In the box, there is a RS232 adapter, Extremeview serial module, Usb dongle stick, Power supply, Directions, and Installation CD.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/1.jpg

First problem encountered was to remove the screw down posts on the adapter in order for the adapter to plug into the receiver. No big Deal.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/2.jpg

The serial module plugs into the RS232 adapter and the whole unit plugs into the serial connection on the receiver.
You then plug the power supply into the adapter.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/3.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/4.jpg

You then plug the unit into a 110 outlet. Second problem encountered, the power supply is a side mount. I had to use an extension cord in order for it to fit. I have a six gang outlet and I would have had to remove at least two plugs in order for it to fit. Again no big deal and it would be the same for any power supply used.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/5.jpg

Now, go to your computer, put the Installation CD in and then plug the USB stick into any open USB port.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/6.jpg

Found new hardware screen comes up, follow on screen directions and it loads the drivers. Done! This creates a virtual serial port on your computer. Go into device manager and under Ports (COM & LPT) in the drop down you will see Air Cable USB serial port, mine assigned Com Port 4 to the device. This is probably default and should be the same for everyone.

Now you open loader and select com port 4, select file, open file, power up the Magnum, Download starts. Same as when loading any file, wait till it says good and then power down the receiver, power down the adapter and remove. Turn receiver back on.

The first Magnum I did was approximately 10 feet from the device. The average download speed was between 1830 bytes/sec to 1885 bytes/sec. Needless to say on 2 plus MB file this took awhile. This one completed in a little over 20 minutes.

The second Magnum was approximately 25 feet from the device. The average download speed was between 820 to 850 Bytes/sec. Quite a drop off, but to be expected. Yes! Over 45 minutes to load.

At 40 feet it wasn't worth wasting the time, barely reached 400 Bytes/sec. Which would have taken well over an hour to flash. This was 40 ft of unobstructed view.

Next I tried it out for my basement tv. This is approximately 40 ft, through three walls and the floor. The device never found it

Next was the bedroom tv. Approximatily 30 ft and two walls (Both being fake brick). The device never found it.

I have three other sets that are pretty close to the same circumstances, so I bypassed even trying them. (I got tired of dragging the Magnum around)

My computer is a Pentium 4 2.40 GHZ with 1000 MB of Ram.

My next thing to try was to use the null modem cable. First problem was the adapter is female both sides. No big deal I had a Male DB9 to Male DB9 gender Adapter.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/9.jpg

By now you can see I’ve created quite a monster!

Plugged the gender changer in and the adapter and then plugged it into the receiver. Opened loader, selected comport. Opened file, turned receiver on, Nothing! Shut everything down, rechecked everything, and tried again, nothing! Unhooked gender changer and cable plugged the adapter into receiver, fired it all up again. File downloaded. I'm going to say at this point, you cannot use the null modem cable attached to the adapter. I will try it again and let you know if I am successful.

EDIT 01/11/07

First off, Thanks to ulgah and Gruner for pointing out that a straight thru cable would be what to use. It did indeed require a straight thru cable. I used the cable that I use for my ISO and yes the flash was completed. The other good thing was the cable ends were male and female and there was no need for the gender changer. Good news is I can now just leave the cable hanging and attach the adapter when a flash is required. End result is you cannot use the null modem cable, it needs to be straight thru.


Next thing to try, was another make of receiver. This was a total failure as the devices are paired to the Magnum. No big deal I thought. I will use my Bluetooth software to fire it up. No success as I was continually asked for the pin code to un-pair it. In the instructions for the adapter Extremeview states to contact them for documentation about the command line interface. This info would be on how to un-pair and re-pair the connection. Needless to say I will be contacting them.


Don't expect a quick flash, this isn't going to happen. I'm disappointed in the fact that you have to plug the adapter directly into the receiver and not having the ability to use the null modem cable that comes with the receiver. This I don't fully understand, as you would think that it is nothing more than an extension of the adapter. The null cable doesn't work it needs to be straight!

