Ferguson Ariva 252 Combo

harney

Living in the UK, is there a way to add the UK to the list of terrestrial channel lists to be scanned? I can't remember which setup I used scanning before, but I do not have all the channels I could have. I can see German, Ireland etc, but no UK

Also, is it worth updating the firmware to either the latest or one from the satellite forums you see? I am currently on v1.24B1

Tony

degoosefish wrote: »

if the box is bricked or ASH can you only reflash with Null Modem in this situation.

Yes that's correct

Tony

If you set it to Ireland it will work fine for the UK.

harney wrote: »

Living in the UK, is there a way to add the UK to the list of terrestrial channel lists to be scanned?

degoosefish

Hi Tony

USB serial adapter lead connected to Null modem cable connected to Ariva 252.

Erom Upgrade tool says STBs sync ...... Done

then it says

Set stb memory error

Click back to try again


I am connected to the box on Comm Port 5 but is the USB serial adapter a big NO NO or did anyone get these to work with Null Modem

STB

degoosefish wrote: »

Hi Tony

USB serial adapter lead connected to Null modem cable connected to Ariva 252.

Erom Upgrade tool says STBs sync ...... Done

then it says

Set stb memory error

Click back to try again


I am connected to the box on Comm Port 5 but is the USB serial adapter a big NO NO or did anyone get these to work with Null Modem

You using a Windows 7 machine ? The USB to r232 you bought is it a Startech ?




Identify which com port the adapter is using on the laptop (you can change this on your laptop in the settings of your PC - and then make sure it matches that in the ERoM software upgrade tool).

Connect cable, turn box on at switch on back.

Selected this port in your erom upgrade tool.

Change the laptop port settings to bitrate - 115200 and parity to even.

Next. Process will take about 20 seconds and reboot (ie the box will reboot).

degoosefish

Hi thanks for reply

I have a couple of different types of USB serial adapters that I tried and none worked the one that seems to connect is a
USB-SERIAL CH340 that's all I can get from the driver details

I am using windows 8 but the driver details are enabled and seem to be working properly
I can get access to a win7 laptop tomorrow should I try that ?

degoosefish

degoosefish wrote: »

Hi thanks for reply

I have a couple of different types of USB serial adapters that I tried and none worked the one that seems to connect is a
USB-SERIAL CH340 that's all I can get from the driver details

I am using windows 8 but the driver details are enabled and seem to be working properly
I can get access to a win7 laptop tomorrow should I try that ?

yes the serial usb adapter is working ok with win8 so I am happy that my com port are good.

can anyone confirm that these USB serial adapters will work with reflash or am I
piddling against the wind

STB

A lot of null modem cables are not null modem cables and are wired wrong (trust me i have quite a few that never worked). Adding a adaptor to one that doesnt work anyhow will just wreck your head even further as you cant be sure its a true null modem cable anyhow, as well as not having the right drivers for your laptop to understand the adapter connected.

There is a USB to Null modem cable that does work - its the only one I know that does.

Its got an FTDI chipset that corrects conflicts and work on windows 7/8. They are €20 though.

If you dont have access to an old PC that has a serial port then you will have to buy one of those rather than a €5 null modem cable as they havent put serial ports on laptops in years.

One you get the required cable, you will sucessfully unbrick your box. The EEPPROM is protected on these boxes. They are impossible to kill.

STB

I checked that adaptor that you are using (USB-SERIAL CH340 ), it might work (I have never had one to try) and I reckon that you either have not set the com port correctly, OR you are not using a true null modem cable (straight r232's look the same) with the adaptor or the adaptor simply doest work.

Try it again, but change the com port from 5 to 1. Dont remove it after that or you will have to restart all over again.

On windows its - system, hardware, device manager, ports (com lpt), usb-serial bridge, port settings, advanced, comport number and change to com1 and Ok.

Then follow the instructions above for changing the port in the eerom upgrade tool (just choose port 1!) and set the parity etc as posted above. You should seem some interaction by flicking the switch off and on and then hitting next on the laptop.

And hey if it works let us know.

degoosefish

I got the Null Modem from Satworld.ie so it should be the right one Im sure. Thanks for the help STB

I am losing confidence in the serial port adapter due to what I read on the web that they are hit and miss although I am pretty sure that this one I am using is working correctly

is there anything I can do with the parity and bit rate settings

can you confirm the port settings ie bit rate and parity etc ?

STB

degoosefish wrote: »

I got the Null Modem from Satworld.ie so it should be the right one Im sure. Thanks for the help STB

I am losing confidence in the serial port adapter due to what I read on the web that they are hit and miss although I am pretty sure that this one I am using is working correctly

is there anything I can do with the parity and bit rate settings

can you confirm the port settings ie bit rate and parity etc ?

