Digital TV set-top box won't turn on? Main causes and troubleshooting yourself

In many regions there has already been a transition to digital television and to view it you must use a DVB-T2 set-top box. But any equipment can fail and the receiver is no exception. At the same time, it is not always possible to buy a new device, especially if an interesting premiere or an important match starts in the near future.

Some breakdowns can be eliminated independently and in a short time, and in some cases only replacement with a new one will help. The article will discuss types of malfunctions and how to repair DVB-T2 digital set-top boxes for your TV yourself.

Feasibility of repair

The DVB-T2 set-top box is disassembled, indicating the key components in its operation. It should be noted right away that it is not possible to repair the receiver in all cases.
The main reason is that the device is already cheap (from 750 rubles) and in case of serious damage it is more profitable to buy an analogue. It is also not recommended to undertake repairs to a digital receiver if it is a complex universal set-top box. Such devices include several decoders, support different television formats, and also have additional inputs and slots. When it comes to such a device, it is safer to take it to a service center for repair.

If the fault is minor and can be fixed without much effort and with your own hands, then you can disassemble the case and find the cause of the breakdown.

Characteristics of Orbita digital set-top box models

All Orbit models on the market do not differ from each other, and if they have differences, they are insignificant and most likely the owner simply will not notice them. The first models were made mainly on a metal body, but new ones began to be produced using plastic. This makes the device lighter and safer.

*WiFi setup is carried out with a special antenna adapter for receiving a wireless network. The table shows the connectors that can be used to connect to a TV.

Receiver configuration

Before repairing, you need to know what the DVB-T2 receiver consists of. It is actually a complex device that includes many elements.

But in this case, only a few of them may be of interest:

• Entrances. This is an RF IN connector and a socket for network connection.
• A/V output. Connectors for connecting a wire from a TV, through which image and sound are output in the usual form.
• Decoder. Binary code recognition device.
• Voltage transformer. Changes the mains current to the value required to power the receiver.
• Built-in memory. A small chip on a board on which the receiver software and TV channel settings are stored.

The remaining hardware or software components are not interesting for the reason that without professional skills it is impossible to fix their malfunction.

Working indicator lights on the digital receiver when power is applied perfectly indicate the correct current supply

Nutrition

You should immediately check that the power supply is working properly. Depending on the result after the network start, you need to do different things:

• The indicator light (BOOT) lights up and the equipment starts up. The power supply is correct.
• The indicator is on, there is no boot sound. There is probably no current flowing to the processor. You can check this with any multimeter, and find the value for each contact in the device manual.
• The indicator does not light up. It is faulty or there is no current supply.

First you need to check it yourself, for which it is enough to connect any small light bulb (for example, from a flashlight) to the contacts via wires. If it lights up, the indicator is faulty, otherwise you need to check the power supply.

If the methods described above do not help solve the problem, incorrect current supply can only be associated with damage to the device board. In most cases, this is the destruction of contacts associated with overheating or short circuit. It is better to immediately take the expensive DVB-T2 set-top box to a service center for repairs, and replace the cheap receiver.

Important! If the diagnostics show that the voltage converter is faulty, then only replacing it will help. Repair work in most cases does not lead to success.

Inner memory

Problems with it often lead to a complete stoppage of the DVB-T2 set-top box, and there are several reasons for this:

• Software glitch. The operating system is damaged, which leads to incorrect performance of a number of functions. This could be either the absence of some options or a complete error in the interface. This problem can be effectively solved by flashing the device.
• Hardware damage. The memory chip is simply not read by the device. You need to pay attention to the contacts and if they are loose, solder them. If this does not help, you need to replace the console itself, because... Buying a re-soldered chip will cost more.

A swollen or damaged capacitor on the board always leads to the supply of current that does not correspond to the rated value for the DVB-T2 digital receiver
Attention! If there are only minor glitches in the interface or system options, it is recommended that you perform the update first, and only then take further steps.

Often, minor glitches occur due to working under outdated software that is no longer supported by the developer.

