iSmart m100

[rrob311]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

this looks like it has the same chipset as the openbox x5 series. I went ahead and ordered one. I like the fact that it has a 12v input so I can run it off a car battery when there is a power outage. I would like to compare this receiver to the wave of mini receivers being released lately.

[Costactc]

I don't see any prices, unless of course their $0.00.

[eastof111]

I sure hope they provide firmware support on these receivers and not dump them after six months.

[el bandido]

Like they did the X7?

[eastof111]

Yeah, the one sitting in the closet. LOL.

[rrob311]

I am guessing openbox x5 firmware will be the same for it. Picked one up on amazon from x2 for 39 bux shipped. You can see there it has the same menus as the x5 series, same processor as well.

[eastof111]

For 39 bux, if it does everything the specs claim and the firmware works, it might give the X2 a run for the money.

[rrob311]

I got the receiver last night and briefly set it up. The skybox X5 remote control works with it. All of the menus are the same as the X5. It has a different background that says ismart. It is a very small receiver. It has a north american Ku satellite list preloaded. I did a quick blind scan and it seemed to lose power to the lnb. I have a pretty long cable run that is buried in snow so this may contribute to losing signal. Tonight it is working well and has no problem driving my motor. Everything so far seems to work on par with the x5 receiver.

[big o]

For the money it looks like you got a real deal, Thanks for posting.

[eastof111]

Looking forward to more pixs Rob.

[rrob311]

This receiver has the same bug as the X5 where you will turn it on and the remote control will not work. Only the power button. In the past I have had to recover the receiver to get it to function again. Other times doing a hard reset will make it work again. It looks like I will have to recover it. Not sure what is causing this but it is the same issue as the X5 with newer firmwares.

[cpr43]

I ordered one from Amazon, I'll see if Mrs Wang send me the factory and any editor or recovery tool. Since I have an Openbox X5 which look 100% the same I can say this is a clone from. I bet the X5 files work fine on this one

[cpr43]

As per Ma Wang , they will begin updating the firmware for this model with already inputs by next week. They will also release IR sensor cable to hide the unit behind TVs and the RS232 cable converter, hopefully we will see support for some time :bigclap:

[mountaineer]

Couple of questions.....
1. Is it an ali chip? DOes it shutdown or power off after recording?

2. Does it do DVB-S2? 16apsk?

3. How well does it blind scan? fast accurate?

Thanks for the information guys!!!!

Seems awful cheap if it can do S2, 16apsk, blind scan etc!!!

[cpr43]

I should get mine on wednesday to test. What I read so far this is probably an Openbox X5 clone , 667 MHz High Speed MIPS Processor -Sunplus 1512A Processor.

[mountaineer]

I went ahead and ordered one. For $39 and free shipping....if it just does S2 that is a good price. I'm pretty sure that like carlospro 43 said...it will do S2, Blind Scan, etc. But looking at specs not sure/don't think it will do 16apsk. Thank goodness not ali chip...why they always shutdown receivers after recording is beyond me.

[Costactc]

I went ahead and ordered one. For $39 and free shipping....if it just does S2 that is a good price. I'm pretty sure that like carlospro 43 said...it will do S2, Blind Scan, etc. But looking at specs not sure/don't think it will do 16apsk. Thank goodness not ali chip...why they always shutdown receivers after recording is beyond me.

Seriously....$39, that's all. May I ask where you ordered it from?

[mountaineer]

amazon

[Costactc]

I found it on amazon but no shipping to Canada. I already tested the x5 but wasn't too impressed. The x5 is ali type but the ismart m100 isn't?

