EUMETCast Troubleshooting Guide
EUMETSAT have kindly allowed reproduction of this information which is supplied to their registered users. There are sections for both Windows and Linux problems, and a section on Common Problems. Please note that this information is Copyright © 2005-2006 EUMETSAT. Please address any questions about this guide to EUMETSAT and not David Taylor. Many thanks to EUMETSAT for allowing reproduction of this information.
If a manufacturer has installed your reception station, we recommend that you contact them first in the event of a failure of your equipment.
DJT: the guide is divided into four sections:
(A) General, provide following information
(A1) set in recv.ini file:
log_level=verbose
(A2)
continue reception for a few hours. then send us following files
license.ini
recv.ini
recv-channels.ini
recv.log
(A3)
send us a screen shots
- of task manager ("processes" and "performance" tab)
- open the TelliCast shell (double click the T icon)
- select License
- send us a screen shot of this page
(A4) answer following questions
- What is the source of the EUMETCast reception station installation? (e.g. VCS, UKW-Technik, EUMETSAT CD & version, ...)
- Antenna size & DVB band used (C or Ku band)
- Version of the TelliCast) software? (latest version is 2.4.0a) [DJT: V2.4.4B is now released]
- Operating system & version? (W2K PRO, XP PRO, ME, Linux RH 9 kernel ..., etc)
- eToken (EKU) runtime environment (check installed programs in the control panel), please provide a screenshot of installed programs
- Used DVB card, version of the DVB card software? (e.g. Skystar2 software V4.2.8)
- When did the problems start? (from the beginning, at installation, when EKU was installed, etc.)
- What are the symptoms? (e.g. reception works fine, stops after 30min, EKU
light off, EKU properties not visible)
(B)
Windows Problems
(B1) EKU problems on Windows: "missing key" or no reception at all
Note:
T-Systems and TelliTec confirmed that the current EKU driver does not support
Windows Remote Desktop. Using it will show "missing key"
symptoms and cause loss of reception. They recommend to use the freely
available VNC software which provides the same functionality. This can be
downloaded from
(B1.1) use a generic user
Open the recv.ini file of the reception software (located in the TelliCast installation directory) and replace the lines "user_name..." and "user_key..." with the following lines:
user_name=eumetcastuser
user_key=9Ecast3004us
(use
exactly this syntax)
You
don't need to reinstall the TelliCast software to change the user_name/user_key.
[DJT: you do need to restart the TelliCast software.]
Now
check if files can be received. There should be MPEF files every 15 min.
This user name allows only reception of 6 hourly MSG image data.
(B1.2) check the EKU (key) functionality
-
remove the key from the PC
-
(re-)install the run time environment Rte_3_51.msi, follow the instructions on
the CD (RTE_3_51 is available from EUMETSAT)
-
plug in the key, a red light on the key should come on
-
open menu/Programs/eToken Properties, you should be able to see the key name and
some properties
-
if you see the following, the key is broken and must be replaced
Name
<this is completely blank>
Type
PRO (Card OS/M4)
FW Version 4.2.5.4 (0x8514)
User Not present
Administrator Not present
-
please send us a screen shot of this window to verify the status
If
this is not successful, perform these steps on another Windows PC (preferably
Windows 2000).
If
the check fails again, the key is probably broken and must be sent back to us.
(B1.3)
If 1) and 2) are successful, check communication with TelliCast software
-
start the TelliCast reception software
-
open the TelliCast shell (double click the T icon 
)
-
select License
under "Client Identification" you should see the selected
username and 4 host_key.. parameters, check if you see the following
host_key_4: ****-****-****-****
if not, the TelliCast software cannot see the key
- send us a screen shot of this page
-
open menu/Settings/Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Services (can also be
located one directory higher), check if "Smart Card Service" is running
(the name can be slightly different).
-
if it is not running, start the service
- make sure that this service is set to "Automatic" in order to starts
at boot time.
(B1.4)
send us the following files
recv.ini
recv-channels.ini
recv.log
(B1.5)
set your assigned username/userkey, repeat (B1.3) and send us following files
recv.ini
recv-channels.ini
recv.log
(B2) Problems after the transponder change (change of frequency)
-
check signal quality, has it dropped significantly?
-
If after the switch over data acquisition does not restart, please check that
your service channel PIDs are still correctly set
(B3) Can't display throughput on TelliCast Client "Overview page"
Although EUMETCast does work perfectly on XP (Home or Pro), a lot of
I
did some testing on this and David Taylor suggested a missing Java module in
IE explorer.
I
could find on the web that Microsoft had a dispute with Sun on this Java Virtual
Machine and does not include it in XP or later products anymore - (see www.mvps.org/marksxp/WindowsXP/java.php )
Solution: (tested on XP Pro)
Search
the Microsoft Java virtual Machine build 3805 on the web and install this
full version. (look for file like "msjavx86.exe")
Because
of the lawsuits with Sun, you won't find it on Microsoft's support site.
Once
installed you do need to upgrade to build 3810 because of severe security
risks in the old build.
Either
find file "msjavwu.exe" on the web and install this or perform a "Windows
Update"
Please
note that installing this build 3810 will only update an existing JVM,
and will abort with an unknown error if JVM was not installed before.
As
alternative you could download and install the Sun Java Virtual Machine (have
not tested this).
(B4) Missing channel(s) on SkyStar 2 cards under Windows
Right-click
on the antenna icon and select "EUMETCast". There is also a
(B5) Cannot install/upgrade or uninstall TelliCast Software
Symptom:
The
message
"unable
to locate the installation log file 'C:\Program Files\Technisat DVB\Uninst.isu' installation will not continue."
or
similar appears. The software cannot be installed.
