Humax 5400 hardware

[imported_bella]

I am trying to update the firmware on my humax IR5410Z. I downloaded the software and installed it on my computer. The software comes from a different forum website.

When I try to upload it, I get a message "serial port not connected"

I have a 9 pin straight through cable Male/Female connectors and a gender change adapter female/female.

The Humax manual describes the connector at the back of it as RS-232C D-sub Type. Do I need another cable? Can I modify the cable I already have? If so, have you got the pin out diagram or details.

Does Humax need a special adapter in addition to the serial cable?

Regards

[parad0x_i]

You need a null-modem RS232 cable..
Pins 2 & 3 are cross-wired..

All other pins are straight through..

1 to 1
2 to 3
3 to 2
4 to 4
5 to 5
6 to 6
7 to 7
8 to 8
9 to 9

[imported_bella]

Hi Tony,

Which side goes to the computer . I assume the 2 to 3 , 3 to 2 & 5 to 5. Am I correct in assuming so?. Since then I went and bought a null modem cable from a local electronics supllier. It is cross wired as you have just mentioned, but the other wires are not connected. I checked it with an ohmeter. Is it important that the other wires be connected? If it is, I can make one up.!

I read in another forum that Humax has a special adapter that you need to use with the null modem cable. I find it very strange! What has this to do with a serial cable? Have you heard of such a thing?

Thanks again

[imported_bella]

The cable I bought had the 2 and 3 crossed wired and 5 straight through the rest were cut. i.e. no connection on both ends. I missed this point. I will be making a null modem with 2 & 3 crossed wire and the rest connect them as is. I still need the answer to my question which end goes to the computer?

[parad0x_i]

Hi bella..

Do you actually have a 9 pin RS232 socket on your Humax..?
Some have a Din socket instead and yes this needs an adapter..

Don't worry about the other wires in the Null Modem cable they aren't all used..
it doesn't matter which end goes to the Pc.. as no matter which way 2 & 3 will still be transposed..


http://www.satmoz.com/forum/showthre...935#post175935

[imported_bella]

Hi Tony,

Yes it has an RS-232C Male socket at the back of it. It is an earlier Humax model, year 2002.

I made a null modem cable based on the configuration you gave me. It did not work. The software could not establish a connection to the STB. Also I have done a google search on the null modem cables. I am sending you this link to have a look at "http://www.lammertbies.nl/comm/info/...ll_modem.html" It is a very interesting website and I am not sure which cable to use. I am seeking your experience in this respect. In the back of my mind I am thinking of making the rest of the other cables mentioned in the article and see how it goes. But before I do that, I want to ask you another question. If I use any other configuration would it damage my receiver or my laptop?

Regards

[imported_bella]

Hi Tony,

I had a good reading about the different types of null modem cables and their configurations. It seems every cable is subject to the software it is being used for. Which software did you use with the diagram you sent me.

The one I have been using with no success so far is the HumaxACTit ToolKit by /\/\ aff. It is a zip file 4.04 Mb downloaded from another forum. It is the latest. My Receiver is a 2002 model. I bought it second hand and has never been updated. Maybe I need to use much earlier software updates rather than the latest. Would you please feed me with your expertise. I need a suitable software and a compatible null modem cable.

Thanks again.

[parad0x_i]

Hi again bella..

The 3 wire null-modem cable (below) is correct.. and i suspect the loader or software is wrong..

Simple null modem without handshaking

Connector 1 Connector 2 Function 2-3=RxTx 3-2=TxRx 5-5=Signal ground
This is all you should need..

I actually do not own a humax receiver and never have.. but i'm an electronics engineer and involved with satellite for a long long time..

We need to look at software..
Which loader are you using..?

[parad0x_i]

Originally Posted by bella

I read in another forum that Humax has a special adapter that you need to use with the null modem cable. I find it very strange! What has this to do with a serial cable? Have you heard of such a thing?

The adapter they talk of is for some Humax that do not have the 9pin D socket.. It has a 3pin DIN socket..

Your Humax is the Australian model and not covered here in Europe
You need a Z-Board Mod if you want to try to patch your box with ToH/HoT firmwares.. (but i have no details of this)

What is the software you are trying to install..?

Assuming your Humax is in good working order then it should be able to connect to your Pc..
Check the config of your RS232 port settings on the Pc.. and in the Humax menu (if possible)

[imported_bella]

Originally Posted by parad0x_i

The adapter they talk of is for some Humax that do not have the 9pin D socket.. It has a 3pin DIN socket..

Your Humax is the Australian model and not covered here in Europe
You need a Z-Board Mod if you want to try to patch your box with ToH/HoT firmwares.. (but i have no details of this)

What is the software you are trying to install..?

Assuming your Humax is in good working order then it should be able to connect to your Pc..
Check the config of your RS232 port settings on the Pc.. and in the Humax menu (if possible)

Hi Tony,

I don't know what happened here. I typed a full reply, apparently it did not go. My apologies if you receive it twice.

I am glad that I am talking with a person that has a good experience in electronics and satellites. I will give the information which I took from the STB status info screen. Part thereof is the loader version:-

H/W VERSION OAK II-L 2.0
S/W VERSION AZIR 1.05.03
Driver VER. AZIR 1.05.03
S/W Last Update 25MAR2002
LOADER VERSION 5.15.12.16003
SYSTEM ID. 0103.0600

SOftCell Version Ver2.10
Euro I-Chip Version NEC V2.1

Smart Card Version V1.2
Nationality XFN

I bought my receiver as a second hand. I do not think it has been updated since March 2002 which I think is the year of Manufacturing.

The receiver is working fine. I have got two dishes connected to it through a DiSEqC switch.

The more I think about it, I am becoming more convinced that I need a different software to the one I am using now.

The present software is called " HUMAX ACTit.zip file 4.04 Mb " from Satellite Universe Forum Website" The reason I have chosen it, it comes as an all in one folder which contains all the necessary setup,tools and keys. I will try to attach it to you to have a look at.

Maybe I need an earlier version software. Sometimes the latest does not mean it will be the best.

What is a Z-board Mod? How can I ask for it at my electronics shop?

Once again I am really glad to be talking to you. I have a feeling that you will be able to fix my problem.

Thanks Again