[cpr43]

All I get on my X5 packaging and user manual is the same info the m100 has: Sunplus 1512A Processor, 667 MHz High Speed MIPS Processor. No idea is this is an Ali chip. Sounds to me like a Linux:hmmm:

[rrob311]

The m100 appears to have the same hardware and software as the Openbox X5 series. In the information screen it says Sunplus 1502a. It is basically a clone of the x5 and has the same bugs. The main bug that I find is hard to work with is when you turn it on sometimes there will be no remote response besides the power button. There was an older X5 firmware that wouldn't do this but I will have to do some digging to figure out which one. I have no idea if X5 firmware works with this as I have not tried it. I like the ismart background and would like to keep it. Maybe there is a way to change the backgrounds like with the openbox s9/10. All attempts to contact ismart have been fruitless on my end. The latest x5 firmware from the yojia site is from late last year. I don't have a copy of ismart firmware for this so I have refrained from doing any firmware modifications. Maybe x2 has firmware for it?

If you are familiar with the x5 series the blind scan is pretty fast and somewhat accurate. The transponder spacing is not very good which causes it to lose channels after a blind scan. The media player works pretty well for iptv and whatnot. One thing it has over the x5 is naming of channels in a blindscan. On 103w it will catch the 1000sr radio mux and it finds names for all of the channels. Surely worth the money but honestly I haven't used the receiver in weeks due to the remote control issue that basically renders it useless when it occurs.

[rrob311]

as far as the menus this is the only thing I have found that is different.

[rrob311]

Couple of questions.....
1. Is it an ali chip? DOes it shutdown or power off after recording?

2. Does it do DVB-S2? 16apsk?

3. How well does it blind scan? fast accurate?

Thanks for the information guys!!!!

Seems awful cheap if it can do S2, 16apsk, blind scan etc!!!

Mountaineer, Unless Sunplus has something to do with ali I don't think it is ali based.

It does dvb-s2. I was testing 16apsk on it and came up with nothing whereas my openbox s10 could get them. However, the 95w 1035 sr signals did come in on it and the x2 at a later time. I was unable to confirm if these transponders were 16apsk or not because the receiver does not list that information. So it is still up in the air.

I haven't done any recording with this receiver yet. I just booted it up tonight and it is working so I will experiment some more. Hopefully it stays running.

[rrob311]

The openbox x5 says sunplus 1512, this receiver says sunplus 1502. Not sure what the difference is if any. the receiver seems to get warm and I experienced some reboot issues after it got hot so a fan is recommended.

[cpr43]

I ordered mine sometime ago, unfurtunally Amazon doesnt know where its right now:hmmm:

[rrob311]

I tried to load my satellite list that I made from the x5 and it hasn't worked yet. I may have to create a new list.

[mountaineer]

I've got mine now. Not a bad box. Different to work with. Recording does not turn off receiver (Finally), scans fast (misses some stuff), small (gets a little hot), not much support. For 39.00 a steal. If x2 was still in the 40's - 50's I'd say save money and buy X2 (which is a better receiver). With X2 at 84-90 it is not $40 better than ismart in my opinion. If you want to know more just ask.

Comes only with ku sats,.....x5 editor can be used and NA list ...both are at yojiatech.

here is my sat list....C and KU for NA. Hope it helps someone.
Change .rar to .bin

[mountaineer]

A little more info on m100:
it does do 16 apsk
USALS works good
Can scan H or V or both. Blindscans pretty fast but seems to miss some sometimes.

X5 firmware will NOT load on it. (Maybe someone else can try to)
Channel editor by computer is tricky. X5 ch editor will work...however if not done properly channels will be deleted. You have to save it as default database each time when you load it on the m100 or the next time you scan, it will delete some channels in database. You can only work with the default db, ch editor will not recognize user db; hence you have to say "ok" to save as default db when you load it on m100. Also when you load it back to m100 after editing, it has changed motor to off for all sats (only using usals here so don't know if it does so with diseqc 1.2 positions) Once I figured that out it works like a charm now...even manually added ABC sds on C g16 and worked fine.

box responds slower and changes slower than other boxes. May be lack of memory or firmware needs cleaning up. Can't find anywhere to go to for latest firmware...nov 2013 maybe....link on ismart page is greyed out.

Overall not a bad box for 39.00. Wouldn't recommend it if price was higher, but a good box to have for a spare room/workshop, or just to have as a spare receiver. Does seem to get warm, have fan on it. Remote has always responded...no problems there. Have not really tried out network...antennae came with it and it connected fine. Weather seemed to work.
Will post more later.

