Brand new V3 duo clone not working

[umgeni]

Hi All,
I've not posted much on this forum but have been doing a lot of reading (and have looked at other threads similar to this one!)

I've just received my Vu duo V3 clone from china (I'm in the UK) I did a lot of reading while waiting for it to turn up so thought I was ready.

First thing I did was flash it via usb on the front port with version 3.0.204 of vix (thought it was the latest obe but since found out there are more current versions).

After a few tries it loaded and flashed as it should, but then wouldn't boot, it continually froze on 'Starting'.

Now, one thing to mention is that I didn't try starting it with the shipped image, so don't know if it worked properly from the start. I had a HDD installed, so took it out, tried booting again and got the same result.

After a bit more reading I flashed with a different image and usb stick (kingston 2GB), the image was vix 2.3.153 which was recommended in another forum.

This eventually flashed (for some reason wouldnt pick up front usb but worked with rear slot) and started up ok.

I started setting up the box, got to the scanning part, started scanning and after a few minutes rebooted on its own, and froze once again in starting.

I've tried reflashing many times now, sometimes it picks up the front port, sometimes not.

I'm wondering if its overheating as the rear fan isn't on (doesn't seem to be too warm) also the heatsink on the cpu is pretty flimsy.

I'm thinking its a DOA box, but wondered if I've done anything to it, like flashing with the newer vix image?

Any help or advice would be appreciated!

[dell_xps]

probably the power supply m8 ?

[umgeni]

Thanks for your reply,

Do you think it's worth a try getting a better one then? From what I've seen it's going to cost about ?50 to send it back so I suppose it makes sense.

Can anyone recommend a good supplier?

[dell_xps]

Have you tried installing a blackhole image on it first ?, I take it thats what image came with it ?

did you get instructions with it ?, have you asked on the clone forum ?

[umgeni]

I did try a blackhole image, couldnt get it to flash.

I'm going to try the latest V7 image from vuplus via rs232 and see if that helps.

Not asked anyone else yet!

[dell_xps]

Im sure one of the other guys will be along to advise you better than I can m8, not really clued up on clones :-)
Try flashing the nfi file as you say, see how that goes.

[umgeni]

Thanks,
I've just realised I've put this in the wrong thread, I'll move it over to the clone section.

[dell_xps]

Its ok m8 it will be seen whatever section it's in :-)
Digicon is probably yer best bet when it comes to clones :-)

[cactikid]

well we guessed when coming from china,be carefull about bootloaders used before images,always best to ask.

[DOUGALMCD]

For doing a lot of reading the first thing that you should have done was check your box was working and what image it came with. With box turned off for a while.Take out hdd and make sure you push all connections home, get an older duo image and try.

[umgeni]

For doing a lot of reading the first thing that you should have done was check your box was working and what image it came with. With box turned off for a while.Take out hdd and make sure you push all connections home, get an older duo image and try.

Thanks, well hindsight is a great thing!

[DOUGALMCD]

The more info you supply will let people on the forum help you better and we've all broke them before mate.

http://www.digital-kaos.co.uk/forums/f193/vu-duo-red-light-306783/

[digicon]

Actually Dell has given you some good advice there with the flash the original 0.7.nfi image via RS232 and supplied chipboard and null modem lead this should recover it to a working state.

Then also as suggested get the box up and running with the original image and put it through its paces to see if you have anymore problems then flash with a 3rd party image.

I know you said you did a lot of reading but you should also have seen the posts about V3 clones not having been upgraded yet to take newer images so at the moment until the upgrade turns up your V3 clone will only work like a V2 so use appropriate V2 safe images.

[iceman325]

I had a similar problem, and this image worked for me UBB Message - Dreambox Made in China OEM Forum.

Since then, ive tried many images and they all work now.

I put the USB in the front port, switched on the box. At this point this is where I get the red light and there is nothing on the screen or LCD.

Leave it for 5 mins then switch off the box and remove the USB. Now switch it on and its flashed.

[mdt]

Digicon is probably yer best bet when it comes to clones :-)

clone master my arse regards mdt