This post is 2-in-1. The first part is how to set up/install your DStv Explora decoder while the second part would be how to migrate your current DStv to your newly installed explora smart card. Initially, When you buy the DStv Explora, you will be given a DStv switch(this consists of 4 unicables and 4 universal LNB outputs). Later on, DStv stopped issuing the switch and they started selling their Smart LNB along with their Explora. Before their most recent promo, when you buy an Explora, you will not be given DStv smart LNB. Sadly, without the DStv Smart LNB, the Explora would not receive a signal. Explora and Smart LNB Installation is the topic for discussion for today
Currently, there is a massive promo on DStv Explora which sees the price slashed by more than 50%. I used this opportunity to upgrade the old decoder I am using, whose Smart card is near its end. My case is slightly different, but my guide will be useful for the following set of people:
- Those who are first-time DStv subscriber who wants to buy the Explora
- Existing DStv subscriber who wants to upgrade to Explora but retain their existing account/smartcard
- Also, Existing DStv subscriber who wants to use the Explora with their existing DStv account
- Finally, the article will also benefit those who want to have an idea of user bands & index set up for Xtraview on the DStv Explora.
- You will also get a bonus tip on how to clearDStv card pairing error “E107-4”
About DStv Explora
The DStv Explora is the Go-to decoder of DStv. It offers what other decoders by multichoice don’t offer. Why just watch TV when you and your family can experience every picture-perfect moment in crystal clear HD? The DStv Explora high-definition viewing will push you to the edge of your seat and make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. Among others, you can enjoy the following features on the Explora.
- Watch the action in crystal-clear HD
- Watch one channel while you record another
- Pause live TV for up to two hours
- Record up to 110 hours of your favorite shows
- Easily record entire series
- Connect your DStv Explora to the internet for DStv Catch Up Plus, Showmax Plus set recordings when you’re away from home.
- Fast forward, rewind, instant replay, and slow motion
- Use XtraView to connect up to three decoders under one subscription
Full use of the DStv Explora (including connection to one decoder in XtraView) requires payment of a monthly Access Fee. The connection of the third decoder in XtraView requires payment of an additional monthly Access Fee.
Especially Relevant:
-
How to Connect Three DStv Decoders To Use One Xtraview Subscription
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How to Manually Track a Satellite Dish Network & Frequencies
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Full List of User Band Indexes Frequencies That can be used for Xtraview via Smart LNBLMX502
-
fix DStv faulty Smartcard errors codes like E04-4, E05 and E06-4 without visiting DStv office
What is DStv Smart LNB?
Below are the latest DStv Smart LNB(model LMX501) pictures. Which we shall be used for this article
The DStv Smart LNB has been designed and manufactured for DStv installations where customers use their own satellite dish. It is not generally suitable for multiple-unit dwellings (like complexes and apartments) or commercial customers. It combines the features of a DStv Switch installation and is recommended for all DStv Explora and most XtraView installations.
MultiChoice retired the Multi-switch/DStv Switch in favor of the Smart LNB. The Smart LNB is capable of receiving high-band transmissions from the newly launched MultiChoice satellite. On a sad note, older decoder models i.e. Dual View Decoder and the SD PVR are not capable of decoding these high band transmissions even when hooked to the Smart LNB.
Basically, DStv’s Smart LNB ought to save you some money by reducing the eventual cable run at installation. On top of that, the connection is done straight from the LNB to various rooms in the house, unlike the DStv Switch. Moreover, you don’t incur extra costs to get hooked on that XtraView.
From a technical standpoint, the DStv Smart LNB combines the features of a DStv Switch into a single UniCable LNB for the transmission of multiple satellite signals. DStv has two models of Smart LNB. The new model LMX501 will replace model LMX500. DStv saw fit to increase the number of user bands from 24 in the old model LMX500 to a decent 30 bands in the new LMX501 model. To compensate, DStv cut down the UniCable outputs from 4 to 3 in the new model even as the Universal outputs were reduced from 2 in the old model to just 1 in the new one.
