FlashBios hangs while flashing X3 BIOS

[krispyjim]

I have just installed a X3 CE into a v1.1 system. I've modded plenty of systems before, but have been an X3 virgin until now.

Anyway, I'm not off to a good start as I'm having problems trying to flash X3 BIOS (3294 and 3029). I initially tried the flash using FlashBios 3.0.1 (which came with the chip) It gets about 25% of the way, and then just hangs. The LED continues to flash Orange and Green until I eventually power off the system manually. This caused a frag on that bank however I'm able to recover it ok using the backup rom.

The catch is, I can flash other things on to it. I've flashed a 1mb version of the M8 BIOS on to both 1mb banks with no problems. I then flashed a bank to FlashBios 3.0.3 to try again with the X3 BIOS. Same thing. It just at hangs at about 25%. Every time.

Any one got any ideas/suggestions??

 

[Martin C]

What filename (full incl. extension) are you flashing to the chip?

Martin

 

[krispyjim]

Hi Martin,

The file name I'm using is "X3 3294.bin" with an MD5 checksum of:

0x334c378f92ff2a8c6e5a5b0eef208ee7

 

[Martin C]

Can you try to download a previous version?

Martin

 

[krispyjim]

I think I've worked it out. There is something wrong with the lead between the X3 and the switch panel or possibly the switch panel itself.

I disconnected the lead from the x3 and, whammo! It flashed. I found some information in a different forum which indicated that freezing at 25% means its not in 1mb mode or something.

When I plug the switches back in now, it frags.

Anyone got any suggestions for working out what the problem is with the switches?

 

[g$$$]

When you plug the switches back in are they set to on on off off off? That is the 1mb bank that you flashed to by default when you had the switches unplugged.

 

[Martin C]

If the result of g$$$'s suggestion is inconclusive, check the switch sockets on both the chip and the switch itself. Make sure all pins are good.

Martin

 

[krispyjim]

Switch settings are correct and the switch socket pins are OK as well.

It definetly seems as if something is dodgy with the switches or the cable. bugger!

 

[albair]

I have the same kind of probleme ... each bank work separatly with Flashbios ... but when a try to put a 1mb bios... it freezes at 50%.

I read this thread so i try to deconnect the switch panel ... did nothing better.

i solded and solded again every pins. not doing better.

a am desesperate.

 

[Martin C]

It could be you have a faulty chip. Contact your supplier and explain the situation.

Martin

 

[albair]

I finaly tried a wire install, so i am pretty sure my soldering is good as it's easier to check.
The Xecuter 3 behave the same, and i can't flash a 1mb bios.

must be a faulty chip.