Grundig Freesat Receiver (SD)

INDEX

• Overview
• How Do I receive the Freesat Channels ?
  • How do I install a Freesat system ?
• How to install a Freesat SD Receiver
• Using Postcodes to Programme a Freesat receiver
• How to use the Freesat SD EPG and Info options
  • Freesat EPG
  • Freesat INFO
• How to use Subtitles and Red Button on a Freesat receiver
  • Freesat Subtitles
  • Freesat Red Buttons
• How to programme a freesat receiver for another region
• How to add extra channels onto a freesat reciever
  • Add non-freesat channels
  • To display non-freesat channels
  • To view non-freesat channels

Overview
 

The purpose of this section is offer a complete users guide which contains written and video instructions covering the uses, installation and technical advice for a Grundig freesat Standard Definition (HD) receiver.

How Do I Receive the Freesat Channels

Both in terms of equipment and the installation steps the process is identical as for a normal free-to-air satellite system

 
How to install a Freesat SD Receiver

• Unpack the box
  • Grundig Freessat SD Satellite Receiver
  • Remote control and batteries
  • HDMI Lead
  • User's Manual
• Screw the lead from the satellite dish into the LNB in connection
• Connect the HDMI lead from TV to HDMI connection on box
• Plug in the power lead
• Use your TV remote to switch TV to HDMI input

Using Postcodes to Programme a Freesat receiver

When you plug in a Freesat Receiver, one of the first things you will be asked for is your Postcode. The idea of this is to allow ensure that the regional variation of BBC, ITV is correct for where you live.

1. An Installation screen showing signal strenght is displayed press 'OK'
   • 'Scanning signal' takes about 10-15 seconds
   • Press 'OK' again
2. On next screen
   • enter postcode e.g. BT11AA for Northern Ireland
   • Press 'OK' to select screen size
   • Press 'OK' again to proceed
3. Next screen 'Replace existing services'
   • Displays channels as they are added and % complete - takes 30-40 seconds
4. COMPLETE ! - The Freesat box is now totally programmed for this postcode

How to programme a Freesat receiver for another region

It is possible to re-install your freesat receiver by selecting the 'First time install' option. This will wipe all the existing channels and settings on your receiver and do a complete new install.

1. Press 'MENU' button on the remote
2. Select 'Settings' from menu
3. Scroll down to 'First Time Install'
4. Select 'Install' and press 'OK' button
   • Enter the Lock Code '0000'
   • 'Are you sure ?' select 'Yes'
5. An Installation screen showing signal strenght is displayed press 'OK'
   • 'Scanning signal' takes about 10-15 seconds
   • Press 'OK' again
6. On next screen
   • enter postcode e.g. BT11AA for Northern Ireland
   • Press 'OK' to select screen size
   • Press 'OK' again to proceed
7. Next screen 'Replace existing services'
8. Displays channels as they are added and % complete - takes 30-40 seconds
9. COMPLETE ! - The Freesat box is now totally programmed for this postcode

How to use the Freesat SD EPG and Info options

FREESAT EPG

• A great feature of the Freesat receiver is that it comes with a full 7 day EPG.
• This allows the viewer to access programme information on all channels for the coming week.
• Press the 'GUIDE' button
• A programming menu will be displayed which groups channels by genre e.g. 'Entertainment' or simply as 'All Channels'
• E.g. select 'Movies' and press 'OK'
• For the current programme on the first movie channel the following information will be displayed
  • Name of the Film
  • Start and finish Time
  • Summary of the film
• To see the information programme:
  • for the next programme use the → arrow button
  • on another channel use the ↑ ↓ arrow buttons
  • use the yellow button to go forward 24+ hrs

FREESAT INFO

• The advantage of this option is that it displays information on screen with the programme
• On whatever channel you are viewing press the 'INFO' button
• An infomation banner will display:
  • Programme name
  • Start and Finish time
• To view details of the next programme use the → arrow button
• can only see information for current and next programme
• To view details of programmes on another channel use the ↑ ↓ arrow buttons
• Press 'INFO' again to see a programme summary

How to use Subtitles and Red Button on a Freesat receiver

FREESAT SUBTITLES

This is very handy and easy to use function but is not available on all programmes

• To turn on Subtitles: press 'SUB' button
• To turn off Subtitles: press 'SUB' button again

FREESAT RED BUTTON

This button can be used to both bring up teletext onto the screen or also display multiples screens

• Select BBC 1
• Press the 'Red Button'
• Wait 5-10 seconds and the teletext menu can be accessed by selecting the relevant section
  • e.g. 300 Sport

How to add extra channels onto a Freesat reciever

There are a number of free-to-air satellite channels that may be of interest to viewers but do not come on freesat boxes such as sky news etc. The Freesat box allows you to add these channels onto your

STEP 1: ADD NON-FREESAT CHANNELS

• Press the 'MENU' button
• Select 'SETTINGS'
• Select 'Add non-freesat services'
• Select 'Manual Tune'
• Enter the following:

• To start the scan use the → arrow button
• a mesage will be displayed Scan in Progress
• Scan will end with either
  • 'Service Added'
  • 'No Service Added'
•  Channels will have been added Just press 'MENU' button

STEP 2: TO DISPLAY NON-FREESAT CHANNELS

By default the Non-freesat channels are turned off and can not be viewed. To turn on the Non-freesat channels which have been tuned into your freesat receiver you must:

• Press the 'MENU' button
• Select 'SETTINGS'
• Select 'Show non-freesat services'
• Select 'YES' and press 'OK'
• 'Set:Yes' press 'OK' again
• The Channels can now be viewed

STEP 3: TO VIEW NON-FREESAT CHANNELS

Much like the 'other channels' section on a sky box, freesat do not seem to have made a big effort to make the accessing of now freesat channels easy.

• Go to BBC 1
• Use the 'CH -' to channels channels to the top of the freesat list
• Freesat channels are number from channel 3000, 3001 etc.... and have limited EPG funcitons

Index

• 1. How to assemble a sky/freesat satellite dish 
• 2. How to mount a sky/freesat satellite dish
• 3. How to align a sky/freesat satellite dish
• 4. Running the cables & attaching connectors
• 5. Installing the satellite receiver 

1.  How to Assemble a Sky / Freesat Satellite Dish

List of sky dish components

• Sky satellite dish
• Wall bracket
• Wall tube (arm)
• Elevation Bracket
• Dish Bracket
• Fixing Kit
• Feed arm
• LNB (plastic insert)

Tools needed to assemble sky dish

• 10mm, 13mm socket and ratchet
• Philips screwdriver

Steps to assemble the satellite dish

• Open fixing kit and select U-bolts (qty: 2), nuts (qty: 4)
• Insert the U bolts through the wall bracket
• Thread on the nuts
• Insert the arm and tighten the nuts using 10mm socket and ratchet.
• The wall bracket & arm assembly is complete
• Next insert U-bolts (qty: 2) through the elevation bracket
• Loosely tighten nuts
• Attach the Elevation bracket to the dish bracket
• using bolts and washers (qty: 4) and tighten with 13mm socket and ratchet
• Use the bolts and nuts (qty:4) and the philips screw driver to attach the dish bracket to the dish.
• Use the long threaded bolt and small nut to attach the Feed arm to the back base of the dish bracket so the arm protrudes in front of the dish
• Finally insert the LNB (and plastic insert) into the end of the arm and secure with a tie wrap.

2. How to Mount a Satellite Dish

Equipment needed to mount a satellite dish on a wall

• Sky satellite dish, complete with wall bracket and arm
• Coach bolt M8 x 50mm & 10mm plastic plugs (qty: 4)

Tools needed to mount on a wall

• Cordless drill - ideally a 24-36v SDS Drill
• 8mm, 10mm drill bits
• 10mm, 13mm socket and rachet
• Satellite meter

Criteria on where to mount the satellite dish?

• Dish must face South East (141 degrees i.e. direction of sun 11am BST).
• Wall must be a solid surface capable of carrying weight of satellite dish
• Signal must not be blocked by houses or trees (signal is coming in at 21 degrees to the horizontal)
• Place at back or gable end of house to minimise visual intrusion
• Place as close at possible to room / wire box to which the satellite cables are to connect so as to minimise cable run

Steps

1. Place the wall bracket and arm in the correct location
2. Use the cordless drill and 8mm drill bit to drill 4 guide holes
3. Use 10mm drill bit to drill holes to a depth of 60mm
4. Insert the 4 plastic plugs in the holes and mount the wall bracket using the 4 Coach bolts.
5. Tighten the coach bolts using the 13mm socket and rachet.
6. Attach the satellite dish to the arm of the wall plate
7. Use 10mm socket to lightly tighten the dish 'U'-bolts so they are fixed to arm but the dish can still rotated
8. Follow steps in the How to Align a satellite dish guide above 

3. How to Align a Sky / Freesat Satellite Dish

1. Having already mounted the satellite dish on
2. Attach your satellite meter to the dish LNB
3. Align the dish so that it is (1) perfectly vertical, (2) pointing South East (141 degrees).
4. Rotate the dish slowly over and back.
5. Repeat adjusting the tilt angle by 1 or 2 degrees to until a signal is found.
6. Tightend the U-bolts and side bolts using the 10mm & 13mm sockets.
7. Disconnect the satellite meter
8. Connect a cable with an 'F-type' connector from the Dish to the satellite box
9. Check that the signal is working.

4. How to Run the Cabling & Attach Connectors

The next step is to run satellite cable to the satellite receiver.

