MSD 7816 based receiver

[rrob311]

There are a few receivers for very cheap on the overseas market boasting the MSD 7816 chipset. Looks like possibly 550mhz and claims to to 16apsk and 32apsk. I found some specs on it:
([Only registered and activated users can see links])
Main Feature

l Compliant with DVB-S/S2 standard

l 5000 or more channels memory space

l HDMI 1.3 transmitter output interface with embedded or external HDCP key

l User friendly and easy-to-use menu system

l 7 Days EPG

l Teletext and subtitle output through OSD

l Parental Lock function

l PVR function supported

l Advanced Time-shift function

l Supporting pictures with JPEG,BMP,PNG,zoom fuction supported

l Supporting music files with MP3、AAC、M4A

l Capable to playing picture and music at the same time

l Supporting movie files with MPEG1/MPEG2/MPEG4/H264/M-JPEG /AVI/MPG/MP4/TS/TRP/TP/MOV/MKV/VOB/DAT ect

l DiSEqC1.0/1.1/1.2/1.3

l Unicable LNB supported

l The OTA upgrade supported(optional)

l Software upgrade by USB2.0 interface

Hardware Feature

CPU: Mstar MSD7816(MIPS34K CPU)

Speed: 550M

Flash: 4MByte

DDRII Memory: 64MByte

Connection: HDMI1.3, SPIDIF, AV6(YPbPr, CVBS) or 1Scart,LNB IN,USB2.0

Front panel:3Key(Power,CH+,CH-),4 bit 7-segment LED array,IR receiver

Video/Audio processing

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

l Hardware JPEG integrated,scaling down ratios:1/2,1/4,1/8

l Audio decoder compliant with MPEG-1,MPEG-2(Layer I/II),MP3,WMA, AAC-LC

l Dolby/DD+ support optional

l Simultaneous supporting HE-AAC decoding and transcoding to AC-3

l Stereo audio description decoding supported

l RA8-LBR decoding supported

Tuner

Input Frequency: 950 to 2150 MHz

Signal Input Level: -65 to 25 dBm

Input Impedance: 75Ω

LNB Power: 13.5±1V/18.5V±1V,max 350mA

Channel Decoding

Waveform


QPSK,8PSK,16APSK,32APSK,compliant with DVB-S/S2 spec

Maximum channel bit rate


168Mbps

Maximum symbol rates


45MSps for QPSK,8PSK,16APSK, 37MSps for 32APSK

Roll-off


0.35,0.25,0.2

[rrob311]

Here is a PDF from another site showing some specs on this chipset claiming a 216mhz cpu speed.

[rrob311]

Here is another PDF for a mini style receiver showing the 550mhz claim:

[rrob311]

The Digiwave HD9003PVR receiver uses the same chip. The Digiwave claims 16apsk and 32apsk.

[rrob311]

I went ahead and purchased one of these receivers this morning. It doesn't really have a name that I know of but should be MSD7816 based. Probably be a few weeks before it arrives.

[rrob311]

This is basically the same receiver I purchased:

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Costactc]

Looking forward to your reviews Rob.

[eastof111]

Should be an interesting receiver to test for the low price. Noticed "Digital reception covers VHF & HUF band", but the picture doesn't show a tuner input for terrestrial reception. Would be cool if it handled both.

[rrob311]

The receiver I purchsed looks exactly the same and here is the description (It supports guidos also)

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

2) HDMI 1.3 output

3) Support electronic program Guido (EPG)

4) Various channel setting, favorite, deleting and lock

5) Satellite signal quality strength display, for antenna

6) QPSK demodulation mode, SCPC & MCPC compatible

7) Automatic and manual channel scan options

8) Support OSD & VBL teletext and subtitle

9) S/PDIF by coaxtal and optical digital audio output

10) Power memory, automatic reset

11) Support USB PVR function

12) Tuner input frequency: 950-2150MHz

13) Tuner input impedance: 75 ohms

14) Power: 15W (Max)

15) Input voltage: AC 0-240V

16) Size: 223 x 136 x 42mm
OEM are Welcome! we can print customer's artwork and logo

[cpr43]

Hey rrob
Any update on your new box???

[rrob311]

Here is a vendor with screenshots of each menu:

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

So far I haven't had any luck finding any firmware support. The receiver is on the way from China. Hopefully it at least has a decent tuner.

[rrob311]

its been 2 months and still no receiver. I am going to have to order another it seems. Didn't make it past customs in China for whatever reason.