Solution:
- Open the registry editor and search for "BusinessTV-IP".
- Delete the keys
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\BusinessTV-IP
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wise Solutions\Wise Installation System\Repair\C:/Program Files/T-Systems/BusinessTV-IP/INSTALL.LOG
(B6)
Skystar2 cards: "Interference" with ARAB NET on Windows
The
antenna icon is green but not connection to announcement and data channels in TelliCast
software.
Solution:
Please
upgrade to Skystar driver and software version 4.3.0. CD is available from
EUMETSAT.
(B7)
Reception only when connected to internet (Windows systems)
This
is caused by a firewall setting that allows incoming traffic only when connected
to internet.
Solution:
Enable
the DVB network interface as trusted device in the firewall configuration.
(B8) No reception and "wrong interface address" after installation of a new DVB card/box
Symptoms:
No reception after installation of a new DVB card or USB box. Following messages in recv.log: "... wrong interface address ...".
[DJT: Can also be shown by "Connect failed" from TelliCast client].
Problem:
The hardware entries for previously installed hardware stay in the
windows registry, regardless of whether the device is physically present or not.
Since the DVB device is a network interface, it occupies a given IP address.
An IP address cannot be assigned to more than one network interface.
Solution:
Remove the hidden device and re-install:
-
Open Control Panel => System => Hardware => Device Manager
- Under "View", select "hidden devices"
- Uninstall all DVB network interfaces.
- Reinstall the DVB card or USB box.
-
Check/set the IP address of the DVB network interface (Control Panel - Network Connections).
Right-click the DVB device, then select Properties => Internet protocol
(TCP/IP) => Properties.
- Set the IP address.
- It must match the address in recv.ini (normally 192.168.238.238).
- Subnet mask must be 255.255.255.0.
- Other parameters (DNS, Gateway) need not be set.
Alternative solution:
If you cannot un-install the hidden device, just use a different IP address:
- Set the IP address of the DVB network interface (Control Panel - Network
Connections). Right-click the DVB device, then select Properties =>
Internet protocol (TCP/IP) => Properties.
- Set the IP address, e.g. 192.168.238.239.
- Subnet mask must be 255.255.255.0.
- Other parameters (DNS, gateway) need not to be set.
- Open the TelliCast client configuration file recv.ini.
- Set the same IP address: interface_address=192.168.238.239
- Set the same IP address: interface_address=192.168.238.239
(B9) No files received or many T icons in taskbar
Symptoms:
Signal level and DVB reception looks ok.
No files are received.
Following messages in recv.log: "ERR:2005-06-02 06:50:24.771:Cannot create file ..."
Problem:
Either the disk is full, or a file system is used that limits the number of directory entries (FAT, FAT32)
Solution:
Install a disk maintenance program.
Use NTFS on Windows system.
(B10) Problems opening TelliCast shell
Symptoms:
After right click or double left click on the "T" icon.
Microsoft Internet Explorer may prompt you to "Work Offline" or "Try Again."
Solution:
See following article from the Microsoft knowledge base:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=290766
(B11) SkyStar2 cards: "Interference" with CYFRA on Windows
Symptoms:
The antenna icon is green but no networks connection to the announcement and
data channels in the TelliCast software. CYFRA may be displayed as the
network.
Problem:
Due to tolerances in manufacturing, the DVB card locks to the next transponder.
Solution:
Shift the downlink frequency up in steps of 5MHz until the card locks to the
correct transponder. See document EUM TD 15 (Annex A) provided with the
installation CD on how to perform this change.
(B12) Error in eToken properties
Symptoms:
When you try to run the eToken properties application after installing the
eToken drivers, a "Failed to load eToken.dll" or "Cannot initialise
eToken.dll" error may occur.
Problem:
This is usually caused by a Service error.
Solution:
To check the service:
- Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, then Services
- Locate the Smart Card service
- Verify that the service is Started. Ideally, the startup type should be set to Automatic
- Locate the eToken service
- Verify that the service is Started
After verifying that both services are started, check to see if eToken Properties application still shows an error with the eToken.dll. If it does, there may be a permissions error. If either service fails to start or the other problem persists, contact your IT Help Desk or Computer Support for assistance.
(B13) Problems with entering a new username/password
Symptoms:
The reception stops or does not work at all after entering new username/password.
Problem:
The username/password was incorrectly entered.
Solution:
At first installation the username/password given by EUMETCast in connection with the EKU has to be
entered when installing the TelliCast software. During installation a window will open and ask for the
information. In this case the parameters user_name= and user_key_crypt= will be added to the file
recv.ini. If TelliCast is already installed, then open the file recv.ini and enter the following two lines:
user_name=...
(replace "..." with the username given by EUMETSAT)
user_key=... (replace "..." with the password given by EUMETSAT)
Remove the old "user_name=..." and "user_key_crypt=..." entries.
Do never attempt to change the password in the eToken properties, this might damage the EKU!
(B14) TelliCast problems under Windows 98 and/or ME
Symptoms:
One or more of the following symptoms are observed on Windows 98 or Windows ME systems:
- The installation fails or returns an error message.
- Startup of the Tellicast client fails with the following error message
The TC-RECV.EXE file is linked to missing export IPHLPAPI.DLL:FlushlpNetTable
- Startup of the TelliCast results in red icon and double-click on the icon shows "Attention, No License" message
Problem:
The TelliCast client 2.4.4b is not compatible with some elements of Windows 98 and Windows ME
Solution:
TelliCast client 2.4.4a will solve the problem, it is available from the EUMETSAT helpdesk.
(B15) TelliCast no reception while all DVB reception parameters seem ok
Symptoms:
- The T icon in the tray is always yellow.