[rrob311]

Which 16apsk feeds were you able to scan with this mountaineer? My receiver quit on me the other day. I am waiting on a replacement. Was watching tv and poof the screen went pink and green and then it shut off. Now I only get a green light on the front.

[mountaineer]

I was able to get the Horse racing feeds on Cband G3c. If they are close together then it will erase one. For instance 3969 and 3971 will not be there at one time, it erases one. But it came in fine...SR 1035. Further apart ones don't seem to be a problem.

[el bandido]

According to Lyngsat, most of the 1035 feeds are not 16apsk.

[mountaineer]

As far as I know they are. But the receivers don't tell me...but I did check lyngsat and they list them as 16apsk. If anybody can use a computer card to tell it would clear it up.

hxxp://[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[el bandido]

You are correct! Lyngsat shows all 1035 tps to be 16apsk.

Manhattan firmware will show what it is. I think the last time I looked at this satellite, the Manhattan showed some 1035 tps as something bedside 16apsk. Then again, since I have already been wrong once, I could be wrong again.

[mountaineer]

I know that my prof 7500 can't pick these up (and does not have 16apsk in it's specs neither can the azboxes) but the s10's , jynxbox, and ismart can and do have 16apsk listed in theirs. The manhatten can do them as well I think.

[cpr43]

Costatc new Technomate should tell since it display almost all the TP info.

[Costactc]

The technomate would display that info and I have seen it on a blind scan but I can't remember which satellite I was scanning. I have it hooked up to ku band at the moment but I will swap out one of my c band feeds later and have a look.

[Costactc]

Blind scanning on G3 shows that those low sr tp as s2/8psk on my technomate receiver.

[rrob311]

That makes sense as to why the x2 and x5 all of the sudden can get them. When I got those 2 receivers to lock those they were much stronger than normal.

[cpr43]

7523

11/11/2013 I think I found the ismart factory file

[rrob311]

Donde?

[cpr43]

Being thru a bunch of sites that i dont even remember

[rrob311]

my m100 died a couple of weeks ago. All I get is the green light. I am waiting on a replacement in the mail. It just all of the sudden shut off.

[cpr43]

We need to get the rs232 cable plug , i also download the recovery tool for to see if it works

[r10fret]

These new receivers are reliable in one way, failure rates. They don't make them like they used to.

[rrob311]

the rs232 port on it fits the micro usb style like my gps charger.

[cpr43]

These new receivers are reliable in one way, failure rates. They don't make them like they used to.
Same as everyone said when the X2 came out!! See the results my friend!!

[cpr43]

Finally I received an e-mail from ismart technology, i should get a copy of the factory file soon.

[rrob311]

Do you have this receiver Carlos?

[cpr43]

Already received one. This is the way extremely small receiver I ever see. Its like 1/4 of the size of a openbox s10, unbelievable!! At first it give me a couple of reboots . I'm still working with it. I'll post some review tomorrow with pics

[cpr43]

This is probably the smallest stb I have ever see. Its almost 1/4 of the size of a openbox S10 (look at the pics) Once I receive the unit it gave a couple of reboots, probably until the my configuration was set. Once it was set, it scanned my sats smoothly and most of the channels came in. I have to tell this is a openbox X5 100% clone. The IPTV 400 chaannels for the X5 works fine. The TV/ Time setup work fine similar to the X5. It came packed with everything for the eye patch guys. I'm impressed for $39 bucks. I have mine with a small fan so after a hour or so I haven't experienced any reboot related with over heated. More to come

Strangest thing is that the wi-fi antenna is X2 brand but they say the box its not from their company

[cpr43]

3 days ON almost all day , so far so good!! These little box work same as my Openbox X5 but for 1/3 of the price!!! lets hope it keep going on for a while. :krazy:

[mountaineer]

There seems to be another box made by "generic" that has the same specs? :

hxxp://[Only registered and activated users can see links]

$40 shipped. Anybody know anything about this one?

