Promax TV-Explorer

steveon

I've just been given a Promax Prodig-5 TV explorer Meter, whilst my Lacuna Sat Meter2 has been lent to another engineer whilst he's Wolsey Sat Meter 3 is sent off for repair.


Although I quite like its design and application, I don't find it the easiest meter I've ever used, despite what the manufacturers state, so my question is has anyone else used one of these meters and if so what do you think of it??

One of the first things I done is upgraded its software and this has helped with identifying the name of the satellite I locked onto. However I'm sure by the time I get fully used to its huge amount of functions I will have my own meter back.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated....

Tony

I found it difficult to use too although mine had to go back for repair. When it was working I found it much harder to use than my mc577 although other guys say its fine when you get used to it.

steveon wrote:

I've just been given a Promax Prodig-5 TV explorer Meter, whilst my Lacuna Sat Meter2 has been lent to another engineer whilst he's Wolsey Sat Meter 3 is sent off for repair.


Although I quite like its design and application, I don't find it the easiest meter I've ever used, despite what the manufacturers state, so my question is has anyone else used one of these meters and if so what do you think of it??

One of the first things I done is upgraded its software and this has helped with identifying the name of the satellite I locked onto. However I'm sure by the time I get fully used to its huge amount of functions I will have my own meter back.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated....

Rippy

I have found mine great for terrestrial work and problems with SMATV systems.
However like Tony I find it awkward for simple day sat. alignment purposes.
However I have been forced to use it the past couple of days as my Lacuna is playing up (no surprise there!)
I find the need to manually change the polarity and band for each transponder checked a pain. Also if you know you have the right sat, polarity and band and a good reading on the analyzer why do you still need to press the explorer key and wait to you get a lock? When you do get it locked I find the MER is the best parameter for fine adjustment of the dish.
Do you have the PK tools software? I did not get a copy and must get one (extra I think) as this allows you to edit channel plans which should make switching transponders much quicker.
Not sure if I will stick with it or try something to replace te Lacuna , like a Rover or Horizon.

Rippy

I just phoned Alban Electronics (distributors) and they agreed to e-mail a copy of PK Tools. Will let you know how I get on with it

steveon

I download the PKupdate software for the meter from the promax website which I have included here for you..

Thanks a million for your comments guys, you both have pretty much confirmed what I taught myself about it.

Rippy

I should have set up channel plans properly using PK Tools ages ago!
All you do is put a few TP s ,Hi and Lo of both polarities in to a plan, save it to the meter and then you can select that plan and swap instantly between them.
The meter is far more accurate than anything I have used before, and now I have done this fast and simple to use. It took the Lacuna playing up to get me to make full use of the explorer.
Steveon, sending you a PM with a link to PK Tools, this is what you need, not PK update.

Ian:)

steveon

Rippy thanks a million for the information and all the links you have provided, I wont be able to try em out till the weekend as I have been helping with a new local broadband provider for the coming days. Have saved all the plans so I will test em out the weekend and let you know how I get on

Owe you one,
Steve

steveon

Hi Rippy,
I've finally managed to get round to installing the PKtools program and uploaded the satellite plans to my meter, and I would like to thank you as this is exactly what I needed, Ive been able to create channel plans for the channels I want to search for and pre-program for the Terrestrial aerial plans I used most often so you have saved me a lot of time and effort..

Thanks again,
Steve