Going Wireless

[Stephen1960]

I have enjoyed trouble free service from my PVR10UK Tivo since I bought it in December 2002. Unfortunately, it suffered during a thunderstorm last Thursday. Now, when I power it up, it does not get passed the "Nearly there, just a few more seconds please" screen. I believe, from reading the UK forum, that the most likely diagnosis is that a power surge has damaged the modem. I also believe that the only way to get it repaired is to send it to Pacelink in Ireland which will result in a very large bill.

I do have an ADSL wireless router and a broadband Internet connection, so the idea of having the Tivo connect in for programme information etc. wirelessly through the router is very appealing. I have read most of the forum posts about this, but they quickly lapse into technical comms. talk and leave me uncertain about what is involved exactly or if it is a viable solution for me.

I'd be very grateful if someone could advise me if going wireless is an option for me and give a very basic explanation of what is involved.

I do find that my Internet connection usually drops out if I have not used it for a while (but not always) and I wonder if this might be a problem. My ISP is Virgin.

[Fred Smith]

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=308890

[blindlemon]

You will need a network card for your TiVo (cachecard or turbonet) and a wireless bridge (ideally) from the same manufacturer as your router.

You will also need access to a PC into which you can put the TiVo drive(s) so that you can install the network drivers on the TiVo and disable the modemtest program that's causing it to hang at "almost there".

If you don't have a PC (or don't fancy installing the drivers) then a pre-configured upgrade drive with the drivers already installed would do the trick - and you might even be able to get the seller to disable the modemtest program for you if you ask nicely... ;)

[Stephen1960]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm not sure I want to go that way, yet. You see, I was actually perfectly happy with the machine I had and how it was working. I had not felt the need to upgrade it at all.

I am assuming the modem has gone. I suppose there might be additional damage.

Initially, cannot I just get a new modem and fit it? I know it's on the main board, but is this not a job you can do with some screwdrivers, soldering iron, solder and de-soldering braid? I have not opened the box yet to have a look, but I assume I'd be loosing nothing by doing so. I've had it 3 and a half years so I guess it's out of warranty now.

[ndunlavey]

I don't think it's going to be possible to "go wireless" without installing the network drivers.