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Which sat tuner to choose? - Replacing the tuner with something from Enigma2.

pawcio1979 15213 12
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  • #1 16635695
    pawcio1979
    Level 16  
    Posts: 411
    Rate: 40
    Hello.
    The time has come to replace the old Ferguson HD Combo (strongly shrinks the picture) on something newer and incline to something on Linux.

    Some data:
    NC + subscription with Cameleon card
    The tuner can be with one head
    I care about recording either on HDD or on a pendrive
    Picture only on one TV
    Speed and stability are essential
    Automatically passing permissions (I do not watch government TV ;) )
    EPG is welcome, it's best that it works as it should
    The budget, let's say up to PLN 500, can be new and used (renewed)


    It is worth going to the nBox tuners with the Enigma2 loaded or rather something new?
    I'm thinking about Vu + Zero or something like nBox Enigma2
    I am asking for advice and suggestions.
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  • #2 16635819
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
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  • #3 16635960
    simhak
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
    Posts: 728
    Help: 109
    Rate: 336
    What do these nBoxes do for you?
    nBox is perfect for watching satellite TV, provided it only serves to watch this TV.
    It is known, its parameters can not compete with the equipment currently available on store shelves, but correctly configured, without unnecessary bells and whistles, it works stably - for example, for a few years already.
    The "Yiddish" decoder is "bad" to this decoder, which the popular "Ferdek" 3018 has stopped receiving anything and switched to it because it was (and is) cheap to buy.
    Then every plugin encountered in the network loads to it, the space for the system and zonk ends.

    To the author: if you are looking for equipment to watch it will be good. However, if you are a so-called seeker and expect to transfer channels with the speed of a machine gun, the basics of Linux are unfamiliar to you, look further and not in the Enigma family.
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  • #4 16637241
    LeDy
    Level 43  
    Posts: 19001
    Help: 1981
    Rate: 2898
    And this E2 is not something normal. You activate and operate the normal tuner. You do everything from the remote control. In E2 it's like in a computer - please wait, start up. For E2 you must have programs that are just doing something and the remote control is ON / OFF.
  • #5 16637265
    pawcio1979
    Level 16  
    Posts: 411
    Rate: 40
    simhak wrote:
    if you are looking for equipment to watch it will be good. However, if you are a so-called finder and expect to transfer channels with the speed of a machine gun

    The tuner is supposed to be for watching sat channels, not for chatter because I realize that the processor is weak and there is not enough memory and we will not jump over it.
    As for the speed of channel switching, it takes 2-3 seconds. I remember how once those from the digital polysat were loaded before the channel displayed the squares of operation progress :D

    But if such a nBox if it has a loaded "system" and a list of channels, is not it enough for normal operation?

    Sorry for the questions, but I'm just starting in this section. I found not everything I was looking for on the net.
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    #6 16637713
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
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  • #7 16637980
    simhak
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
    Posts: 728
    Help: 109
    Rate: 336
    Think: a few years ago there were no modchips yet.

    Decoder with low soft, only one cable is sold.
  • #8 16638060
    pawcio1979
    Level 16  
    Posts: 411
    Rate: 40
    In which case, which versions of the software are generally recommended and which ones to run from?
    Possibly maybe here on the forum is someone who sells proven equipment?
  • #9 16638082
    simhak
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
    Posts: 728
    Help: 109
    Rate: 336
    The software version of the software (N) has, in fact, was important in the choice of the decoder rewrite (BSKA, BSLA).
    She had it because it's been different now.
    Now the leader is the modchip among decoders, in which the exchange of the processor and memory was too expensive (BXZB, BXZB).
  • #10 16638197
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #11 16638221
    pawcio1979
    Level 16  
    Posts: 411
    Rate: 40
    szpoak wrote:
    Twice the decoder hung on the Enigma2 inscription and that's it. The third time it worked properly only and only until you pressed indifferently on the remote.

    It's actually lime ...
    Either you bring bad things to yourself or are really done quickly.

    So, can he go to the Koreans? For 420 zlotys on aledrogko there are VU + zero with everything that is needed, even a list of channels.
  • #12 16638257
    simhak
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
    Posts: 728
    Help: 109
    Rate: 336
    Look for a second hand BSKA or BSLA, give it to work (30-50). For max 100 you have a decoder without modchip, a sata connector to the disk. The VFD display or black housing is an optional extra ...
  • #13 16639025
    pawcio1979
    Level 16  
    Posts: 411
    Rate: 40
    simhak wrote:
    Look for a second hand BSKA or BSLA, let it work (30-50)

    Who will make me a tuner for PLN 50?
    Used BSKA PLN 110 + processing + parts + disk and probably without warranty.