- The DVB reception parameters appear to be correct, i.e. signal lock ok, PIDs correct, icon green.
Problem:
The transfer of multicast packets from the DVB interface to the TelliCast client is inhibited, either by the firewall, or by an incorrect
Internet setting, e.g. proxy server entry, or an incorrect data service is selected when using the Skystar2 card.
Solution:
- Switch off the firewall, if enabled.
- Check the proxy server setting under Control Panel - Internet Properties - Connection - LAN Settings:
If there is a proxy server entered, delete it, even if not enabled:
Check "Use a proxy server ..."
Delete any proxy server entry
Un-check "Use a proxy server ..."
- Skystar2 cards: Right-click on the antenna icon and select "EUMETCast::<name>", where <name> is the satellite used for reception. The EUMETCast entries will only appear if the
SkyStar driver and reception software from the EUMETSAT CD is installed.
(B16) Cannot delete received files if using tmp_directory
Symptoms:
- Files received on a reception station cannot be deleted from another station when using a network share
- This seems to happen more frequently (or only) if a tmp_directory is configured in either recv.ini or recv-channels.ini
Problem:
This is related to a Microsoft Windows OS problem.
Solution:
- see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/826722
- on XP, install SP2 or later on both, the receiving and sending PC
(B17) Frequent Windows crashes or hang-ups
Symptoms:
- The systems hangs, freezes and may have to be powered off/on to get it working again
- Uninterrupted operation is only possible for short periods (minutes to several hours)
Problem:
Operating system drivers or application are not compatible with TelliCast.
Some applications or services put too much load on the system in connection with
TelliCast.
Solution:
Please apply one of the following steps at a time, then check it the problem still exists.
- Disable unnecessary Microsoft services/applications e.g. turn
off Indexing for the EUMETCast data directories or disks.
Open My Computer (press the Windows & E keys)
- right click on each drive and choose Properties
- under the General tab, un-check the box that says Allow the Indexing Service to index this disk for fast file searching
- a window will pop up, make sure the box is checked that says Apply change to (drive letter):\, subfolders and files and click OK. Windows will apply the changes, click OK. reboot.
- Drivers, e.g. the graphics driver, can install additional control applets which should be disabled
Stop following processes from running (check one process at a time and see if the problem still exists):
ATKKBService.exe
nTuneService.exe
PDVDServ.exe
RTHDCPL.exe
To disable permanently:
- Click | Start | Run | and type msconfig on the text box and click the OK button to start MSCONFIG
- Click the startup tab
- Uncheck the check boxes of the programs you want to not run
- Dual core CPUs:
Install latest Java version.
Disable hyperthreading mode in the BIOS.
- Install OS/applications and EUMETCast received files received on separate physical disks.
- Disk should all be NTFS.
(B18) DVB card hang-up under Windows
Symptoms:
Occasionally, when the DVB stream is interrupted due to an uplink problem, the DVB reception card or box stops receiving data and does not resume automatically.
Problem:
Skystar2 cards under Windows and Linux and Pent@Value cards under Linux are sensitive to interruptions of the DVB stream.
Some configuration information is lost. This might be a driver and/or a hardware problem.
The cards have to be reinitialized to
get it working again.
Solution:
Several methods can be used which are all described here.
The solution described here works for all DVB cards and boxes starting automatically after login.
Windows logoff-logon method (works reliably on XP/2000):
- Prepare an account with administrator privileges, under which DVB reception is running.
Create a password for this account.
Install the DVB reception software to automatically start after logon.
Install TelliCast (NOT as a service, it will start from the startup folder).
- Restart the PC to test if reception automatically starts after manual login.
- Use Tweak UI (can be downloaded from Microsoft for each Windows version) to enable autologon:
Open Tweak UI - Logon - Autologon, then select username and password - Apply.
Downloads:
Tweak UI 2.10 for Windows XP at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx
Tweak UI 1.33 at http://download.microsoft.com/download/winme/Install/1.0/WinMe/EN-US/Tweakui.exe
Use version 1.33 for Windows 2000, (to install, unpack files, then right-click tweakui.inf - Install)
- Reboot system to test if reception automatically starts after automatic login.
- Configure automatic logon after logoff.
Write the following three lines into a file named autologon.reg:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
"ForceAutoLogon"="1"
Run autologon_XP_2000.reg (double-click).
- Create a file "restart.bat" in the TelliCast working directory and put the following single command into the file,
depending on the Windows version:
- if the system is Windows XP: logoff
- if the system is 2000: logoff /n /f
Test the command and batch file before proceeding to the next step.
Note: on Windows 2000 systems you might have to install logoff.exe from the Windows 2000 or NT resource kit.
- Add the following two lines under [watchdog] in recv.ini and restart TelliCast:
[watchdog]
error_script=restart.bat
error_script_cause_announcement=60
Note: While working interactively on the reception station with restart enabled, the automatic logoff - if triggered - will close all applications immediately and interrupt the interactive work. Therefore please disable the automatic restart (step 8) if you want to work in the running account, or login to a different account using the "fast user switching" capability on Windows XP. User sessions running in parallel will not be logged out.
- To disable the automatic restart, edit recv.ini the following way and restart TelliCast:
[watchdog]
#error_script=restart.bat
#error_script_cause_announcement=60
- To disable autologon, undo step 3:
Open Tweak UI - Logon - remove Autologon check mark - Apply
- The ForceAutoLogon setting will only be active if autologon is enabled. To disable this setting in the registry, repeat step 5 but use "ForceAutoLogon"="0"
[DJT] Please be careful when editing the registry, perhaps making a system restore point before such changes.