Tools Needed

• Hammer
• Snips
• Drill
• SDS Drill Bit 10X450

Equipment

• Satellite Installation Kit 

Prior to Begining you must decide

• Decide how to run cable
  • connect into existing cables in the attic
    • Normally neater but requires additional connectors
    • May need a multi-meter to be able to identify the correct cable
    • May result in longer cable runs
  • Run a cable directly from the satellite dish to the satellite receiver
    • Fastest and eastiest way to run a cable
    • Cable runs are normally shorter
    • Requires the drill of a hole through a wall
    

STEPS

1. If the satellite reciever is to be located next to the external wall of a room
   • use a drill and an SDS Drill Bit 10X450 to drill a hole through the wall
   • ensuring to drill from the inside out.
2. To conceal broken plaster use either:
   • Hole tidy (insert inside and out before the cable is run)
   • Cable Cover  nailed onto the outside wall after the cable has been run
3. Feed the end of the satellite cable through the wall leaving enough cable to reach the front of the satellite box.
4. Now start tacking the cable using 7mm clips and a Hammer
   1. Ensuring that the cable runs down from the hole that been drilled in the wall
   2. This will stop water following the cable into the house.
5. Continue tacking the cable
   • Run cable vertically or horizontally but NEVER diagonally
   • If possible hide cable under the plint or behind drain pipes (using 300mm cable ties)
6. Cut the cable leaving enough lenght to reach the LNB of the dish
7. Put on an F Connector on the each end of the satellite cable
8. Screw the F connector on the LNB
9. Seal the connection using Insulation tape or ideally waterproof Self Amalgamating tape 
10. Secure the cable to the dish feed arm using either 300mm cable ties or Insulation tape
11. Final Step is to put on an F Connector on the satellite cable next to the satellite receiver

How to put on an F-Connector

5. How to Install your Satellite Receiver

• Unpack the box
  • Satellite Receiver
  • Remote control
• Screw the lead from the satellite dish into the LNB in connection
• Connect scart lead from TV to 'TV' out connection on bo
• Plug in the power lead
• Turn on the power switch on the back on the box
• After 5-6 seconds the box will come on and should automatically switch TV to AV channel 
• You may need to switch AV channel on TV if it does not automatically switch over

Freesat Channels

OVERVIEW

The 3 terms widely (and often incorrectly) used to describe a 

receiver to get the free satellite channels are:

• Free to Air:  Generic Satellite receiver
• Freesat:  ITV/BBC patented range
• Freeview: NOT a Satellite receiver - its a Terrestrial Digital receiver

Below we give full details of the differences

Free to Air (FTA)

• This is a Satellite Digital receiver and is used with a satellite dish
• It is Free to Air meaning it is used to pick up free satellite channels
• but can come with a card slot to allow it to be used for subscription services
• It is capable of working with any satellite (so long as the dish is large enough)
• Manufactured by a range of up to about 120 different companies
• Boxes can come in the following formats
  • Standard definition receivers: No hard drive
  • High Definition Receivers: Option to add on external hard drive
  • HD+ Receiver: Twin feeds to allow you to record one channel & look at another
  • HD Satellite & Combo receiver: a satellite feed & a Digital terrestrial feed
• Good Points ?
  • It is non subscription
  • It is very versatile in terms of channel line up and satellite
  • huge range of different boxes
  • generally cheaper than freesat
• Drawback
  • Unlike freesat it does not automatically updates if their is a frequency change
  •  or a new channels becomes available
  • getting spare remotes etc can be a problem
• Main channels include (on astra 2, but totally flexible):
  • BBC 1,2,3,4,
  • UTV, ITV 2,3,4,
  • Channel 4, E4, More 4,
  • 6 News Channels, 7 Childrens, 8 Movie channels.
• TVTRADE.IE stock these in our free to air satellite receiver section

FREESAT

Main points

• This is a Satellite Digital receiver
  • Works a Satellite dish
• It meets the Freesat standards set out by ITV/BBC to work
• It will work anywhere in Ireland from a 60cm satellite dish
• It comes in range of types (and about 5 manufactures):
  • Freesat SD: SD with no hard drive
  • Freesat HD: HD with no hard drive
  • Freesat+:   twin feed, with hard drive, series link etc
• What makes Freesat special ?
  • It is non subscription
  • It has a standard channel line up (programme with a UK Post code)
  • it automatically updates if their is a frequency change
  • or a new channels becomes available
  • easy to get spare remotes etc (there is 10 million freesat boxes out there)
• Drawbacks
  • It is generally more expensive that free to air boxes
  • It is not as flexible - i.e. you can't decide the order of the channels in freesat mode
  • Only works off the Astra 2 (28 degrees E) satellite.
• Main channels include:
  • BBC 1,2,3,4,
  • UTV, ITV 2,3,4,
  • Channel 4, E4, More 4,
  • 6 News Channels, 7 Childrens, 8 Movie channels.
• TVTRADE.IE stock these in our Freesat Satellite Receivers section

Freeview

Main points

• This is a terrestrial Digital receiver (NOT a satellite receiver)
  • Works with UHF Aerial rather than a Satellite dish
• It meets the Freeview standards set out by ITV/BBC
• It does not generally work in Ireland (Except along border and East coast)
• It is not stocked by TVTrade.ie
• What people generally mean when they say Freeview is that they are looking for either:
  • Free To Air Receiver
  • Freesat Receiver