Explora and Smart LNB Installation: The Steps
This article will be divided into three steps. The Dish installation, the decoder installation, and finally, a hint about account migration.
Explora and Smart LNB Installation: Basic Requirements
As I said, I got the Explora 2A at a promotional price. Luckily, it comes with the Smart LNB. I wasn’t given any other installation kit. Luckily I already have more than enough of those. To be able to install DStv Explora, you will need the followings:
- First off, you need the Installation kit, which consists of the Dish, LNB/coaxial cable, F-connectors, tape, hammer, a ladder a sat-finder/tracker, and so on.
- Secondly, you need the Explora and Smart LNB. I will advise you to get the Explora 2 as it works with DStv smart LNB without needing a heartbeat cable and a diplexer.
- Next, prepare your mind to pay for a subscription if you are a new customer. If you are an existing customer and you want to continue using your existing subscription, don’t forget to tell them at the office. In addition, if you want to do PVR or an xtraview, you will need to pay at the point of purchase. You need additional knowledge to be able to install xtraview on your decoder. Also, it would be best if you had an additional decoder.
Step 1: Install the DStv Explora Dish and Connect it to the Decoder.
- Point your DStv dish(90cm) to Eutelsat 36B 36e. If you can’t do this by yourself, call a professional installer. If you installed a dish-facing DStv with a single solution universal LNB, please swap your existing LNB with the DStv SLNB. Noteworthy, your existing non-unicable LNB will not work with Explora 2 especially. Skew your LNB for maximum signal reception. Set your Smart LNB to 4 or 5 o clock, as shown in the picture below.
- Once you get the highest possible signal quality, connect your coaxial cable to the “Unicable Port A” on the Smart LNB as shown below. Also, remember to pull the blue plastic cover out to protect your LNB
- Next, you need to connect the other end of your cable to the unicable LNB IN port at the back of your Explora decoder. The next step is within the Decoder settings/installation wizard.
Step 2. Explora and Smart LNB Installation: Inside the Explora decoder setup
- Now, you can boot up your Explora 2 decoder. Please make sure you have a subscription on your smart card or make sure you have already requested an account migration from your old decoder to the Explora.
- You will see the installation wizard that will guide you through the setup. The wizard is exactly as shown below:
- The next step is the Satellite position page. Here you either select E36B or IS20. If you are in Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, SA, Swaziland, Zambia, or Zimbabwe, select “IS20”. Otherwise, select E36B. See the picture below:
- Click on Next, then select “Unicable TM/ SatCR as your LNB type on the next screen. You should get a signal on tuner 1, 2, and 3. If you, however, get the following error message:
“This Function cannot be performed as the
signal strength or signal quality is poor.
Please ensure that your signal strength
or signal quality percentages are high enough”
Then, you have made at least one of the following mistakes:
- You have connected your cable to the Universal Smart LNB port instead of the Unicable port.
- Maybe in your case, you connected the other end of the cable to either RF IN or RF out instead of the Unicable LNB IN.
- Lastly, maybe your signal quality is not high enough. Go and increase it.
If all goes according to plan, you will have a signal on your tuner status as shown below:
- Explora and Smart LNB Installation the next step is on the tuner status page. If you are using your Explora as a single view, please leave all the values as default and click on the scan. However, if you want to connect to xtraview, please ensure your index and user bands on the other decoders differ from that of your primary decoder. Explora 1 requires a heartbeat cable, a diplexer, and a DStv switch with an excellent dual LNB. If you want to connect the new DStv HD decoder to Xtraview, click here. If you are connecting Explora 1 and Explora 2 for Xtraview, please use the settings below.
- Now your channels are scanning, exercise a little patience and the scan will be over. All other things being equal, after the scanning, your channels would be available for viewing based on your subscription. If this is not the case, go to the final step.
