another dm500 dead network

[satbeginner]

hi guys,ive got a 500s with a dead network.lights are on but cant dhcp or even manually with remote no go.done the cap mod and still no help.pli image.even tried changing image but still the same.

[Fernbay]

Sounds like a dead network chip.

Exactly the same thing that happens to network cards and motherboards.
Hardly unique to dreambox.
The network in a DM500 all boils down to the AX88796 (Non-PCI 8/16-bit 10/100M Fast Ethernet Controller with Embedded PHY)

I assume you have checked the rest of your network?
(made sure you have a DHCP server running, replaced the LAN cable, checked for foam/paper/packing scraps inside the network ports stopping the RJ45 cable from connecting, tried another network switch?)

The AX88796 Fast Ethernet Controller is a high performance and highly integrated local CPU bus Ethernet Controller with embedded 10/100Mbps PHY/Transceiver and 8K*16 bit SRAM. The AX88796 supports both 8 bit and 16 bit local CPU interfaces include MCS-51 series, 80186 series, MC68K series CPU and ISA bus. The AX88796 implements both 10Mbps and 100Mbps Ethernet function based on IEEE802.3 / IEEE802.3u LAN standard. The AX88796 also provides an extra IEEE802.3u compliant media-independent interface (MII) to support other media applications. Using MII interface, Home LAN PHY type media can be supported.
Feature:

* Highly integrated with embedded 10/100Mbps MAC, PHY and Transceiver
* Embedded 8K * 16 bit SRAM
* Compliant with IEEE 802.3/802.3u 100BASE-TX/FX specification
* NE2000 register level compatible instruction
* Single chip local CPU bus 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet MAC Controller
* Supports both 8 bit and 16 bit local CPU interfaces include MCS-51 series, 80186 series and MC68K series CPU
* Supports both 10Mbps and 100Mbps data rate
* Provides an extra MII port for supporting other media. For example, Home LAN application
* Supports EEPROM interface to store MAC address
* External and internal loop-back capability
* Supports Standard Print Port for printer server application
* Supports up to 3/1 General Purpose In/Out pins
* 128-pin LQFP low profile package
* Low Power Consumption, typical under 100mA
* 0.25 Micron low power CMOS process. 25MHz Operation, Pure 3.3V operation with 5V I/O tolerance

You *could* replace the network IC, and *maybe* fix it.
IMHO, repair is not worth the effort, given the cost of replacement.

[nfnovice]

Sounds like a dead network chip.

I assume you have checked the rest of your network?
(made sure you have a DHCP server running, replaced the LAN cable, checked for foam/paper/packing scraps inside the network ports stopping the RJ45 cable from connecting, tried another network switch?)

You *could* replace the network IC, and *maybe* fix it.
IMHO, repair is not worth the effort, given the cost of replacement.

Absolutely agree with this recommendation
1. check all network connections, cables switches - even if you have already
2. Buy another one
3. Keep the old one for parts - remote and power supply
4. Some uses could get by with a dm with no network card - sell the old one on that basis - you might only get $20 - but its more than nothing

[satbeginner]

thanks guys.yes tried all of above.funny that the three network lights on board are flickering.but nothing happening after that i suppose.can still be used as a fta reciever.

[porkchops]

Correct me if I am wrong - but the DM500s has a serial port, obviously not as convenient as the network interface, but find it hard to believe that this isn't another option to access the internals of the DM500s?

A little research would be required, but imagine a null cable may be the go?

Just a thought, ignoring convenience

[fred121]

Chinese DM's are like chinese iphones, you get what you pay for so don't expect it to go forever just till you get it out of the shop LOL

[satbeginner]

Correct me if I am wrong - but the DM500s has a serial port, obviously not as convenient as the network interface, but find it hard to believe that this isn't another option to access the internals of the DM500s?

A little research would be required, but imagine a null cable may be the go?

Just a thought, ignoring convenience

is there a program that lets you get to ftp with the com port?

[cobra679]

is there a program that lets you get to ftp with the com port?

I've looked into that and couldnt find anything

[porkchops]

is there a program that lets you get to ftp with the com port?

No idea - as previous post was just voicing a possibilty that COULD be explored. Find the following website handy (assuming you are running pli jade!) - suggest you have a look to see how viable this all is:



Seriously, if this is your only dreambox, would higly suggest getting another to take advantage of the network interface + have a fully functional satellite box, and turn this current one into an experimenters box - well at least thats what I would do

[satbeginner]

No idea - as previous post was just voicing a possibilty that COULD be explored. Find the following website handy (assuming you are running pli jade!) - suggest you have a look to see how viable this all is:



Seriously, if this is your only dreambox, would higly suggest getting another to take advantage of the network interface + have a fully functional satellite box, and turn this current one into an experimenters box - well at least thats what I would do

thanks true.the network interface is the best thing about the box,oh and the linux.

[porkchops]

thanks true.the network interface is the best thing about the box,oh and the linux.

I agree with both of those statements

[nfnovice]

if you wanted to use it without the network interface you could do the following
1. setup another 500 in exactly the way you want this to operate includiing softcams, softcam setup for card or key file
2. use dreamup or similar to get a backup .img file
3. flash using dreamup and serial cable to put image on box with no network
it gets it working for f0xtel or aurora - probable selecttv as well
if you want to sell the box let me know I could use it as above ..

[wiilliiss]

see the network chip runs with a 93LC66 eeprom, does this chip ever become corrupted? is is refreshed during an image update or only at the factory?
have a marginal 500 where the network works enough for the dcc to interogate it but not enough to dump anything into it even though the dcc reckons it has been executed.

[urban_s0ulja]

Have you tried a different port on the router / switch?

These die as well.

[wiilliiss]

switch/port/cable run well on other 500 s.

[hakan]

I had the same problem with the network, with C65 paralelt I put a 16V 1000UF, now it works perfect.

[Hannible]

Also - there are 2 other caps to change - these also affect the network port on the Dm500.



cheers
hannible

[Adobe]

Network port stop on my DM500 today any idea's no lights flashing at all.

Adobe.