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

[lestasmsc]

For those getting a STB memory error whilst trying to update:

Keep trying to send file and turn box on / off. Eventually it will work! Don't know why it took a few attempts.

Also, USB to Serial adaptor failed to work for me, I had to use 'real' serial port.

[Gulmunir]

I have a RS 232 in wich I upgrade my Ali3329C can I use for upgrading OpenBox s10?????
C,z it have 4 connecter wire and here described 8 wires. Help me sinior Experts?????

[notaclue2]

This guide works for F5 box also

Hi
complete newbie here, but following the guide managed to get my skybox F5, which was stuck in a load loop, working again.

Something which may help someone else:
I was stuck on the "synchronising STB's reset target" (for hours) and I found that the cable I was using was not a Null Modem but just a straight through connector. So make sure that you actually have the correct cable. I managed to cobble a cable together just swapping over pins 2 & 3 and connecting pin 5 to 5 and now have a working box again.

The only other thing I did different was use the scooby snacks abs image as that had worked fine before I mucked up the channel list.

Hope this helps someone and thank to the author for the guide.

[ste141]

Will the loader work with a usb to rs232 with the usb end inb the box?

[zul3045]

Im stuck at
"synchonizining STBs
please reset target!!"

pls help me

[Hadron]

Thanks for the guide. Worked first time on my S10 with no problems whatsoever.

Only thing I wasn't sure about was the "bootloader" option. I flashed with this box ticked & all went OK.

[slugworth]

I once had a version of the loader where the include bootloader was ticked all the time and you had no choice.
I would rather have the option when I experiment so I never kept that version.

[Hadron]

I once had a version of the loader where the include bootloader was ticked all the time and you had no choice.
I would rather have the option when I experiment so I never kept that version.

Showing my ignorance here, but what does "include Bootloader" actually do?

[slugworth]

includes bootloader along with the rest of the firmware.
Openbox firmware is in chunks,bootloader,maincode,pics,userdata etc.
The bootloader must match the firmware that eventually ends up in the receiver or it will never boot.Theoretically if you had a corrupt maincode or userdata you could load the same rev firmware but not have to tick include bootloader since the bootloader section in flash is still good.Better safe than sore,tick include bootloader every time.

[madsportrim]

after i upgrade firmware using erom upgrade, system still download after 1 hour. just show:
synchonizining STBs
please reset target!!
how can i solve this problem? anybody can help me to solve this situation....tq very mush

[Hadron]

after i upgrade firmware using erom upgrade, system still download after 1 hour. just show:
synchonizining STBs
please reset target!!
how can i solve this problem? anybody can help me to solve this situation....tq very mush

How many times did you try?

For me it worked first time, but for others they have had to try a few times before it would work. Try leaving your box for different amounts of time before switching it on.

Also make sure you actually have a null modem cable rather than a standard serial cable.

[slugworth]

pc with real com port,null modem cable,proper loader,don't turn the receiver on too fast- are the basics.

[shah1214]

thank you @darvash

[amsterdam]

open box s11 not responding with Com port

open box s11 not responding with Com port
I see many talk about openbox not responding with com port or STB memory error in recovery dead process in this forum but until now not yet good information came out,why box not responding
I test my null modem cabel and power supply and pc with other openbox and working very well.

Tried after many days and hours box not yet responding.
Mybe hardware damage insite the box.
any information welcome
Regard

[elrasho]

Both my Skybox F3 and PC have male serial port connectors, so will a cable like this work?

Startech Null Modem Cable - DB9F - DB9F 10FT (3m) | Ebuyer.com

It's Female to Female

EDIT: Also seen this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-to-RS2...item25798ba97a It's USB makes it much more universal