Final Step: Explora and Smart LNB Installation- How to clear error code E107-4
I ran into this error because I refused to use the built-in smartcard. I migrated my existing subscription to this new one. However, I saw an error “E107-4”. What I did is to call their customer care, and help me clear the error in record time. See the picture below:
You can clear Smartcard error ” Smartcard Error the smartcard is not paired with the decoder. Dial *120*68584# or visit selfservice.dstv.com to clear this error or for more options. If the problem continues, please get in touch with us for assistance. Smartcard: **********”
Please call Multichoice customer service and they will fix it for you in no time.
Hi Lemmy
Please what should be the settings of the secondary decoder as well as the 3a used for primary
@osef: this will help Full List of User Band Indexes Frequencies That can be used for Xtraview via Smart LNBLMX502, LMX501, & 500
Hey, Lemmy Morgan! Am not clear on the installer with these type of Smart. LNB…how can i connect with one Dish using different accounts of Decoders.
Not using extra view each account has to pay on its on. ( Does it mean i have to get a different LNB not for DSTV, but one which have dual connectors.
@Gift Munez: please read this to get a clearer picture of what might be going wrong with your DStv xtraview setupHow to Combine and Setup XtraView/Extra View on Various DStv Decoders
The E48-32 fault is really about what?
Lnb as well as the decoder the cables are intact, we have tried rebooting several times but nothing seems to work.
Signal status at -1.
This gadget has been functioning well since its installation.
The call centre ladies aren’t really helping either.
The “there is no signal, due to bad weather or a faulty connection” is still displaying after various troubleshooting.
Is there anything one could fiddle with and sort out this irritating message?
@Mpume: it is bad signal code. maybe your cable is broken. call your installer immediately.
hello does i need to adjust the dish elevation if i am changing an ordinary LNB with a smart LNB
Hi Lemmy
I have a 3a decoder with a explora 1 for extra view and a lmx 502i LNB. My primary decoder is the 3a and secondary is the explora, the signal on the 3a is 80 and 100 but when I connect the cable to the secondary the signal keeps jumping up and down on the primary. I took the cable out again from the secondary and the signal was stable once again. Any idea what could be wrong.
@romz: have you set the user band for the secondary decoder?
I suddenly experience difficulties with my DStv explora. when turned on it show on the screen in color “DStv and at the bottom of the sign it says Loading…” then the screen turn down and place a message “No signal” then “surging for signal” after that it switch off completely and then the whole process repeats itself over and over again till we switched of at the power supply
@Hennie: please put a call through to your local professional satellite installer to help you re-align your dish to refocus on the DStv position.
I have just installed a dstv Explora Ultra. Can I get YouTube as an app? It is currently not available under my apps option. How do i install it?
@Neil; no you can’t. you can only get that on a standalone iptv box
A million thanks Lemmy for the DIY. I was easily able to install my Explorar 3a and smart LNB- within 15 mins I was done. I only needed a ladder and a spanner to remove the old LNB install my smart LNB, adjusted to receive signal, followed your step-by-step instructions, quick setup. Thanks again sir.
@phumi: i appreciate your feedback. Such feedbacks are necessary to serve as motivation
How do I link old explora decoder to a zappa with just one rf input the explora is working fine now I wired it with a dual lnb and a diy switch so now I want to connect to a zappa which I connected it to the a port on the diy switch only channel 100 comes up but other channels come with the no link with the primary decoder error. Now my question I do I need a dixpler fo it to work??
@Michael: How to Combine and Setup XtraView/Extra View on Various DStv Decoders
How yu guys I install my DSTV Explora and am using first port from down signal is strength 85 quality 70 % my Explora works after that I remove my signal finder at TV says _1 % signal of I check to other ports nothing signal help me what’s the problem
Thxs guys
Hi Lemmy, pls can Dstv SLNB be used to track other satellites? I tried tracking startimes Using Digital dual mode decoder. HST10-HF but I had no signal. Kindly advice.
