scripts, to turn the BBC ON/OFF!

Script 1: "BBC-ON.dsq"

Turn BBC ON

E2 03 00; BBC ON

// E20300 - activate upconvertion from 250-750MHz to 1650-2150MHz

Script 2: "BBC-OFF.dsq"

Turn BBC OFF

E2 03 00; BBC OF

// E20200 - deactivate upconvertion from 250-750MHz to 1650-2150MHz

Example:

Using the script above, I hooked up my CATV signal cable to the BBC and from there to the KWS Varos 109 (which is a Satellite Field Meter, not designed for CATV measurements).

Of course, nothing will show up in the spectrum, which is rendered from 950MHz to 2150MHz, since my CATV cable only provides a signal up to about 820MHz.

Pop in a USB memory with the two scripts, they become available in the LNB -> DiSEqC menu.

I run the BBC-ON.DSQ script, which sends the E2 03 00 command to the BBC, activating it.

The KWS Varos 109 shows the progress of the script, displaying the last commented line of the script, which is pretty useful.

And "voilá" we are looking at the more than half of the CATV frequency range!

Zooming into the spectrum, we can clearly see and measure the analogue and digital CATV transponders - using a satellite field meter! Nice hack, considering the BBC can be purchased for little money at eBay. NOTE: you only get a 500MHz frequency band (250MHz-750MHz).

So, thumbs up to KWS Electronics! Always great to see commitment to products by providing new firmware with increased functionality.

Regards,

Vitor