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

[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

[jon50]

I have the constant reboot issues

[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.

[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.

[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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[Mulzac]

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

Help.

Mulzac

[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.

[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

[digital dan]

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

they range from ?2-25

[Hadron]

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

they range from ?2-25

Haven't tried it myself, but another member used an adapter that used the prolific PL2303HX rev D chipset that worked for him.

Prolific PL-2303 HXD USB to RS-232 Serial Adaptor Compatible with Windows 8 7 UK | eBay

[madman46]

Anyone fixed a skybox M5 not booting with dim display only 8 digit showing. Will these programs work on M5?

[lestasmsc]

Tried to no end trying to fix HDTV 500 V8 but nothing will get it out on "On". When it first took flash the "On" would disappear and come back but now stays constantly. Any ideas how to overcome total brick?

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

[mikeywithanr]

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

they range from ?2-25

literally just used this today for F5S which was stuck on load after TP update - all worked fine .
Startech 1-Port USB to Null Modem RS232 DB9 Serial DCE Adapter Cable with FTDI: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

[madman46]

Anyone fixed a skybox M5 not booting with dim display only 8 digit showing. Will these programs work on M5?

Just a update for anyone with problems with the skybox m5. Got the box working no problem used the recovery tool for F3 from skybox website the tool from first post wouldn't work for what ever reason.

[lynne05]

when trying to fix my skybox f3 through rs232 cable with upgrade tool it says synchronising stb s please reset target but can here laptop connect when I turn box on can anyone help please