The most common malfunction of digital television set-top boxes is the failure of the power supply. In such an unpleasant case, it is very good if the model of the console had an external adapter, buy a new one and look further! And if not! And was the power supply built into the console itself? Then you will have to repair or purchase a new one. But perhaps there is an easy way out!
Hello, dear readers! In this article I want to share one simple repair method that anyone who knows how to hold a screwdriver and a soldering iron can do! Moreover, it is not necessary to master these instruments masterfully.
I’m also not going to tell you anything overly complicated in the field of electronics repair; this is the domain of professionals. On the contrary, I will try to describe everything in such a way that even a non-specialist could cope and eliminate this malfunction.
I’ll immediately make a reservation that this method is not suitable for all models of consoles, but for many, since they are often made according to a very similar scheme for this case. Everything will be based on a specific example of a set-top box from the D-Color company, namely the DC1401HD model. So, having understood this “high technology”, you can repair your digital television set-top box yourself.
Causes
If we consider the problem as a whole, there are three reasons why the digital set-top box does not turn on - a technical malfunction, a firmware failure and a breakdown of the remote control. The last two situations can be easily resolved, but repairing the equipment will require some tinkering. Let us immediately note that troubleshooting a technical malfunction should only be done if you have experience. It would be one thing if the set-top box didn’t see the flash drive or if there were problems with sound, but not everyone can solve problems with the device’s performance.
Here we highlight the symptoms that characterize the problem:
- the red indicator is on or flashing;
- the digital set-top box does not turn on from a long distance and the green indicator is on;
- the equipment writes ON on the display, but does not turn on;
- The TV set-top box does not start after flashing the firmware;
- The device crashes after reboot.
The user’s task is to determine why the digital television set-top box does not turn on and fix the problem with minimal loss of time. The difficulty is that with each breakdown, the malfunction can manifest itself differently.
The instructions provided do not encourage you to do the repairs yourself. Its purpose is to help diagnose the malfunction and decide on further actions. After the analysis, we can draw a conclusion: repair the device or buy new equipment due to the inexpediency of purchasing spare parts and restoration.
Technical characteristics of the IPTV HD mini set-top box
- Processor: STi7105
- RAM: 256 MB
- Flash memory: 128 MB
- Operating system: linux 2.6.35
- File systems: FAT16/32, NFS, Ext2, Ext3
- Video modes: 1080i, 1080p, 720p, 576p, 480p, PAL, NTSC
- Supported Middleware: SmartLabs; CTI TVE; IPTV Portal; Cubiware CubiTV
- Supported VoD: Espial-Kasenna, Bitband, ARRIS (C-COR), Live555
The IPTV HD mini set-top box is very compact, its size is only 127mm x 85mm. Early versions of set-top boxes of this model were equipped with 12V 1.5A power supplies, and newer ones were equipped with 5V 1.5A. Set-top boxes are actively purchased by Rostelecom subscribers along with the digital interactive television service. Unfortunately, this model does not have proper reliability. Many subscribers were found to have very serious technical defects during the warranty period. It is these defects and how to eliminate them that I would like to share with you.
What to do
Knowing the reasons why the digital set-top box connected to the TV does not turn on, you can begin to fix the problem. For convenience, we will consider each of the reasons separately.
Technical problem
Before studying the diagram, understand the elements that make up the digital TV set-top box. Its elements:
- built-in memory - used for storing software and setting up TV channels;
- decoder - recognizes binary code;
- inputs - connectors for network connection;
- voltage converter - reduces the parameter to the desired level;
- AV output - designed to connect a TV and output video and sound to it.
There is no point in considering the remaining elements, because without special skills they cannot be repaired.
Check power
First, check that voltage is supplied to the device. For example, if a digital set-top box does not turn on and the LED does not light green, the reason may be a lack of current and a malfunction of the power supply unit.
Other options are also possible:
- the indicator lamp is on, you can hear the start-up of the TV set-top box - the power circuit is working;
- the indicator lights up, but no boot sound is heard - there is no current in the processor (you need to check the voltage at the contacts).
First, check the indicator itself. Connect a light bulb to its contacts at the appropriate voltage, for example, from a flashlight. If it lights up, you need to change the indicator. Otherwise, the cause is the power supply.
If the above steps do not work, the problem may be due to damage to the board. In such situations, it is better to take the device to a service center. If the TV set-top box is cheap, it is easier to replace it and not waste time on repairs.
Examine the status of the internal memory
One of the reasons why the TV set-top box does not turn on and the green indicator lights up is a malfunction of the internal memory. The device starts, but the memory is not read by the hardware. In such circumstances, pay attention to the contact connections. If a tear occurs, use a pin to fix the problem. If this does not help, it is better to buy a new digital television set-top box, because buying a chip and repairing it will cost more.
Inputs and outputs
One of the reasons why the set-top box does not turn on is problems with the connectors. There are no visible faults, but you still can’t watch digital TV. First, check the RN-IN input. If the connection is poor, noise and interference will occur.
If the problem is at the input, you won't be able to watch TV. The reason is that a strong signal is needed to display an image on a TV screen. If it is weak, some of the information does not reach the digital set-top box, and it is impossible to decrypt the data.
