Pace PRD800/900 Upgrade Details

This upgrade is to make the older receivers 1D compatible, this may be done in two ways.

Firstly the tuner may be changed for a 2GHz version, then with an Enhanced LNB, the receiver may be tuned 250MHz high on each channel. This will give full coverage of all four Astra satellites. Note however, it will be worth trying the old tuner with an Enhanced LNB first, in my experience most old tuners will work OK.

Secondly, once the tuner has been replaced, the software may be upgraded, this will correct the frequency display by allowing the LNB local oscillator frequency to be set via a menu.

PLEASE NOTE: These modifications do NOT convert the PRD800/900 into the full MK2 versions, the modified receivers will NOT allow full coverage using an old 10GHz LNB.

Pace technical bulletin follows:

The work involved for modifying a receiver is dependent on the version of tuner in the receiver (i.e. 1.75 or 2GHz). The 2 types of tuner may be differentiated by observing the Part Code shown on the base of the receiver.

Pace receivers with Part Codes beginning 628 and ending in 1 are already Astra 1D compatible.

For a PRD SERIES receiver with a Part Code 627-??????0, carry out tuner and software upgrade procedures 1, 2, and 3.

For a PRD SERIES receiver with a Part Code 628-??????0, carry out software upgrade - procedure 3.

For all PSR SERIES receivers, carry out software upgrade - procedure 4.

(1). Receivers with a Part Code beginning 627-??????0 have 1.75GHz tuners fitted and require an extended I.F. (2GHz) tuner as follows:

(2). When the upgrade from a 1.75 to 2 GHz tuner is carried out, resistor R588 must be changed to a 680K as follows:

(3). Receivers with a Part Code beginning 628-??????0 have 2GHz tuners which will allow the up-grade to an "Enhanced" LNB for reception of all four Astra satellites.

If Enhanced software is desired (i.e. FSS A/FSS B switching) the following modification needs to be carried out.

Replace U2 Microprocessor for the Enhanced Z8 OTP.

OR, if a microprocessor sub-assembly board is fitted in position U2, replace U4 EPROM on the sub-assembly board with the following component:

(4). If Enhanced software is desired for the PSR SERIES (i.e. FSS A/FSS B switching) the following modification needs to be carried out. Replace U2 Microprocessor for the Enhanced Z8 Mask.

OR, if a microprocessor sub-assembly board is fitted in position U2, replace U4 EPROM on the sub-assembly board with the following component:

ABOVE DETAILS COPIED FROM PACE TECHNICAL BULLETIN

Right, now let's get down to the interesting bit - HOW MUCH, AND WHERE FROM.

Pace spares are available from two main component distributors:

The most popular parts are also available from SEME Ltd, 01664-481818, they also have a web site that will allow you to search their spares database to see what is available - however to see the prices you need to have an account and password .

Link to SEME.

I think Willowvale are trade only, where as CPC will accept telephone credit card orders.

The 680K resistor is a standard surface mount device and nothing special.

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