[rrob311]

I haven't seen that one yet. I would imagine it has the same firmware as the x5 and m100. Who will be the first to buy one and see?

[cpr43]

I'm happy with my tiny m100, so far working great like any dvb-s2 stb

[rrob311]

I just got my replacement unit. I would like to recover the first one. I hope this one is reliable.

[cpr43]

X2sat sent me the factory for the m100. All you need to get is the RS232 cable and use the X5 loader

[eastof111]

There seems to be another box made by "generic" that has the same specs? :

hxxp://[Only registered and activated users can see links]

$40 shipped. Anybody know anything about this one?

And another one.....

High-performance 667MHz 32-bit MIPS 24KEc Processor
Supports MPEG-2 (ISO/IEC 13818-2) MPHL and MPML for HD and SD decoding
Supports MPEG-4 (ISO/IEC 14496-2) extended ASP
Supports H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC, ISO/IEC 14496-10) MP/HP L4.1 for SD and HD decoding
Supports RealVideo(RealPlayer v8,9,10), DivX 3.11/4.12/5/6/HD, and Xvid,Dolby
Supports WMA and WMA-pro, Dolby MS10 option, RealAudio
Supports various bit rates for MPEG-1 Layer I/II, AC-3 and E-AC-3
Supports HDMI 1.3 transmitter with HDCP, 1080i/p, 720p,576i/p and 480i/p outputs
Supports dual USB2.0 EHCI host controllers with PHY embedded
Supports 1-bit or 2-bit SPI flash memory
Supports USB PVR
IR receiver/transmitter
VFD driver interface
Supports dual Smart card controller interfaces
SupporCMCts PIA controller interface for CI/CA(optional)
MHEG5 HD middleware UK DTG Certified
10/100 MAC with PHY
Automatic and manual channel scan options;
Automatic service scan
Channel-change time < 1 second
OSD in many languages and skin-support
Multilingual support on screen menu (OSD): English, French, Deutsch, Italian, Spanish,
Swedish, Danish, Greece, Portuguese, Finland, Holland, Turkish, Czech, selectable
LED Display satellite receiver mp4
Analog audio output: stereo(L+R);
YCbCr available;
1 x Scart (RGB, FBAS or S-Video)
Screen format: auto, 4:3, and 16:9;
Upgrade software through USB2.0 port;
Powerful program management function, parent lock;
Directly bouquet-lists

[cpr43]

Where from??? Price??

the one posted by montaineer has a RS232!! excellent STBs just to be used in a secondary room or other room in the house only to watch TV. They do MPEG-4, DVB-S2, AC3, AAC etc

[eastof111]

Where from??? Price??

the one posted by montaineer has a RS232!! excellent STBs just to be used in a secondary room or other room in the house only to watch TV. They do MPEG-4, DVB-S2, AC3, AAC etc

Shenzhen Kingpai Electronics Co., Ltd.
Guangdong, China

Listed on Alibaba
$12-18 volume purchase plus shipping
$$$ must contact supplier for individual price

[mountaineer]

Ordered one of the generics. Taking the slow boat to get here. Will let you know about it when it gets here in mid may.

There seems to be another box made by "generic" that has the same specs? :

hxxp://[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[rrob311]

I branched the generic izibox into it's own thread. Figured what the heck took the plunge on this one. hopefully it gets here soon.

[turkeyman]

how can you load iptv list from usb says to push red button to change to usb my ismart 100 will not change. any help thanks

[cpr43]

Hello turkeyman and Welcome to legitfta!!

You need to have the USB inserted before accessing the IPTV. When you access the IPTV it will load from your USB. You later push the red boton to save the list on the box. You exit all the way out. Turn off your unit and remove the USB. Turn on again and go to the IPTV and see if what you loaded is now the default. I will like to add also that Gmail will not receive in your e-mail unless an USB is inserted in the box

[sirkypt]

I have 2 m100 boxes 1 works perfect, but the other one have the same problem rrob311 reported about the green light. did you recover the first one? How I get the rs232 cable? do you knpow the pin out?

thanks

[sirkypt]

I feel the m100 get too hot, so I installed a laptop fan cooler, I think this is better for the unit.8886

[rrob311]

Welcome to Legit sirkypt! I have not done anything with my bricked m100 yet. It was working fine and then all of the sudden went berzerk and then had the green light problem. I have not picked up a cable for it but I think Carlos may have obtained one at some point.

