firmware update Merc2

[turbosat]

Finally I get my hands on a Merc 2, like it so far after an hour, but I cannot figure a way to get the latest firmware in it. Has anybody done it using Windows 2000pro?
The loader is an .EXE file, and in W2KPro it seems to create an endless loop of frustration (This is why I quit using windows, but its still on a partition in my computer)
I connect cable that came with Merc2, doubleclick the loader, it asks for file to upload, says turn on STB, then says No File to Upload after I've already picked it.
I tried putting the loader and the bin in the same folder>same results. I read on another website to try cutting the speed of the Com Port to 9600, that doesn't make a whit of difference either.
My old win98 box is broken so I don't have anything else to use.
any ideas appreciated!

 

[SatelliteAV]

Obvious, but necessary question. The firmware file is unzipped?

The pop-up would indicate a file selection issue, not a problem with com ports or linking....

 

[Mr Tony]

turbo
when I got my Merc II I upgraded it using xp pro with no issues....thats before the computer blowed up

 

[schlever]

Hey Turbo, I've only upgraded my boxes using Win XP too. I remember reading somewhere that the loaders only work on XP, but can't remember where.

 

[turbosat]

Thanks for help

Guess I'll just have to rebuild my win98 box then, got an almost brand new HD that had "Boot and Nuke" run on it, wiped out the partition table, everything. But once I figure that out and the win98 install disk can see the HD again, I should be fine.
The file isn't a zipped or compressed file, so I can't see anything wrong with this except for the fact that the loader may not work with W2KPRO , or maybe it doesn't like 64bit computers. But, everything else , program-wise, I've tried works on it-it has the 32bit emulation.
It was really fun around here for awhile, couldn't get that upgrade to work for anything, then when I tried to get on the net to look for help-my dsl died for about an hour lol.

 

[brentb636]

Turbo,
You've been having a lot of trouble lately. Why not move up here to Holland ( or Saugatuck) and I can take care of you !
You might be surprised by the pretty white stuff we'll be getting soon .

 

[turbosat]

Just about ready to , Brent, thanks. But, miracles have occurred, just as I was about to give up for the night, the bootdisk started on my 10yr old stand-by computer, and I'm now installing the
10th Anniversary Edition of Windows 98!! LOL (I would tell yall I had the IDE cables ass-backwards and the bios was seeing almost nothing for devices, but that would show my carelessness)
I'll have this new firmware installed in the Mercruiser 2 before the Passion hits the shelves!!

 

[Wescopc]

Remember that loading software from the computer to the STB is downloading and from the STB to the receiver is uploading.
Bob

 

[turbosat]

I think I tried both ways, uploading/downloading......hmmmm. I was thinking it might be the NTFS filesystem that was messing with it, and that win98 with the FAT filesystem might help.
I know somebody with a XP box, so if this don't work, I'll carry it over there !! Thanks for the tip.

 

[Davage]

What about the serial cable? Is it a null-modem cable or just a straight-thru serial? Can you read any of the channel info using the channel editing software?

 

[turbosat]

WescoPC saves the day!

I tried it again, and it works. Apparently I had been trying to upload instead of down. Thought I had tried both ways last night. Anyway, the new firmware is in it, now to play around a little with the new box.
If anybody is interested, the computer I used is one I built, a 64bit mother running SlamD64 linux, with an install of Win2000Pro on the side. I thought it should work, as I used it to upgrade the Traxis software not many months back. Just gotta push the right button,haha.

 

[Anole]

Congratulations.
I was pretty sure I used an old laptop (P2-233) with Win2k on it to upgrade my Mercury II.
But that was a year ago.

As for the direction question, mostly everyone gets it wrong, so I am always suspect of their labeling.

Glad that's done.
Now, put a little sticker on the bottom of the unit with what kind of cable to use, and whether to tell the software to UP or DOWN load.
That way, you'll be ready for next time. -

 

[turbosat]

new box

Well, I think I like this new receiver. Menus are kinda kludgy but once you figure it out, it's workable. So far I haven't managed to lock it up on an HD feed either-that alone was worth the cost.

 

[brentb636]

Turbo,
I don't think you can lock up the Merc II . It seems to handle anything. I particularly like watching the Powerscan( blindscan) screen as it identifies new transponders. I don't have another box that does that.

 

[Mr Tony]

Pansats sow it on the screen too

Only drawback I've noticed of the Merc II is the symbol rate can be off by 30....when it hits a larger TP (say PBS) it logs it as
12179 V 30031 when we know its 30000

also seen it do bad on other feeds with known symbol rates (6111,3978)

 

[brentb636]

That is a fact , every Merc I've ever known was 0.1% high on symbol rate. It used to drive me crazy because I have to take that number and put it into Tsreader to catch feeds with my skywalker-1. Now I just guess a little lower than the reported Symbol rate and the skywalker generally locks it.