(B19) Vista Problems - TelliCast cannot connect to DVB interface
Symptoms:
TelliCast fails to work, being either stuck in the yellow T-icon state or, if the network cable is connected after
the system was working, the icon alternates between the "pink" and "red" states.
Problem:
This is related to the default multicast entries in the TCP/IP routing table.
On previous Windows operating systems,
the entry into the TCP/IP routing table was added automatically.
Solution:
To solve this problem, you need to tell Vista that the addresses handled by the DVB software must always be reached through the address which you set up in DVB card installation (normally 192.168.238.238).
In the Start menu, All Programs, Accessories menu, you will find an item named Command Prompt.
Right-click on this item, and select Run as administrator. Enter the following command:
route -p -4 ADD 224.0.0.0
mask 240.0.0.0 192.168.238.238
Note: if the DVB interface is on another IP address, use that address instead of 192.168.238.238
(B20) Vista Problems
Symptoms:
Changing recv.ini does not seem to have any effect, cannot find
Problem:
Windows Vista no longer allows programs to write in the C:\Program Files\ directory.
Solution:
The default (Microsoft) solution is to virutalise the Program Files directory for each user.
This means that while the .exe files stay in C:\Program Files\, anything which is written goes into a virtual store called:
C:\Users\<name>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\.....
and this is done transparently for the user. However, it can mean that there are two copies of the files, and hence causes confusion.
Check in "C:\Users\<name>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\T-Systems\BusinessTV-IP" and see if the "real" files in here.
Hopefully the log files and data files will be here.
Note: You need to have "display hidden files and folders" selected.
(B21) eToken PKIMonitor frequently asking for password
Symptoms:
After installation of EKU software (PKIClient) version 4.5 or later, from time to time
the eToken pops up a window requiring the password.
Problem:
The PKIMonitor is running, however this feature is not used by the EUMETCast software.
Solution:
Disable the PKIMonitor with msconfig:
- Start - Run, enter "msconfig", OK
- select the Startup tab
- disable "PKIMonitor", OK
- reboot the PC
- after reboot a window will come up showing that something was changed, check "Don't show..." and accept, close the open window and reboot again.
(C)
Linux Problems
(C1)
EKU problems on Linux: "Found missing or wrong user key part"
If
light on EKU is off (not red) go to (C3)
Symptoms:
*
host_key_4:- (empty)
instead
host_key_4: *****-*******-***** at
* continuous messages like:
ERR:2005-01-26
11:31:50.886:Cannot join channel "EUMETSAT Data Channel 2":
ERR:2005-01-26 11:31:50.886:Cannot join channel "EUMETSAT Data Channel 2":
Failed to decode key 20864
ERR:2005-01-26
11:31:51.145:Found missing or wrong user key part for
Etokend
and pcscd running fine, eku lit in red and everything seems
(C1.1)
Missing " Aladdin eToken virtual reader" information in /etc/reader.conf
Note: This problem is fixed with EUMETSAT CD "Licence_cd_v4_1_19-08-2005" (and later versions). A patch kit from the previous version can be requested from the user service and will soon be available for download on the EUMETSAT website.
When
installing the etoken package, you will execute "petoken install ...".
Please
use this updated EKU installation procedure:
1.
Install pcsc-lite
rpm -i pcsc-lite-1.1.1-1-redhat.i386.rpm
2.
Install etoken
mkdir /usr/local/etoken
tar -zxf aksrte-3-15.84.Linux.i386.tgz -C /usr/local/etoken
cd /usr/local/etoken/aksrte-3-15.84/
./petoken install 2
/etc/init.d/etokend stop
3.
Check /etc/reader.conf
Check if this file contains a block starting with "# Aladdin eToken
virtual reader"
If not, the petoken script didn't update /etc/reader.conf.
In this case the updated reader.conf file was created in /tmp, the name
consisting of just numbers.
It starts with:
# Configuration file for IFD Handler 2.0 drivers
it should contain a block starting with:
# Aladdin eToken virtual reader #0
Copy this file over /etc/reader.conf (overwrite the file)
4.
Overwrite the service files with files from CD, located in /EKU_software
cp etokend /etc/init.d/etokend
cp pcscd /etc/init.d/pcscd
(C1.2)
Missing shared library information
Try:
look
at /etc/ld.so.conf
(vi /etc/ld.so.conf)
check
for entries /usr/local/lib
and /usr/lib
-if
they don't appear add them at the end, save file and then type
"ldconfig"
This allow the system to look for the libraries in this folders.
-If
they appear:
please do "ldconfig" anyway to check.
Reboot
the system to finish.
(C1.3)
If 1) and 2) are successful, check communication with TelliCast software
-
start etokend, pscsd, tellicast (in that order)
-
open the TelliCast shell (open browser and select
"http://localhost:2517")
-
select License
under "Client Identification" you should see the selected
username and 4 host_key.. parameters, check if you see the following
host_key_4: ****-****-****-****
if not, the TelliCast software cannot see the key
-
send us a screen shot of this page
-
send us following files
/var/log/dmesg
/var/log/messages
/etc/reader.conf
list
of processes (ps aux > ps.log)
(C2)
EKU problems on Linux: pcscd service fails to start
Note: This problem is fixed with EUMETSAT CD "Licence_cd_v4_1_19-08-2005" (and later versions). A patch kit from the previous version can be requested from the user service and will soon be available for download on the EUMETSAT website.
When the pcscd service is started, pcscd creates a /tmp/pcsc directory entry. If pcscd was incorrecty stopped, e.g. after a crash or power cycle while running, the entry remains in /tmp. Any attempt to start pcscd again will then fail because it thinks it is already running.
Solution:
Remove /tmp/pcsc and start the service again.
