Apparent Manhattan bug in front panel programming

[brentb636]

This all started when my Manhattan remote control unit ( rcu) quit working. I changed the batteries and it worked for a minute, then quit again. So I started thinking it was MAYBE the new 4.0 firmware I'd just loaded ( It wasn't , as it turns out).

1. I started trying to use the Manhattan from the stb front panel, and found some problems there.
a. When trying to load a different version firmware, I got into the menu and found that the right and left arrow keys didn't work to select the different *.abs files on the memory stick. So I put only 1 file, plus the channel list on the memory stick and tried again. Once I had loaded the older firmware ( 3.4) and the channel list ( userdb), I thought I'd reset factory defaults.
b. I couldn't reset factory defaults, because I couldn't select "YES" in the menu to restore factory defaults... The left and right arrow keys don't work at that menu level. GRRRR !

c. Kinda frustrated now, so I put new batteries in the remote again, and it worked for about 10 seconds, then quit. So I went back to troubleshooting the remote control unit.. Stretched out the battery contact springs so there could be no doubt about a good connection, and the remote control has worked fine ever since. Simple solution, no big problem BUT ***** IF I NEED TO USE THE STB WITHOUT THE REMOTE RCU< THEN I NEED THOSE STB ARROW KEYS TO WORK IN ALL MENUS. ( Whew, I'm glad I got THAT off my chest ! ) .

 

[brentb636]

I've gotten some feedback from Jeff Schumann. Apparently this issue only recently came to his attention, and solving it would require a different chipset. So just plan on basic functions from the front panel, like changing channels, etc. On the positive side, I sent him some $ and he's sending me a spare remote. He says the dealers have spare remotes, also.

 

[SatelliteAV]

Strange..... front panel and remote control keys are not typically hard coded.

 

[brentb636]

If it's not possible to modify the arrow keys at that menu level, I've asked if PERHAPS the highlighted default could be changed to "YES" , in the Factory Reset menu, so the arrow keys would be unnecessary . That would serve the purpose to resetting from the front panel. This is not a BIG DEAL, but I'm imagining a scenario ( like I thought I might have had ) that the memory is corrupted and the remote can't control the stb, and I want to load new firmware and do a factory reset. At the moment , I could do all but the RESET, and that capability would be reassuring. It's got front panel controls , might as well be as functional as possible. Thanks for listening , Jeff.

 

[KE4EST]

Good Idea.

 

[brentb636]

I was just contacted by Jeff Schumann , vis a vis the arrow key problem in lower menu levels. He's talked to the programmer and apparently it can be corrected. It should be incorporated in a future firmware release. Just one of those tiny little fixes, that might help out someday . I'm happy about that, I like the Manhattan box and hope it keeps improving. It's definitely a plus to be able to load firmware and restore defaults, if somehow the remote no longer controls the stb.

 

[SatelliteAV]

apparently it can be corrected. It should be incorporated in a future firmware release.

The "new chipset" thing didn't sound right. Glad to hear that the problem will be addressed with his programmer.

 

[brentb636]

It will be nice to have an extra form of "disaster recovery". That's why I like rs232 ports on receivers. Being an old electronic troubleshooter, I'm more interested in disaster recovery than in functionality, sometimes.

 

[stone1150]

The latest file for the Manhattan is now posted at the Manhattan site. It fixes the button issue. Version 4.1 is the file you need. Have a great day!

 

[skysurfer]

The latest file for the Manhattan is now posted at the Manhattan site. It fixes the button issue. Version 4.1 is the file you need. Have a great day!

It's still version 3.8 on the manhattan site as I type this.

 

[skysurfer]

It's still version 3.8 on the manhattan site as I type this.

and I have to correct myself because I found 4.1 on the site - don't know why it's not on the page where software update files are posted. You have to look for it on the main page where I usually never go because I don't expect firmware updates to be posted there. EDIT: link to 4.1 is on the main page, takes you to the support page where 3.8 is. they need a webmaster!

 

[Pixl]

Brent,

Can you get on your Bat Phone to the Comissioner and ask him to fix the 4.1 link.

 

[stone1150]

and I have to correct myself because I found 4.1 on the site - don't know why it's not on the page where software update files are posted. You have to look for it on the main page where I usually never go because I don't expect firmware updates to be posted there. EDIT: link to 4.1 is on the main page, takes you to the support page where 3.8 is. they need a webmaster!

I just found oiut today that is the problem. The normal guy that does the web stuff is not there. They know whats going on.

 

[brentb636]

Brent,

Can you get on your Bat Phone to the Comissioner and ask him to fix the 4.1 link.

Can't find the Bat Phone, I think the dog ate it. There's slobber on my android tablet, so I'm pretty suspicious !

 

[skysurfer]

4.1 link is really working now (link to support page, 4.1 file linked so you can click to download).