In the end, the adapter does flash the Magnum with no problems whatsoever. It is very slow, but does do the job. The further away you are the slower it will be. The more obstructions you have! Well, it will be rendered pretty much useless.

I have had zero success with the adapter on other receivers that use the null modem cable (Same as The Magnum). I'm not saying it can't be done, but I have tried a lot of combinations with no success.

With all said. I would say that if you have the receiver in a clear uninterupted view and are within 20 to 30 ft of the computer, then you might find this usefull. In my case the location and amount of receivers that I have, it will not serve my purposes.

I want to Thank the Magnum folks for their efforts and I will continue to play with and tweak this unit to see if I can get more out of it.

Nice clear review Raider51:yes: your a classy guy:) By the sounds of this device, I think i would have been very disappointed and i doubt that i would have been as civil as you have been in your review.

Thanks for testing this out for everybody.:D

Thanks for the review Raider and for being our "Tester". I will stick to carrying my laptop around as needed :D

In the box, there is a RS232 adapter, Extremeview serial module, Usb dongle stick, Power supply, Directions, and Installation CD.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/1.jpg

First problem encountered was to remove the screw down posts on the adapter in order for the adapter to plug into the receiver. No big Deal.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/2.jpg

The serial module plugs into the RS232 adapter and the whole unit plugs into the serial connection on the receiver.
You then plug the power supply into the adapter.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/3.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/4.jpg

You then plug the unit into a 110 outlet. Second problem encountered, the power supply is a side mount. I had to use an extension cord in order for it to fit. I have a six gang outlet and I would have had to remove at least two plugs in order for it to fit. Again no big deal and it would be the same for any power supply used.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/5.jpg

Now, go to your computer, put the Installation CD in and then plug the USB stick into any open USB port.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/6.jpg

Found new hardware screen comes up, follow on screen directions and it loads the drivers. Done! This creates a virtual serial port on your computer. Go into device manager and under Ports (COM & LPT) in the drop down you will see Air Cable USB serial port, mine assigned Com Port 4 to the device. This is probably default and should be the same for everyone.

Now you open loader and select com port 4, select file, open file, power up the Magnum, Download starts. Same as when loading any file, wait till it says good and then power down the receiver, power down the adapter and remove. Turn receiver back on.

The first Magnum I did was approximately 10 feet from the device. The average download speed was between 1830 bytes/sec to 1885 bytes/sec. Needless to say on 2 plus MB file this took awhile. This one completed in a little over 20 minutes.

The second Magnum was approximately 25 feet from the device. The average download speed was between 820 to 850 Bytes/sec. Quite a drop off, but to be expected. Yes! Over 45 minutes to load.

At 40 feet it wasn't worth wasting the time, barely reached 400 Bytes/sec. Which would have taken well over an hour to flash. This was 40 ft of unobstructed view.

Next I tried it out for my basement tv. This is approximately 40 ft, through three walls and the floor. The device never found it

Next was the bedroom tv. Approximatily 30 ft and two walls (Both being fake brick). The device never found it.

I have three other sets that are pretty close to the same circumstances, so I bypassed even trying them. (I got tired of dragging the Magnum around)

My computer is a Pentium 4 2.40 GHZ with 1000 MB of Ram.

My next thing to try was to use the null modem cable. First problem was the adapter is female both sides. No big deal I had a Male DB9 to Male DB9 gender Adapter.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q17/Semi-Retired/9.jpg

By now you can see I’ve created quite a monster!

Plugged the gender changer in and the adapter and then plugged it into the receiver. Opened loader, selected comport. Opened file, turned receiver on, Nothing! Shut everything down, rechecked everything, and tried again, nothing! Unhooked gender changer and cable plugged the adapter into receiver, fired it all up again. File downloaded. I'm going to say at this point, you cannot use the null modem cable attached to the adapter. I will try it again and let you know if I am successful.

Next thing to try, was another make of receiver. This was a total failure as the devices are paired to the Magnum. No big deal I thought. I will use my Bluetooth software to fire it up. No success as I was continually asked for the pin code to un-pair it. In the instructions for the adapter Extremeview states to contact them for documentation about the command line interface. This info would be on how to un-pair and re-pair the connection. Needless to say I will be contacting them.


