Does the TCD24004A have known upgrade issues?

[safehex]

I recently obtained a TCD24004A, with lifetime from a friend of mine (he's gone to the dark side, "XP MCE"). It's been "preconfigged" with 2 * 160GB HD's by an outfit from the US and works with 4.01b, and would appear to run fine if I lived in the US.

Configuration(s)
As-is: TCD24004A, 2 * 160GB HD's, USB Linksys TX100 (switched to the Linksys 200M when I saw the download/upgrade issues with the 100)

Tried: using single 200GB Maxtor for upgrades, to keep original drives intact.

My problem is, I'm in Canada, I *REALLY* need to get 7.2+ on it so I can use Postal codes, and actually get listings for it.

I've tried the following with varying results: (all with zip 00000, tiny tivo, area code 604)

1) Download upgrades from TiVo, with above config. - downloaded Upgrade Fails

2) Install single 200GB HD and tried a 7.2.2 image restore (sent by helpful image begging request) - Hardware error detected, remote unresponsive (even set at ID 0)

3) Tried above image again - Remote Unresponsive at set up screen (remote ID set to 0)

4) Purchased and tried pre made 'cooked' item 4.01b - Remote works, Upgrade fails at same point, unresponsive to telnet, port 80 , but pingable.

5) Purchased and tried pre made 'cooked' item 7.1 - Remote unresponsive at setup screen. Unresponsive to telnet, but pingable.

I DO have two "simple" Series 1's, with cachecards, currently operating in my household, but I want to get rid of them and start using the series 2's for the nice features, like Suggestions (which don't work anymore on my S1's)

I'm probably just going to give this unit back and buy a new DT unit. But I still would like to know why it didn't work.

Thanks.

[JamieP]

Just a guess, but the common factor of an unresponsive remote sounds like this. If that ribbon cable was ever partially disconnected while the unit was powered on, there's a good chance you fried an inductor (L30) on the motherboard. It can be replaced, if you're handy with a soldering iron. Look on DDB (deal data base) for more info.

[safehex]

Originally Posted by JamieP

Just a guess, but the common factor of an unresponsive remote sounds like {URL removed} this. If that ribbon cable was ever partially disconnected while the unit was powered on, there's a good chance you fried an inductor (L30) on the motherboard. It can be replaced, if you're handy with a soldering iron. Look on DDB (deal data base) for more info.

I was very careful about the ribbon cable, I noticed the messages about it being problematic. The issue seems to be more related to the version of the software on it, rather than the IR receiver itself. When I put the original drives back in, or revert to a 4.01b, it works fine.

I also forgot to mention, whenever possible I did perform a C&DE before attempting any connections for upgrades, info, etc.

[safehex]

As a follow up:

I've noticed that when I use a 7.x image for the device, NO LED's light up on the front of the unit. Again, when I plug the original drives the remote works (ID 0 or any other that I program)

When I plug the original drives (2 * 160's) back in the LED's work and the remote works fine. Is there a different version of the front control board that could be installed?

Have I a "frankenTiVo"?

[classicsat]

It could be hacked to disable upgrades. Find that hack and undo it. See the underground.

[safehex]

Originally Posted by classicsat

It could be hacked to disable upgrades. Find that hack and undo it. See the underground.

If it was just one image I was dealing with, I'd definitely think that. So *MAYBE* all of my 4.0x images are download/upgrade disabled... hmm...

I've tried at least 6 different images. Each with different results, none of them desirable.

Trying newer (7.x) versions, the unit refuses to respond to the remote, and no front panel lights are discernable. This is what concerns me more than anything else.

With 4.0x versions, I get a working remote, but all downloads/upgrades fail.

My only goal, is to get factory original software up and running on this box so I can use it with Lifetime and Canadian listings.

Thanks for the input, all is appreciated.