Test your PC setup for STB loading

Thank you tomcat,
Here is the post that got lost yesterday:

Test your PC setup for STB loading

This procedure refers to a loading setup using a PC serial COM (including a COM port implemented with a USB to serial COM adaptor) port connected to the STB via a null modem cable with female DB-9 connectors.

The most frequent problem with loading software/firmware from the PC to the STB is a lack of communication between the two.

Usually the PC loading is a last resort following unsuccessful loading with an external hard drive or memory stick.

If the problem resides within the STB itself, there is not much to do, except having the box sent to service.

It could however be and it happens quite frequent, that the communication problem is related with the PC itself, the correct selection of the COM port or the serial cable that connects the PC to the STB.

If the loading process is not accompanied by a positive indication - like a progress bar on the PC screen or some indication on the STB display, we may guess and conclude that the communication failed. We may even get a message on the PC screen that confirms our guess. This is not good enough, as we would like to know where exactly the problem is located and if possible how to correct it.

Below is a step by step procedure for testing the communication link - setup and hardware - including the PC and the cable, up to the STB serial connector.
The procedure is based on what is called a loop-back test,meaning that thedata signals transmitted by the PC COM port are returned to the same port, as received data signals, by means of a wire jumper at the end of the serial data cable.

NOTES:
The basic – successful test steps below are written with regular font.
The Italic font writing contains additional related suggestions, details and problem handling tips.

1. Connect one end of the serial cable to the PC serial connector.

Use the cable that came with the STB for this purpose. If you don’t have it, acquire one with your dealer. As a last resort, acquire a RS232 null modem cable with female DB-9 connectors at both ends.

2. Insert at the other free (unconnected) end of the cable, a jumper wire into the connector holes 2 and 3.

A jumper, for this purpose, is a piece of wire (electrical conductor) used here to connect (short) between 2 points of the connector. It can be made of a solid - vinyl coated or bare metal wire, 2 to 3 inches long with a diameter of 0.3 to 0.5mm (not more, as the connector can be damaged). Most handy, is a small size paper clip. After straighten it, bend it in the middle around a pen to obtain a looong U profile. If not bare metal, you need to strip the 2 ends at the top of the U – about 8-10mm of any insulating material.
The connector holes are numbered 1 to 9. If you find it difficult or are not sure about identifying the holes, do this: hold the free cable end with the connector holes facing to you, so that you see the two rows of holes as 5 holes on the top row and 4 holes on the bottom row. The holes you need are 2 and 3, meaning second and third from the right, on the top row.
Caution: during and after inserting the jumper ends into the two holes, you should watch to keep it away from any metal object around including the connector shell (it is not electrical hazard, but it may affect the test and also there is some risk to damage the COM port of the PC, if the jumper comes in electrical contact with a grounded or otherwise electrically connected or charged object).

3. Open - Start – Programs - Accessories – Communication – HyperTerminal.

The computer settings here are for Windows XP Pro. For other operating systems you may need to use their associated Help; search for communication, HyperTerminal.

4. Enter a name – of your choice – in the Connection Description pop-up window and press OK.

5. In the next pop-up window - Connect To -select the COM port number (usually COM1, but not always) associated with the PC connector, the serial cable is hooked to and press OK.

6. In the next - COMx Properties – pop-up window, press Restore Defaults, but most important - verify and if necessary set Flow control to None and press OK.

7. In the remaining window, freely, type characters from the keyboard.
If the characters you type are shown in the window, you may proceed to the next step.

If you do not see any typing results in the window, check the jumper is in place by moving it slightly, while typing. If still nothing, check the PC Device Manager for problems with the Ports (COM&LPT) – search for help - Communications or Serial Ports and correct if necessary.
Exit/close the HyperTerminal application. Restart the PC setup with step 3 above. In step 5 select another available COM port number.

8. Remove the jumper and then, freely type characters from the keyboard.
If you do not see any typing results in the window, everything up to the STB is fine and, you may proceed to the next step.

If in step 7 above, each typed character is shown twice, afterjumper removal it should be shown only once and if so you may also proceed to the next step.
If you see no difference, and the typing on the keyboard is reflected in the window, exactly as before the jumper removal, disconnect the cable from the PC. If you see a change as expected above in this step - that occurred upon cable removal, rather than jumper removal, replace the cable - see step 1 above and restart the procedure.
If after cable removal, still no change upon typing, most likely there is a problem with your PC COM Port. You may try using another COM port if your PC has one (most likely – not); otherwise install a USB to Serial port cable/adaptor, or try with another PC. Restart the procedure.

9. Reset the computer and connect the free end of the serial cable - jumper removed – to the STB serial connector. Proceed with the loading following the loader instructions.

If the loading fails, most likely there is a problem with the STB that is to be sent to service.