Don't expect a quick flash, this isn't going to happen. I'm disappointed in the fact that you have to plug the adapter directly into the receiver and not having the ability to use the null modem cable that comes with the receiver. This I don't fully understand, as you would think that it is nothing more than an extension of the adapter.

In the end, the adapter does flash the Magnum with no problems whatsoever. It is very slow, but does do the job. The further away you are the slower it will be. The more obstructions you have! Well, it will be rendered pretty much useless.

I have had zero success with other receivers using the null modem cable (Same as The Magnum). I'm not saying it can't be done, but I have tried a lot of combinations with no success.

With all said. I would say that if you have the receiver in a clear uninterupted view and are within 20 to 30 ft of the computer, then you might find this usefull. In my case the location and amount of receivers that I have, it will not serve my purposes.

I want to Thank the Magnum folks for their efforts and I will continue to play with and tweak this unit to see if I can get more out of it.
Raider, the extension of the adaptor would be a straight thru, not a null!!

Raider, the extension of the adapter would be a straight thru, not a null!!

Yes, I agree and same for those other boxes that normally use null cable.
The opposite for those normally using straight - they would need a null cable.

Having FUN with my Magnum :hat:

Raider, the extension of the adaptor would be a straight thru, not a null!!

Good Point! I didn't try that. I will try a straight thru from the box to the adapter and see if that works out.

The reason I stated about the null cable is because that is what comes with the receiver, and you would think that adapter would have the same configuration, but it makes more sense that it probably needs to be straight.

I'll give it a shot tomorrow and let you know.

Yes, I agree and same for those other boxes that normally use null cable.
The opposite for those normally using straight - they would need a null cable.

Having FUN with my Magnum :hat:

whats your point, either way the adapter is not worth the money or the time, why not just admit that this device is not worth the aggravation,in your opinion what do you think of it, i would rather hook up my laptop and flash, and even if you do not have a laptop just unplug the magnum and flash with pc, either way it still is easier and faster then the wireless adapter don't you think,btw raider great pictures and review

Raider
I believe ulgah is correct.
The extension cable should be a straight through cable.
I am sure you will try a straight through and let us know.
If that being the case guess you would have to use a null modem extension if your receiver required straight through cable for flashing.

The performance on this unit is dissapointing to say the least.
I certainly will not be purchasing one of these.
Hell at 10 feet it barely performs.
A 12 Null modem cable can be had at my local electronics shop for $4.98 Canadian and would flash the unit in 5 minute.---Not really worth the money spent.
Sorry you had to waste the $90US to save most of us the price of admission by testing and reviewing.
I may order the IOGear GBS301 and see how it performs compared to what you have posted.
Thank You for the excellent review.
You just saved me the $90 price of admission.
Cheers
Rob

well, it's good for folks who have their STB buried in a "hard to access" A/V cabinet and such...much easier than disconnecting wires.

it's just a matter of what's most convenient for different setups.
again ExtremeView shows they're moving forward by offering such a novel product...

BTW, a nice review indeed, Raider51!

From 15ft I was reaching 3500, and that was around the corner. I happy with mine... You must have some interference..

Sorry to hear, as mine is workign great.:wub:

whats your point, either way the adapter is not worth the money or the time, why not just admit that this device is not worth the aggravation,in your opinion what do you think of it, i would rather hook up my laptop and flash, and even if you do not have a laptop just unplug the magnum and flash with pc, either way it still is easier and faster then the wireless adapter don't you think,btw raider great pictures and review

My point is what I posted in my orig. post that you replied to.
As far as "admitting that this device is not worth whatever you say" - I can't admit to anything, I don't have one to try - yet.
I don't have a laptop, so anything saving me the inconvenience of some of this: [Switching OFF, disconnecting everything, moving to PC, hooking up, starting download, switching ON receiver, wait, switch OFF, disconnect, move to TV, hook up everything, switch ON again], might be worth whatever the price and setup is - to me and many others, obviously not everyone.

