Dreambox 500S stopped working

IrelandKev

Hi all,
I have a Dreambox 500S, and I was researching on how to record from the Dreambox to the PC using NGrab. I got the NGrab program, and connected the Dreambox up to the computer (using a null cable), and was able to control the box from the PC (change channels etc.), I could also set the timer to record, but it never saved onto the external drive I had connected up to the computer. I looked around the internet for another program to watch the Dreambox on a PC, and found mFarag. I downloaded and installed it, and eventually I got it working, and was able to watch all the channels on the computer, although I still couldn't record. I had around 25 channels on my favourites list, (BBC's, ITV's, C4, E4 etc.) but then, when I checked the Favourites list a minute later I only had the 4 BBC's. I searched for the rest of the channels but none were found, like the dish had become completely useless, even though I could still watch the BBC channels. I then turned it off and turned it on again, but all I see now is the Gemini Image logo, and no reaction from the remote control except for the blinking green light on the box.
I don't know what's wrong with it. Please give me some advice on what to do, I tried re-flashing it, but the computer does not recognize the Dreambox. I'd really appreciate some help with this, I don't have a clue what's gone wrong with it.
Thanks very much

mhku

A null modem cable is used to flash the Dreambox.

A CAT5 cable (network cable) is used to connect the Dreambox to your router.

You can control/ view the Dreambox on your PC using Firefox.

How is your Dreambox connected to your network and which image are you using? Can't help with NGrab as I never used it.

nanochickin

What version of Gemini did you have on your box ?

It is a possibility that your box may have been damaged by the Gemini image if the box was a clone




Nano

IrelandKev

I don't know the version of Gemini that I'm using off the top of my head, but I do know that the version is pre- versions with the clone thing.
@ mhku, I don't really know the lingo, but the Dreambox was connected by a cable that you use for internet. I was able to control the Dreambox from the computer before it happened, I could change channels and all that, but now there is only a Gemini startup logo and nothing else....

IrelandKev

Edit: Brainwave, The cable I used is an Ethernet/LAN cable. Any help? I'm desperate.

mhku

Did you install mfarag on the Dreambox or PC?

If it doesn't get passed the logo it sounds like the image is corrupt. Have you unplugged the power supply for about 30 seconds and reconnected it?

IrelandKev

I installed it on the computer, not the Dreambox. And yeah, I left it unplugged for a few hours and tried it again but failed.

mhku

If you have a null modem cable and DreamUP I'd suggest reflashing it.

Make sure DreamUP is the correct version and the cable is a null modem and not a plain RS232 cable.

IrelandKev

I thought the same myself, but the PC doesn't recognize the Dreambox and therefore won't flash it. Is there any other way of flashing it?

compufunk

If you are using a null modem cable and the guide here on the forum, there should be no problem with the dreambox being 'recognized' by the PC.

If its an ethernet cable you are using, you'll have to figure out what IP address the dreambox has been assigned (If its even getting that far).

Is the dreambox connected to a router, or direct to your PC?

IrelandKev

I do know the IP address of the box, as I was trying to get NGrab working, so I can remember it, and it is connected through a router to the PC. What can I do to re-flash the box?
Thanks for all your help so far, but will it work?

IrelandKev

Edit: I tried flashing it through the router with the LAN cable using the IP address of the box, but to no avail. I will try it with the null modem cable as soon as I can find one. Can you direct me to the guide that you talked about please?

compufunk

http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/123492-post6.html

You know what it was, but if flash was accidentally erased you could have a different address now.

IrelandKev

Yeah your right because I tried both FlashWizardPro and DreamUpLan, and tried a lot of different IP addresses but none of them worked. Thanks I'll have a look at the guide now.

IrelandKev

Do you know any way of finding out my box's IP address? I tried pinging the address I thought it was but that didn't work, and I obviously can't go to Setup>Communication Settings as I can't get further than the startup logo. Any ideas?

compufunk

Download Angry IP Scanner to scan your network for active IP addresses.

Just input your network range and hit scan. E.g. 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.254.

Make sure the dreambox is connected to a router and turned on when you do this.

IrelandKev

OK, but when I use DreamUp I can also scan for IP addresses, but none come up. Is that the same scan as Angry IP Scanner?

compufunk

I'm not sure what your talking about.

Scan with AIP scanner, if it doesnt find the dreambox IP then the dreambox is probably not getting one from your router, in which case you'll need to forget about flashing over Ethernet/LAN and use a null modem cable instead.

IrelandKev

Sorry I meant to say in Dreambox Control Center (DCC) you search for IP addresses also. Is that the same scan as AIP? Btw I scanned for a Dreambox IP but found nothing. I suppose I'll have to use Null modem.

IrelandKev

Hi, I tried the null modem cable, and i got a reaction from the box by using HyperTerminal, but it is stuck at booting the kernel (pic below). Does that mean I will not be able to flash it, or will I be able to try something else to fix it?

Please add images as an attachment.

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compufunk

The easiest way to do it is with dreamup. Its available here on the forum or on the Dream Multimedia site download section.

Your just complicating it by using hyperterminal.

I dont think it mentions hyperterminal anywhere in T_Gs guide which is linked to in post #13.

Follow the guide!

mhku

All you need to flash an image is a null modem cable and a copy of DreamUP on the computer. This method usually works every time. No need for HyperTerminal.

If you want to use DreamUPLAN and a CAT5 cable you're on you're own.

IrelandKev

I know, I would have used DreamUp and I have it, except the laptop I have DreamUp on has no null modem port, but the laptop I used HyperTerminal on has no USB port, and cannot access the internet, so I had no way of getting DreamUp. However, there is a floppy disk port on both laptops, so will it work even though the kernel won't boot?

IrelandKev

Hi again, I got it working through DreamUp and a null modem cable. Thanks sincerely to mhku, compufunk, and nanochickin for all your help!!!! I really appreciate it

compufunk

Glad to here you got it sorted