Firmware upgrade for Topfield

[ulverstone144]

Can anyone tell me how to upgrade the firmware on a Topfield 3200IR? The manual is a bit light on in places.
It looks like OTA is not available on satellites from Australia (despite the blurb on the box). I have downloaded the software from the website and tried with a serial cable via the RS232 port but the program says (I think) it is waiting for the STB to request. The cable was one I use with a modem, so it might not be the right one.
I rang a guy at Topfield Australia but he was a little snooty. He said the STB should be switched off, but I can't see how the serial interface would work without power.
Is there any advantage in doing the upgrade, or should I leave it alone?
Many thanks.

[simmo]

Upgrade software only if it is necessary to improve features, not just for the hell of it!!
We see toooo many boxes die because software was incorrectly installed.

[bassett]

I see a problem commmmmmmmmmming,,,

Some receivers use a Null cable , some use a streight through cable. In most cases you switch the receiver off, do all the connecting, load the program on the computer screen and then switch the receiver back on and the download starts.
Well thats the theory , anyway. But you better be very sure, before you click ""START"" Clicking start sometimes means End of Receiver.

Unless you have a genuine reason for changeing software, 2000 channels that won't load, with what you have. If you don't , Avoid doing it.

[ulverstone144]

I get the message. Maybe it's just as well it didn't work!
I'm more than happy with 60 odd FTA channels on Optus B3.

[notaclue69]

I've done firmware updates a couple of times now on my Toppy 3000CiPro. You need a "null" modem cable, not a modem serial cable. I made mine with a couple of $2 connectors from tricky dicky and a spare length of cat5e cable. Its not hard if you can solder. That said, for my box the null modem cable pinouts that topfield say you need definately DID NOT WORK. The software asks to reboot the box, but doesnt respond when you do it. I needed a fully wired null modem cable for the firmware upload as follows:

2 x 9 pin female serial connectors

1&6 - 4
2 - 3
3 - 2
4 - 1&6
5 - 5
7 - 8
8 - 7

The above worked for me, like I said before, the instructions toppy give, ie:

2 - 3
3 - 2
5 - 5

did not work in my case.

[ulverstone144]

Thanks very much for the info.
I'll file it with my user's manual for the Toppie just in case.
But I think I'll let sleeping dogs lie for now and amuse myself rearranging favourites and renaming channels. Maybe I'll just watch TV.