I have the bin, I have the cable, I think I can just go to the fortec site and get the software. What do I do now? Turn off the box, plug in the cable and turn the box on? Its a factory new box and the menu 9999 didn't work so I guess I have to add a bin.

I have the bin, I have the cable, I think I can just go to the fortec site and get the software. What do I do now? Turn off the box, plug in the cable and turn the box on? Its a factory new box and the menu 9999 didn't work so I guess I have to add a bin.

I uploaded a file for you that includes the Fortec STB Loader, the Download Instructions and the latest .bin file from April 13th. These files should help you to get your Fortec flashed and ready to go. You can get the file here:

http://www.dsstester.com/details.php?file=2592

After you get your Fortec flashed with the .bin, come back to this thread and post your Dish type, LNB type/Switch type and someone here can help you get your LNB and Diseqc settings correct.

So which receiver do I select for Mercury II?

So which receiver do I select for Mercury II?

Sorry, I uploaded the wrong loader in my file. Here is the loader for the Fortec Mercury II:

http://www.dsstester.com/details.php?file=2593

This isn't working, do I need to unlock my box before I start this process? I turned the box on and the loader is still saying turn on the stb. Also, when I try to add my file via upload its not working @ all, it just wants to save over the copy that I already have instead of adding it to the file upload list.

I got the file figured out, for some reason when I decompressed it, it didn't do it right. I noticed because it was 0kb, and now I realize that I need to download and not upload, but its still saying "turn on the stb" after I've turned it on.

Are you using the right cable? You must use a Null Modem cable, not a straight through serial cable.

Have the file in the loader and Null cable hooked up. Shut it off and back on with remote.

It must not be a null modem cable then. This is what I bought

http://www.XXXioshack.coX/product/index.jsp?productId=2036258

and it was pretty much the only thing they had. Where can I get a null modem cable?

I also have a null adapter I guess is what its called. Its just a double female connector.

It must not be a null modem cable then. This is what I bought

hxxp://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2036258

and it was pretty much the only thing they had. Where can I get a null modem cable?

First you need to edit that link. Rules here say NO LIVE LINKS to other sites.

Yep, wrong cable.

You need a DB9 to DB9 F/F Null Modem Cable.

This is the one you need (replace xx with tt):

hxxp://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2288284&cp=&sr=1&origkw=null+modem+cable&kw=null+modem+cable&parentPage=search

ok, then how do I connect that to my computer as the only place it would plug would be my monitor input.

It plugs in to the 9 pin serial port...

ok, then how do I connect that to my computer as the only place it would plug would be my monitor input.

Your computer doesn't have a Com Port? Do you have a laptop or desktop PC?

Most new laptops do not have a Com Port.

Most desktop PC's have a DB-9 Male Com Port connection.

No it doesn't, but I have a linux box that does. I guess I could try using that, but I'm just getting into linux so it could be very painful.

No it doesn't, but I have a linux box that does. I guess I could try using that, but I'm just getting into linux so it could be very painful.

I have never flashed an FTA box without using a Com Port. There may be a way flash with USB with proper cable, but I don't know how. I also don't know much about Linux, so I can't help you there either.

Maybe someone who knows if you can flash the Fortec using USB can jump in here and help.

I've re-installed XP on my computer, but still having issues. When you plug the stb in does XP give any new hardware found notifications or anything?

No nothing at all....you will know its ok when you open the loader to download the bin to the box....not sure about your receiver but you should first get something showing the comport that it is using...there should be a connect button or something in the loader program.

Could somebody with Mercury experience please tell me how to get this started? The instructions are more generic fortec types and this loader has no button to initiate connection like the ones in the instrucions do. It has a download and upload button and when you click it, it allows you to choose which file you want to dl but thats it.

As far as I can tell all of my issues are with the stb. I bought a pci serial for my other computer and it didn't work either, so I replaced the null modem, and still nothing.

Maybe in a few months I'll buy a new stb that doesn't use a loading technology from the 80's.