I've followed threads about updating the software with a PC. I've been back and forth to Maplin to obtain the necessary leads. I've registered on the Humax site and got walked through installation. I can't get the box to recognise the lappy.
I have bought a usb serial adaptor (£12.99) and installed the driver. I have also bought an RS232 serial lead (£9.99) both from Maplin. USB to male 9 pin - connected to female to female 9pin -connected to Humax.
I am doing everything by the book and I've tried using both versions of the updating software from the Humax site.
The RS232 lead is the only one that Maplin do and the salesman reckoned it was the one for the job. Do I have the setting correct? Coms 1,2 and 4 get rejected but com 3 seems to be ok. What am I doing wrong?

See if this walk through can help ya m8 Clicky Click

I've been having the same problem and I suspect it might be my lead, although it has worked before.

If you have a multimeter (Maplin sell one for about a fiver) and using a couple of opened out paperclips check that pin 2 of one connector connects to pin 3 of the other. If you are not sure which is pin 3 hold the connector up in front of you, holes (sockets) towards you with the row of 5 sockets uppermost. The holes (sockets) run thus:

o o o o o
5 4 3 2 1
o o o o
9 8 7 6

MS

Cablestar supply null modem cables that work...

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/cablestar/Items/SL901?

... no need to use ebay.
Last edited by wgmorg : 15-12-2006 at 08:55

That should have been an L71BT? female to female null modem cable and should be fine.

But Maplin also sell a L68BT female to female straight through cable wich is useless for you.

Have a look at your receipt....

Which transfer software are you using?
Also you need to check you have a female to femail 9 pin null modem cable attached to the end of the USB to serial converter
Have you checked to verify which com port the adaptor is using?
You can change it to be on a spare com port between 1 and 4 and then get the transfer tool to use that specific com port when doing the transfer attempt.
Last edited by marcdavis : 15-12-2006 at 09:11

Try turning the Humax off for several minutes before you try updating. This made a difference for me (see this post). It's also worth pointing out that you have to turn the Humax as soon as the PC says it is trying to establish a connection. Otherwise it will time out.

When you say the box doesn't recognise the laptop, what exactly happens? I.e. what appears on the Humax display and on the laptop? Does the Humax go through a full boot-up or just sit there with four dashes showing on the display and the disk spinning? The more information you give us, the more likely you are to get an answer.

Thanks GTG. I did indeed have the wrong lead. It was straight wired. Maplins in Watford is not that big and as it was the only female - female 9 pin serial lead, I bought it. The packaging didn't suggest that it was straight wired, otherwise I would have left alone. Took it back to Maplin in Milton Keynes this morning, which is much larger. Got the right null modem lead (L71BT) and updated perfectly. So a word to those who intend to update with a lead from Maplin - get the right one. Thanks again.

Good news. Glad you got it sorted

Another word might be - you can get one for a fifth of the price, including postage, from cablestar!

Already ordered for fifth of the price. I've got a further 13 days to return my leads to Maplin for refund as 'wrong leads'. Wanted the update before xmas so bought from shop first.

Smart move! I ordered from cablestar and it arrived the next day. But, I guess it could get caught up in the Christmas post..