Analogue box basic help needed

[grolschen]

Apologies if I've cocked up already (by not finding out thru searches) but I can't find an answer to this.

Is it fundamentally "ok" to replace an existing analogue converter with a modified unit? Both are the same type - Gen Inst CFT2143.

The reason I ask is that ww.helpfiles talks about an ESN address being added when the box is first connected to the network and that if it isn't known when doing a mod, the Cable Co can suspect someone fiddling with the box. This is followed up by the suggestion that a digital box needs to be added in conjunction with a splitter.

Does TCINIT take care of this? Or can only the box that has the correct ESN (the box originally installed) be modified?

In a nutshell the Mother-in-law has stopped her subscription & the Cable Co don't want the box back. I had hoped I could try a test mod on hers and test it out in place of ours to avoid messing ours up (we are currently scubscribed).

Sorry for the rambling :whistle

[Q-Buster]

I replaced my supplied analogue cable box a good few years ago with a 'modified' one, both same type as yours, never had any real problems, apart from box changing O/P channel occasionally. And certainly never any probs from Cable Co.

Q-Buster

[grolschen]

Thanks for that Q-Buster.

Would I be correct with the understanding that TCINIT is redundant if hexgen3 is used, i.e, was TCINIT only used to reset the box when an older chip design was in use?

Its just that the tutorial: Making a Jerrold Super chip discusses TCINIT but not the version/type of hex used.

And tutorials: Instructions for chipping a jerrold 550 cft2026/210/v5 never mentions TCINIT at all.

thxs again

[shagx]

must admit m8 ive never used hexgen, i always tcinit the box and fit a superchip gives the same reult as using hexgen at the end of the day

[Q-Buster]

I just made a chip using Hexgen3, popped it in and everything works fine If you use Hexgen3, you dont need TCINIT

Q-Buster

[grolschen]

Thxs for your replies. Most helpful.

Is cutting the talkback cable the right thing to do, even when subscribed with the original untouched box?

I was wandering if loss of the talkback would raise any questions at the cable co who presumably have been having some form of feedback from the original setup until now.

thx again.

[Q-Buster]

All I did to my box was fit the chip, didnt cut talkback or anything else

Q-Buster

[grolschen]

And you're still subscribing?

Do you think then that they might use talkback to check if users are still connected in any way?

I thought it might have sent back a different serial to the box that was registered and cause problems.

[Q-Buster]

The analogue box, a telephone line and 512 broadband are all supplied to me by NTHell, For about £32 a month (I own the modem, saves £5 a month).

Q-Buster

[Locksmith]

how can u fit the chip without cuttin talkback , the data lines connect each side of the talkback line when its cut... if it wasnt cut then the data cant feed through chip it will just be short...

i would always cut the talk back on modded box's

[Q-Buster]

I cut the link on the PCB where the diagram showed me, a data link I believe, but I didnt touch the talkback. And strangely enough, even though you seem to have a greater knowledge of these things, the box works, it receives all channels. I dont know what I did wrong, do you have a theory on this?

Q-Buster

[ronnie]

Agree with Q Buster, didn't think the data line had anything to do with talkback.
Fit chip as described (used Superchip), no problems for years.

[grolschen]

I've put the hexgen3 in and it works fine; to be expected I guess as it seems to be a proven method by now, reading snipits in the forum.

AND I have cut the talkback - bit of a scaredy cat I suppose. Perhaps it depends on cable co policy whether they utilise the talkback or not in their operations. I guess the potential downside is that, as a current subscriber, if talback is not used, then they may see that the box has disappeared off the radar. Presumably if all is well after a month or two the situation will be as Q-buster and others are enjoying.

thxs again for the previous comments.:thumbs

[shagx]

you dont need to do anything with analogue boxes by fitting the chip, this talk back shit is not an issue