mercury ll download

[jibaro29]

I'm having issues with the Mercury ll software download. My computer does not have the RS232 connection. I'm using the 9pins/USB adapter. I have everything setup and ready to go except my computer does not recognize the port that I'm using. I keep getting the same port 1 error no matter what COM I use. Any ideas?

 

[Anole]

Two things come to mind:
- incompatible USB-to-RS232 converter (old?)
- wrong wiring on RS232 cable (some receivers needed crossover cable; some needed straight-through)

 

[brentb636]

The Merc needs a null modem cable. Pin 2 at one end should be electrically continuous with pin 3 at the other end. If you cable has pin 2 at each end electrically continuous, then you have to get a different cable.

 

[jibaro29]

Sorry is taking me so long to respond. I found out that I do have a driver for the 9pins/USB adapter. I found this one PL-2303 USB to serial port adapter and I'm not sure I should install it. My concern is that it has a ton of files that I have no clue what there are for and few that are. I would like to have some inputs, please.

 

[SatelliteAV]

Really no reason to update the Fortec Star Mercury II firmware unless you have really old firmware that does not have a switch control option that you need or it has issues with locking up on specific transponders.

What is the reason that you need to update the Mercury II firmware?

 

[jibaro29]

I have never been able to add channels to this unit. I'm hoping that the Channel Editor v.1.0 would fix that problem.

 

[SatelliteAV]

What Firmware version is currently loaded?

How are you attempting to add channels? Power Scan, TP Scan, Sat Scan, Advanced Scan? The Mercury II often will not add a new channel if an existing channel uses similar service name and Pids. Try erasing any old unused channels before scanning new.

If the problem is firmware related, the inability to add channels usually can be overcome by performing a Factory Reset. We have observed some units that have flash problems and are unable save channel lists, but this is quite rare.

Here is a trick to getting around bad memory blocks used for channel saving. Mercury II factory firmware files have special hidden activation codes for preloaded channel lists. Sometimes if the regular Factory Reset does not restore the ability to save channels. activate using another special code, such as 2860 (for an old AMC4 channel list) in the reset menu (you won't see the digits being entered, but after the 4 key strokes it will prompt "Do you want to load special data?". Select Yes. Seven old unused AMC4 channels will be preloaded, but the new scanned channels will be saved in another block of memory.

 

[jibaro29]

This is what currently loaded;

S/W version V.1.06
H/W version V.1.0
Loader version V.1.0
Dated April 20th 2006