DickB Posted October 30, 2023 Share Posted October 30, 2023 My Snipe 4 was fitted 3 years ago, and earlier this year it became difficult to raise and lower. Pressing to power button on the PI box tired on the power led for around 7-10 seconds most times. This wasn't long enough to connect the controller or phone app to select it to start searching. After numerous attempts to turn on eventually it usually stayed on long enough to connect. I took it back the supplier who checked everything and said it was OK {an expensive 400 mile trip an 2 hours fixed service call}. The problem continues and apparently it isn't possible to replace {in the UK} the PI box where I believe the fault lies. Has anyone had Snipe problems and had dealings with the German importer for Europe which offers a repair service? Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted October 30, 2023 Share Posted October 30, 2023 Hi, The following may be of help, satco europe GmbH Waidhauser Str. 3 92648 Vohenstrauß Phone: +49 (0)9651-924248-0 Fax: +49 (0)9651-924248-99 www.satco-europe.de info@satco-europe.de Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DickB Posted October 30, 2023 Author Share Posted October 30, 2023 Thanks for the info. I wonder if anyone has actually used them? Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted October 30, 2023 Share Posted October 30, 2023 (edited) Hi Dick I personally have not, (needing their repair section) but yes members in our club have in the past , I am told with good results as most of the problems occurred, was with the multi plug socket and dampness in the unit itself. You can always give them a call What fault code did it show ? Regards Edited October 30, 2023 by onecal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DickB Posted October 30, 2023 Author Share Posted October 30, 2023 Alas there is no display to show fault codes. It is just that the power keeps switching off so almost impossible to get the antenna to do anything remotely. Fortunately the power stays on long enough most times for long enough for Home button to be pressed and then it lowers. When I took it back in June all the connections were checked. Typical sod's law it worked OK at the time, but within hours back at the site it started playing up. I will get in contact and see how they respond. Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted October 30, 2023 Share Posted October 30, 2023 (edited) Hi Dick Check you have a good feed to the unit and are you just using free to air ? Poor power supply drives them, a little crazy Check you have a good power supply Have you tried as a last resort a factory reset ? Regards Edited October 30, 2023 by onecal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DickB Posted October 30, 2023 Author Share Posted October 30, 2023 I checked the power to the PI box and 12v, though obviously when disconnected, so not under load. Nothing has been changed on the power side which is the same as it was with the previous antenna; an earlier Snipe. The maximum power draw is 30W during antenna movement, and zero when locked on so I don't think power supply is the cause. The problem experienced doesn't have a fault code and usually the time the power is on is not sufficient for the controller to link with the unit. When the antenna does come up it locks on immediately to Astra2, so no obvious antenna problem. The unit has had software updated, but mainly relates to channel mapping and the search function. I guess I will need to try Germany as nobody (except the supplier) is interested in looking at the problem. Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted October 31, 2023 Share Posted October 31, 2023 (edited) Hi I have found that most of the problems , was with the multi plug socket and dampness in the unit itself making it stiff to operate and overloading . I note you did not reply to my question which can also be important to this Antenna are you just using it for free to air or a sat box . some do cause conflict You say your supplier is interested and he previously checked it and found no issues I think I would call him and return same first I have no idea what he/she may have done but you need to see if it works with him when you do return same .Is he using a different power supply and cables? It sounds like a mechanical issue caused by dampness and lack of grease/broken part or/and multiplug issues. Regards Edited October 31, 2023 by onecal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DickB Posted October 31, 2023 Author Share Posted October 31, 2023 I use the TV directly from the antenna on Astra2 so no box. As the power LED illuminates for only 7-10 seconds before any commands are made I don't see how there is any mechanical involvement. When the antenna does operate it works perfectly with no unusual noises. The last time I took the van to the supplier the connections were all checked but there was no independent power supply used. I might try that. I have emailed the German importer but not had a response yet. When/if the problem is resolved I will post the info. Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted November 1, 2023 Share Posted November 1, 2023 (edited) Hi Dick Maybe the update you received then is the problem ? Was it giving problems before the said update You can do a factory reset if you think all your multi plug connections and cabling are good, and a good power supply these are common faults and are sure the unit itself is not damp and mechanically ok, all common faults. Sorry without actually bench testing it's difficult to diagnose , but check your power supply and all it's connections and make sure your multiplug connections and cabling are all ok (parts are available) Check your PI card for dampness , may need a replacement if badly damaged Hope this helps Regards Edited November 1, 2023 by onecal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DickB Posted November 1, 2023 Author Share Posted November 1, 2023 All the connections were checked by the supplier earlier this year and appeared OK. When the fault appeared nothing had been changed since the system was installed. I even changed the TV without any improvement. As the problem has been ongoing for nearly a year it definitely isn't damp as the van has been has been used during the heatwave both here and in Europe. I have asked my supplier to provide a new PI box as I feel the intermittent fault really can only be checked by substitution. So far no response. I have tried to find any UK supplier of spares for the Snipe without success.I was even told that spares are not avaiable. None of the people selling this antenna will undertake repairs on items they haven't supplied. So far no response from the German importer for Europe which advertises a repair service. I am stuck at the moment until somebody replies to my requests, but I live in hope, or essentially the system will have to be scrapped. Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 Hi You purchased the item 3 years ago? Many have been subjected to damp and did not survive over that time.You say it's difficult to raise and lower May I suggest you get all the connections re checked and power supply (under load) The mechanism needs also to be checked for freedom of movement Again sorry, without bench testing it , it's impossible to say as there are so much that can go wrong I am surprised you got no reply from the number I have forwarded to you Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DickB Posted November 2, 2023 Author Share Posted November 2, 2023 Some progress thanks. Email responses from both the supplier and the German importer. I will respond to them to answer their requests. Just be clear, there is no problem with the antenna mechanics. When the power stays on long enough for either the controller or app to connect, it all works perfectly and with a very quick lock. There are no untoward noises. I believe there is a faulty component in the PI box as today the power stayed on, the antenna raised and locked on twice. Yesterday 3 attempts to switch on, and each time the power just turned off before it was possible to connect. It is totally random and it could hardly have been wetter than today! Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 Hi Dick That's good news , glad we all were able to help you a little, you may well be right. Keep us informed of your outcome as it may help others with a faulty unit Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DickB Posted January 3 Author Share Posted January 3 An update on the Snipe 4 Quicksat problem I reported earlier. Having had no help from the supplier other than to suggest another service visit at £180, and 400 miles worth of diesel, I contacted satco Europe in Germany who asked me to do a few checks and then agreed there was a problem with the PI box. To recap, when the power was turned on it went off again within a few seconds so no commands to raise the antenna were possible. I sent the box to Germany where, after a couple of weeks hearing nothing, they said they had lost it and would send a new one! I received an invoice for €133 and today received the original box which had clearly been opened. Fitted the box and at last the antenna does all it should. Not really sure what the lesson learned is, but I guess it would pay to purchase from someone close who provides a decent afterservice. Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 Hi Maybe you could ask what maintenance they provided to the said box? and let us know , as it may help others here if they are unfortunate to have a similar issue with same Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DickB Posted January 5 Author Share Posted January 5 It isn't easy to get a response; none to my last email querying why they said my box was lost and then returning it to me. I suspect that they will have replaced a (the) circuit board. The original sealed screw had been removed and replaced. Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted January 5 Share Posted January 5 On 30/10/2023 at 12:43, onecal said: Hi, The following may be of help, satco europe GmbH Waidhauser Str. 3 92648 Vohenstrauß Phone: +49 (0)9651-924248-0 Fax: +49 (0)9651-924248-99 www.satco-europe.de info@satco-europe.de I am amazed they did not send an invoice back to you as to what repair was carried out on the box? It would be very interesting to know for others on site here in case they come across a similar issue with their Snipe antenna also as you say the contacted you to say the box was lost and now back in your possession ,maybe repaired? Again I gave you Satco contact as I have had nothing only positive results and prompt response when dealing with them previously, Hate to think that has changed Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DickB Posted January 10 Author Share Posted January 10 Now had the detailed invoice for the repair to my Snipe 4 PI box. The "mainboard" was replaced in the original "lost" box. The total cost including my postage to Germany, £17, was £137. The only assistance offered by the original supplier was another visit to their facility with a second £180 minimum charge to examine the system, so a good outcome overall. Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted January 10 Share Posted January 10 Hi Thanks for that , so the board was faulty , Glad your happy with the outcome and all stays working well for you Happy New Year Dick and thanks again for the update Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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