Inputs and outputs

Malfunctions with connectors often lead to low quality or even no images at all. In this case, no visible software failures occur. Unlike most other elements of the console, the connectors are easy to replace and solder.

First, the RF IN input must be checked, because even the slightest disconnection from the board will lead to a lot of noise in the first place. When using an old TV with a wobbly socket, severe interference could be observed.

Only with the reception of digital broadcasting the situation is even worse for two reasons:

• VHF radiation has shorter waves compared to the DM range. When they become noisy, they fade faster and the signal quality drops even more.
• If the quality is low, you won’t be able to watch digital TV with interference like the analogue TV in the country. The problem is that to display an image you need to obtain the full amount of data and decrypt it. If the reception level is low, some of the data is lost and decryption is impossible.

With outputs it is simpler and all you need to do is have a contact with the board. However, if you encounter a “wobbly” output, it is better to solder it securely. Sooner or later, such sockets move away under the weight of the plug.

According to the standard for digital TV, there are only 3 RCA audio-video outputs (tulip).

If there is a “silent movie”, the white or red output is faulty. When the situation is reversed, there is only sound - a yellow connector.

An expensive receiver may have a Scart or HDMI connector instead of RCA. This is only one output, but with a large number of contacts that can only be soldered with professional equipment.

Decoder

DVB-T2 digital set-top box decoder, the antenna input and audio-video outputs are clearly visible on the board.
If the digital television set-top box is fully operational, but only digital channels are not shown, the problem is the lack of binary code recognition. It is responsible for the Digital DVB-T2 decoder, which may be faulty or not perform its function due to the lack of a command to do so.

To find an error in software operation, you need to connect the decoder contacts via wires to the UART diagnostic port. The device can be purchased at any radio market (100 - 200 rubles).

Its USB input must be inserted into the computer and the HyperTerminal utility launched.

In the window that opens, enter the following characteristics:

• speed 115200 bps,
• number of bits – 8,
• parity - no,
• stop bit - 1.

After this, the power of the DVB-T2 receiver is turned on and reading starts.

As a result, you may see the following messages:

1. Demod IIC read error/Demod IIC write error. The decoder cannot read or process the incoming signal. This indicates that the device itself is damaged and will need to be replaced.
2. Error decompressing file. The file responsible for controlling digital signal processing is missing. It is necessary to perform firmware update of the equipment.

Attention! Reflashing the decoder has nothing to do with the software of the set-top box itself. You will have to find the installer yourself, because... it is included in the executive file for flashing all software. As an alternative, you can flash all DVB-T2 equipment.

Replacing the decoder is justified only for more or less worthwhile DVB-T2 set-top boxes. Repairing a cheap model will cost more than buying a new receiver.

Voltage converters

DVB-T2 digital set-top boxes always have several voltage converters to supply different current to the processor.
If, after turning on the set-top box, a very weak startup sound is heard and abruptly stops, the processor receives a current different from that required before repair. Here you need to check the voltage on the inductor or capacitor from each converter board. The nominal value for a specific board should be 3.3, 1.8, 1.2 V respectively.

If the voltage is different, you need to check the physical condition of the capacitor, because its swelling leads to incorrect current supply. For the inductor, such a problem is irrelevant due to its strength, and in any other cases we can only talk about overheating or destruction of the board contacts.

One voltage converter board can be replaced - replacement and labor will cost about 300 rubles. If 2 - 3 boards fail, then only replace the DVB-T2 set-top box. Repairing the head unit in this case is impractical.

The only alternative is to purchase a faulty donor set-top box, in which all the boards are intact. In this case, the model does not matter, the only important thing is the value of the rated current at the output.

To be fair, it is worth noting that the power supply can also be the cause of incorrect current supply to the processor. Or rather, a separator. If its board is faulty and the receiver receives a different voltage, but not critical, the head unit will also continue to operate.

But after the conversion, the difference between the actual and nominal current will be large. The first sign of a problem with the voltage supply is general overheating of the set-top box. Repairing the power supply does not make sense; it is better to buy a new one.

