Downloads

[Davor]

I have never owned a satellite system so I'm pretty green about the entire set up process. I won my FTA Fortec Merc. II at an auction about a year ago and I'm finally getting around to hooking it up, but I now discover that it didn't come with the setup software that I keep reading about from some of the related websites I've visited. My question is, where do I get this downloadable software for my receiver? Thanks for all of your input.

[vj9999]

What in particular are you trying to receive? Your receiver should be set up for legal FTA reception out of box.

[Sadoun]

Davor, I would also recommend your read the forum RULES here.

[pmb1010]

they are available here:
Download

[keebs]

what exactly does the new software do? where can you get the RS 232 port?

[BYX]

Originally Posted by Davor

I have never owned a satellite system so I'm pretty green about the entire set up process. I won my FTA Fortec Merc. II at an auction about a year ago and I'm finally getting around to hooking it up, but I now discover that it didn't come with the setup software that I keep reading about from some of the related websites I've visited. My question is, where do I get this downloadable software for my receiver? Thanks for all of your input.

Are you aware that your receiver out of the box with the proper dish like 76cm minimum for Ku or 6' minimum for C band can give you hundreds of channels with great programming in several languages?
News Feeds, Old TV series, cultural channels, the list is endless.......
As for software you can check with the manufacturer's website and look for any refresher software for your box along with instructions.
Manufacturers from time to time release new software versions to correct bugs and to update satellites that are no longer in service and / or changed names, like one of the most recent ones was G10R to G18, G25 is scheduled to change name very soon.
Feel free to ask and we will be glad to answer your questions.
By the way do not forget to check the forum rules as you were already advised.

[keebs]

sounds good, how do i go about updating my fortec? what will i need?

[BYX]

Originally Posted by keebs

sounds good, how do i go about updating my fortec? what will i need?

Keebs according to your join date you been a member for at least two years and you don't know that the manufacturers offer support?

I don't know if the moderators allow to post support links.
If not allowed my apologies in advance.

For the Fortec boxes you can go to Fortec Star Satellites and then go to the support link.

Next you have to select your model and it will show what they have available for your specific model.
As for DAVOR's question the most recent software update for the Mercury is dated July 16, 2007 and they explain what has been corrected and procedures.

[keebs]

i knew it but just never actually done it. do i need anything special?

[BYX]

Originally Posted by keebs

i knew it but just never actually done it. do i need anything special?

Just visit the site and follow the instructions for the model you own.

[Vitruvius]

Keebs... you'll need a computer and a serial cable to hook the computer to the receiver. You have to follow the sequence outlined in the Fortec site clearly... for fear of zapping the receiver... good luck. The latest update version is pretty good.

[keebs]

Did not seem too clear to me. i downloaded it and nothing happened. after i unzipped it nothing opens? uploaded did not open. nothing. anything i am missing here?

[pmb1010]

This is from memory. It's been a very long time since I've updated my Fortec Ultra.

To update receiver's internal code (BIN file) you need a few things.
1) Computer with serial port. Note that some computers have USB to Serial converter devices. Some of those do work, but be prepared to have more difficulty than sucess. A PC with real serial port works much more reliably.
2) Cable to connect PC to receiver being updated. It can be Female to Female, or Female to Male depending on receiver's connector. It can also be straight thru cable or Null (TX-RX crossover) modem cable. Depends on receiver being updated as to what it needs.
3) Control Program that reads/writes the new receiver firmware (BIN file)to the receiver.
4) New receiver firmware file (BIN file)

How to update:
1) Download BIN file to computer. Unzip if necessary. Remember where you put it.
2) Connect receiver to computer with cable.
3) Start Control program.
4) Select BIN file in Control program.
5) Turn on receiver. Wait for it to fully boot up.
6) Follow prompts on control program to push the bin file to the receiver. Important - WAIT till it says it's done.

Turn everything off, disconnect. Reconnect to dish turn on and reprogram everything. More that likely, all settings were lost in the update.

Disclaimer- updating the BIN file can hose up the receiver and make it unrecoverable. For the most part it is an easy process, but things CAN and DO go wrong with this and can make the box unusable. Proceed at YOUR OWN RISK.