The parity for all STBs is always even and always @ 115200. The application (erom upgrade) controls how that data gets to the box after that.

Reset target is usually a signal from the box that the com port aint set correctly in the settings of the laptop and conflict with the settings of the erom software (or that its waiting for the box to be turned on).

I have only used Null modem cables myself to resurrect these and other boxes.

How did you brick the box ? Wrong firmware ?

degoosefish

Head is melted I might just bite the bullet on this and get a pci express card serial rs232 for pc

degoosefish

I got a win 7 laptop and everything worked great
I had two generic cheap usb leads to serial port to try out one worked one didn't so be careful what you buy
even though both drivers in the device manager said both devices working correctly one didnt work well with Ariva upgrade tool

all ended very well thanks for replies

STB

degoosefish wrote: »

I got a win 7 laptop and everything worked great
I had two generic cheap usb leads to serial port to try out one worked one didn't so be careful what you buy
even though both drivers in the device manager said both devices working correctly one didnt work well with Ariva upgrade tool

all ended very well thanks for replies

Which adapter worked for you ? If it is generic is there any distinguishing marks or do you know where you got it ? Will be handy and cheap add on for others that just need to get the adapter, like me for example.

PeteFalk78

How is the media player aspect of the 252?

I've the 120 and hardly any support for any decent codecs such as XviD.

STB

PeteFalk78 wrote: »

How is the media player aspect of the 252?

I've the 120 and hardly any support for any decent codecs such as XviD.

The 120 was based on the M3602 ALI chip, hence it was H264 content, Divx was not supported.

The 250/252 is M3606 ALI and supports MKV, DIVX, XVID (AVI) MP4 and H264 encoded media.

degoosefish

STB wrote: »

Which adapter worked for you ? If it is generic is there any distinguishing marks or do you know where you got it ? Will be handy and cheap add on for others that just need to get the adapter, like me for example.

I can't post links or images as I am a new member but here is the text in plain format

yeah its a generic type here is the link on Ebay

ebay.ie/itm/USB-TO-SERIAL-RS232-DB9-9PIN-CABLE-LEAD-ADAPTER-37-/150583881634?pt=UK_Computing_Parallel_Serial_PS_2&hash=item230f7fafa2

€3 is a bargain I bought it comes with adapter and CD with drivers
cheap and cheerful
I used the null modem cable from satworld.ie and this serial port adapter from a windows 7 laptop and it works perfectly with Erom Ferguson Upgrade tool

STB

There you go Tony. A very cheap and handy receovery tool to have for flashing. Great for people with laptops. Most people dont have serial ports on their laptops these days. Same item would be handy for other boxes that have R232 recovery (nearly all)

A cheap Null modem cable joined with one of these.



Syncron in Rosemount Business Park are retailing the adaptor for €2.50 online and ebay.

a €6 solution (Null modem plus adaptor).

Thanks to that poster degoosefish for reporting back as working on Windows 7.

According to manual driver provided works with WIN 98 / 2000 / Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7.

Nowso

http://eu.startech.com/Cards-Adapters/Serial-Cards-Adapters/USB-to-Null-Modem-RS232-DB9-Serial-Adapter-Cable-DCE-FTDI~ICUSB232FTN

there the null modem to usb version i have it works fine on windows 7 and 8

STB

Nowso wrote: »

http://eu.startech.com/Cards-Adapters/Serial-Cards-Adapters/USB-to-Null-Modem-RS232-DB9-Serial-Adapter-Cable-DCE-FTDI~ICUSB232FTN

there the null modem to usb version i have it works fine on windows 7 and 8

Yeah had seen that one before and knew it worked. Only thing is €20-€27, Nowso.

The solution the other chap has mentioned is €6 (or €2.50 if you already have a Null modem cable). Cheap cheap cheap

Nowso

STB wrote: »

Yeah had seen that one before and knew it worked. Only thing is €20-€27, Nowso.

The solution the other chap has mentioned is €6 (or €2.50 if you already have a Null modem cable). Cheap cheap cheap

it is if it works , windows loads the latest software for it - the software that comes with them is likely out of date

STB

Nowso wrote: »

it is if it works , windows loads the latest software for it - the software that comes with them is likely out of date

Previous Windows versions might not pick up the drivers. In any event the drivers are here

degoosefish

The best way to end this rs232 usb serial adapter discussion is to spend €6 on Null Modem and USB adapter and test it. Brought my 252 back to life it works fine as soon as you plug it in it goes searching for drivers u don't really need the cd that comes with it

degoosefish

STB wrote: »

How did you brick the box ? Wrong firmware ?