Signal attenuation

For digital television, the key criterion is the quality of the received signal. The decoder can recognize information only when all binary data has been received.

In addition to this, the fact that the digital broadcasts in VHF waves, which attenuate faster, is taken into account.

A cheap DVB-T2 receiver with 20 channels is perfect as a donor when repairing an expensive device

From this we can conclude that in order to receive a digit, the information must reach the decoder in full. Therefore, there should be no noise. And if only an antenna cable can have it before the set-top box, then on the next leg of the path there are already more options.

Radiation scattering in the receiver can result from:

1. Plug. If it moves away or is destroyed, there is a guaranteed loss of signal. In this case, there will be not weak radiation, but complete attenuation even before it reaches the decoder. This can also be caused by a poorly secured cable core to the plug.
2. Antenna input. By itself does not lead to attenuation regardless of the physical condition. However, if there is a disturbance in the voltage supply, a small current may flow to it. Voltage leads to a “dispersal” of electromagnetic waves, which is also followed by a complete loss of signal.
3. Contacts. The signal then propagates inside the insulated conductor and all the way to the decoder. You just need to check it for damage.

If the problem with a plug or input is easily solved by replacement, then a damaged conductor on the board is a complex problem. The thing is that it not only transports the signal, but also prevents its dispersion.

Probably, even high-quality repairs at home will no longer allow achieving high-quality transportation of the television signal. The solution is to replace the conductor from the donor attachment.

Instructions for setting up 20 channels on the Orbita set-top box

The main problem with correctly tuning channels on Orbit is the wrong choice of digital antenna. If it is not capable of providing the required signal level and strength, then the channels will simply be impossible to configure.

With a correctly selected antenna, the channel search procedure will be as follows:

1. When you turn it on for the first time, the set-top box will give you a welcome message and ask you to specify the display language and country of residence. After this, the search for channels will begin.
2. Press it and the device will automatically start searching and setting up the list. As a result, the receiver will go through all frequency ranges known to it and try to find the maximum possible number of programs.

3. Upon completion, the list of these programs will be saved.

This will perform an auto search. If for some reason the set-top box fails to find channels or there are too few of them, then you need to independently find out the broadcast frequency of the transmitting TV tower in your region and perform a manual search. It requires:

1. Find out the broadcasting parameters on the interactive map of CETV. We are interested in the channel number for RTRT 1 and 2.
2. Go to the menu from the device's remote control.
3. Find the channel search section there.
4. Select “Manual Search”.

5. Indicate the number of the first channel taken from the map in step 1. Make sure that the signal (Quality) at the bottom of the search window has changed.
6. At the end of the search, perform the same actions, but for RTRS-2.

The set-top box in this mode will search for channels at the frequency you specify. If it is selected correctly, then with a working antenna, the maximum currently possible number of digital channels will be found.

WiFi setup

Orbit receiver models are also additionally equipped with the ability to connect to a Wifi wireless network. This is necessary primarily for timely updating of receivers and installation of fresh device firmware.

To connect to the network, you need to additionally buy yourself a special adapter that visually resembles a simple antenna. It connects to the USB connector of the set-top box. Firmware updates can also be performed from a flash device. To do this, you need to download the latest version and burn it to media. After this, you need to go to the menu, to the USB section and click “Software Update”. All that remains is to select the file you are looking for and click OK.

Other problems

If there is a sign of no power, the main cause is damaged contacts. Minor damage can be repaired with liquid aluminum - a normal repair with a soldering iron. If the contact is completely burnt out, only replace the board.

Important! Burnout of contacts on any board is always caused by sharp voltage surges. If this is visually detected, the first thing you need to do is check the current supply!

Contact damage is a common cause of malfunction of any electronic device.

It is better to replace mechanical breakdowns (case, control buttons) of cheap DVB-T2 set-top boxes using non-working analogues. In most cases, it is impossible to restore a specific element on your own.

