Recover Dead Skybox/Openbox Flash Using Serial RS232 Null modem Cable

[digital dan]

Does anyone have a link to a USB to null cable that will definitely work?

they range from ?2-25

[lynne05]

just got skybox f3 no display but light at back when Ethernet plugged in will an upgrade sort the problem through null modem cable

[Barndogs]

SKYBOX F5 ******* needs alternative upgrade tool from that listed on first page of forum********

Download the upgrade tool here. (or search for skybox F5 upgrade tool)
SKYBOX F3 M3 F5 RS232 Upgrade TOOL--Shenzhen Bi-Union Electronics Technology Co., Ltd SKYBOX CLOUD IBOX VU SOLO2 DREAMBOX


Download the firmware here.
SKYBOX_F3_F5_M3_CMT_131223046C
SkyBox | SkyBox

I had the STB error using the other upgrade tool this sorted it, and worked first time.

[Mulzac]

Will this work on Skybox M3 also. I cannot reboot after software upgrade.

Help.

Mulzac

[Mulzac]

Skybox M3

A how to guide on how to fix a corrupt firmware image in the OpenBox S9/S10 and Skybox S)/S10 Even if it seems bricked.

This guide is taken from another forum so big thanks to auther.

Box does not respond or displays On?
If your box does not respond, or no displays light there is a good chance the current firmware on the box is somehow corrupt.

You will need to use this tool, connect a Serial RS232 Null Modem Cable to the box and follow the instructions.
Hopefully it will bring your box back to life.

instructions

Download the file:- "Upgrade_PVR800_HD_Tool.rar"
Unzip this file & you have a folder with 5 files:-
eromclient.abs, flashburn.ini, sdram.ini,
LZMA.exe & eromUpgrade.exe & helpfile.txt.

1. Connect up your PC to the Openbox
using a null modem serial cable.
2. Switch the box OFF
3. Run EromUpgrade.exe then check the
com port setting is correct
4. Select the latest firmware .abs file. (Download her if you don't have any)
5. Select "next" then switch ON the box
and follow the instructions to load
and flash burn the firmware.
6. If the process does not start, try
various time combinations of switching
the box ON after selecting "next"
7. Don't switch the power off or disconnect
while the download & flash is taking place.

If you cannot contact to your box check your null modem cable. Connections are like showen below

pin 2 ...to... pin 3
pin 3 ...to... pin 2
pin 4 ...to... pin 6
pin 5 ...to... pin 5
pin 6 ...to... pin 4
pin 7 ...to... pin 8
pin 8 ...to... pin 7

Important: Go into device manager (goto start-->run-->type "devmgmt.msc" )
or right click MyComputer--->manage--->on the left side u find device manager

and check that you are choosing the right com port. If possible use computer with serial R232 com port built on mainbord.

Have fun

I don't know if I am posting in the correct area.
I am unable to reboot my Skybox M3 after software upgrade, It keeps showing invalid format.
Can you help......

Mulzac

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[stacker]

Bought what was to be a Null modem cable - but turns out to be a serial extension cable. I am assuming this is not the same or is it? Will give it a go.

[Hadron]

Does anyone know where I can get a serial RS232 Null Cable from? - my laptop has 15pins and the skybox has 9pins so not exactly sure what I need

Do you know anyone with an older pc that has a 9 pin serial port? It's always best to use a pc with a built-in port first.

Other than that, you need a USB to serial adapter. These are not always guaranteed to work though. You can find them on Ebay or Amazon.

To go with it, you will need a null modem cable (female to female). Make sure it's a null modem cable & not a straight through serial cable. They look the same, but are wired differently.

The 15 pin port on your laptop is for an external monitor.

[jon50]

I have the constant reboot issues

[asifaliiqbal]

Does anyone know where I can get a serial RS232 Null Cable from? - my laptop has 15pins and the skybox has 9pins so not exactly sure what I need

[Marko81]

When i try and sync stb after a few seconds it says stb memory error. What does this mean? How do i flash my box. Always says load on display. This is foung my head in. 5 days now.arghhhhhh

[slugworth]

many loaders have no firmware bundled,you have to find that yourself.
It sounds like you are trying to load the .abs file that is part of the loader itself or you are trying to load firmware from another model receiver.

[brainben]

Thanks bros, please in my case when i browse to use the upgrade and after that when i click on next, it says wrong file please can you help?

[Mario.D]

Will this work on a Skybox A3
The box are supposed to be a legit one.
The box just reboots after it counted to 100.
Not sure why this happend but i had just sent back TPROG.dbs file to the box.

Edit problem resolved

found a program with correct bootloader.

http://www.digital-kaos.co.uk/forums/f184/just-recovered-dead-skybox-f3-software-282932/

[antomac]

sitting at home watching tv when my s10 just went blank
tied the usual power fuse etc all ok but when I took out the
cable from my dish at the back of box it was red hot and on
checking cable t was wet so water getting in to my cable as
it runs down front of house as the cables upstairs thru the
attic are ok so just wondering anyone ever have this happen
if yes was box fixable

[edrojo]

Ok I was having the same problem and just fixed it finally after a lot of trial and error heres what I did -

downloaded http://www.digital-kaos.co.uk/forums...de_8mflash.rar

then downloaded some older firmware -
SKYBOX_3601hd_CMT_120820071a.abs
(if you search google you will find it)

Then I plugged the box in and attached the null modem cable,
opened up the erom upgrade folder and ran CONFIG.BAT
then ran EROMUPGRADE

Selected the firmware I downloded
Ticked Include Bootloader
Clicked next
when it says-
synchonizing stb
Reset target

I unplug and replug the power cable out of the back of the box quite fast it will then let you carry on and recover the box

once recovered you can update to a later firware via usb or the X3 Lan tool.

hope this works for you as I was pulling my Hair out yesterday

Dude thanks you save my box, after two days going crazy wit the damm Set stb memory error. Regards