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

[Laurence89]

If I use the EromUpgrade it will not go further then: COM Test Error! Opening serial port failed. If I turn on the box it does do the Checking STB and then says Done (I am using a real com port and null modem cable with null modem adapter.)

[slugworth]

that's more likely a power supply problem,but it could be a corrupt flash.

[Laurence89]

My Openbox S10 will not boot anymore if I turn the On/Off switch to On. The Openbox was running fine untill I connected a usb hard drive. It didn't got reconized. The box was stuck when turning off with the remote. So i switched the On/Off button to Off. Then to On and it didn't do anything anymore. I hope this thread can help me out.

[slugworth]

that why it's better just to do a blind scan.

[pjmufc2013]

Tryed to update channell list and box died so done recovery then box said NOCH , updated with the new channel list and box died again . Any help on this ?

[stenovelli]

Hi Guys ,Mine says set stb memory error press back and try again and again and again..............any ideas im trying to flash f6 fake box with s9 firmware using rs232

[stenovelli]

Hi Guys, Have posted on openbox forum but no joy.I bought a fake f6 tried to update channel list from x5 software but bricked it. Now only showing on and going on and off.Does anyone know if x5 firmware is compatable with the f6.Thanks in advance.

[Hadron]

Any suggestions on how to solve this ? How can you tell when youre buying a cable that the pins are in the right position ?. Its a sealed unit so i doubt i can split it open and change them around, ill ned to buy another.

If you are going to try a USB to 9 pin serial adapter, then it's best to use one with a male connector, so that it simulates the connector you would find on a pc with a genuine serial port. Then buy a seperate null modem cable.

Did you get your one from Ebay? Is so, can you post a link?

[aa1]

The cable you are using i'm sure pins 2 & 3 are the wrong way round thats way it won't work

Any suggestions on how to solve this ? How can you tell when youre buying a cable that the pins are in the right position ?. Its a sealed unit so i doubt i can split it open and change them around, ill ned to buy another.

[P&D]

The cable you are using i'm sure pins 2 & 3 are the wrong way round thats way it won't work

[aa1]

Sounds like the wrong cable mate

My laptop doesnt have an R232 port, I was told to use a USB (Laptop) to RS female (STB) cable. This cable cant do the job ? Ive been reading that it will but its hit and miss.

[P&D]

Sounds like the wrong cable mate

[aa1]

Tried over and over again, with skybox f5 and openbox s11. Right port, different time combinations. USB to RS female. All EROM says is synchronizing STB.....

Anything else i can try or do ? ;/

[piptaps]

To those with boxes Stuck on Load. I had the same problem for close to 5 days now. Followed all the tutorials i could lay my hands on google and different forums. I was so close to throwing this box in the bin.

Problem i was getting was i was getting Error memory each time i tried loading new firmware. Some forums suggested trying different time sequence to power the box up. This didnt work. Tried newer and older versions of the firmware with no positive results.

My box is a skybox X3 and i was using windows Vista PC and laptop. These dont have a serial port in them so i had to use a USB converter. I then decided to dust my old laptop running windows Xp with built in serial port on them. And it worked instantly, no errors. Time sequence dont matter with old PCs and laptops. I tried 3 different machines with instant results

My conclusions are that for you to flash these openboxes successfully without getting errors and numerous tries one needs to get hold of an old PC or old laptop with serial port built in. As long you have the correct firmware for your box this wil work. I experimented with image for skybox F3. The box will flash but wont boot. So image for F3, F5 is different to image for X3 , X5

[jimmynewbie]

openbox s10 pvr shows no signal.I replaced the tuner no success.I did an upgrade to latest F/W same result.Any help greatly appreciated .Many thanks.