[eastof111]

I was wondering what had happened to your receiver... I would think it would get lost in our customs rather than theirs. Hope you get some form of compensation.

[rrob311]

Lo and behold the receiver has arrived! I will be spending a few hours testing it in the next couple of days. So far, it boots to PAL mode. The blind scan is relatively slow compared to some of the newer receivers but is the type that scans all of the transponders first and then checks them for channels.

One bug I noticed is in the satellite list if you pick 91w, in the other menus it will say a bogus number like 257 East. A main problem I am running into thus far is the 22khz switching does not seem to work.

The dump database file has a .dbm extension.

[rrob311]

The main board on it is probably the same size as a cigarette pack. There is a heatsink on the main chip but in the information section under hardware the number starts with 7816 so I am assuming it is the msd7816 chipset.

[cpr43]

rrob
Blindscan is a plus! They mentioned vbi / teletext or cc, see if it works. You mentioned a dump. It means it has the dump and upgrade by usb feature? Also I see the global world usually used for Network setup can you take a snap shot? I dont recall the .dbm extension with other models?? Probably to find a recovery tools loader and/ or a editor? Its $44 now shipped
Thanks for sharing

[rrob311]

Yes it has an upgrade by usb feature but I haven't found firmware anywhere. Do you know of any feeds that support vbi / teletext or cc? I plan on doing a blind scan speed test but the receiver won't switch 22khz so I will have to make some changes to my dishes tomorrow because right now it will only work with a couple of them. The motor control doesn't seem to work either. With the current firmware this receiver may be better suited to someone using one dish. There is no ethernet port or serial port on this receiver.

[rrob311]

Another bug I found is after I deleted all of the satellites to try and start a new list, the receiver won't allow me to enter a new satellite because I keep getting an "Existed Longitude" error. Looks like I will have to default the receiver.

[rrob311]

menu, right down down down right will get you out of PAL mode if you don't have the ability to view the picture in PAL mode.

[rrob311]

The PVR functions seem to work OK. I was able to set the clock and schedule a recording in advance using the EPG on Ebru TV. It recorded fine using a 4gb usb stick.

[Telsat]

Another bug I found is after I deleted all of the satellites to try and start a new list, the receiver won't allow me to enter a new satellite because I keep getting an "Existed Longitude" error. Looks like I will have to default the receiver.

You probably need to enter it differently as we usually do. Lets say you want to enter 30w it eill be 360-30=330
330 will be the longitude of the sat. I don't know if it will take East or West but try either way. By logic it should be East.

So 360-sat longitud

[rrob311]

Here are some more pictures of the menus. In the diseqc 1.2 settings I do not see any numbers. Only a save option. So far none of the motor settings work.

[cpr43]

I see the 22khz option, does it work on/off?

[rrob311]

no it doesn't work. the 4x1 diseqc switch works but nothing from the 22khz switches. I may try some other configurations today to see what happens.

[rrob311]

The receiver does not work with 4:2:2 feeds and is similar to the openbox s9 in how it displays them. There is no audio but it gives you a pixelated screen much like the openbox.

[rrob311]

It is going to be difficult to make an orderly satellite list for this. I think the best way would be create the number of satellites in the list that you want and then manually edit each satellite so they are in order. It seems when you delete them the new ones go in different parts of the list so it is hard to put them in numerical order.

[cpr43]

Those minimal bugs are easy to fix in a firmware revision. Is there any brand or model number so we can look for any updates files, etc??? or is the any way to contact the seller and ask which model or files are compatible??

[rrob311]

The satellite list is almost done and I got the motor to move in diseqc 1.3 mode(usals) Carlos if you look at the pictures on the beginning it says the model is s2602. Please contact as many suppliers as needed of this receiver to find out where we can get firmware. I have been asking around for a couple months. The fellow in China I bought the receiver from said he would contact the technicians. I will upload my database file shortly.

[cpr43]

Ok, rrob
I did some reading and found that this is probably a clone of a german box XORO. I think the closest one is Xoro HRS8530. Everything look pretty similar and used the same chipset. There is even a youtube video showing how to update the box. Here are the links for the video, XORO home page and XORO forum support. The forum is in german but you can use the translator which work OK. Inside the forum you will find firmwares , channel editors etc. You will need to register first. Here is a copy of the manual and some firmwares from 2013. Be aware that there are 2 versions V1 and V2. There is also a model COMAG HD20 (SL40HD) which is supposed to be a clone from. Good Luck my friend!!