@Daniel: you can only use the single UNIV LNB port to track other satellites. You can’t use the unicable ports
Hi Lemmy, I think I had the cable on the wrong port on the smart wuad lnb. It should be on the Unicable port on lnb and will check , thank you
Good day, I had to move Explora to another building, connected dish but shows no signal on tv. Cable running from Unicable port on Smart LNB to unicable port on Explora. Tested level on lnb with Rover sat pointer and it is 77db and at input to explora it is 66db. Can anyone give advice please
@fanie van dyk: how far is your dish from the explora. anything farther than 30m will break your signal
Good day Lemmy. I what’s the best signal strength /quality for explora 2. For Turner 1,strength 79%,quality 58.
Turner 3,strength 81%, quality 59%.
I notice that whenever I power my decoder, It takes hrs to load the catch up & box office. Then, after loading, some old movie is missing. What could b the problem. I did not av such issue when I was using explora 1. Thnx
@bolanle: catch up doesn’t necessarily have something to do with signal quality. You may need to reset your decoder to fix the issue you are experiencing
Hi lemmu, can my explora use SNLB? Cos i’m trying to connect it and it’s saying the signal strength is poor. Pls how do i remedy this?
@james all dstv exploras can use slnb
It’s like you are doing something wrongly. Please book an appointment with your satellite installer
Am presently using zappa HD decoder. I just got explora 2. From what I have learnt from your discussion, I can do the installation on my own. Just to change the lnb to the smart lnb that came with the explora. Pls confirm that to me. I also want to continue using the zappa in other room with its subscription (not extra view) how do I go with it without installing another dish. Please I just need the diagram. Thnk u.
@bolanle: run another cable from slnb to the zappa and connect it to either the universal port or the unicable depending on the age of your HD decoder.
Hi Lemmy, just curious. Why is it better to make Explora 2 primary and Explora 3 secondary/extra view? I would assume that making Explora 3 primary would be best.
I currently use Explora 1 as primary and HD PVR as secondary. I’m getting an Explora 3 soon and I was wondering what would be the best connection using Explora 1 and Explora 3 and which one should be primary? I also use RF out for my 3rd TV to catch both decoders channels.
@Jakes: this will answer your question and more How to Combine and Setup XtraView/Extra view on Various DStv Decoders(old and new)
hi lemmy…I’m a rookie installer….I connected an old Dstv explora using a twin universal lnb…I ran a single cable from the ‘explora output A’ port of the switch to the unicable port of the decoder…then a single cable from the lnb to the ‘H/H’ port of the switch….the issue is that i’m getting a ‘no signal’ message when i try selecting some of the channels…though some channels are showing…please help..
@Plato: you need to use a DStv SLNB for explore. Not a twin LNB sir
Hi . My friend bught dstv explora decoder . The signal seems to be very powerfull in a satelite finder but the tv give us only 1% . Is it neccesarry to cange settings from univesall lnb to smart lnb ? Or any advise you can give me plz
@Micky: dstv explora now using smart LNB ONLY
thanks. used your instructions and it worked perfectly. Please create a youtube channel. you will make more money there
Hi i am struggling to connect 2 explora decoders on one satellite dish LMX501 support 2 decoders from same lnb without affecting one another we have tried with twin LNB we failed please please help
@trust are you trying to setup extraview?