[sirkypt]

Thanks for your reply, I would like the recover it. hope Carlos help me get the cable. I tested the m100 with 50W, 61W and 58W. so far so good

[cpr43]

Ok, here is the deal, iSmart wont sell the RS232 in USA, only way to get it is buying one directly from China from them for $10 including shipping. They sent me 2 so I can do some test and try to recover my m100. For the last couple of days I tried different methods till I find a modified loader which allow me to load the factory and recover mine. Once you do the recovery process you can go ahead and updated the box with the latest firmware posted in the iSmart web page. I just updated the recovery tool file in the files section with the one that work for me using COM1 on my computer. If for any reason your computer use another port COM2, COM3 etc etc, you will need to edit the ConsoleDown batch file accordingly. Since iSmart sent me 2 RS232 cables I'm willing to have one of them and use it between members, so I can send it to the first one and whoever get it and recover his unit pass it to the next member who need it. I will cover shipping expenses. Here is a pic of how the cable looks.

8890

[mountaineer]

Great News. Thanks for the info, file, and willingness to share. Hope I never need it but it is nice to know that it can be done.

[sirkypt]

wow!... fantastic news, I would like to try the cable, I wonder if you can get the pinout and write down, using a multimeter you can know how to make the cable. where we can download de loader?

[cpr43]

wow!... fantastic news, I would like to try the cable, I wonder if you can get the pinout and write down, using a multimeter you can know how to make the cable. where we can download de loader?

No idea how to get the pin number from the small connector

8894

Loader is here

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[rrob311]

I have some rs232 connectors that have assignable pins in the rear. Looks pretty easy just get a mini b usb cable which is only 5 pins so it shouldn't be hard to figure out the combination. I would find a mini b usb to USB adapter then find a usb cable from a printer or something and cut the end off and assign the pins to the rs232 connector. Or use whatever cable has thicker wires so it is easier to attach to rs232 connector.

[sirkypt]

how was your tests?? did you recovered yor m100 using the cable?

[cpr43]

how was your tests?? did you recovered yor m100 using the cable?

Go to post #68

[sirkypt]

Carlos, I want to try to recover mine, can you send me the cable?

[cpr43]

I was waiting for rrob to ask since he was the first one who brick one. I will like to share the cable between members here at legitfta. Meanwhile send me a PM with your address. I need to have your commitment that once you use it you can have it available for the next member who need it.

[rrob311]

I have no problem waiting right now as I have a spare receiver. I would eventually like to recover mine.

[cpr43]

Ok, I will send it to sirkypt and he will pass it to you once he recover his. I need sirkypt address and you can send yours to him.

[sirkypt]

I really appreciate this, you have my commitment. I will send you my address right now.

[cpr43]

I really appreciate this, you have my commitment. I will send you my address right now.

Got IT, will let you know when I ship, regards

[cpr43]

Already in transit to you usps.com

9114 9011 2308 6400 9424 80

[Spud]

Hello everyone. Newbie to the forums and the m100. I just picked up a couple boxes, primarily to restore viewing of RTPi on Intelsat 805. The channel recently switched to DVB-S2 hence the purchase of the m100s.

Wondering what everyone's experience has been with the signal strength? I had a Coolsat 5000 hooked up and it was reading around 60 for strength on Intelsat 805. Connected the m100 (making no dish changes) and did a blindscan. Found all the channels, including RTP but the highest signal I can get is 39 and the quality bounces from 0 to 65. Both the m100s does this.

Went to the in laws to see what would happen on their setup. As before, the existing receiver showed a signal strength around 60. Connected the m100 and again signal strength dropped to 39 however the quality is solid at 65 with the channel coming in rock-solid. No idea why the signal strength is so low and why it works with one dish and not the other when both are pointing to the same sat. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[cpr43]

Hello Spud and Welcome to legitfta!!