Here are some links


[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[rrob311]

You got it Carlos! That receiver has the same menus as mine. Not sure which version I have however so I will have to be careful finding the right firmware.

[cpr43]

I read V2 is the most common because it works in the Xoro and the Comag. Join the forum, there is a lot of info there

[cpr43]

Here are the screens side by side. It even has the same emblem at the right lower corner

6867

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[rrob311]

I saw a similar video but the folks at the forum in germany aren't clone friendly.

[cpr43]

Load the v2 file:pray:

[rrob311]

If there is no way to recover the box I think I will have to wait.

[eastof111]

I saw a similar video but the folks at the forum in germany aren't clone friendly.

Just an observation and not a critique, but it seems to be true with most German forums regarding clones.

[rrob311]

I am trying to lock a known good 16apsk feed with this receiver and it is showing a lock on the transponder but nothing is scanning in yet. I will have to tweak the dish later to see if it makes any difference.

[cpr43]

Here are 2 of the Channel Editors for the MSD 7816. I downloaded and installed them. Later I tried to open the DB you posted but a .dll error ocurred. Maybe that file need to be modify similar to the script.ini file we modified on the Ali models. To begin with they're OK.



6871

6872

[rrob311]

Ya I tried one of those last night and got an error. It does say to not use a database file from an older firmware as it will not work with the editor.

[rrob311]

I have been trying to contact whoever in China is behind this receiver for some support. It would be nice to get some updates for it. The blind scan speed is similar to the Openbox s9/s10.

[rrob311]

The Comag HD20 is another variation of this line of boxes. There seems to be some support for the Xoro and Comag.

[r10fret]

I am thinking about getting one of these for dvb-s2 satellite.

[rrob311]

Welcome to Legit r10fret! I will try to post a screenshot soon. The xoro hrs8530 and comag hd20 receivers use this chipset and seem to have more support. Dhongzou in China is the one that makes my box.

[r10fret]

In atsc version "channel search" is different from satellite version.

The "dish setup" and "db management" are replaced by other selections.

[rrob311]

It would be great to find a way to recover these boxes.

[r10fret]

Finally found your post with the original generic firmware screenshot

[rrob311]

Here is a picture running the xoro firmware

[cpr43]

as with the openbox converted to manhattan you will need a remote control from the new firmware or new box to navigate

[r10fret]

So my msd7816 DVB-S2 from arrived and it looks like it is the the same build version.

[r10fret]

So I have looked for any board numbers I could run and haven't found anything significant, interesting BootScreen though.

[rrob311]

Interesting boot screen. I don't remember mine having that but the internals look the same.

[r10fret]

it's a common wallpaper

[r10fret]

22khz switching function.

[r10fret]

22khz generator

[r10fret]

Just renamed the last 3 on the list of 60 pre-loaded satellites.

[r10fret]

Receiver Factory defaults to PAL mode

[r10fret]

Tested with motor.

[rrob311]

The motor control didn't work for me really at all. Sometimes in the menu the motor would take off and not stop. This is an issue that the firmware revisions should be able to address.

[cpr43]

I see the mentioned of firmwares revisions for this receivers. Where do you get them from?? Or where can be download?

[r10fret]

no official place

[rrob311]

Carlos I was talking about other receivers that use the same hardware or potential future firmware from the manufacturer. There are a couple of boxes in South America running msd7816 along with the ones in Germany you found.

[cpr43]

r10fret is mentioning firmwares releases that fixed some bugs in the ATSC model so I assumed he is getting them from somewhere that we dont know!! If we can get copy of the files we can create a section for the box

[r10fret]

unknowns whether they run pre or post fix firmwares and they also refuse to provide file regardless.

[eastof111]

Rob, since Mstar seems to be the provider of the 7816 chip set and sw solutions for it, you might contact them. Hopefully, they might lead you in the right direction.

[r10fret]

of no help

[cpr43]

This is probably why sales hasn't picking up. This is a very nice unit for FTA newbies and cheap which can do DVB-S2, MPEG4, AC3 etc. If there is no way to get support, files or recovery tools for the unit it will be real hard to talk about the unit to others. We need to keep pushing them using e-mails or the contact us. If you have any of them let us know and I'll begin the pressure. :thumbup:

[r10fret]

euro power cord

[r10fret]

file didn't work

[r10fret]

test file

[rrob311]

Any idea of what remotes work with the greatek box?

