Introduction

This fix is designed to permanently turn on either a working unit or one that has been shut down. Once the modification has been installed correctly, all channels will be received in the clear.

Several models of the Starcom 7 exist, and the same model number can even have differnet board layouts. This fix only works on R1 units. R2 and CFT units need an R2/V5 fix.

Instructions

• Make a circuit board as shown for the testboard.
• Burn a GAL22V10 or PAL22V10 With one of the following: fix1, fix2, fix3, or fix4 and install in testboard.
• To open the unit you must remove the GI star screws. Either obtain a custom star driver bit or use a small pair of flush cutters placing the two blades into oppsite notches and turning. Hinge the top cover to the frount, upside down, and out of the way.
• Locate the EPROM (U4) in the unit and solder a 28pin socket over the EPROM.
• Some units have a talkback module that needs to be removed. It is a long module with 2F fittings. Simply disconnect the molex connectors and screws and remove.
• On some trimode units, cut W25. On baseband units, make sure W25 is not cut.
• Locate the IC labeled 74HC138 (see diagram.). On trimode units you may have to lift the tuner slightly. Solder a wire from pin 15 to test board pad where marked.
• Locate LC3518 (U5) and cut pin 20 in a manner that you can solder to the IC side of the pin. Solder the wire from the test board to pin 20 of the LC3518 (U5).
• Insert the test board in in the socket on top of U4.
• Put the unit back together. It takes a few seconds befor the unit will turn on.