I understand what you're saying but this is a bug the Openbox X5 has had for a long time and since the m100 is pretty similar and ran similar firmwares it also has the same bug. If your dish are properly aligned as you mentioned using the CS5000 then there is no need to worry. You also mentioned that the m100 found all the channels including the one you were looking for. This is something related with the bar not showing the right %. If you have a solid quality as you mentioned that what really need it to pull in and watch your channels. I being using mines for several month and I always look for my quality regardless of my signal %. Here is the home page for the iSmart group and also the Contact Us page. Feel free to send your comments or doubts about this.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Again, Welcome to legitfta!! :agree:

[Spud]

Carlos,

Thanks for the information! I did not know about the Openbox bug but it explains what it is happening in regards to the signal strength. I will ignore that % and focus on the quality.

I've read a cause of the bouncing quality from 0-60 could be interface from nearby sats. I will see what I can find there.

Again, thanks for the information.

[cpr43]

Carlos, I want to try to recover mine, can you send me the cable?

Hello sirkypt
Did you received the RS232 cable for the iSmart??

[sirkypt]

the package was received, no in home right now. I arrive home on saturday and test it. thank you!!

[Spud]

Hello all. A quick update on the bouncing signal quality problem I posted about earlier in case anyone is interested. Ended up being the LNB. Swapped it out for a spare one and channels locked in immediately.

I do have another question about the m100. Each receiver came with an AV cable (headphone connector to RGB) however I cannot seem to get it to work on either receiver. Has anyone here gotten that cable to work? Any tricks or specific settings to get it to work?

I've emailed ISMART support but figured someone on here might know.

Thanks!

[cpr43]

Hello all. A quick update on the bouncing signal quality problem I posted about earlier in case anyone is interested. Ended up being the LNB. Swapped it out for a spare one and channels locked in immediately.

I do have another question about the m100. Each receiver came with an AV cable (headphone connector to RGB) however I cannot seem to get it to work on either receiver. Has anyone here gotten that cable to work? Any tricks or specific settings to get it to work?

I've emailed ISMART support but figured someone on here might know.

Thanks!

Hello
Nope I have tried all different configuration on the Video Output using the AV cable but cant get video, only audio. Also , sent an e-mail to iSmart asking about it.

[Spud]

Howdy everyone. Well, it looks like one of my receivers bricked. Similar to others on here, it was up and running and now all of sudden got the green light.

Carlos, can you share the details of where you got your cables?

[cpr43]

I got 2 samples directly from iSmart- China. I kept one and passed the other so members can unbrick theirs. You will need to contact sirkypt so he can pass the one I sent him

[Spud]

Ah, I see. I think I am going to return the receiver since I am still within the 30 days. They seem to be very unreliable based on what has been said here and on reviews.

Any recommendations on other reasonably priced DVB-S2 receivers? I've been looking at the GeoSat or Traxis...any good?

[rrob311]

My X2 has been very reliable. I have been using it for over a year with really no hardware issues. The tuner sensitivity is slightly better than the m100.

[sirkypt]

I was trying to recover the m100 with the rs232 cable, but so far no good news. I run the ConsoleDown bat file with the receiver off, then turn it on and nothing happens. tomorrow will test again maybe the COM port is not working, will try to conect a cisco router by this port to check if is the port.

SPUD, send me your address in a private message and I will send you the cable.

[Spud]

sirkypt - PM sent. Thanks!

[cpr43]

Are you using the latest recovery I posted? I recall trying several times. Just one time I ran the console and left everything for an hour or so. When I came back the box was showing channel 0001

[cpr43]

I'm done with the m100. Mine went back to the reboot issue without no reason. Now it just stop and its in the green light without accepting anything at all. A friend of mine also got stuck in the green light. No success using the RS232 cable and the recovery file and loading the factory using the USB method. iSmart need to find a way to load the file using the USB process. For now I'm done, it goes somewhere in my garage.:nooo:

[rrob311]

That's a bummer Carlos. Did you have a fan running when it happened or do you think that it's a heat issue?