(C3)
LINUX: EKU light off
(C3.1)
USB system is not configured
check
if /proc/bus/usb is present
if
not add follwing entry in /etc/mtab
usbdevfs /proc/bus/usb usbdevfs rw 0 0
check
if usb-uhci module is loaded (lsmod)
if
not "modprobe usb-uhci" and add to /etc/modules.con (2.4 kernels)
alias usb-controller1 usb-uhci
then
"cat /proc/bus/usb/devices" should contain following line
P: Vendor=0529 ProdID=0514
Rev= 1.00
(C3.2) If (H1) is ok and the light is still off, the EKU is damaged and must be replaced
(C4) EKU problems after successful installation: "Failed to decode key"
If the light on EKU is off (not red) go to (C3)
Symptoms:
* host_key_4: *****-*******-***** at
the html client (at least after restart).
* continuous messages like :
ERR:2005-01-26 11:31:50.886:Cannot join channel "EUMETSAT Data Channel
2": Failed to decode key 20864.
ERR:2005-04-06 15:03:51.505:Critical dongle error (eToken transaction timed out). Restarting child.
Etokend and pcscd running fine, eku lit in red and everything seems perfect.
Problem:
The communication to the EKU is harmed. If the EKU doesn't respond within 10s,
the "Critical dongle error" is triggered. This can be caused by a badly functioning EKU, or by incorrectly
running EKU drivers.
Please perform following check:
- add the line SYSLOGD_OPTIONS="-d syslog" to /etc/init.d/pcscd
extract of /etc/init.d/pcscd
...
PATH=/sbin:/bin:/usr/local/sbin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin
LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/usr/lib:/usr/local/lib
export LD_ASSUME_KERNEL=2.4.1
SYSLOGD_OPTIONS="-d syslog"
...
- restart the reception station
this will add debugging information in /var/log/messages
- log the data until the EKU problem reappears, then send us the following files:
/var/log/messages
/etc/init.d/pcscd
/etc/init.d/etokend
- The log will contain message pairs like "... SCardBeginTransaction ..." / " ... SCardEndTransaction ...".
An increased time delay of several seconds between "SCardBeginTransaction" and "SCardEndTransaction" indicates a communication problem.
In this case the EKU might have to be be replaced.
- after the test, disable the line in /etc/init.d/pcscd by preceeding it with a "#"
#SYSLOGD_OPTIONS="-d syslog"
(C5) Using DVB cards that are supported by 2.6 kernels
We are currently testing installations under Fedora core 4. This section explains brief instructions. The used packages can be requested from our user services or downloaded from internet.
1. Install Fedora core 4 with default kernel
- the following package groups in their default configuration:
- X Window System
- GNOME Desktop Environment
- Graphical Internet
- Sound and Video
- Development Tools
- X Software Development
- GNOME Software Development
- System Tools
2. the following packages were added in their default configuration:
- compat-libstdc++-296-2.96-132.fc4.i386.rpm
3. Install DVB apps
cd /usr/local/src
tar xjf $PATH_TO_PACKAGE/dvb-apps.tar.bz2
cd dvb-apps
make
cp util/dvbnet/dvbnet /usr/sbin
cp util/szap/szap util/szap/femon /usr/bin
cd ..
4. Install smcroute
tar xzf $PATH_TO_PACKAGE/smcroute-0.92.tgz
cd smcroute-0.92/src
make
cp smcroute /usr/sbin
5. Install run level control script (available from user services)
cp $PATH_TO_PACKAGE/channels.conf /etc
cp $PATH_TO_PACKAGE/eumdvb /etc/init.d
chkconfig --add eumdvb
6. install EKU software
- according to instructions from CD
7. Install Tellicast
- according to instructions from CD
- modify recv.ini, set following interface address:
[parameters]
interface_address=192.168.238.238
8. Please make sure that rp_filter is turned off at startup.
echo 0 > /proc/sys/net/ipv4/conf/all/rp_filter
(C6) Configuring Linux stations for C-band
The EUMETSAT CD currently contains only settings for reception of Linux stations in Ku-band.
Use following lines in the startup scripts for C-band reception:
if using szap:
- set up file "channels.conf"
hotbird6:10853.44:h:0:27500::::
atlanticbird3:3732:h:0:11963::::
nss806:3803:h:0:27500::::
- run command line:
# uncomment next line for DVB KU band Europe
#/usr/bin/szap -c /etc/channels.conf -n 1 > /dev/null &
#
# uncomment next line for DVB C band Africa
/usr/bin/szap -l C-BAND -c /etc/channels.conf -n 2 > /dev/null &
#
# uncomment next line for DVB C band South America
#/usr/bin/szap -l C-BAND -c /etc/channels.conf -n 3 > /dev/null &
if using dvbtune:
dvbtune supports only Ku-band, for C-band you have to use the L-band frequencies:
- set up following lines in the start up script
# use next line to select PID 100 on C-band Africa
dvbtune -c 0 -f 1418243 -p H -s 11963 -n 100 >/dev/null 2>&1
# use next line to select PID 1921 on C-band South America
#dvbtune -c 0 -f 1347000 -p H -s 27500 -n 1921 >/dev/null 2>&1
if using pentamedia cards:
- set following line in pentaval.conf
Frequency=3803.000000
;Frequency=3731.757000
Symbol rate=28.93000
;Polar=VER
Polar=HOR
;Band=KU
Band=C
(C7) DVB Card hang-up under Linux
Symptoms:
After an interruption of the DVB downlink ( e.g. weather related) the Pent@Value DBV card
might stop receiving data.
Problem:
This is probably a driver problem, since it does not occur in the Windows version.
Solution:
A restart of the pentaval driver will fix the problem.
