Recover Dead Skybox Flash Using Serial RS232 Null modem Cable

[the reaper]

What kit are you using---laptop with adapter and cable or desktop with cable--xp or 7 or 8.
If it returns to LOAD every time then I assume that the actual f/w is not loading, it actually by-passes the eprom so you get a successfu reading after its loaded but really it hasn't and the old f/w is still in.
Before you try again, obtain another psu to try as they have a nasty habit of breaking down inside but still giving power to the box but not enough.Buy, beg, borrow or steal one [available on the bay or amazon]
When you try reflash again use the earliest f/w then proceed to use the Nov 13 f/w.
Reaper.

 

[wwiilliiss]

and the nov 13 f/w lives ,,,,,,,?
for clones or genuine boxes?

 

[the reaper]

It resides on SkyBox | SkyBox or you may want to play on a free download site listing files and firmware at Netkeysat.net
These are for original boxes only.
Reaper.

 

[billa79]

I will be trying this option to flash my skybox f5. just no power to box at all.

 

[crispyducc]

I've tried to recover my f5s with a usb, literally getting nowhere!

 

[Esburri]

trying to recover F5S with RS232 cable

 

[glenmccooke]

Same problem, i'm hoping that this will cure it, my box was all off, i tried a new power lead which fired then box up but now its loops to 100

 

[the reaper]

Billa79----try a new psu before you attempt to flash.

Crispyducc----you need a RS232null modem cable with a prolific usb adapter for laptop [ensure drivers are loaded]

Reaper.

 

[castiel]

Thank you for this. i have a skybox f5s that gets stuck on lo97 it doesn't reboot just hangs. i do not get software miss match i am using null cable with usb adapter as no com ports on pc or lappy.
i do not have antenna plugged in or Ethernet plugged in when performing the image write i have tried original and clone image i do not get image miss match on either.

any help is much appreciated.

 

[the reaper]

Esburri------ensure you have the correct RS232 null modem cable and not just a RS232 straight cable.

Glenmccooke----you are on the right road by renewing psu now you need to reflash with early firmware by using a RS232 null modem cable and follow guide at start of thread.

Reaper.

---------- Post Merged at 04:01 PM ----------

Castiel---use Nov 2013 firmware first--if no good then work up from earliest to latest f/w
Do not power box up before you get reset target message---there should be no cables connected to box until you get reset target and only then connect psu.
Reaper.

 

[the reaper]

3 boxes arrived today for me to kick back to life [2 members and a private client] I managed to revive 2 but a F5s with the dim red light and dim 8, belonging to a member on here, has once again beaten me. My electrician states that the box has either had a power surge from a dodgy psu or has overheated because of lack of air circulation around and under box which then corrupts the memory eprom in the box.
I have said before that these boxes are subject to overheating and need to be raised off the surface using corks or some form of small blocks and allow full air circulation around the box.
Anyway apologies to Gary for my failure.
Reaper.

 

[badboy186]

Hello will this work with an openbox s9?

 

[andrefneves]

My f3 is froozen.. i will try to do this now

 

[the reaper]

I have actually managed to contact a member of the Technology Lab at Skybox in China, reference the dim red led and dim 8 problem.
Now the question is----will he come back to me with the goods or just disappear yet again?
There just doesn't seem to be a cure anywhere.
Reaper.

---------- Post Merged at 04:16 PM ----------

Well he sent this back---what the hell it means is anyones guess but it looks like I've managed to stir the pot. lol

Order Information
Order Number: 35974_WZ9sgzOVAg64B4UeYFcAXqauDm
Order Date: 2015-02-11 14:04:21
Order Status: CONFIRMED

Reaper.

 

[Kremmen]

the reaper...have you ever managed to revive any F5s with dim 8, or have all the ones that you have handled been unrevivable?

I think I have 2 here now that won't flash by RS232.

 

[eamondo]

Means you wont get an answer. I have tried before

 

[the reaper]

Kremmen, I have managed to revive 4 out of 9 but only because the owner didn't try to revive himself with dubious files.
The chinese have just sent me a revival pack but doesn't seem to work so far---just an upgraded erom tool with built in file---tried on 3 boxes here but still get the stb memory message.
Reaper.

 

[trigger1147]

Very comrehensive instructions thank you. I bought a female to female rs232 null cable without checking my lap top connection which is female. Will the pins be aligned correctly if I exchange it for a female/male null RS232?

 

[ACHH]

My Box is stuck on LOAD and no display on the screen. Thanks for the Guide.

 

[Kremmen]

Very comrehensive instructions thank you. I bought a female to female rs232 null cable without checking my lap top connection which is female. Will the pins be aligned correctly if I exchange it for a female/male null RS232?

Are you absolutely sure that your looking at a serial port on your laptop? All the serial ports I have ever seen on a pc have been male (pins) type. How old is your laptop?

Although the fact that you can buy male - female null modem cables means that some devices must have female RS232 connectors I suppose.

@the reaper...could you attach that upgraded erom tool so that I could try it on my boxes?