Fortec Star hd passion+ stb.

[Mike M]

My passion+ stb is just over 2 years old.When I switch it on it shows "passion+" on the VFD display for a few seconds then "power off" followed by the time 00:00. Fortec Star tell me that I need a rs232 tool to update the software but although I asked them for a copy two weeks ago they hav'nt replied.

 

[Llew]

Hi, welcome to the Forum Mike M.

This is the Download Manager you require -

 

[briangw]

makes you wonder why we create a Sticky entitled :-
Fortec Star RS232 Download Manager & V1.50 Loader for Passion/Passion+/Innovation
but I would put money on it being the PSU anyway. Lets hope the OP will do a search on that topic before asking the obvious question that is sure to follow.

 

[Llew]

OP's post was in a different section originally, moved it and forgot I'd stuck that one some time before.

 

[Mike M]

Thanks for your help Llew.My stb is up & running again after updating the Loader V1.5 & firmware.

 

[Llew]

Good news Mike. Credit goes to Briangw for providing the downloader. No brownie points to Fortecstar for it being unavailable on their site.

 

[Holland Park]

Hi - I seem to have a similar problem "Mike M" - although in my case, the VFD Display has completely gone. There is power to the receiver. Can anyone offer any help / advice.

 

[tjl]

Hi - I seem to have a similar problem "Mike M" - although in my case, the VFD Display has completely gone. There is power to the receiver. Can anyone offer any help / advice.

This could help, http://www.satellites.co.uk/forums/fortecstar-hd/165101-my-fortecstar-passion-dead-just-asleep.html

 

[Holland Park]

not sure? The receiver is started to switch itself off, when we changed channels. It restarted itself originally but very quickly has turned dormant with no display.
Is there a way I can test if it asleep - I cannot see this in the manual??/
Thanks

 

[Mike M]

Hi,
I'll describe how I updated my firmware -I hope it cures your problem.

You will need an rs232 female to female null modem cable.If your computer does not have an rs232 port you will also need a usb to rs232 converter.Both are available from Maplin or maybe Amazon.Install the usb to rs232 converter on your computer.

Goto _http://www.fortecstar.com click on downloads and select the model of your stb.Download the latest update for your stb together with loader v1.5.
Download a copy of the Fortec Star rs232 tool (FS download manager) and FS download manager procedure ( both available on this site)
When all files are unzipped they will have .dnl extensions.

Connect the stb to your computer using the null modem cable and usb/rs232 adapter if necessary.Switch off the stb.
Run the Download Manager and select port number,baud rate (say 9600) and Loader V1.5. (See Download Manager Procedure).
Click on 'dowwnload' and switch on the stb.

When the loader update is complete run the Download Manager again to update the firmware you downloaded from _http://www.fortecstar.com

I hope this works for you. Good luck.

Mike M

 

[briangw]

This could help, http://www.satellites.co.uk/forums/fortecstar-hd/165101-my-fortecstar-passion-dead-just-asleep.html

not sure? The receiver is started to switch itself off, when we changed channels. It restarted itself originally but very quickly has turned dormant with no display.
Is there a way I can test if it asleep - I cannot see this in the manual??/
Thanks

Hi,
I'll describe how I updated my firmware -I hope it cures your problem.
You will need an rs232 female to female null modem cable.If your computer does not have an rs232 port you will also need a usb to rs232 converter.Both are available from Maplin or maybe Amazon.Install the usb to rs232 converter on your computer.
Goto _http://www.fortecstar.com click on downloads and select the model of your stb.Download the latest update for your stb together with loader v1.5.
Download a copy of the Fortec Star rs232 tool (FS download manager) and FS download manager procedure ( both available on this site)
When all files are unzipped they will have .dnl extensions.
Connect the stb to your computer using the null modem cable and usb/rs232 adapter if necessary.Switch off the stb.
Run the Download Manager and select port number,baud rate (say 9600) and Loader V1.5. (See Download Manager Procedure).
Click on 'dowwnload' and switch on the stb.
When the loader update is complete run the Download Manager again to update the firmware you downloaded from _http://www.fortecstar.com

This is 99.99% certain to be a failed C201 capacitor on the PSU circuit board as in TJL's suggested post (you will see it with the top slightly bulged between 2 heatsinks, if your look through the vents on the top left of the stb).
If you dont know how to swap a capacitor yourself, find an electronics repair shop and it will probably cost you £10-15 (mostly for labour). I have already swapped about 4 of these myself for customers experiencing similar problems, with excellent results.