Very few things can permanently damage the receiver. It is possible that a firmware download or an interrupted download could disable the RS232 port. Satellite AV is a warranty repair center for Fortec and we find it very rare to have to replace and damaged electronic components.
Warning: Downloading any files (yes, even Factory files) will void your manufacturers warranty!
Have you unzipped the downloaded file before trying to load into the receiver? (
You might laugh, but you wouldn't believe how many times we have for this to be the problem!) Have you selected the correct file to load? Selected the correct receiver model? Have your serial ports correctly selected and speed set to 115200? Selected Flash Rom File? Try having the receiver turned off with the rocker switch on the rear on the receiver, turn on the rocker switch then on the 3rd start-up bar on the receiver LED display, press download on the loader. You might try this several times before the transfer begins.
or ..... Google the process for J-Tagging your receiver. The parts will cost a few dollars and the software is readily available. You should be able to rescue all but the most severely firmware damaged receiver by loading a factory bin directly onto the flash chip. Since you do not have a warranty on this older used receiver, you don't have much to lose by trying the process and you will learn alot! Please notice that this process is not illegal, but it will void any warranty!
If you are uncomfortable with the process or don't have success ..... go to
www.fortecstarrepair.com fill out the repair form and we should be able to resurrect your Ultra at a reasonable cost.