The TelliCast client v2.4.3 and higher will support automatic detection of an interruption.
Do the following steps to configure this function:
- Create a restart script /etc/tellicast-error.sh with the following content:
/etc/init.d/pentaval restart
- Make the file executable
chmod +x /etc/tellicast-error.sh
- Modify the [watchdog] section in the Tellicast configuration file recv.ini
[watchdog]
error_script=/etc/tellicast-error.sh
error_script_cause_announcement=30
Note: this procedure may be adapted to the users needs for other DVB cards.
(D) Common problems
(D1) Frequent loss of files
Symptoms:
* in recv.log continuous messages like :
MSG:2005-04-08 08:53:18.308:Channel "EUMETSAT Data Channel 2": Lost message 1400 (unknown error)
MSG:2005-04-08 08:53:19.916:Missed parts of file `H-000-MSG1__-MSG1________-WV_073___-000004___-200504080845-C_' id
42564639004f9d42 from channel `EUMETSAT Data Channel 2'
MSG:2005-04-08 09:10:36.703:Disconnect from announcement channel `TSL Announcement Channel', address 224.223.222.223:4711 completed (channel
lost)
VRB:2005-04-08 09:10:36.703:Reconnecting to announcement channel `TSL Announcement Channel', address 224.223.222.223:4711 (channel lost)
MSG:2005-04-08 09:10:49.418:Missed parts of file `L-000-MSG1__-GOES9_______-10_7_140E-000004___-200504080900-C_' id
42564a23004fa21a from channel `EUMETSAT Data Channel 3'
MSG:2005-04-08 09:10:49.418:Missed file `L-000-MSG1__-GOES9_______-10_7_140E-000005___-200504080900-C_' id
42564a23004fa21b from channel `EUMETSAT Data Channel 3'
Problem:
The problem might be caused be one of the following:
- DVB reception problems, low margin for rain, noisy equipment, DVB signal interruptions. This problem is indicated by lost packets or high BER in the DVB card monitoring software.
- High load on the reception machine, especially disk I/O activities.
- Programs using high CPU load or disk I/O are running.
Solution:
1. Check reception system, replace faulty or low quality hardware (LNB,
cables, DVB cards), increase antenna size.
2. Install a RAMdisk (> 60 MB) and set following parameters in the recv.ini file (leave other parameters unchanged).
[DJT: - Arne van Belle has kindly provided this PDF article on Optimising EUMETCast Reception using a RAMdisk.]
[locations]
file_database_directory=<directory name on RAMdisk>
log_file=>>recv.log
# enables buffered write mode to log file
[logging]
log_level=normal
# verbose mode is intended for debugging
[parameters]
file_database_size=62914560
# this restricts the file database to 60 MB, the default
value is 250 MB.
# make the RAMdisk larger than 60 MByte
All these changes reduce disk I/O activities and thus improve the performance even under heavy CPU load.
3. Switch off programs that cause interference like
- anti virus /anti spam software
- automatic windows update
- programs with heavy disk activities
(D2) Need more information about TelliCast client and file formats?
While the TelliCast client is running, open a Web browser.
Enter URL http://localhost:2517/
[DJT note - you can click on this link if TelliCast is running on this PC,
or replace the "localhost" with the network name of the PC running
TelliCast]
Select "Help" in the menu displayed on the left side.
(D3) No DVB reception or no signal
Symptoms:
The DVB reception software indicates one or more of the following:
- no signal or signal on noise level
- no carrier lock
- no data lock
Problem:
The problem might be caused be one or more of the following:
- Antenna pointing incorrect
- Wrong polarisation by incorrect mounting of the LNB (linear polarisation only)
- Broken hardware, LNB or DVB card/box
- High frequency offset of LNB
- Cable and connector problems
Solution:
- Check antenna/LNB by using another DVB or digitab satellite TV receiver or testing equipment.
- Visually check cables and connectors, check for shorts and throughput.
- If the DVB software allows, scan the whole frequency range for transponders.
Check the results to see if the right satellite, polarisation and frequencies of the transponders are recognised.
Send results back to helpdesk. - Use an offset frequency (several MHz higher or lower) to correct for LNB oscillator offsets.
- Replace faulty hardware.
(D4) Missing channels
Symptoms:
* in recv.log continuous messages like :
MSG:2005-11-10 07:59:48.652:File transmission 4372fda0005e9d03 interrupted: filelist missing/incomplete
MSG:2005-11-10 07:59:50.808:File transmission 4372fdeb005e9d59 ended: filelist missing/incomplete
MSG:2005-11-10 07:59:50.949:File transmission 4372fdeb005e9d55 ended: filelist missing/incomplete
MSG:2005-11-10 07:59:50.964:Disconnect from data channel `EUMETSAT Data Channel 2', address 224.223.222.21:2511 completed (channel closed)
MSG:2005-11-10 08:00:01.511:File transmission 4372fda0005e9d03 ended: filelist missing/incomplete
MSG:2005-11-10 08:00:03.542:File transmission 4372fdd3005e9d3d interrupted: filelist missing/incomplete
MSG:2005-11-10 08:00:15.152:File transmission 4372fdc1005e9d2d ended: filelist missing/incomplete
MSG:2005-11-10 08:00:15.167:Disconnect from data channel `EUMETSAT Data Channel 3', address 224.223.222.23:2611 completed (channel closed)
Problem:
The problem might be caused be one of the following:
- Channel is not selected in recv-channels.ini.
If this is the case the "Disconnect from data channel..." message is not displayed. - PID not selected for related channel in DVB reception configuration.
- A firewall setting or routing problem might prevent the routing of the multicast channel.
- If all channels are missing, the card might be broken.
