This is a very serious problem: I have not been able to flash my lifetime ultra since I purchased it, I have been having this problem for 6 months. I'm using the correct AL7bar uploader v1.31, the correct serial cable - which was provided with the unit.
I've tried pressing send while the unit is on - when I do this nothing happens.
I've tried pressing send while the unit is powering up - the LED on the Fortec freezes during the power up sequence showing a single dash on the screen. After about 2 minutes a message flashes on the computer saying Flash Failed. It never begans the update just stays at zero and fails.
Now I was told its a timing issue: so I guess you have to press send at the right point during the power up sequence. Unfortunately, I can't seem to time it properly.
Either bad/wrong cable or bad/wrong comport..or doing something wrong when flashing..
Thread: Night rider fix and Flashing problems fix
Here are a few tips if you are having difficulty flashing: Pay ATTENTION to 9-10-11..
I would advise everyone to read a set up guide before flashing. But, since people have been having some problems, I have revised this to provide more detailed information. But this is not intended to be a substitute.
1. Make sure you use the proper serial cable for your receiver: Fortec and Pansat use a straight through cable with DB9 females on both ends. The Blackbird and Pansat 2700 uses null modem (crossover) cable, which crosses over pins 2 and 3.
2, With the power turned off, connect it to your computer and receiver using the serial connector. Use serial port #! if you can.
3. If you do not have a working serial port, you must install one or use a computer that has one.
4. Use the appropriate loader.
5. Select the file. Make sure that it is the correct flash for your receiver.
6. Select the COM port your receiver is connected to. If you do not know, what it is try #1 first.
7. Enter the correct model name and number.
8. Check off the correct function box. Your choices are boot, flash or channel list. To FLASH your receiver you would use FLASH. Most flashes do not require a separate boot; so do not load both separately.
9. Turn on the receiver power from the back switch.
10. As soon as you see the lights flash,very first light -- IMMEDIATELY press download.
11. Wait until it COMPLETES and reboots. .................................................. Here is how to recover from the "Night Rider" (flashing dashing lights):
1. Try re-flashing the factory boot/flash again using the below directions. That gives you FTA ONLY. Follow the above procedure.
2. Then, when that works use the latest flash to get the scrambled channels.
3. Download a channel list and/or do a channel scan on each sat.
4. When flashing, be sure to wait not only until is says done. But you need to wait until it reboots and actually goes to a channel number.
Thanks, serial interface is connected to com1 I was able to verify and check for conflicts on the system profiler in my control panel. Now maybe the vendor sent me a bad cable or the null cable, I'll have to try another cable.
I think your cable is good because receiver "freezes" when you try to do the upload. This is a normal symptom. Receiver "sees" data on your COM port. Now is it valid data - that's another story. I had exactly the same problem as you described two days ago when I tried to flash my Fortec Ultra. It turned to be an invalid flie - a PAL version of N2 fix. However after unsuccesful upload receiver returned to normal operation by itself. Make sure you are using the right file and here you can try to upload an older, good known version ex. Al7bar FTA Ultra_050613_276_api(NTSC) Good luck,
I tried flashing my reciever with the 050905_279_api(NTSC).bin file that everyone is using for N2. Fortunately the failed flash did not effect the correct programming.
As stated I tried loading other apps like channel loaders over the past 6 months and get the same result. As soon as I turn on the reciever and the first light comes on I hit send and the reciever freezes with a dash on the screen but no download takes place.
Can you provide a link for the 050905_279_api(NTSC).bin file that you succesfully downloaded and where is Konikgarbusek.