Satlink Ws-6979 Software Upgrade Hot! -
Satlink WS-6979 Software Upgrade: A Step-by-Step Guide to Revitalize Your Meter
If you own a Satlink WS-6979 digital satellite finder/meter, you know it is a reliable workhorse for installing and aligning satellite dishes. However, to keep up with new satellite transponders, improved blind scan algorithms, and bug fixes, keeping the firmware updated is essential.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of upgrading the software on your Satlink WS-6979 safely and successfully. Satlink Ws-6979 Software Upgrade
⚠️ Disclaimer: Firmware upgrading carries a risk of bricking your device if done incorrectly. Follow these steps precisely. Ensure your device’s battery is fully charged or connected to stable power before starting. Satlink WS-6979 Software Upgrade: A Step-by-Step Guide to
3. How the Upgrade Process Works
If you decide to proceed, here is the technical process involved. Note that this is not a simple "over-the-air" update; it requires a Windows PC. ⚠️ Disclaimer: Firmware upgrading carries a risk of
Requirements:
- A Windows PC (Windows 7/10/11 usually require drivers; older XP/Vista are native).
- A Null Modem Serial Cable (RS232) or a USB-to-Serial adapter. The WS-6979 typically uses a serial interface, which is becoming obsolete on modern computers.
The Procedure:
- Download: You need the specific
.binor.absfirmware file intended strictly for the WS-6979 hardware revision. - Connect: Connect the meter to the PC via the serial cable.
- Loader Tool: You need a "Flash Upgrade Tool" (often specific to the Sunplus chipset used inside these meters).
- Flash: You power off the meter, hold the specific "Upgrade" button (if applicable), power it on, and initiate the transfer from the PC.
- Wait: The transfer takes 2–5 minutes. Critical: Do not disconnect power during this time.
Overview
- Device: Satlink WS-6979 — a handheld DVB-S/S2, DVB-T/T2/C satellite/terrestrial combo meter (satellite finder) used for alignment, signal measurement and channel scanning.
- Firmware/Software upgrade: a replacement or patch to the device’s internal software that can add features, improve demodulation/scan behavior, fix bugs, or update channel lists and satellite parameter handling.
2. The Software Interface (What You Are Upgrading)
If you manage to find a firmware update, here is what the software environment typically offers on the WS-6979:
- UI Speed: Older firmware versions were sluggish. Updated versions generally improve the menu navigation speed and reduce the boot-up time slightly.
- Satellite List: This is the most common reason to perform a software "reset" or upgrade. New firmware usually comes with a pre-loaded list of satellites. If you factory reset the device, you revert to this list.
- Calculation Accuracy: Some firmware updates tweak the algorithms for Merit Power and Bit Error Rate (BER). If your meter is showing high signal strength but no picture lock, a firmware issue could be the culprit (though it is rare).