[r10fret]

looks like a different remote

[eastof111]

Rob, as a last resort find a used Harmony and try some of their miscellaneous fta boxes in their database. You can always use the Harmony as an emergency RC should your originals ever fail.

[r10fret]

looks like a X2 prem remote

[rrob311]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

This link here has a lot of information about mstar. One of the links shows a program that looks like you can jtag or flash chips with. I am sure there is something that will work for the 7816. Lots of other information for boot logos and whatnot. It would be nice to make custom boot logos.

[r10fret]

database test completed

[rrob311]

I got the receiver to lock a signal with the firmware that I loaded. With the help of r10fret's channel list that he made for me I loaded it and still no signal. I am only getting 2.9v out of the coax input to the box so I fed the loop out from my x5 receiver into it and boom! I now have a signal. No sound yet but I should at the very least be able to make a channel list and just load it and be able to use the receiver until I can find better firmware.

[r10fret]

test 2 completed

[rrob311]

Here is another company in Denmark selling a version of the msd7816 stb:

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

China:

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[r10fret]

Now they are on v7

[Only registered and activated users can see links] et%20software%20English%20language%2020140930.rar

[rrob311]

Thanks r10, hopefully I can fix my receiver with this.

[rrob311]

Here is a picture of the main board on this. I am hoping one of the empty sets of terminals allows for recovery options. I would like to get this receiver going again so I can finish testing it.

[cpr43]

I see an empty 4 pin connector in the main board under the 4 pin U15 IC. Maybe you could jtag from there. Looks pretty similar to others. I think the MicroHd have something similar and people have jtag thru there.

[rrob311]

from other site:

The TX line is number 4 and the RX line is pin3. Use 115.2kbaud 8,N,1 settings

commands:

help
? - alias for 'help'
do Lzma for compress image
base - print or set address offset
bdinfo - print Board Info structure
boot_logo - Logo display
bootm - boot application image from memory
cmp - memory compare
coninfo - print console devices and information
cp - memory copy
cpmsbin - Copy ms bin file (Chakra) from nand to dram
crc32 - checksum calculation
cusid check the image is release by the valid guys
dcache - enable or disable data cache
dmx_init - initialize the demux setting
dmx_init - initialize the demux setting
draw_pixel - draw a pixel with color
draw_string - draw string with color
draw_rect - draw rect with color
draw_string - draw string with color
du - Disable UART
env2flash - read environment parameter file and restore it to flash
envbin - read out environment parameter and store it to usb disk
erase - erase FLASH memory
fatinfo - print information about filesystem
fatload - load binary file from a dos filesystem
fatls - list files in a directory (default /)
fatwrite - write binary file to a dos filesystem
flinfo - print FLASH memory information
go - start application at address 'addr'
help - print online help
loop - infinite loop on address range
md - memory display
mm - memory modify (auto-incrementing)
mstar - update kernal & root file system automatically by script file
mtest - simple RAM test
mw - memory write (fill)
ustar - update kernal & root file system automatically by script file
nm - memory modify (constant address)
ostar - update kernal & root file system automatically by script file
oad_get_size - Get the file size from OAD download
osd_create - create osd layer
osd_destroy - destroy osd layer
pnlinfo - set panel info and save to nand flahs
printenv- print environment variables
protect - enable or disable FLASH write protection
reset - Perform RESET of the CPU
run - run commands in an environment variable
saveenv - save environment variables to persistent storage
set_paneltype [type] - Set Mboot panel type and store the type value in env
setenv - set environment variables
spi_dma - SPI copy data from flash to DRAM by PIU DMA
spi_ea - SPI erase all
spi_eb - SPI erase block
spi_gfo - SPI get flash info
spi_gr - SPI get Chip Rev
spi_id - SPI read ID
spi_in - SPI initialization
spi_r - SPI read commands
spi_rb - SPI read buffer
spi_rdc - SPI read code from SPI flash to DRAM
spi_rs - SPI read status
spi_w - SPI write commands
spi_wb - SPI write buffer
spi_wp - SPI write protect
spi_wrc - SPI write code from DRAM to SPI flash
sspi - SPI utility commands
sysinfo - set system info and save to nand flahs
tuner_demodtype - set frontend type
tuner_init - frondend initialization
tuner_tune - tune RF to check lock or not
usb - USB sub-system
ustar - update kernal & root file system automatically by script file
usbboot - boot from USB device
ustar - update kernal & root file system automatically by script file
version - print monitor version
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