Dead Ethernet port on DM7020

[habib2535]

I am not expecting miracles from this post but may be this effort will bring me some luck. I have a simple story to tell : I bought a DM7020 from e**y from a German guy but the box has a strong defect : the ethernet port is dead !

I tried many manipulations so far including : static ip vs dhcp, direct DM to PC connection using a working crossover cable (even trying different cables there), HuperTerm method to force IP and speed, multiple DreamUp flashed images, I even tried different hub routers, etc., etc.... but same result : no way to wake up the ethernet port.

My questions are :
1. Is there another way of connecting a DM to the internet other than using the Ethernet port (I doubt) ?
2. What method should I use to fix the problem other than buying a new DM7020 or changing the entire mother board ?
3. Is there any specialised forum, website or even DM repair-shop (in France) that can handle this with reasonable budget (please pm me any useful link)

Thanks to help get out of this "trap" !

PS : I already have another DM7000 since 3 years using all networking methods and tools : routers, DCC, FWP, dyndns, samba, Emus, etc.... So I am a pretty advanced DM/LAN/WAN user but unfortunately not an electronic expert !

 

[Topper]

I have seen previous mention about the repair of DB by returning them to the manufacturer but I do not have any details to hand, try using the powerful search routine and post back if you find something.

 

[v9oly]

Hi,
Recall someone managed to buy a new ethernet controller chip from a company called 'Futurelec' in Australia for a fiver (£2 & 1 week delivery), you could solder this in if you have good soldering skills, if not, sure someone would undertake this for a small fee.
Good luck.

Regards,
Ollie

 

[dig deep]

Start with re-installing the original image to the box

Could be a simple program problem.

and as the net won´t work U must do it the hard way, using a null modem cable

 

[habib2535]

I did that part i.e. re-installing original image with Dreamup / null modem. I used this latest CVS image relaesed this month DS-DM-E1-7020-0.36.nfi

I should add that I can see sometimes the Led lighting up in my router (actually depending on which slot I use) but that's it : no ping - no traffic - no web access - no DCC access etc... just a DEAD PORT

The only other indication I should add is that the device had a Power supply problem : I had to open the box and twist the power supply board slightly to have the Dreambox able to boot. Could it be that the Ethernet chipset AX88796 is poorly powered ?????

 

[mhku]

Presumably you've set up the Communication page correctly?

You might be able to use the null modem cable using another protocol to access the Dreambox. I seem to remember that the 5620 could be used with PPP and a null modem cable.

Searching the Dreambox section using "PPP" will find you a few old posts.

 

[habib2535]

@ mhku : my knowledge of network protocols is very poor... Would the PPP protocol (supposing i can make it work over the null modem cable) would this allow for an internet connectivity to download images, cams, etc ?

By the way, I am still struggling with this problem

 

[mhku]

I didn't read the ppp posts and haven't used it; I don't even know if the 5620 ppp option is available to a 7020 (possibly as a plugin).

But yes, the idea is that it lets you use the null modem cable in the same way as an Ethernet cable (but probably slower) and shopuld allow you to upload keys and files. The null modem cable is usually used for flashing an image using DreamUP on your PC (you can use a browser and other ways but as your Ethernet port appears to be dead it isn't relevant).

http://www.satellites.co.uk/satellite/5620/41370-dm5600-ppp.html

Unless you use an image that already has pppd (the ppp daemon) you won't be able to connect to it.

 

[habib2535]

Thanks mhku... I will keep this in mind but I will rather be following the route of repairing the Ethernet port. If anyone has any useful link or address in France or nearshore ? thanks

 

[dig deep]

If U start the box by holding down the port button (if I remember correctly it should be the lower 2)

Then U will see in the window the IP of the box

Have U tried this ? If U get an IP then the card is working OK and U should try something else, if no IP is shown then it is time to chack with the German factory

 

[habib2535]

Oh yes definately...

the IP is displayed in the LCD 192.168.0.4... Even I am able to change it by using HyperTerm and crossover cable in serial port

Then why my port is dead ??

Could it be a power supply problem ? Because the only other problem I found with the device is the Power supply board : i have to open box put pressure on the board with the finger to trigger the boot... otherwise the device does not boot at all

PS : this last post in bringing me more hope

 

[dig deep]

Could be a bad soldering or a loose connector

Heat up the iron and re-sold

 

[habib2535]

Ok I have new development here... by putting more finger pressure in the middle of the power supply board, the DM assigned LED in the router lights up indicating a connection ... however "pinging" is not possible

I tried to connect to DM from the router itself (test routine) and also from DCC on PC : No reply but...

using DreamUp, the tool was able to establish a connection with the DM and even to "declare a positive ping !". But when I try to flash with an image it "aborts" ...being unable to handshake with the box

It seems now to me 95% clear it is a Power Supply problem but how could a LED lightens up on a router without IP connection possible ?

 

[habib2535]

...or would this be simply the famous problem of DM7020 and Ethernet ports where a hardware patch with 3 capacitors is needed to speed up the network link

 

[habib2535]

I tried to open the motherboard and resolder the Ethernet port pins. I also added/tested the 2 capacitors boosting trick... None of these is changing the situation.

Now I decided to drop the ethernet port route and see if i can get Internet into the Dreambox through the USB port. Is there anyone who has a working configuration of wireless internet through USB on a DM7020 ? please indicate the used config : what kernal ? what image ? what wifi driver ? and what USB wifi stick ? (...although I found a list of 802.11b working USb wifi adaptors)

Thanks...

 

[confal44]

Hi ,
Have you resolved you problem?

I find a France site

_www.e-dreamshop.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=7&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=27


Best regards