[cpr43]

Yes, a fan is 24/7. To tell you the truth I think this is way a low manufacture stb. I feel real bad to say this but I have spent a lot of hours working with this and I got tire, time to move on. Some members have also contact me to help them with their bricked boxes. I will recommend to those with a active warranty to send back the units and look for other better build unit, sorry!

[el bandido]

IMO, No Need to apologize. I appreciate you taking the time to test this receiver.
We use and test a lot of different receivers on this board, and not all of them will be good!

[Spud]

Amazon has since pulled this receiver off the site probably due to it being very unreliable. I unfortunately picked up 4 units at the time. Only one has gotten the green light so far but not holding my breath for the others :(

I contacted X2/iSmart about the bricked one. After a long delay, they asked for my order details which I provided. After another few days they eventually told me they were sending a new unit. Again, not holding breath...

You guys recommend a reasonably priced stb (around the 100 bucks) for DVB-S2? These boxes are going to family members to basically watch one channel (RTP) so don't need anything fancy. Someone here recommended the X2 Premium HD but I'm not to keen on buying anything else X2.

Thanks.

[rrob311]

In the under 100$ range, the X2 is the best I have tested. I have the Openbox X5 which is in the same price range but it is a close relative of the m100. The X2 has support. Nobody was able to get support for the Openbox X5 firmware.

[el bandido]

Just to be clear, iSmart and X2 Are Not the same company!

[eastof111]

Heh, heh, the only good thing iSmart did for me was send me a new RC to replace the defective design of the original. Other than that, hmmm, can't think of anything else. But, it's a very nice looking receiver I have in the closet.

[Spud]

In the under 100$ range, the X2 is the best I have tested. I have the Openbox X5 which is in the same price range but it is a close relative of the m100. The X2 has support. Nobody was able to get support for the Openbox X5 firmware.

rrob - is this the one you tested? [Only registered and activated users can see links]

[rrob311]

No Spud. The original x2 is the one I have. Mine still works well. Sorry for the late reply

[rrob311]

I dusted off my replacement m100 and loaded my favorites list so a family member can use it. So far it is working great and controlling all 5 of my satellites OK. I am going to refrain from using the internet options of the receiver because it seems to be more buggy when using internet. If the receiver works OK for the next couple of weeks it will have served its purpose.

I recently read that someone repaired their Openbox X5 which is a very similar receiver by re-soldering some joints on the circuit board. Since the m100 and x5 are very similar it might be worth a look. Overall I think they are both great receivers but they are plagued with the red or green light of death.

[cpr43]

I'm happy with mine. Just use it to watch TV on my garage with all my fixed dishes. I just scanned once and begin to use just to watch TV. If I see any good new channel when blindscanning with my other boxes then I go and add it. The best $38 I have spent on this hobby. I keep mine using an external fan to keep it cool:th_thumbs20up:

[rrob311]

Didn't yours break Carlos? What did you do to fix it?

[cpr43]

I recover mine using the rs232 cable which is not good al all but I kept playing until it boot. After it boots the box will not recognize the Remote Control. So I attached the RF cable with the red light and the cable do recognize the RC. So I went to do a factory reset and a firmware reinstallation. Have not play with the DB/ channel editor after that. By the way Amazon also sent me a replacement so I ended with 2 units

[rrob311]

Well my 2nd m100 that I got to replace the first died after about a week of consistent use. I set it up for relatives with a simple channel list and it died. Just a green light like the last one. So I now have two of these that are dead and only show a green light. Does anyone have one that has worked for a decent amount of time?

[cpr43]

Only way I have kept mind running is using a small fan on top all the time. This box runs extremely Hot thus causing internal parts to blown away.

[rrob311]

Carlos do you still have the recovery cable for this? If so can you get a pinout if there is nothing solid state inside of it? I would like to try and recover mine. If I cannot recover them they are going in the trash.

[cpr43]

I passed the cable for someone else here in the forum. No idea what he did. Dont throw them