    I now see "BSB SPLITTER ENIGMA2 NC + TNK 250GB SHARING" at auction for PLN 229.
    Includes tuner and other "lumber" for it, disk, changed display on VFD, ModChip V.3 with jumper, 11 pcs of capacitors, 12 months warranty.

    In that case, it pays to search and process without a guarantee or simply something ready to take?

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around selecting a satellite tuner to replace an old Ferguson HD Combo, with a preference for Linux-based systems like Enigma2. The user seeks a tuner that supports NC+ subscriptions, allows recording on HDD or USB, and offers speed and stability. Recommendations include nBox tuners, particularly for basic satellite viewing, but concerns are raised about their performance compared to newer models. The Vu+ Zero is suggested as a viable option, with discussions on the importance of software versions and potential issues with modchips in nBox devices. The user contemplates whether to invest in a used or refurbished model or opt for a ready-to-use device with warranty.
Generated by the language model.

FAQ

TL;DR: “98% of nBoxes today are modchips,” so a clean BSKA/BSLA or a VU+ Zero may be safer on a PLN 500 budget. [Elektroda, 2920901, post #16638197]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps buyers choose a stable, fast Enigma2-compatible sat tuner for simple watching and recording without wasting money.

Quick Facts

What should I prioritize if I only want to watch satellite TV?

Choose simplicity and stability. A minimally configured nBox can work stably for years if you avoid extra plugins and tweaks. If you expect very fast channel surfing or dislike Linux basics, look beyond Enigma2 devices. “Without unnecessary bells and whistles, it works stably.” [Elektroda, simhak, post #16635960]

Is Enigma2 as simple as a regular tuner?

Not exactly. One user likens Enigma2 to a computer that needs to boot and sometimes makes you “please wait, start up.” Traditional tuners feel more instant. If you want pure appliance behavior from the remote, consider non‑E2 hardware or pre‑tuned images. [Elektroda, LeDy, post #16637241]

How fast is channel switching on older nBox setups?

Expect about 2–3 seconds per channel on a basic nBox configuration. That’s acceptable for casual viewing but slower than some modern receivers. Set realistic expectations if you’re migrating from newer zappers. [Elektroda, pawcio1979, post #16637265]

Should I buy an nBox with a modchip?

Caution advised. One buyer reports that “98% of nBoxes today are modchips,” with multiple returns and freezes at the Enigma2 splash. Quality varies by seller and build. Consider verified, non‑modchip units or a newer box instead. [Elektroda, 2920901, post #16638197]

Which nBox hardware versions are safer bets?

Look for BSKA or BSLA units when possible. They were favored before modchips became common. BXZB/BZZB often got modchips because CPU/RAM swaps were costly. Verify the board code before buying. [Elektroda, simhak, post #16638082]

What does “modchip” mean here?

It refers to add‑on hardware used to run Enigma2 on certain nBox revisions when replacing CPU/RAM would be too expensive. These builds can work, but quality depends on who did the conversion. [Elektroda, simhak, post #16638082]

How much should a basic nBox conversion cost?

For a used BSKA/BSLA, expect about PLN 30–50 for the work, plus the unit price. These versions include SATA for connecting a hard drive. Confirm parts, warranty, and image before handing over the tuner. [Elektroda, simhak, post #16638257]

Is a ready-made auction bundle worth it?

One example listed PLN 229 for an nBox with VFD display, ModChip V.3, 11 capacitors replaced, 250GB drive, and 12‑month warranty. Evaluate warranty terms and return handling before purchase. [Elektroda, pawcio1979, post #16639025]

What about VU+ Zero as an alternative?

A VU+ Zero bundle around PLN 420 includes the essentials and a preloaded channel list. It’s a straightforward path if you want less tinkering and a cleaner starting point than many refurbed nBoxes. [Elektroda, pawcio1979, post #16638221]

Do I need a twin tuner or is one head enough?

For a single TV and simple recording to HDD or USB, one tuner meets the stated needs. Match the OP’s profile: single screen, basic recording, and stability first. Dual tuners help only if you record and watch different transponders simultaneously. [Elektroda, pawcio1979, post #16635695]

What’s the real cost risk with cheap refurbed nBoxes?

Three RMAs at PLN 30 each turned a PLN 350 nBox into a PLN 470 outlay, similar to a new VuSolo. The same unit also froze at the Enigma2 logo, an edge case worth noting. [Elektroda, 2920901, post #16638197]

How do I set up a stable nBox with Enigma2?

  1. Flash a clean, lightweight image and avoid extra plugins.
  2. Load a verified channel list and EPG configuration only.
  3. Test zapping and standby before adding features; stability first. “Without unnecessary bells and whistles, it works stably.” [Elektroda, simhak, post #16635960]
Generated by the language model.
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