Ok, this is weird.
I went back to Ubuntu 18, got the S952 installed ( easy ). Installed TVheadend 4.2.8 using Stable (easy )
and it all just works, ( I havent tried using unicable ) including the signal meters. Bouquet for Freesat is there, first time in 10 days.
( bar the bouquet didnt seem to map the services, but when i rebooted they were there immediately, so i am thinking there is a bug )_
So far, I had tried Debian 9, Debian 10, Ubuntu 20. I think this is the first time Ive been able to go back to Stable 4.2.8
So that leaves me to investigate
Update : unicable worked for a moment and then any channel request said no input. I know unicable can work as I have now tested it in windows.
1) clone the system, add the TBS Drivers and see if it still works or they are upsetting the system
2) create a new version of Buster, compiled 4.2.8 from scratch and see if it works and