just replaced broken hd pvr with explora 3
my primary decoder is a explora 2, also bought a SLNB
how do i connect the new explora 3A as the extra view decoder as with the HD PVR had two sattelite connections and one rf in connection
@les: you have done well by making the 2a your primary decoder. to connect your 3a, you need to do some settings withing your decoder and change the userband index before subscribing to extraview. please read this post for more insights How to Combine and Setup XtraView/Extra view on Various DStv Decoders(old and new)
Hi do you have diagrams of all the different types of installations
@Fabio Thys: yes, i have them here How to Combine and Setup XtraView/Extra view on Various DStv Decoders(old and new)
HI LEMMY I HAVE A DSTV EXPLORA 2A,A SLNB MODEL LMX501 THAT DOESN WORK CANT FIND SIGNAL ON IT,THEN I WENT AN BOUGHT A SLNB LMX502 IT ALSO DOESN WANT TO WORK ,PLEASE HELP ME WHAT COULD BE THE PROBLEM
@collins: you need to first track the satellite position successfully before thinking of connecting the smart lnb. Please use a sat finder to first track it or call a professional satellite installer
We have 2 explora model 2a, i had a problem and had to take it to dstv to check out. I marked all the cables before removing them but now that i am putting it back it does not want to work so obviously i wrote something wrong. On the main explora the first cable from the back is in the RF out, the 2nd cable in unicable. On the second (extra view) explora where must the first cable be – RF in or RF out? The 2nd cable is in unicable.
@debbie: https://wp.me/p3grXs-3Is
Hello, saw your link online and I decided to share my dstv issue with u, I just bought the hd 6s model and it was connected fine but couldn’t show in my living room instead was shown in my bedroom when connected. …so we thought it’s the living room cable that was faulty. Been using it like that all the while before I bought another cable, run it with the exciting installation but still not showing. …now the questions is does this model work with distance or what exactly is wrong …same connection but showing in bedroom with a shorter distance that living room with a longer distance , please advice
@dotun: it sure works with 30 meters distance when used with slnb
Thanks for the reply, well I’m not the installer but again I’m not trying to connect two decoder here, just saying why is it showing in the room and not showing in the living room with both dish on same frequency and fixed n installed in same direction…….so are u saying I should buy and use SLNB instead of the LNB
@dotun: distance affects signal sir. Meanwhile, which dstv decoder type are you using?
I have the similar problems here, I got explorer 3a but still getting no signal, am using the old dish and a cable. do they meet the standards?
@roots: which LNBF are you using with it?
Problem solved. The decoder was faulty.
Thanks Lemmy. The LNB cable is definitely fine. What I did do is to install my old PVR decoder to check if I get a signal and I did. But obviously I change the LNB cable to the unicable port on the LNB. So it is either the decoder or ports on the SLNB. Is it possible that only certain ports on an SLNB can fail?
Hi Lemmy
I have a single Explora 2 connected and it suddenly lost signal. I checked the cable for continuity and it test OK. Could the SLNB be faulty? How can I test it?
@Anton: it is either your lnb cable or the LNB is bad. Meanwhile, first check for loose connection between the lnb cable and the decoder
If I replace lnb on Dstv and it now showing installation wizard and the decoder HD not explore,what really happen.
@kayode: it indicates a signal issue maybe due to an incompatible lnb, wrongly skewed lnb or you simply need to rescan the programs via installation wizard
I am try to work on a client’s explore, it has sound and you can see all information on the screen, but no picture . what could be the problem?
@that looks like a hardware problem. trying using another hdmi cable
Thanks Lemmy. This was VERY useful
Hi Lenny. My primary decoder suddenly lost the signal and won’t play. I’m using an explora 2a and had 4u as extra view. The extra view is playing fine. I checked the cables and rebooted but still nothing. What could be the issue? Thanks in advance
@Ashley: you mean the primary decoder is not working while the secondary is? please check your user band frequency all over sir
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how do I install and configure my decoder. I did reset satellite setting due to no signal
please help me?
@Okpara lovelyn: what is the name of the decoder in question?
Boss,
I have Explora 2A and DSD 1131. How do I connect them in extra view? Please diagram.
@AZ: How to connect the new DStv HD Single View 5 Series(Zappa) Decoder to Extra-View/XtraView
Please Oga Lemmy I am helping someone, he bought a Dstv explora 2a from Uganda and paid his subscription.
