How to spot a clone

[Kevmac0312]

Hi all recent convert from skybox F5. I've recently been given a ibox 2+ box from unknown origins. does anybody know how to spot a dodgey box?

 

[dumbguy]

You could try updating the bootloader. If it bricks, then it's probably a clone!
Apparently there are ibox clones but they seem to say made in Korea on them.

 

[Kevmac0312]

Barsteward!! bricked it, being lazy and without searching is it un brickable????

 

[sucmnsee]

When u say bricked exactly whats it doing?
If you take out the 5 screws and both boards say air ddt and date its prob not a clone. But no definites.
Which bootloader did u run and whats the image ur putting back on? (Dates/source)
You know bootloader wipes and needs new image flashed to it?

 

[dumbguy]

If it really is bricked then you can jtag it. There was a post about this a couple of days ago. Use the search function.
The easiest way to avoid buying lemons is to buy only from trusted sources. Also, it is NOT a good idea to continually re-flash boxes, as every re-flash has a chance of destroying the box. That's why I always say, if you're happy with what you've got, then leave well alone.

 

[DigitalGh0st]

When u say bricked exactly whats it doing?
If you take out the 5 screws and both boards say air ddt and date its prob not a clone. But no definites.
Which bootloader did u run and whats the image ur putting back on? (Dates/source)
You know bootloader wipes and needs new image flashed to it?

Not true sadly, the made in Korea clones have air-ddt printed on them.

 

[DigitalGh0st]

If it really is bricked then you can jtag it. There was a post about this a couple of days ago. Use the search function.
The easiest way to avoid buying lemons is to buy only from trusted sources. Also, it is NOT a good idea to continually re-flash boxes, as every re-flash has a chance of destroying the box. That's why I always say, if you're happy with what you've got, then leave well alone.

Usually great advice but the problem with ibox's is that there doesn't seem to be an official supply line from an end user perspective. Some resellers on other forums have been buying from the same suppliers for months and have received several variants of the hardware. Despite what Airsat say, I really doubt that a lot of the box's that they are calling clones actually are that.

 

[sucmnsee]

I know what you mean. I was convinced of the same but I think as long as you stick to images and avoid the bootloaders you should be ok.
As far as I know most will handle the backup images made with pedros backup maker whatever the loader. Ive tried lots of variants over 40 or so boxs and they are al good appart from what I put down to my own user error. And ive been able to revive anytging by usb. But there's obviously slightly different hardware out there whatever the reason/source.

 

[DigitalGh0st]

I know what you mean. I was convinced of the same but I think as long as you stick to images and avoid the bootloaders you should be ok.
As far as I know most will handle the backup images made with pedros backup maker whatever the loader. Ive tried lots of variants over 40 or so boxs and they are al good appart from what I put down to my own user error. And ive been able to revive anytging by usb. But there's obviously slightly different hardware out there whatever the reason/source.

The bootloader is included in the new images and is required in most cases. They have also added protection now that checks for the correct remote driver at boot so the Jacek post-install fix won't work I believe. They seem to be actively going out of their way to prevent these older models and supposed clone boxes from working.

My box now runs the Jacek bootloader and ItalySat 6 and seems OK. I'm going to be really careful about updating it in the future I think.