Everything about setting up digital television of the DVB T2 standard

I assume that you have read the previous articles and followed the algorithm I described, but nothing worked for you. If this is not the case, then I recommend that you read all this, perhaps your problem is solved in the early steps. For example, you are simply not in the digital TV reception area or you have an old receiver.

Now let’s try to figure out what’s wrong and why your digital television is not showing. I’ll say right away that this article will focus specifically on setting up the set-top box and antenna . That is, we do not consider repairing the devices themselves, and assume that they are working properly.

Where to get spare parts and parts

If you have time for repairs, it is better not to purchase anything first, but to inspect the faulty receiver. When the breakdown is found, you can proceed to purchasing spare parts and components for repair and replacement.

If we are talking about replacing a specific board or element (connector, lamp, chip, etc.), it is more profitable to buy it. To do this, you can contact the radio market. If there is nothing there, then there will definitely be a part in any television equipment workshop.

When minor system breakdowns occur (the case is cracked, contacts are burnt out, the button is faulty), the winning option would be to purchase a faulty donor to repair the main one.

A non-working analogue can be found in advertisements for 10% - 20% of the price of the receiver itself. At the same time, it is important to take into account what kind of breakdowns are observed in the device so that the necessary elements are in good working order.

A digital DVB-T2 set-top box for disassembly can be bought at any radio market or through advertisements

Selecting a TV antenna

When digital television does not show, you need to purchase a narrowly directional outdoor antenna - a “wave channel” or a broadly directional “panel” antenna.

If the distance is up to 20 kilometers, using an antenna with a built-in amplifier is not advisable.

When purchasing, pay attention to the manufacturer. Most often, antenna equipment developers from Russia (who do not resell Chinese products) have adopted engineering experience from the USSR and are highly qualified. Therefore, the antenna corresponds to the declared characteristics and is effective. And most importantly, it is adapted to our reception conditions and operating ranges.

We recommend our rating of antennas for digital TV, which will help you choose a quality model.

It is better not to order antenna equipment on Alixpress. Even judging by the image of the Chinese antenna, one can understand that the declared characteristics in reality are 5-10 decibels lower. Not to mention the “industrial” type high-frequency cable included in the kit, which leads to a catastrophic loss of the useful signal.

Homemade antenna for digital TV. Read how to do it here.

Example from life

I already wrote that I caught the first number on simple “horns” in the city center, on the second floor and there are few buildings around. The signal quality is excellent. Intensity 80%, quality 60-80%

The higher the quality and intensity, the better

But when I moved to another area of ​​the city, to an apartment on the 9th floor, a house in a low area and many other houses around – these horns did not catch anything. More precisely, the auto search did not catch anything. I was very surprised (the tower is located nearby), I entered the frequency manually through a manual search (which I advise you to do), and it turned out that the signal level was 10-15%! This is clearly not enough for reliable reception of digital TV.

No response to remote control commands

There are times when the receiver does not respond to controller commands and therefore does not turn on. If this happens, then the user should use a special button on the TV. The receiver is considered to be in working order if it turns on when you press a button on the TV equipment.

The next step is to check the suitability of the batteries and replace them with new ones. You can check the functionality of the controller using a camera from your phone and monitoring the reaction of the LED:

• the presence of stable flashes indicates that the remote control is working;
• if the glow is unstable and intermittent, this may indicate problems with the board;
• There may be no indication only if the remote control is broken or there is no charge in the batteries.

If, after the batteries have been changed, the controller does not work, then it is better to change it. Repair the remote control after disassembling it by cleaning its insides with a moistened cloth and soapy water. After this, the controller is dried and put back together. If, after viewing the diode with the camera, the flash does not become stable, it is recommended to change the remote control.

If there are “friezes” (the picture falls apart into cubes)

We look at the signal level. To see the signal level, find the INFO button (or something similar) on the remote control and press it three times: you will see this:

Reception is on the verge of quality - only 36%

The same thing may happen to you if you are far from the tower, or there are many buildings around that interfere with reception .

Important: if both the intensity and quality are low, the signal must be amplified.

Either buy an antenna with an amplifier, or put the existing one outside, raise it higher, and so on.