DreamBox DM7025

ocy

Hi

I have a dreambox 7025. Lately it has started crashing just as programmes start to record on timer. The only way of recording anything is to start it and press record within in 5 mins of it booting up. So at the moment timed recordings are not possible. Was running Enigma II on it, but reimaged it 2 weeks ago so now running LT6 service pack 1. At present not connected to network, so not using EPG..

Anyone any idea on what could be wrong

boomslang

You might want to have a look here for help!

http://www.satellites.co.uk/forums/dreambox-support-forum/

Apogee

Easiest thing to try first is to reflash the firmware.

I found that the DM7025 can get quite hot, depending on the HDD, and one of the mainboard chips in particular got noticeably hot and caused the box to reboot. I fixed a heatsink directly onto the chip and it made an immediate improvement to stability. I later added a fan powered off the HDD cable and it's been rock solid since.

Regarding images, personally I prefer the Jade PLi image as the Freesat EPG is built-in and you get a full 7-day EPG without having to have the box connected to the net - it pulls the data directly from the transponders.

cormacl

I'd backup settings and reflash with Gemini or Pli and try to recreate the issue. But LT6 is Enigma2-based and I honestly don't suspect it is the true cause here.

I'm suspecting the PSU is on the way out. My 7025, which was bought very early on (pre-oredered December 2005), had a a PSU variant which had to be changed later on because it simply could not deliver enough power to drive the 2 tuners and HDD. It would freeze like yours and for some strange reason, while fine at first, it gradually got worse. I don't know why it was not always having the issue instead taking time to develop.

Dream replaced the PSU under warranty. Its been with my in-laws in Germany since 2009 when I upgraded to a DM8000. Then the replacement PSU failed last year and we had to buy a new one. So even the newer ones seem to have a shelf life. At the time I did find details on a number of people getting intermittent freezes which were being attributed to issues with the PSU.

If yours was bought from 2007 onwards, you almost definitely have the later PSU.. but as mentioned these have failed on people... not widespread but still it can happen.

Good advice also on the ventilation...

With my 7025, we sat a large PC case fan on the outside of the receiver over the new PSU. It is powered by a generic multivolt adaptor (voltage selection controls speed). We went this route for fear that an internal fan would only draw more power from the PSU and simply not help things.

The advantage of the larger fan is also that it can run slower (quieter) and still be quite effective with air flow.

I've actually fitted an 80mm fan in my DM8000 over the PSU but it has a motherboard connector for a fan and essentially was designed to drive one.

ocy

Thanks to all for the replies.

Will try reimage to PLi.

Cormacl: any recommendations on where I can purchase a replacement PSU. Purchased the dreambox around mid 2007 (I think).

cormacl

Hm-sat would be my first thought. But eBay and Google. Likely to provide alternatives

Barack Obama

When you look into the cost of buying and installing a new PSU (are you 100% sure this is the fix?) compare it with buying a new Vu+ Duo box. I upgraded to one of these a few months back and retired my Dreambox. I've never looked back - it's a much better machine and the only regret I have is not getting one sooner!