Fortec Star Passion + (Faulty Firmware on 2nd hand unit?) – Newbie Install

[p_j_smith]

Hi

Just done my first install, looking at Astra 2: 28.2°, Astra 1: 19.2° & Hotbird: 13°

I purchased everything new except for the receiver – Fortec Star Passion +

Inactive link (forum rules) here (the black one out of the two passion models)

_http://www.fortecstar.com/hd-receivers.html


I was disappointed in the number of channels it picked up on the 19.2 & 13 satellites (only about 50 off, mostly English) I did factory reset and state “English language setup” & “English region” but also “all language channels”, followed by a blind scan on free to air channels.....I was expecting more channels.

I thought I had done something grossly wrong with my install, but as the receiver was an e-bay purchase, I decided to upload the firmware to the latest before I bothered anyone on here.

Firmware: 1.3 Oct 28/2010
Loader: v1.5 (was v1.5 already)


Using the on screen system of S/W transfer it kept stopping at around 70%, (seemed common problem on-line), so I did some digging and got to do it via the display on the receiver itself

Info from another site (not sure if I’m allowed to say where from as it seems to talk about keys on the other site?)

Anyway, it installed, loaded and all went well (box even said “good”), but now the receiver box is stuck on the loader v15 on it’s LCD screen and will not pass it.

I’ve tried all the firmware (it loaded the 1.3, 1.28, 1.26, 1.23 but I get the same, and it would not even see the 1.1, 1.07, 1.02)

Inactive link :_http://www.fortecstar.com/passion+-sw.html


I do have a idea however, the original firmware V1.2 (31 Oct 2008) is not on this page, but it is on the pages for the silver passion (no plus). (Luckily I made a note of this number before I updated)

Inactive link: _http://www.fortecstar.com/passion-sw.html


Questions –
Do you think I’ve been a faulty unit with the Passion (no plus) firmware installed?

I could try and get a papal refund, but I would like to get the box working.

Should I try and install the passion (no plus) firmware myself via USB (everywhere says do not mix these so I’ve not tried)?

Or should I try and use the RS232 port to get the passion + firmware installed?

If so does anyone know where I can get the Fortec Star download manager from? - guess I can then gets leads off e-bay.

Inactive Link for info: _http://www.satellites.co.uk/forums/fortecstar-hd/173023-wrongly-installed-passion-update-passion-now-cant-reverse-usb-dont-work-help.html

Failing all the above, should I just get another HD (HDMI output) receiver that will pick up all free channels on these 3 satellites? – Recommendations please!!

Thanks in advance for any help.

Peter

 

[p_j_smith]

Just another thought, were black passion (no plus) produced ?, maybe I have one of these?

If so can I fix by usb, or do I need to RS232 it....again will need the download manager in that case.

 

[Analoguesat]

Do not try to load incorrrect firmware onto the box - you will give yourself all sorts of problems if you stick the wrong one on.

Forget about keys - theres virtually nothing available these days without a subscription.

 

[p_j_smith]

I am a stupid boy…….

My receiver is a BLACK passion (not +), I thought the passion were silver, and the passion+ was black

So I put in the latest firmware for that model off the USB and all is well…..Phew.

Sorry to ask a question that was not needed in the end.

Peter

 

[Lazarus]

All's well etc.

At least you've introduced yourself to the Forum

 

[PaulR]

Just look at this way - at least it it can only get better from here on in!

 

[Channel Hopper]

Just look at this way - at least it it can only get better from here on in!

A glass half fool ;)