I have replaced the old lnb with the new slnb he brought with the explora still on 36a horizontal and the signal quality is very strong but the problem now is I can’t find satellite or 36B during the installation wizard
Pls what could be the solution I am in Cameroon
@custell: first off, go to the nearest dstv authorized dealer to ask if it’s possible to use a Ugandan dstv here is Nigeria
Please Oga Lemmy I am helping someone, he bought a Dstv explora 2a from Uganda and paid his subscription.
I have replaced the old lnb with the new slnb he brought with the explora still on 36a horizontal and the signal quality is very strong but the problem now is I can’t find satellite or 36B during the installation wizard all I see is the IS20
Pls what could be the solution.
Hi Lemme
I need extra view : I have to an Explora 2A with an HDPVR 2 record 1 view ; Also have a smart LNB. need a diagram please
#Rodric leyds: you need a deplexer for your HDPVR 2. I will advise you get the latest dstv hd decoder as your secondary decoder. with it, you will have a direct connection.
I want to connect another explora2 decoder adding it to two existing two decoders, the main and Xtra view. I’m using the SLNB with four outputs.
@Siza: you can add three decoders under one subscription. learn how here: [Guide]How to Connect Three DStv Decoders for Xtraview/Extra View Under one Subscription
Hi. I’m trying to help someone , but am somewhat clueless on the newer connections.
1) – How would I connect a Model 5U decoder to a SLNB (LMX 501) – Would I use the UNIV port, and 3 terminators?
2) – If I would connect an Explora 2 and 5U in Xtra veiw , which ports should I use for which decoder? – No need for a heartbeat wire and Diplexer?
@Mickey: your explora should be the primary decoder and you are to use port 1 for it. 5U should be the latest dstv hd decoder which requires no diplexer. everything is connected to the SLNB
I have exploraA2 &model HD 6s decoder I link it for extraview but I wnt to connect the HD 6s on the slnb do I need frequency settings for that also because it give E143
@Warren: you need to change the “user bands” for the other receivers. All the receivers in your set-up shouldn’t use the same user bands
Hey I’m in Limpopo and the explora 2 signal is to Low we can’t get the right settings. Help.
Please assist me on how to do an extra view using DSTV Zappa decoder 4s and the new 5s decoder using smart LNB
@kenn: you will need a deplexer also
Lemmy, do you have advice for an Explora 2 decoder that has a disk problem ?
Decoder still works, but no PVR functions because of the disk failure.
When decoder asked to re-format I did do the format, but did not help. Unsure if the disk is completely dead, or if there is a way to format it and try again. Is there anything else I can try ?
Thanks for your website. Very good information here.
@Wynand: To avoid further problems, please take it to Multichoice for repair. In old explora, you can replace the harddisk with the exact type. I don’t think this is easy to pull off on explora 2
Thanks for the information. please how do i get to link two explora decoders, the old and the new 2A with the old being the primary. in addition, what settings would each each decoder use. thanks.
@zack: you need to make the new one primary in order to enjoy your setup. Secondly, you need a smart lnb for the new one while you need a dixplexer for the old one. If you want to use the old as the primary, you will need to buy a good quad lnb as well as dstv multiswitch with a dixplexer. Save yourself d trouble, make d new ur primary
Thank you for the lesson on how to install two explorer as xtra view but my question is this is it important to add the switch or is there any other way to go about it. Thanks
@Alabi: you don’t need any switch for explora 2 and zappa HD 5s. But if you are installing explora and old HD decoder, you would need the heartbeat cable and a dixplexer
Thank you for the lesson on how to install two explorer as xtra view but my question is this is it important to add the switch or is there any other way. Thanks
@Alabi: this largely depends on whether it is explora 1 or 2
Pls I want to know if there is any extra money I will pay for using explora decoder addition to the subscription price
@chigbo: there is any. Other payments are optional sir. E.g pvr and extraview
Please can I get any software that I can lock my files in, on my Samsung tap 4 phone.
@Asare v/R: Of course yes, we have a lot of them on the play store. You can use “Vault” for android
Am an installer and to learn c – band installation
@Gyamfi: what about c band installation that you are interested in?