Firmware Emergency Recovery using on-board standby switch

[aasoror]

This should work to revive a bricked PBO as a result of a failed firmware update (wont work if the bootcode is corrupted though).

credit to wigout and snappy46.

Follow the PlayON emergency recovery procedure as outlined below:

If flashing fails, you can try to recover unit by using safe-mode: 
1. Extract install.img  from ORIGINAL .zip file 
2. Copy install.img  to the root directory of a USB flash drive and connect it to PlayOn!HD 
3. Disconnect power cable from PlayOn!HD 
4. Press the power button and HOLD it 
5. Connect power cable from PlayOn!HD 
6. When you see the screen saying firmware is being flashed, you can release power button 
7. Now PlayOn!HD will reboot and start flashing, so DON'T DO ANYTHING!

The problem is PBO doesn't have a power (standby) button instead it has a power switch (which the PlayON doesnt have and is equivilant to the power cable mentioned in 3 and 5)

Luckily the standby button switch is available (unconnected) on the PBO main board, so you will have to do step 4 and 6 manually.

Here is how:

Remove the PBO from its metal enclosure (you can turn the board over no need remove the fan mount, check snappy46 pic).
Locate switch SW3 on the PBO board.



The follow the steps below

.. I plan on just using my meter test lead versus tweezers .. since one side of the switch is connected to ground (GND) I was just going to use my test lead with the alligator clip at one end (can connect that clip to any ground surface on the board); and my probe on the other end and touch the other side of the switch. Just in case you are interested here's my game plan in that order:

1) With the PBO ON make contact with the probe and see if the PBO turns off (red light on)

2) Assuming first step is a go; make contact with the probe and see if the PBO turns back on (Green light on)

3) Finally if everything so far worked as advertised; shutdown the PBO with the main switch in the back. Insert a USB stick with a firmware image on it in the PBO. Make contact with the probe and hold there. Turn the switch on the back of the PBO ON and wait for the installing firmware screen to come on and then remove the probe. (Perfect case scenario)

tonytx just confirmed it worked for him.
Best of luck.

... the circles shows 3 switches, SW2, SW3 and SW4.

Each switch has two solders, apparently one solder is connected to GND (should be determined from the trace lines, I would guess left point looking at the reference picture because its connected to SW4 as well) using tweezers you can just short the switch (connect the two soldering points together), or using the a probe just ground the open end (right solder point of SW3).
....

[snappy46]

There should not be any need to remove the top metal cover/fan connection is available on the bottom of the board. Look at attachment. See red circle on the bottom board; this is the top portion of SW3; this is the contact that you have to short to the ground to make this work.

Enjoy!!!

[aasoror]

There should not be any need to remove the top metal cover/fan connection is available on the bottom of the board. Look at attachment. See red circle on the bottom board; this is the top portion of SW3; this is the contact that you have to short to the ground to make this work.

Enjoy!!!

That means my guess about the point to be grounded was right .. yaaay

[si1verfish]

OK aasoror, where do we get the cheapest mini switch for hardwiring/mounting a PBO standby button.

Actually, I would probably use such a button.

[scboley]

Hey the underside pick is doing 404 now aasoror.

[aasoror]

OK aasoror, where do we get the cheapest mini switch for hardwiring/mounting a PBO standby button.

Actually, I would probably use such a button.

Make your pick (as low as $1)

Hey the underside pick is doing 404 now aasoror.

Fixed

[si1verfish]

I've decided I'm going to do this. I was thinking sub-miniature, mounted next to power rocker.

http://www.altex.com/%2FMini-Push-Bu...0-P146466.aspx

I would certainly use it more than the existing PBO power switch. Thanks for this info!

[aasoror]

I would certainly use it more than the existing PBO power switch. Thanks for this info!

Just for the sake of this argument, why would you do this instead of just pressing the standby on the remote (which will be effectively the same ?), beside the emergency recovery procedure, I am not sure I can see the benefits of having a physical switch.

I bet that there is even a way to trigger the emergency recovery via the remote (check Xtreamer below which doesn't have a standby switch just like the PBO)

Before starting the procedure of emergency recovery - Please make sure you are using the AV RCA cables and not HDMI. Some TV HDCP protocols may cause problem to show the procedure on TV.

(1) Download the file Xtreamer Emergency
(2) Extract the file install.img (120 mb)
(3) Copy the “install.img” file to the root of the USB flash memory or HDD inside Xtreamer.
(4) Take out the unit out of the electricty power on the wall. wait 10 sec. Bring it back to the power
(5) In Remote control, press “Home” -> “3” -> “Power” not any other sequence.
No need to use power first. Any other sequence will fail and nothing will happen as the call for this procedure is initiated by HOME button pressed first...Keep it pressed + press 3 + press power until you see the process start

[si1verfish]

Just for the sake of this argument, why would you do this instead of just pressing the standby on the remote (which will be effectively the same ?), beside the emergency recovery procedure, I am not sure I can see the benefits of having a physical switch.

I guess it would depend on which one is closer to me at the time, the PBO or the remote (or if I can even find the remote). For the sake of argument, I can turn my TV off via remote, yet there are often times I'm glad that's not my only option. Have you never used the "physical switches" on your AV components? If you have, then you know first hand the benefits of having them.

It would be convenient just to have the button if only for recovery, but I guess odds are I may never actually need it. I think for a couple bucks and 20 minutes, it might be worth it though (and it couldn't possibly hurt its resale value).

The real answer is: it's completely unnecessary, but it's a great excuse to go to Altex!

[aasoror]

Have you never used the "physical switches" on your AV components? If you have, then you know first hand the benefits of having them.

I guess my question was why would this be better than having the power switch on the back + standby on the remote.

Any ways, I am guessing will be seeing pictures soon si1verfish