Radarspotting

Mode-S Receivers => Kinetic's SBS-3 => Topic started by: FLANO on April 16, 2013, 07:36:47 PM

Title: SBS-3 SDR Issue
Post by: FLANO on April 16, 2013, 07:36:47 PM
Hello all,

I am relatively new to the SBS-3, November 2012.

Initially, I had good luck tuning up the 4-SDR radios that came with the package.  At least for four days, as that was the last time I was able to tune up ACARS frequencies on the radios.

Since then, I've upgrade to the 6-SDR radios and have not been able to hear a thing.

Yesterday, I spent a significant amount of time trying to find someone with a similiar issue and then finally, going back through the radio, one by one.

I've determine that SDR-1 is the only radio that works.  The others appear to work, but do nothing.  I placed an earpiece into the back of the hardware and aurally confirmed that only SDR-1 is outputting anything.

I also noticed that only SDR-1 through SDR-4, allow me to input frequencies into those radios.  SDR-5 and SDR-6 don't allow any input, where they did at one time.

Here is what I can tell you about the firmware/software response on BaseStation:

Software version: 1.2.3.175
Firmware Version SBS-3 build 115

Also, in that little box that scrolls on the about BaseStation screen:

FPGAFirmwareVersion: 1.09
DecoderFirmwareVersion: 0.00
UserFirmwareVersion: 1.15

I have no firmware options enabled.

So my questions:
1. Can anyone give me a hand with this issue ?
2. Were there any hardware issues with SBS-3 itself ?  Specific serials ?
3. Will changing to an earlier release help with regaining at least 4, if not all 6, SDR's ?

Thank you very much for any assistance, guidance, or recommendations.

FLANO
Title: Re: SBS-3 SDR Issue
Post by: Anmer on April 16, 2013, 08:01:34 PM
Welcome.

I'll check around tomorrow and get back to you.
Title: Re: SBS-3 SDR Issue
Post by: airladysmith on April 18, 2013, 03:37:06 PM
Hi ,

If you have a SBS-3 then go back too Firmware V115 and 1.2.3.178 

I - and a few others who have new SBS3 had the same problem . It had some thing to do with the firmware which was loaded into your SBS3  when you received  it new .

When i received my SBS I could only get one Freq to work on my ACARS .  I tried all different ways to get it to work  .  Then there was a Firmware Update  - That's when all hell broke lose !!   I few of us could not download the firmware update .  So what we did is - we went back too V115  .  After that my SBS3 works great . It decodes four Acars Freqs .

We are STILL waiting for Kinetic to fix the problem !!  - That being with the upgraded Firmware issue . Also it did not affect all of the SBS3  !!  Some guys upgrade to the newer firmware with out a problem .

In my case the SBS3 had a firmware problem right out of the box .

Hope this helps - there is a lot of talk on the firmware upgrade in the form too .

Tony
Title: Re: SBS-3 SDR Issue
Post by: boro on April 18, 2013, 08:28:57 PM
I don't know if this the same problem I had, I couldn't upgrade to FW118 and when I went back to FW115 only 4 of the 6 SDR's were working. I was in contact with Chris through this forum and via him my SBS3 went back to Kinetic who fixed the problem, all done in 3 or 4 days. I think a handful of SBS3's have had problems when came to upgrading the Firmware.

Peter
Title: Re: SBS-3 SDR Issue
Post by: FLANO on April 20, 2013, 04:43:55 AM
Well, that is discouraging.  I purchased my SBS-3 from a distributor here in the United States.  I tried several times to contact Kinetic directly with not even the courtesy of a reply.  Now it could be I have a defective radio?  I sing so many praises of this radios to my fellow enthusiasts. 

Perhaps some day I will receive a response from Kinetic.

John
Title: Re: SBS-3 SDR Issue
Post by: birdie on April 20, 2013, 06:46:34 AM
Quote from: FLANO on April 20, 2013, 04:43:55 AM
Well, that is discouraging.  I purchased my SBS-3 from a distributor here in the United States.  I tried several times to contact Kinetic directly with not even the courtesy of a reply.  Now it could be I have a defective radio?  I sing so many praises of this radios to my fellow enthusiasts. 

Perhaps some day I will receive a response from Kinetic.

John

Don't over-praise something - its bound to get crazy if it receiving too much praises - Just like praising a kid !
Title: Re: SBS-3 SDR Issue
Post by: Chris-G0WTZ on April 20, 2013, 08:45:06 AM
Flano

I see all the emails that are sent to support@kinetic.co.uk I can not see one from you

If you email me direct I will resolve it for you (PM sent)

Regards

Title: Re: SBS-3 SDR Issue
Post by: FLANO on April 25, 2013, 06:16:38 AM
Chris,
It would seem that my provider Earthlink, is blocking your e-mails for some reason.  I will try again via AOL.

Thanks,
FLANO