Optoma HD3000

[Blair]

Ok looks like I managed to get it to its former state by performing the upgrade mode reset (holding the left button while connecting it to the power), so thats good news

Now I have a few questions regarding the update since it apparently failed.

1- Which file is actually the Firmware, MCU BIOS or MCU FW(U126)? I know it may seem obvious, but there are separate updates for the Firmware and the MCU. It refers to one as "Link MCU Upgrade" and "BOX MCU Upgrade", which is which? Now it might be different for the HD3000 so
2- I'm following the HD81 service manual Blair has sent me (many thanks!) and one of the steps is: "Link PC and control box by pluging the RS232 cable to PC and “for control” port on the control box"
Yes, exactly written like that. Now, I thought I had to use the internal RS232 cable at all times, but apparently I need to disconnect it and plug it into the To Control external port? I need some clarification please.

I'm using a PCI Serial Card btw, I also have a FTDI chipset Serial to USB cable but apparently these dont work at all for updating right?
That's it for now, I hope I can get answers from more experienced users since I apparently getting pretty close to making this work

hi again tongshadow, I'm a little confused which RS232 port are you using? the internal port on the motherboard is only for updating (as far as I know, but the update does not require the internal RS232 port. the external RS232 port can also be used, at least that's how it works on the HD3000 units, so maybe give that a try).

To trick the HD81 control box into running without a projector you're supposed to be plugging the serial cable to the port that says "To projector"

perhaps you could take some pictures of your process for us? are you trying to replicate josetann's process as closely as possible? because that's the only known method we have (you're supposed to be sending "3001" no other codes.) (after sending the code once the light turns blue you might have to power cycle the unit, wait for the light to turn blue and then wait a couple of minutes for the picture to appear)

are you using the same operating system and software tools?

the control box should be sending out its maximum resolution signal to the display, depending on the firmware installed it's either going to be 1080p, 1080i, or 720 (the HD81 control box doesn't have a resolution output selection menu like the HD3000, just an aspect ratio control menu). what display/monitor are using?

you're sure all your cables are working properly? (HDMI and the DB9 serial cable?) (avsforum users mentioned that it needs to be a specific type of DB9 cable, called a "null modem" cable).

The answer I recevied previously from the engineer at Optoma was it is a null modem cable with DB9 female connectors at each end. As per my post above, I had a problem finding a low cost source for a 25 ft. cable with this configuration, therefore a ordered a 25 ft. cable with female DB9 connectors (but NOT null modem) and also ordered a DB9 male/female null modem adapter that when used with my cable provides the needed configuration.D

as far as the update procedure is concerned you might want to ask Fudoh directly via PM, I've never done the procedure myself so I have no idea how nuanced it is. Or what the file structure means.

[tongshadow]

hi again tongshadow, I'm a little confused which RS232 port are you using? the internal port on the motherboard is only for updating (as far as I know, but the update does not require the internal RS232 port. the external RS232 port can also be used, at least that's how it works on the HD3000 units, so maybe give that a try).

To trick the HD81 control box into running without a projector you're supposed to be plugging the serial cable to the port that says "To projector"

perhaps you could take some pictures of your process for us? are you trying to replicate josetann's process as closely as possible? because that's the only known method we have (you're supposed to be sending "3001" no other codes.) (after sending the code once the light turns blue you might have to power cycle the unit, wait for the light to turn blue and then wait a couple of minutes for the picture to appear)

are you using the same operating system and software tools?

the control box should be sending out its maximum resolution signal to the display, depending on the firmware installed it's either going to be 1080p, 1080i, or 720 (the HD81 control box doesn't have a resolution output selection menu like the HD3000, just an aspect ratio control menu). what display/monitor are using?

you're sure all your cables are working properly? (HDMI and the DB9 serial cable?) (avsforum users mentioned that it needs to be a specific type of DB9 cable, called a "null modem" cable).

The answer I recevied previously from the engineer at Optoma was it is a null modem cable with DB9 female connectors at each end. As per my post above, I had a problem finding a low cost source for a 25 ft. cable with this configuration, therefore a ordered a 25 ft. cable with female DB9 connectors (but NOT null modem) and also ordered a DB9 male/female null modem adapter that when used with my cable provides the needed configuration.D

as far as the update procedure is concerned you might want to ask Fudoh directly via PM, I've never done the procedure myself so I have no idea how nuanced it is. Or what the file structure means.

Hello again Blair, very good tip at the end. I just concluded that methodology is pointless for me since I wasnt getting his results at all (symptoms are identical), I believe I may be have the wrong cable. After using my multimeter I confirmed my female to female serial cable is actually straight through, I'll need a null modem cable or an adapter... ugh

When I get the right cable I'll try his methodology again and if all else fails I'll just try to update my HD81 control box using the HD3000 firmware on it. Maybe it will finally make the HD81 Controller Box indepedent? Maybe it will brick it once and for all? Who knows...

[tongshadow]

OK I made a null modem cable myself and.... managed to update the machine using the Installation Wizard, yay. And it longer complains about the lack of a projector.

However now I cant get a signal out of HDMI at all, and even though it powers up (blue LED) it remains unresponsive and wont even turn off (red LED).
I know the HD3000 standalone is also known to be a picky machine and I've seen some issues with it here in this topic, but is this normal?

[tongshadow]

Oh btw I used an USB to Serial cable (FTDI chipset) and the update ran sucessfully. But they dont recommend using one, so maybe it didnt update my machine properly and it wont boot anymore?
Is there anywhere I can get backup firmware for the HD81 controller btw? Or even for the HD3000... that would greatly help!

[tongshadow]

Ok long story short, I'll need some more update files. When I tried to contact optoma europe, this was their answer:

Dear xxxx,

You would need to take the unit into the service in Brazil for firmware update. Please contact them.

http://www.optoma.com.br/contact.aspx

Yeeeea, I'm surprised they wont even send me the Firmware for a freaking discontinued product!

[Kez]

I just picked up an HD3000, unit only, that was going fairly cheap on eBay (sold as working). I have connected my PS2 to both component inputs and it is just saying "no signal", when I hook up something via HDMI the image flickers constantly and drops out. Firmware version is C05. Is this something anyone has seen before and, if so, is it a simple fix? Thanks!

[Chipnetics]

For those that are interested in the Optoma HD 3000 I have just listed mine, which is mint condition on eBay. I am happy enough with just an XRGB3 in the house and only used this unit few times (am original owner).

Normally I wouldn't bump an old thread but these are extremely rare to find!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303284087928

Thanks!

[Zellix]

Sorry for the necro. My HD3000 has recently developed a fault and I've opened it but couldn't see a problem. I would really appreciate any suggestions.
If inputs are already 1080 like from the WiiU or the output is set to native (I guess pass through) everything works fine. But if it has to do any scaling the image is butchered with lines. Symptoms persist using several consoles (Dreamcast, Xbox, PSP, etc.), on different inputs (s-video, vga, bnc, component, and hdmi), after a factory reset, and if left unplugged over night. One option I haven't tried is to re-flash firmware.

OSSC at native, no scaling.

OSSC scaled to 1080, picture ruined by horizontal lines.


PSU 1

PSU cap close up