Sorry only saw this now I bricked the box by being lazy I used a channel list off the web instead of creating my own after the box rebooted I got the ASH

I created my own channel list since reflash using the editor tool I was lazy first time and I got caught : )

Billyie

hi..guys can you help me underestand...when you say get a null modem cable with usb adapter....
are these two seperate items...or is it a one piece cable...which is a null modem type .with one end being the serial connection and the other end of the same cable having a usb connection....??

thanks to clarify......!!!!

and if again you can confidently say which null modem cable works well for Ariva 252.....i put wrong channel list on my 252...briked it..but it stil turns on ..says "ON" then says "ASH".....!!
thnaks for any help..billyie

Nowso

download erom upgrade

connect laptop via null modem or usb to null modem

and flash firmware

there are instructions for doing this with various ferguson boxs

Billyie

Hi..Nowso
thnaks./..ive tried that with eprom tool using a win xp pc and so calle dnull modem serial to serial cable...but although it detects the box..it fails numerous times..and says memeory error....
so turning on and off ariva box for every try..but same result...?? must have done it 20 or 30 times...and with two different null modem cables...!!
Im at a loss...will it ever fix it....?
was wondering about whom to order froim..if someone had already acheived success with a particular cable for Ariva 252...??

Regards Billyie

Nowso

the erom settings are the issue . go into your connected devices to check which com port the serial modem is connected to and use that com port in the erom. as its still under id i presume you can still send it back to let them fix it 4 u

Billyie

hi..when you say erom..is that a setting in the eprom tool that we need to use on screen....??? to make contact to the ariva 252...?
im ok checking what com port is in use from device manager on my pc.....but not sure about making sure if its correct in the erom....?
..In the eprom tool if I use com port 1 it doesn't say about incorrect com port...but if I select any other com port...from 2 upwards...when I turn on the ariva ..it detects it...and does say incorrect com port...so I took it that com port 1 was the correct one....????

Maybe im mixing every thing up here..... could you direct me as to where I check the erom is correct...or reading com port 1 as the pc seems to select com port 1 ..??
do I make any sense to yu...... hope you can help..... Billyie

Nowso

eprom yes i keep mixing that up


http://www.agico.com/servis/other/com_set.pdf here is how to find out what com port its on

Billyie

hello....
ok im trying to understand the terminology.....is the erom the on screen tool we use to make connection to a dead ariva 252 via serial cable....??

and if we question the correct com port...I have noticed when I select com port 1 it doesn't query the selection once you turn on the ariva in the correct sequence.....
BUT....if I change the com port to anything else....2 upwards,,,once I turn on the ariva in the correct nanner...it detects the ariva 252 but a message lower down in the on screen erom tool says about incorrect com port..so I think its fair to say the com port is selected correctly....would you agree,....?
maybe other settings within the erom tool need looking at..........
Or maybe there is a better and more successful erom tool version for Ariva 252 .....?
ive just checked and the version is 2.o.oc 2009-5-22...??

Thanks for more help.....Billyie

Nowso

yes the erom upgrade from here


http://www.ferguson-digital.eu/en/download/HD-Satellite-Receivers/ariva-252-combo/

degoosefish

if you are getting your memory error on upgrade then you are doing everything correct and I know its so frustrating.
COM Port "whatever(1)(2)(3)" once you turn on the rocker switch on your stb and you can see the upgrade tool has acknowledged your connected you know your com port is open and enabled.
if the "stb memory error" is happening then it sound like your serial port adapter I had a couple of different types and one worked and
one didn't.

the usb serial port adapter that worked for me is mentioned further back in this thread. i got null modem cable and USB serial port adapter but I had to use a laptop with windows 7 on it to get it to work.

mcskull

Hello All,
I have an Ariva 252 combo and updated to most recent firmware from ferguson website today. Now it seems the DVB-T tuner is not working/locked out. "LOCK " appears on the front display. getting no signal strength/quality readings for my normal channel freq. I have verified that the DVB-T signal going in to box is good. Sat channels working ok.
Now, if I revert to older version , the DVB-T tuner is still locked out.
Has anyone came across this before?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Rgds,
Dave.

Tony

Is the parental control disabled ?

mcskull

thanks for the fast reply.I just disabled the parental as you mentioned. This got rid of the "Lock" on front display. but the DVB-T tuner is still disabled.