Solution:
- Edit recv-channels.ini, add a section for the missing channel, or add a wildcard, e.g.
[EUMETSAT Data Channel 3] or
[EUMETSAT Data Channel*] or
[*] - Add PID for missing channel
- Enable routing or update firewall configuration.
- Replace DVB card
(D5) Interference in C-band and locking problems using bandpass filters
Symptoms:
Intermittent reception problems in C-band.
Problem:
Radar interference can cause reception problems in C-Band.
Solution:
Place a C-band bandpass filter between the feed and the LNB.
Note:
Occasionally, when powering up the DVB reception computer and a bandpass filter is installed,
the LNB simply refuses to work.
If this is the case, please do the following:
- Power up the DVB computer. Wait for the applications to start (reception does not work).
- Disconnect the antenna cable from the receiving board, leave the cable disconnected for a couple of minutes.
- Reconnect the antenna cable to the board. Reception resumes almost immediately.
It is recommended to leave the system powered permanently to avoid this situation. Use an uninterruptible power supply in case of an unreliable power net.
(D6) I want to remove channels from reception
Problem:
The data is temporarily not needed or there are performance problems receiving to many channels.
Solution:
Edit the file recv-channels.ini and specify each channel that should be received, remove the wildcard [*],
e.g. add entries like this:
[EUMETSAT Data Channel
1]
target_directory=received
tmp_directory=received/tmp
[EUMETSAT Data Channel
2]
target_directory=received
tmp_directory=received/tmp
[EUMETSAT Data Channel
3]
target_directory=received
tmp_directory=received/tmp
#
# The commented channels will not be received
#
#[EUMETSAT Data Channel 5]
#target_directory=received
#tmp_directory=received/tmp
#
#[EUMETSAT Data Channel 6]
#target_directory=received
#tmp_directory=received/tmp
[SAF-Europe]
target_directory=received
tmp_directory=received/tmp
[DJT: alternatively, you can set one common tmp_directory in recv.ini. The tmp_directory should be on the same disk (partition) as the target directories]
(D7) "Address already in use" messages in TelliCast logs
Symptoms:
* in recv.log messages like :
ERR:2006-05-22 19:15:16.734:Cannot start HTTP server at port 2517 on all interfaces: (Address already in use)
ERR:2006-05-22 19:15:16.734:An error occurred while starting tc-recv.exe. Shutting down!
Problem:
TelliCast is already running and a second attempt to start the client is made.
This could be caused by a second installation of TelliCast or by the user attempting to manually start the program.
Solution:
- Identify all installations of TelliCast. Remove (uninstall) the obsolete installations.
- If necessary, uninstall all TelliCast installations and manually remove remaining files.
- Reinstall TelliCast.
(D8) Intermittent Config Error or red "T" Icon
in versions 2.4.3/2.4.4
Symptoms:
* in recv.log messages like :
ERR:2006-05-30 13:49:41.250:Failed to open data channel `EUMETSAT Data Channel 1', address 224.223.222.1:4811 (wrong interface address 192.168.238.238?)
MSG:2006-05-30 13:49:41.250:Disconnect from data channel `EUMETSAT Data Channel 1', address 224.223.222.1:4811 completed (channel closed)
MSG:2006-05-30 13:49:45.000:Disconnect from data channel `EUMETSAT Data Channel 1', address 224.223.222.1:4811 completed (channel closed)
Problem:
The PID for the related channel is not selected, or the channel is not available on the downlink.
Solution:
The error message is a standard feature of these client versions.
The messages can be avoided by using the recv-channels.ini file for positive channel selection.
- Edit recv-channels.ini, add sections for the wanted channel(s), and remove wildcards and unwanted channels, e.g.
[EUMETSAT Data Channel 3] or
[EUMETSAT Data Channel*] - Add PID for missing channel
[djt] Also, in December 2006, EUMETSAT noted:
Land SAF South America products were enabled last week as essential data. Users have to enable PID 509 in order to receive the data, otherwise the TelliCast software will turn red on every related transmission.
If you want to turn off reception of this stream and not have the red alarms, please disable the channel [SAF-Americas] in recv-channels.ini and keep the PID selected.
(D9) Location of file database, tmp files, received files, log files and other settings
To achieve the maximum performance of the client the following locations of the file outputs are recommended:
1. File database
The file database (0.fsy, 1.fsy, etc) is the temporary store for the received file fragments until a file is completely received.
Writing the fragments into the file database is a time critical operation and should not be interrupted.
We recommend to:
- create a RAMdisk with sufficient size for the subscribed services (e.g. 60 MB MSG1 only, 500 MB all including EPS)
- specify the RAMdisk location (e.g. if G:\ is the RAMdisk under Windows)
[locations]
file_database_directory=G:\
- specify the maximum size in recv.ini (should be less than the physical size)
[parameters]
file_database_size=62914560
#file_delivery_counter=50
file_delivery_speed=20000000
Should you not be able to use a RAMdisk, please use the fastest disk on the system. If two disks are used, the location should be different from the target location of the files.
[DJT: If you have plenty of memory, be careful not to set the RAMdisk size too big. Setting it to 300MB may hang the system, and require that you reboot in Safe Mode to reset the value to a lower figure.]
2. Temporary and target location for received files
Once a file is completely received in the file database, it will be written to disk. This takes time and the files should be written to a temporary name or location first. Once completely written the file will then be moved (renamed) to the final target location. In order for the rename to work the temporary location must be on the same file system (disk, partition) as the target location.