I'm having FUN with my Magnum -
so far without wireless bin loading! :hat:

well, it's good for folks who have their STB buried in a "hard to access" A/V cabinet and such...much easier than disconnecting wires.

it's just a matter of what's most convenient for different setups.
again ExtremeView shows they're moving forward by offering such a novel product...

BTW, a nice review indeed, Raider51!

From 15ft I was reaching 3500, and that was around the corner. I happy with mine... You must have some interference..

Sorry to hear, as mine is workign great.:wub:

just-me can you flash with the wireless without turning the powerswitch off and then on, i am not being rude but no one has answered this yet
and dark one that is good news, how long did the flash take and can you use it with other fta receivers or just the magnum

just-me can you flash with the wireless without turning the powerswitch off and then on, i am not being rude but no one has answered this yet
and dark one that is good news, how long did the flash take and can you use it with other fta receivers or just the magnum

You have to turn off, using switch or unplug from wall - whichever is the easiest for you.

so.. if the ird is buried in one of those hard to access a/v cabinets, you would still have to find someway to turn the unit off from the rear...
short of pulling it out of the cabinet, or having your power cords half out and accessible.... seems like alot of work for a little bit of convience,, no?

You have to turn off, using switch or unplug from wall - whichever is the easiest for you.

thanks for the reply, just wanted to know

just-me can you flash with the wireless without turning the powerswitch off and then on, i am not being rude but no one has answered this yet
and dark one that is good news, how long did the flash take and can you use it with other fta receivers or just the magnum
You have to turn receiver Off then On after you have activated the download.
Should not be a problem though cause from the posted distances this unit will function at you will only have to walk or run 10 feet maximum.

so.. if the ird is buried in one of those hard to access a/v cabinets, you would still have to find someway to turn the unit off from the rear...
short of pulling it out of the cabinet, or having your power cords half out and accessible.... seems like alot of work for a little bit of convience,, no?
right now, I can reach the rear switch...It's the cables that are a PITA to plug/unplug.
just for fun, I may add an X-10 dry contact module so I can cycle power to the Magnum via my PC and house wiring...

then I will become a true "easy chair" potato!!!

True nuff just me, I can easily reach the off switch at the back , is the spagetti behind the unit and to get to the plug that is a bugger.

I have edited the original post to reflect the fact that you can indeed use a straight thru cable (Not the Null) attached to the adapter and the Magnum. Thanks go to ulgah and Gruner for pointing that out.

I also tried a different usb port and able to pick up an extra 200 Bytes/sec. This one flashed at a continual 2050 Bytes/sec with no ups and downs.

TDO,

I would like to get the speed that you reported. When I did mine I was going through a USB hub. Did you use the onboard USB or a Hub? I'm going to try my onboard, but that would be a total pain to get to the back of the computer. Will let you know if it increases download speeds.

From 15ft I was reaching 3500, and that was around the corner. I happy with mine... You must have some interference..

Sorry to hear, as mine is workign great.:wub:

If it is not asking too much can you please post some directions on how you flashed your 3500 with this wireless device.
Also how long did it take you to flash your 3500 from "around the corner"
20 minutes ? 1/2 an hour ? 45 minutes ? 1hour ?

I don't think the 3500 was the model of the ird,, but the speed at which he was connecting..

I could be mistaken on that though..

I don't think the 3500 was the model of the ird,, but the speed at which he was connecting..

I could be mistaken on that though..

Well if he is going to post stats in a thread that is reviewing a product he should perhaps get a little more specific with his posts.
#500 on most sites usually means Pansat 3500 Receiver, not bps.
I am sure he will post again and clear up the situation.
Cheers
Rob

the post was in referrence to raiders post about the slow speed. I think it is pretty clear what he was saying, it is NOT about a pansat, but about the speed he got.
Talked with TDO today and he stated the same, loaded fine from 15 feet and around the corner.

Iv had no luck either, in fact I am able to use hyperterminal to query the usb dongle, and It gives you alot of information from there, and I found out that mine is not even paired, let alone to the serial end (Wich I am unable to comunicate with thre hyperterminal.)