Tony

Can you elaborate on what you mean by "Disabled"

mcskull wrote: »

thanks for the fast reply.I just disabled the parental as you mentioned. This got rid of the "Lock" on front display. but the DVB-T tuner is still disabled.

mcskull

Hi Tony, it seems the DVB-T tuner is not detecting the broadcast signal "No Signal!" appears on the TV screen. If I go to the manual tuning page and go to UHF ch 47 (Woodcock Hill), I am not seeing full bars as was the case before the upgrade. now I am seeing signal intensity 11%, signal Quality 10%. I'm thinking the DVB-T tuner is not configured correctly with the new firmware. strange thing is that when I revert to old code (I saved), the problem persists.

Tony

Hi, does the Saorview antenna you are using need power ? That's the only thing I can think of to be honest if as you say the ant is working ok. Are you using the Allcode and bootloader option to revert to your old firmware ?

mcskull wrote: »

Hi Tony, it seems the DVB-T tuner is not detecting the broadcast signal "No Signal!" appears on the TV screen. If I go to the manual tuning page and go to UHF ch 47 (Woodcock Hill), I am not seeing full bars as was the case before the upgrade. now I am seeing signal intensity 11%, signal Quality 10%. I'm thinking the DVB-T tuner is not configured correctly with the new firmware. strange thing is that when I revert to old code (I saved), the problem persists.

mcskull

the signal is definitely ok. yes I'm using the allcode and bootloader as you mentioned.

snaps

In settings toggle the antenna power on and off. Can't remember without checking but it may be labeled active antenna or antenna power?
Basically it sends power to antenna to power an amplifier. If your antenna doesn't have or need this power you will get no signal.

mcskull

thanks for the suggestion, tried this to no avail.
the 252 DVB-T tuner worked grand when i got it first... before i started messing about with channel lists etc...
I think I know the source of the problem. I failed to mention in previous posts that I also have a 250 combo. thinking I was smart, I attempted to transfer my channel list from the 250 to the 252. the sat channels went ok but the DVB-T receiver is not working. the 252 has a newer type DVB-T tuner which may have different config settings compared to the 250 tuner. i did come across the bin code warning but ignored it as i have the null cable to configure in case i "bricked" the box ... I thought uploading the latest firmware or the original that came with the 252 would fix the problem.... unfortunately not....

Lucious Sweet

Im trying to adjust the soarview settings on RTE 1 HD in TV System tab. Video resolution is 480i or 576i. Why no 1080 option.
Also no matter what aspect ratio I try I can never get all of the screen like I can with aerial plugged directly into TV.
Any ideas?

Tony

Change video out back to YUV

Lucious Sweet wrote: »

Im trying to adjust the soarview settings on RTE 1 HD in TV System tab. Video resolution is 480i or 576i. Why no 1080 option.
Also no matter what aspect ratio I try I can never get all of the screen like I can with aerial plugged directly into TV.
Any ideas?

Lucious Sweet

Tony wrote: »

Change video out back to YUV

Cheers Tony, When I do the picture becomes scramble and the screen goes black

Tony

Are you connected via hdmi ? Try changing the input of the tv and then go back to HDMI 1 (or whatever input you have connected) the Tv should auto adjust in a few seconds.

Lucious Sweet wrote: »

Cheers Tony, When I do the picture becomes scramble and the screen goes black

Lucious Sweet

Tony wrote: »

Are you connected via hdmi ? Try changing the input of the tv and then go back to HDMI 1 (or whatever input you have connected) the Tv should auto adjust in a few seconds.

Sorted, HDMI was going through a hub. When I connected directly it worked fine.
Thanks again.

sunnyone

Hi all,
A quick question for those with a little knowledge on the Ariva combo boxes....

I have been using the Ariva 252 combo for a few months and found it excellent, however on Wednesday I turned it on and most (not all) of the UK channels were gone from the channel list.

I had to do an automatic search to get them back. This is the second time it has happened (the same happened last month).

Why does this keep happening? Loose connection between the combo box and my satellite dish? Software failure? Or did the BBC/Channel 4/E4/ITV change the frequencies they broadcast on?

Thanks in advance for any help

Tony

Are you sure you are on the "all channels" list ?

sunnyone wrote: »

Hi all,
A quick question for those with a little knowledge on the Ariva combo boxes....

I have been using the Ariva 252 combo for a few months and found it excellent, however on Wednesday I turned it on and most (not all) of the UK channels were gone from the channel list.

I had to do an automatic search to get them back. This is the second time it has happened (the same happened last month).

Why does this keep happening? Loose connection between the combo box and my satellite dish? Software failure? Or did the BBC/Channel 4/E4/ITV change the frequencies they broadcast on?

Thanks in advance for any help

sunnyone

Tony wrote: »

Are you sure you are on the "all channels" list ?

Yes
When they disappeared from favourites, I first checked each satellite and then went into the menu to check the 'all channels' list