- specify a temporary and target location in the recv-channels.ini file for every channel (or multiple using wildcards)
[EUMETSAT Data Channel
1]
target_directory=/data/received
tmp_directory=/data/received/tmp
[DJT: Note the key name is tmp_directory, and not temp_directory
3. Log files
TelliCast writes logging information into files called recv.log. This is useful for investigations and monitoring, however it creates additional disk traffic. If logging is not required, you can turn it off by specifying "none". If required you should at least use the buffered write mode using ">>" in front of the file name. The location can be anywhere on the system, but the file database location should be avoided.
- specify name, logging level and buffered mode for logging in recv.ini
[locations]
log_file=>>recv.log
[logging]
#log_level=none
#log_level=quiet
log_level=normal
#log_level=verbose
4. Write to disk performance
The speed used for writing data from the file database to the final files can be adjusted by two parameters, the speed (in bit/s) and the rate in number of files per second. The following values should be used as default for EUMETCast.
#file_delivery_counter=50 (is default)
file_delivery_speed=20000000 (default
10 mbit/s)
(D10) Problems after the upgrade on the EUMETCast uplink system on 30 May 2006
Symptoms:
Reception before the switch was perfect or only few losses were observed.
After the switch on 30 May at 08:55 UTC the reception was severely degraded.
One or more of the following reasons might be responsible:
- Old DVB card driver
Some Skystar2 cards running under driver version 4.2.2 (Windows) do not perform very well with the new system.
Please upgrade the DVB card driver and the reception software to V 4.3.0 (or higher).
V4.3.0 is included on the EUMETSAT CD and in the upgrade sent out recently over EUMETCast.
Follow the instructions to make sure that the low level drivers are also updated. - Old TelliCast Client software
TelliCast client version 2.3.1 will almost certainly create many losses.
Client version 2.4.0a might look perfect, but a username dependent error case might degrade the
performance at any time in future.
We strongly recommend to upgrade to version 2.4.4b (Windows) or 2.4.3a (Linux). - More effective bandwidth control on the uplink side creates a slightly higher load on the
reception stations. Please apply the recommendations listed in (D9) to optimise the configuration.
(D11) Error message "Could not set the modification time"
Symptoms:
* in recv.log messages like :
ERR:2006-06-12 21:04:19.031:Could not set the modification time for file received\H-000-MSG1__-MSG1________-VIS008___-000002___-200606122100-C_ (Permission denied).
Problem:
The TelliCast client version later than 2.4.3 sets the modification time of a received file to the original timestamp seen
before uplink. The error message occurs if the file is accessed by other software before the operation is completed.
Solution:
Use a temporary location (see: solution D9
2) but make sure that the temporary location is in the same file system as the target location,
e.g. by selecting a ./temp sub-directory under the target directory.
[DJT: if this happens with the MSG Data Manager software, please consult me first before altering your working configuration]
(D12) Setting the RAMdisk size for the file database
This section gives some help to determine the best RAMdisk size for the TelliCast file database.
- Eliminate DVB reception losses.
In order to continue with the next steps an error-free reception is needed for the test periods. Use the statistics tools of the DVB card software to verify that the number of lost blocks is 0 or minimal. Make the tests when the weather is fine. - Configure the largest size RAMdisk you can make available on the system, e.g. 30% - 50% of the physical RAM. Leave sufficient RAM for the operating system and application, 256 MB is normally enough.
- Stop all programs not necessary for DVB reception.
- Configure all services you want to receive.
- Install a task that regularly cleans up the disk, e.g. a batch job deleting the received files.
- Run a reception test for at least 2 days. Repeat the test if reception losses were too high due to weather.
- Analyse the TelliCast reception losses, search for "Missed files" or "Missed parts of file" messages in recv.log. In case of frequent losses follow the related suggestions in this guide to correct the problem. If no or only few losses occurred, note the size of the file database (.fsy files) in the RAMdisk.
- Add 30% to this value from step 7. Configure the RAMdisk size to this new value (size= X bytes). Set the file_database_size to a 1MB lower value (size= X - 1000000 bytes).
[DJT: If you have plenty of memory, be careful not to set the RAMdisk size too big. Setting it to 300MB may hang the system, and require that you reboot in Safe Mode to reset the value to a lower figure.]
(D13) File database grows larger and larger
This fix applies only if a RAMdisk is not used! See also (D1)
Symptoms:
Frequent loss of files (see D1) and file 0.fsy quickly grows to large values or several files 0.fsy, 1.fsy, etc. are created.
Problem:
Disk I/O performance is limiting the data throughput
to & from disk, thereby interrupting the reception of raw data.
This can be tested by following procedure:
- stop TelliCast client (right-click T icon - exit)
- delete file database files 0.fsy, 1.fsy, etc. (normally located in the
receiving\tmp sub-directory of TelliCast)
- start TelliCast client
If file losses are initially gone (good reception for at least 1 hour), the solution will help.
Solution:
Install a ram disk and put the file database on the RAMdisk, details see D9 and
D12.
(D14) Frequent loss of files at high data rates with certain DVB cards
Symptoms:
When set to receive high data rate channels (e.g. EPS channels 5,10 & 11) in the recv.log messages like:
MSG:2007-10-09 09:21:15.435:Missed parts of file 'IASI_xxx_00_M02_20071009073900Z_20071009074200Z_N_O_20071009091604Z' id 470b47d40004026d from channel 'EPS-11'
This has been seen under Linux (Debian 3 and 4, Fedora Desktop 7) and Windows XP.
Problem:
Certain Cards seem to have problems with data rates above about 10 Mbits/sec.
Cards known to have these problem currently include:
- Hauppauge Nexus ver.2.1
- TechnoTrend Premium S-2300
Solution:
Currently the only solutions are to either reduce the data rate by removing the high rate channels from the recv-channels.ini or to buy another card.
[Last updated: 2007 Apr 14]