How to do self install of DSTV Explora ?

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DigitalSoldier

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Hi guys,

I just purchased the DSTV Explora decoder today and I already have the DSTV HD PVR decoder.

Is it possible to do a self install at home ?

I have 2 cables coming into the home from the dish and both of them go into my splitter. One goes into the 13v port and the other into the 18v port. Then there are about 4 cables connected to an REC1,2,3,4 and then those cables go from the REC ports to my HD PVR decoder.

What I have tried was to connect the 13v port cable directly to the Explora 13v unicable port. and then just connected the RF output cable to the Explora.

But when turning on the Explora at the setup screen I keep getting a no signal detected error.

Also I haven't inserted my smartcard from the HD PVR in the Explora yet.
 
You certainly can do a self-install, I did it myself.

The two cables coming from the dish needs to be connected to the switch that came with the Explora, and then a single unicable goes from the switch to the PVR.

You can get detailed instructions from the helpful folks here: http://forum.dstv.com/forumdisplay.php?f=71
 
Thanks.

I just went through my entire box and see I did not get the Switch with my decoder.

Will return it as the Switch itself costs R800+
 
Yup you need the smart lnb which is about R440 or so, you then plug one cable in from the smart lnb.
 
I bought the explora yesterday. I have the older 60cm Dish and am thinking of getting the switch. Do I now also have to buy this uni cable? Where do i get that?
 
Ecco said:
I bought the explora yesterday. I have the older 60cm Dish and am thinking of getting the switch. Do I now also have to buy this uni cable? Where do i get that?
Click to expand...

At the moment you have the following options:

(1) Get in an accredited installer to do the job for you. ----- BUT you need to make sure they actually DO the job properly.

(2) DIY- for this you will need lots of patience, and a simple Satfinder similar to those used by the camping/caravan fraternity

(a) Replace the antenna --- For optimal reception of HD channels, the minimum antenna size is 85 - 90 cm.
(b) The simple switch is not really available anymore. If you can get one make sure it is version 5-2, NOT 5-1.
(c) DSTV is starting to implement services on the new satellite, which ultimately will require hi-band reception. This means the minimum LNB required is a Quad/Quattro LNB combined with a Explora switch. The replacement switch available is a 24-1Z switch which costs the same as a SLNB.
(d) The new SLNB allows for 3 Explora decoders to be connected plus one legacy single view decoder. This is MCs recommended install.
(e) Alternatively, you could use a Unicable/SATCR LNB but this will limit what you can do in the future.

The components are available direct from MC, or Space-TV or Ellies. Make sure whatever you get states that it is MC approved for use with an Explora decoder.

Note MC no longer sell Explora decoders with switches or SLNBs -- you have to purchase these separately.
 
Last edited:
Ecco said:
I bought the explora yesterday. I have the older 60cm Dish and am thinking of getting the switch. Do I now also have to buy this uni cable? Where do i get that?
Click to expand...

hope you bought the new explora and not the old one...
 
daniellgr said:
At the moment you have the following options:

(1) Get in an accredited installer to do the job for you. ----- BUT you need to make sure they actually DO the job properly.

(2) DIY- for this you will need lots of patience, and a simple Satfinder similar to those used by the camping/caravan fraternity

(a) Replace the antenna --- For optimal reception of HD channels, the minimum antenna size is 85 - 90 cm.
(b) The simple switch is not really available anymore. If you can get one make sure it is version 5-2, NOT 5-1.
(c) DSTV is starting to implement services on the new satellite, which ultimately will require hi-band reception. This means the minimum LNB required is a Quad/Quattro LNB combined with a Explora switch. The replacement switch available is a 24-1Z switch which costs the same as a SLNB.
(d) The new SLNB allows for 3 Explora decoders to be connected plus one legacy single view decoder. This is MCs recommended install.
(e) Alternatively, you could use a Unicable/SATCR LNB but this will limit what you can do in the future.

The components are available direct from MC, or Space-TV or Ellies. Make sure whatever you get states that it is MC approved for use with an Explora decoder.

Note MC no longer sell Explora decoders with switches or SLNBs -- you have to purchase these separately.
Click to expand...

Well that sucks. So now I have to pay for a new dish, new LNB, and pay for somebody to come and install the damn thing :(
 
scienide said:
hope you bought the new explora and not the old one...
Click to expand...

Maybe, maybe not -----

The old Explora offers more user controlled record space. So, if you like making your own recordings and do not want to use BO or CU, then this is for you.

The new decoder offers less space, but more CU content. So If you are into CU, then this decoder is for you.
The new decoder uses a new compression technology and is UHD (4K) capable
 
Ecco said:
Well that sucks. So now I have to pay for a new dish, new LNB, and pay for somebody to come and install the damn thing :(
Click to expand...

Yup. You can still get away with the 60 cm antenna and simply change the LNB yourself. BUT, The performance will be poor if the 60 cm antenna is not properly aligned and the SLNB skew angle adjustment is not correct. Also, bad weather conditions will affect signal reception more with the smaller antenna than the larger one.

Getting an installer in to do the work and not changing the antenna does not make much finanicial sense.
 
Hi don't want to hi jack this thread but I installed the smart lnb with an existing dish left by the previous owner. I phoned dstv and got my account setup and debit order taken off but it just gives an error code e107-4, which is smart card pairing error. Dstv tried to clear but still gives the same error. Can this error be caused by the dish At all?
 
Richardxtc said:
Hi don't want to hi jack this thread but I installed the smart lnb with an existing dish left by the previous owner. I phoned dstv and got my account setup and debit order taken off but it just gives an error code e107-4, which is smart card pairing error. Dstv tried to clear but still gives the same error. Can this error be caused by the dish At all?
Click to expand...

No, the antenna and installation cannot give you that error. Unfortunately, this weekend and yesterday was NOT a particularly good time to change anything on an installation as MC was busy with lots of channel changes for various packages.

(1) As per the other thread, your install looks okay, so you should be able to make sure the sw is up to date on the Explora, and then reboot the decoder.

(2) You will have to contact MC to verify your service setup on the new Explora if the problem persists.
 
To update this thread on my experience, I eventually got hold of a splitter and did the installation with the current dish, current LNB etc.

So far so good, all the channels seem to be working, and the catch up list is increasing daily.
 
Ecco said:
To update this thread on my experience, I eventually got hold of a splitter and did the installation with the current dish, current LNB etc.

So far so good, all the channels seem to be working, and the catch up list is increasing daily.
Click to expand...

hi ecco, im curious how you did the installation? i've been given an explora 2 without any explora multiswitch or splitter or anything.

atm i have pvr and 1101 extraview setup with a dual lnb, was hoping not to have to buy a new dish and multiswitch and smart lnb and get a guy for installation etc.

seems you were able to do this?
 
Hello guys,

I hope you can help me. I recently moved to Alberton in complex. I have an DStv Explora. I have connected it to the provided wall points (two) via the latest DStv Switch. I do get a signal BUT, not all channels, especially HD, are showing. They complain about weak signal. I have observed that indeed the signal is weak. Also, Catch-up content has not yet been downloaded to my Explora (this is not a new Explora. It was working 100% with a SLNB when i was in Eastern Cape). I tried changing signal frequencies and at one point i received all the channel BUT in SD.

Is there something that needs to be done to the dish? i am not aware of any complaints form my neighbours. I share the same dish setup with three other people and i am not sure if they have an Explora or are experiencing similar issues. Any advise?

thanks
 
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