Skybox F3

[Stew.art]

My 6 month old F3 died a few weeks back, it happened after turning on the box for the first time that day (normally off over night unless I’m recording) and it froze, needing me to restart it via power switch on the back, this freezing and restarting had been the normal procedure for months but this time it didn't restart.

all I got (and still get) was a blank tv screen and blank display on the receiver although it still makes the tv jump to hdmi channel when the power switch is turned on and the usb stick lights up when plugged in. but nothing else and the box doesn't heat up.

I had updated the software (YT fix - 20130114) less than a week before but I doubt that had anything to do with it.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

Its going back Saturday morning, i'm sure stuff isnt benchtested thoroughly anymore-its just a case of dump the components on the board and in theory they should do this. Really disappointed,it brightened up my day when it arrived as i've been on the sick for most of this week , it gave me something to take my mind of the serious back pain i have at the moment.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

Well this was the answer from the supplier....

"Firstly I am sorry that you've experienced a problem.

the issue you are experiencing sounds like the firmware has crashed in the box - this is very common because there are many bogus versions of the firmware available online and it is the firmware that is clone and has caused the box to crash.

We sell the boxes with all FTA channels and latest firmware supplied. the problems arise when the boxes are upgraded or configured for other services such as to view paid channels.

Are you familiar with the process of re-flashing the box with a RS232 cable? This is the easiest resolution to your issue.
When we receive it, we will test the box for you and reflash it for you or send you a replacement box."

Cant say fairer than that.

 

[Lazarus]

Well it's nearly right: RS232 cable needs to be a Null Modem variant and it also will only work when connected to an old style Serial Port on a PC. Serial to USB etc adapters do not work in this application.

Also, I assume all you did was use it as supplied. so I'm not too keen on the implication of what they are saying - and they also claim it was supplied with "all FTA Channels", whatever they actually mean by that!

And when bricked, the most common system is a Boot-Loop whereby it gets to 100, fails to go to splash-screen, then starts again - and again -and again.

That said, I'm glad they will send you back a working box (but check your Serial number so you can tell if it's been reflashed or replaced!)

 

[aceb]

I discovered earlier that although the F3 won't display them I can record 422 signals onto a USB disk/stick then watch it using VLC on the laptop. Is there anyway of short cutting the process to record straight to a PC to save all the unplugging and cable swapping?

 

[Piltdownpaul]

When i first switched it on it counted to 100,after the faulty developed it never did that. I have took the protective polythene off the unit,if it comes back with new stuff on it i might be ok. I dont know the serial number-i did see it but didnt twig to make a note until i'd sent it yesterday morning. I have got an old dell pc (i'm using it now) connected to my network and i do have a null cable in the drawer if i ever need to flash it. He mentioned it on the phone yesterday morning but i argued that i wasnt prepared to do anything like that to a machine that i'd used for 3-4 hrs before going faulty. He agreed with me.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

I only tried to install my satellites one by one. He had put Astra 28E on it only. I've told him not install anything but the firmware.

 

[Lazarus]

Ok, PDP - sounds like you have it taped!

It'll be worth it in the end.

Great little boxes.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

Cant wait to get it back now. The icecrypts so stable but i dont use half the features, i havent even set the ccamm and biss stuff up on it. Its a linux job but i dont think you can install any different firmware.

 

[Lazarus]

PDP, if you PM me an EMail address, I'll send you my TP-Prog.dbs file.

I have two boxes - hence two files - one for USALS and the other with LNB A = 28E and LNB = All the rest (I use a DiSEqC switch from a port on my motorised system feeding the USALS box.

You can easily mod the DiSEqC settings to suit your system, and I reckon what I've chosen to keep on my Channel Lists and Favourite Lists would at least be a good start for you.

Your risk, mind you!

 

[Piltdownpaul]

Pm sent

 

[Lazarus]

And replied to.

I'm going to send you the USALS version, so don't forget to go to Antenna Setup and amend the Lat/Long if/as necessary. (It might be a System Setting, so not necessarily stored on TP_Prog.dbs: I'm sure you can sort it easily)

 

[Piltdownpaul]

I only use diseqc 1.1 for 16 lnbs Tivu, so i'll switch usals off and assign lnbs? Correct.

 

[Lazarus]

Yep.

Easy to do as there's USALS All/Not All toggle, so one button and you've got a clean slate.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

Get back to your telly -many thanks.

 

[Lazarus]

File sent.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

Which version firmware should i leave on it, i have 27 june 2012

 

[Lazarus]

Your choice entirely:

Either leave it like that until you've got everything else sorted out - but if you then upgrade to the latest, although you can reload all your dumped files eg Channel Lists, you'll have to manually re-enter any System Settings you've made

Or

Upgrade to the latest before you do absolutely anything else at all. Firmware since September has the option to retain System Settings (Which, oddly enough, includes Custom Labels for Favourites lists).

 

[Piltdownpaul]

I'll leave it like it is Tivu for the moment. Want to enjoy it before i tinker. "And whats at channel 0001, Look North? Flippin northerners get everywhere. That will be changed". Thanks so much for your help and the file.

 

[Lazarus]

Yes, well do remember to Dump any and all files to USB regularly ....................