Spirit Word Decoder + DSTV Decoder Settings

Spirit Word – Supermax 1010/1011 Decoder

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Thank you for choosing the latest Spirit Word decoder. The following instructions can be used in the future as a reference and will help you understand your new decoder better. The Supermax decoder brand was specially designed for Spirit Word Channel in the attempt to make decoders more affordable in South Africa while not compromising on quality. Our experience with Free-To-Air channels enabled us to compile a list of specifications that this decoder brand adheres to, making it basically a "Plug and Play" decoder.

Available Models:
Supermax 1010 –
This model was first released towards the end of 2010 and was intended to be an upgrade on all previous models while being the most affordable decoder yet. We are proud to say that this release has been one of the best sellers as well.

Supermax 1011–
It was time to import a new batch! This model has exactly the same features as the Supermax 1010 model, except for an additional adjustable RF modulator. This modulator can be adjusted through the decoder menu and will help with installations where the UHF channel needs to be adjusted not to interfere with other equipment…

Both models have been pre-loaded with Spirit Word Channel (SWC) LOW BAND and HIGH BAND settings as well as the most popular channels available. Therefore you will have no need to enter strange frequencies in order to see Spirit Word.

Scan for Fee/New Channels

One of the most exciting features is the "Auto Scan" which can scan "blindly" for any available channels in +-2minutes or so. This is useful to scan for the latest available channels without knowing any of their frequencies…

1. Press the "Scan" button on the Remote Control.
   
   
2. Go down to "Search" and press the left arrow button to set it to "FREE" and press "OK" to start.

Note: The search might take between 2-5 minutes to complete.

Organize Channels

Another great feature of this decoder brand is the ability to organize the channels according to your own desire.

1. Press the "Menu" button on the Remote Control.
   
   
2. On the first menu page called "Channel", select "TV Channel" and press "OK".
   
   
3. Use the keys on the remote to Delete (1) unwanted channels or to Move (2) the channels to a desired order.
   
   
4. When done, press the "Exit" button on your Remote Control and press "OK" to save your changes.

Note: You might be prompted for a password during the first "Delete" or "Move" action. Don't be alarmed…
If prompted, please use the following password: 0000.

Radio Channels

Most people are unaware that FREE-TO-AIR decoders can also pick up lots of radio stations via satellite. During a "FREE" scan, the decoder searches for the latest available radio channels and adds them to the radio channel list. You can also organize your Radio channels the same way as TV channels. Follow the same instructions and select "Radio Channel" on step 2.

*Press the "TV/Radio" (Blue) button on the Remote Control to switch between Radio and TV channels.

Signal Level

It is quite easy to check if your satellite dish has been aligned properly on this decoder.

1. Press the "Menu" button on the Remote Control.
   
   
2. On the second menu page called "Satellite", select "NIT Search" and press "OK".
   
   
3. Go to down to "TP" and use your arrow buttons to change it to "1".
   
   
4. The "TP Frequency" should by default be 11170 and the signal intensity and quality should be very high (>90%) since this is a LOW BAND transponder on the vertical polarity. If such levels are not attained, get a qualified installer to fine-tine the dish. Re-check these values before continuing to the next step.
   
   
5. Now for HIGH BAND, change the "TP" again until the "TP Frequency" indicates 12722 on the Vertical polarity. The signal intensity and quality might be much lower but levels between 50-70% could be obtained with a 60cm dish and single LNB. For dish sizes of 70-100cm, >90% could be obtained. "Twin" and "Quad" type LNBs usually has an additional signal loss and it is recommended to use a larger dish to obtain sufficient quality levels for HIGH BAND.
   
   Verify your results:
   a. If you are getting 0% quality levels but did get good levels during step 4, your satellite LNB settings might not match your physical LNB. See "Alternative LNB frequency" section…
   b. If quality levels are below 50%, you could re-align (fine-tune) your dish. Ask a qualified installer to do so.
   
   
6. Finally, you can verify your HIGH BAND signal on the Horizontal beam by changing the "TP" again to 12682. The same rules apply for signal quality than step 5. If you are not getting the same levels on the Horizontal polarity than vertical (step 5), you can ask a qualified installer to fine-tune the LNB "Skew". This is the degrees that the LNB needs to be in order to receive both polarities at the same signal quality… Re-check the frequencies mentioned between step 5 and 6 to compare again.

Alternative LNB Frequency

For HIGH BAND reception, there are mainly two LNB frequencies used in South Africa. Spirit Word and DSTV decoders are by default tuned for 10700 MHz LNBs. Some installers use a 10600 MHz LNB for the installation and get the normal LOW BAND channels just fine. Since DSTV don't need HIGH BAND, these frequencies are usually never

There are two ways of checking if this is true. The first is to do a signal level test. If the frequencies 12722 and 12682 both have a signal quality of 0%, the possibility is great that the LNB frequencies are not matched. The second method is quite simple. If Channel 1 ("SWC" on LOW BAND) works but Channel 2 ("SWC" on HIGH BAND) doesn't, then it is a great possibility that all the HIGN BAND channels wouldn't work and that the LNB frequencies are not matched.

FINAL NOTE: If you are using a multi-switch configuration and a "Twin" LNB, it is likely for all the HIGH BAND channels not to work since this configuration only supplies a LOW BAND signal (1 cable for Vertical) and (1 cable for Horizontal).

If you are sure that you decoder might have mismatched LNB settings, you can rectify this:

1. Press the "Menu" button on the Remote Control.
   
   
2. On the second menu page called "Satellite", select "Edit Satellite" and press "OK".
   
   
3. Go down to "Freq2" and press the left arrow button to change the frequency from 10700 to 10600.
   
   
4. Press the "Exit" button to save.
   
   
5. Re-check the channel 1 and 2, or perform another signal level test.
   
   
6. If the problem has not been resolved, it could be another issue. Repeat steps 1 to 4 but to change the frequency back to 10700.