The Internet must be one of the most useful and interesting sources of information in the world. By doing a simple search on a particular topic, a person can gain instant access to information on virtually any topic that a human mind can think of. The latest information added to that vast super highway is complete plans on how build a device to UN99 ECM'd DBS access cards. All for free. Why would someone give away, absolutely free, plans for a product that the week before had a price tag of over $5,000 per unit? What does this mean? For a few folks within the underground, it means the revenue that was once being received from UN99ing access cards is gone.
For those folks who have the ability to build the device from the plans and software circulating on the internet, it means they now can UN99 their own cards should they be ECM'd. The free distribution of this UN99 information has its benefits and set backs. The benefit is that now just about anyone with a computer and the UN99 device can instantly restore their access cards when DirecTv transmits the command 99 ECM. The setback is that some of those who were making money doing the UN99 repair were using their earnings from this service and limited sale of these devices to help finance research for the inevitable access card swap.
It is far too early to tell what will happen next, however, as things progress, we will keep you informed here in the Satellite Watch News.
Howdy All,
April, what a month! I managed to survive the month without too many weird and unusual things happening. I think! Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho it's off to the Dayton Hamvention we go. If you plan to attend the Hamvention this year, stop by our flee market spot and say hello. We will be located at #3327-3329.
We will be broadcasting both the DB-1 and Home Satellite Radio Shows from the Orchard Lounge during the Hamvention. The Orchard Lounge is located across the street and left of the Hara Arena. Stop by and join in on the fun. Show days are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday beginning at 9:00 p.m. (est) I look forward to seeing you all there.
DirecTv suffers brief outage. On Friday, April 25,1997 at about 10:30 p.m. est DirecTv suffered a brief outage that lasted approximately 30 minutes. As of press time we have not been informed as to the exact cause of the outage. Folks from around the country had very little luck contacting DirecTv during the outage as their phone lines seemed to be overwhelmed with incoming calls from subscribers.
Better a little late than never, Sorry for the delay in getting the SWN to you this month. Our printer had another obligation to complete before printing this issue. Your understanding is very much appreciated.
Until next Month.....
Dan,
I knew you had the khonas to stand up to the paper tiger attack by DirecTv.
Signed,
"Been There"
Dear Been There,
Thanks we will give it our best shot.
Dan
Dan,
I am a subscriber to Satellite Watch News. In the town I live in I wish to move homes. It is necessary to apply for a variance to ask for a permit to use the 10 foot antenna I have on the new home. This takes up to 95 days. The town, I presume, based upon the FCC 1996 regulations, only allows permits for antenna of 1 meter or less. My chances of obtaining the permit therefore depend upon the attitude of the Planning Board when the variance is considered - and the antenna needs to be positioned on the roof. It is not. I spoke to the SCBA, they said there is no other solution, ASTA can not help, I don't think due to the fact that the lawyer they used has died. Can you help me? 1. Do you know of any case law, since the 1996 rules, which can help me? 2. Do you agree with the SBCA view, as I understand it, the 1996 FCC regulations means a town can prohibit an antenna over 1 meter. 3. Besides moving out of the area, many towns in this area of the county have similar rules - do you have any other suggestions which may help, not just me, but also other people. I think this matter of general interest and importance to all owners of a satellite antenna who may need a permit if they wish to move and keep the antenna working at their new home! I hope you can help me. I now have to move, and the deal on the house I have to move to has been put on hold due to the antenna situation. Thanks in anticipation of your reply.
Regards,
SSwanwick@aol.com
Dear SSwanwick
I don't have any current information or case law since the new regulations setforth by the FCC in 1996. However, I am sending you via snail mail, some information that we printed in the Satellite Tech Journal back in 1994. As far as the SBCA I sometimes really wonder just who they really represent .... Good Luck
Dan
Dear Satellite Watch News,
I read the letter in your December issue on Ed in Phoenix and stated that he wanted to take the flash out of the video. I have test chips that will stop the video flash on 010 and 016 boards and restore the board to stock condition. Can you PLEASE forward my phone # to him (209-239-4266). Adjusting a "C" band dish is easier with the video turned on. Why do a hardware modification? A video/audio switch and can switch between the VC+ and old board. The switch box is available through MCM Electronics in Ohio for bout $15. By combining the audio on the VC+ and video on the old board preview channels can be watched. If you turn on the graphics on an IRD the sound will stay locked on. This does not work 100% of the time but is fun trying. See there is still life left in that old VC2....I have noticed a number of channels are FA in the old data stream. It appears that GI is recycling old boards into commercial service. Some new channels contain the old data stream. The Outdoor Channel is on F4/24 now.
Thanks,
Wild Bill
P.S. I liked and remembered Shaun Kinney (RIP) too!
Dear Wild Bill
Thanks for the information and I will pass it along. Bill, I think all of us who have been in the industry as long as we have remember Shawn very fondly.
Dan