F5s Flashing Help Required in Northamptonshire Area - cannot flash using RS232 method

[cornorth]

My Skybox F5s has been stuck on "Load" following an update on 18/12/13. I've tried numerous times to flash the box using the null modem RS232 method (adjusting the timing before switching on the box) using various firmware files, both genuine and clone. The box firmware will not download and cannot get past the "please reset target" despite using various different EROM tools from various sites also. When I switch the box on I get a faint "8" and dim red light. That suggests to me the box is trying communicate with something as its willing to display something other than "Load"

I know people on here claim the box chip can be damaged etc but the box still powers on, although the box is stuck on load.

Does anyone know of any successful repair services prices timescales etc for East Midlands area please??

Many thanks

[Hadron]

Are you flashing the box with a pc/laptop that has a dedicated 9 pin RS232 serial port, or are you using a USB to serial adapter?

The USB adapters don't always work.

[cactikid]

dont forget a null modem cable looks the same as a serial cable but has a cross over wire for flashing boxes.

[cornorth]

dont forget a null modem cable looks the same as a serial cable but has a cross over wire for flashing boxes.

Definately using a null modem cable, recognised by my laptop, I acknowledge the USB adapters don't always work too. I know many on here say use a PC or machine with designated RS232 port, but many have had success with USB to RS232 adapter

[bobhope1]

surely if your box is trashed and for what someone may charge to repair it, if it can be repaired at all, it would be best just to buy a new box?

[digicon]

@cornorth

It may be advantageous to ask if any members from DK are available to do this for you in your area, a Big Please and state where about's you live may yield some helpful responses

The bribe of some Beer tokens never goes amiss either :-)

[cornorth]

@cornorth

It may be advantageous to ask if any members from DK are available to do this for you in your area, a Big Please and state where about's you live may yield some helpful responses

The bribe of some Beer tokens never goes amiss either :-)

If there are any DK members able to assist in the Northamptonshire area, I'd be grateful for any assistance please, whether you like beer or coke...and yes I mean both being a drink

Thank you

[mtv1]

EromUpgrade.zip : Ferguson : Digital Multimedia Technology

i used this on a few dead sky/open boxes worked fine ,

[Hadron]

Definately using a null modem cable, recognised by my laptop...

Out of interest, how does your laptop know that it's a null modem cable?

[digicon]

@OP have changed Title of your thread to see if anyone spots it from your area who may be able yo give you hand with this

[cornorth]

Out of interest, how does your laptop know that it's a null modem cable?

the laptop recognises the USB to serial adapter - which I acknowledge doesn't always work

[cornorth]

EromUpgrade.zip : Ferguson : Digital Multimedia Technology

i used this on a few dead sky/open boxes worked fine ,

I had a problem trying to download this as the anti-virus software detected a malware??

[makster1978]

bottom line is if you get a 8 on your display its only fit for the bin this is unfixable im afraid,this as not yet happened to any f3s as far as im aware so the f3s is the safiest box to buy.

[yasminandrio]

That's not correct. I've recovered many with the 8 on front of display

[Hadron]

the laptop recognises the USB to serial adapter - which I acknowledge doesn't always work

...but that is just recognising the adapter, not the cable.