In a situation with an exit, everything is simpler. Here it is enough to check the quality of contact with the board. When problems are identified, they can be easily solved by soldering. When checking, you need to look at what exactly does not turn on. If there is a sound problem, check the red and white connector. If there is no video, pay attention to the yellow contact.
Check the decryptor
When considering the question of what to do if the set-top box does not turn on, many recommend checking the decoder. But this is not entirely correct. If this equipment malfunctions, the set-top box usually turns on, but digital channels are not shown. To diagnose the problem, you may need to purchase a diagnostic tool to connect to the UART port.
After connecting the equipment to your PC and digital TV set-top box, install the Hyper Terminal program on your computer or laptop. Enter the following information there:
- number of bits - 8;
- speed - 115,200 bps;
- stop bit - 1;
- parity - no.
As a result, the decoder gives the reason - damage to the device or the absence of a file necessary for processing the digital signal. In the second case, flashing is required using a special installer.
Pay attention to the voltage converter
One of the reasons why the digital television set-top box does not turn on is a malfunction of the voltage converter. In such a situation, the set-top box starts up, but turns off almost immediately. In this case, take these steps:
- Check the voltage level at the capacitor and inductor.
- Compare the voltage readings with the nominal ones. For each of the boards they should leave 3.3; 1.8;1.2 V.
- If the voltage is normal, inspect the capacitor for swelling or damage.
To fix the problem, the board can be changed. If several boards are broken, it is easier to change the equipment and buy a new set-top box for watching digital TV.
Check your contacts
If your digital TV box is flashing green and won't turn on, or is otherwise malfunctioning, the cause may be damaged contacts. Inspect the contact connections on the board and, if they are broken, make repairs using a soldering iron. If the contact burns out, only replacement will help. Burnout can be caused by severe voltage fluctuations.
Firmware
A common reason why a digital TV set-top box does not turn on is software failures. If the tuner stops working normally after installing new firmware, this is the reason. In this case, you need to be careful when updating and install the software recommended by the manufacturer. The necessary programs for firmware can be found on the Internet, but it is better to contact a service center.
Remote Control
If the smart set-top box connected to the TV does not turn on, make sure the remote control is working properly. Often the problem is due to a malfunction of this device. For example, the batteries in the remote control may have run out or the on/off button may have broken. To diagnose, move closer to the device, change power sources, or try to control a smart set-top box for watching digital TV directly from the panel. If in this case the device does not turn on, the problem lies in the technical component.
By the way, in modern models everything is much simpler. You can control the set-top box directly from your phone. And if a smartphone is always at hand, then this solves many problems.
Reviews for Orbita
Like all digital set-top boxes, Orbita devices have their own disadvantages and advantages. The first users note a limited set of functions. You cannot access the Internet from the receiver to watch videos or search for IP channels. In addition, not everyone is happy with the average price. Even the very first models today cost around 1,100 rubles.
Receivers also have plenty of advantages. The main one is the build quality. In simple terms, everything is assembled according to the simplest principle, therefore it works much better and more durable than its more popular analogues.
Digital Receiver Errors
Unfortunately, no one is safe from them and these tuners are no exception. We will try to talk about the most popular situations and possible ways to solve them.
The device does not work/reboots periodically
- In the first case, check the power cord for bare spots.
- Reset the console to factory settings through the menu. If the receiver asks for a password, first try entering “000000”; if it refuses, enter “888888”.
Can't pick up any channels/can't pick up much
- Reset the settings and search manually.
- Check the antenna and select it correctly.
The remote control does not switch / does not work
- Replace the batteries and make sure that the distance to the device does not exceed the permissible operating limit of 5 m.
- If the remote control does not work within a 5m zone, then there may be a manufacturing defect.
Thus, today we tried to give you complete instructions for Orbita consoles. We hope it will help you catch all 20 free digital channels.
When there is no point in repairs
Repairing a digital TV set-top box is only relevant if you have basic knowledge of electronics and the necessary set of tools. In addition, self-repair is relevant in the following cases:
- The warranty has expired.
- The device is simple and has only one decoder.
- The receiver has a high price and is too expensive for the user to replace.
If the damage is serious and requires the purchase of an expensive part, it is better to replace the digital TV set-top box.
How to connect a Denn digital set-top box to an old TV?
To connect the Denn set-top box to a TV with a cathode-ray tube, you need to buy an additional cable (with a connector suitable for the TV) and change the TV Format in the receiver settings. You will have to look for the exact connection option yourself, sequentially going through the available formats.
How to unlink a bank card from Okko on TV and phone?
Software update doesn't help
One of the most common reasons why the receiver does not turn on is incorrect software installation. When the new version is installed, but the receiver still malfunctions, the user should start restoring according to the instructions:
- go to the “menu” of the set-top box and open the “settings” item;
- select the “reset” command;
- wait for the procedure to complete and reboot the equipment;
- after turning on, enter the code “0000” on the receiver;
- set the correct time, date and region parameters in the system.
To search for TV channels, you need to launch an automatic search. After this, you need to sort the channels and save the selected ones. If the receiver still does not turn on, then you can turn it off for 30 - 45 minutes. After this, standard equipment loading is carried out.
