TM-Twin 4k, first impressions

[digidude]

So, i finally got some time to have a look at this receiver that ive had for the last week, and, as usual, the first thing ill do is take it apart

Upon looking over the packaging, it states that the power supply is 3.5A, but, the one that comes with the receiver is actually 5A, so nice and hefty for driving motors, i have a quick flick through the first pages of the manual, and the first safety warning states that the receiver will only operate with a 2.5A power supply. Somebody obviously didnt proof read everything and connect the dots

Stuck to the actual manual, is 4 small rubber feet, that youd expect to find on the bottom of the receiver, i take the receiver out of the packaging, and holy crap, this things on stilts lol. 4 big rubber feet, about 10mm deep and 15mm across

Back to the manual, and it says to ensure the things listed are in the packaging, one is a 3.5A power supply (a 5A comes supplied) and another is an External IR sensor, with optional in brackets, and not included

It has the power supply, Fig '8' mains lead, a HDMI lead, remote and batteries, and the SATA cable for fitting an internal HDD, and 2 very long screws

I take a screwdriver to the receiver, and notice that there are 2 plastic washers on each of the case retaining screws, i have NEVER seen this on a technomate receiver before, but off with the lid.

Theres not a lot of room inside this little box, its the same desing as all of the other TM-NANO type receivers, but, looking at the mainboard, i spot the 'FORCE 3 UHD' stamp, which i posted about on my blog a while back, saying that i think this receiver will be the TM-4k receiver, i was right

To fit the HDD, there are to hollow posts, which the long screws pass through, and fix to the bottom of the HDD. To do this, you have to completley remove the front of the receiver. A small screw on each side, lift the plastic tabs, and roll the top of the fascia down, then away from the receivers body. Remove the 2 ribbon cables, and youre ready to go. Fit the HDD with the SATA connector pointing towards the rear of the receiver

Now, whoever designed this, needs to have a word with themselfs, as to get the front of the receiver back on, you have to slide the card slot thats attached to the fascia under one of the bodys clips, then slide it over the top of the hdd, while trying to get the 2 tabs into the bottom of the receiver, and then put the 2 ribbon cables back into their sockets. once this is done, the card reader is sitting on the top of the HDD, on a little rubber pad, and is being bent by the pressure. You can still insert a viewing card, but it cant be good for the plastic that holds the card reader in place.

I powered the receiver up, and in the short time i grabbed my Nano SE M2 Plus remote, it had fully booted.

Woah!!! that was fast, let me check this.

from the instant i press the power on button on the back of the receiver, to a picture clearing on the screen, 25.14 seconds (using the default 4D PLi based image.

Im off to have a play with the software, and see how long it takes me to brick it now, ill update shortly

[digidude]

OK, so after playing with the receiver, ive managed to get it into a state where im unable to flash it from an unzipped image on a usb stick, but thats no biggie, i can still flash it in other ways, but, i have worked out why it seems that the rubber feet that it left the factory with have been replaced with bigger ones.

After about 90 minutes of use, the bottom of this little box is roaring hot. It has a little fan in the back, and quite a decent heatsink on the processor, and the top of the receiver is cool to the touch. But under the processor is shockingly hot

[pauldb]

too small a case, needs a bigger case for airflow and a display id say

[steve123a]

Hello. I was thinking of buying this receiver over the Mutant 4k. Is the picture quality good on HD and SD? Is there a problem with your box with all of the heat you describe, or is this normal. One last question, will it work with a motorised dish ok. I use a spiderbox with Usals amd this is my first venture into a Linux box.

Thanks

[deltec]

don't bother mate look at the tecnhomate forim manic digi dod and all the members been let down

[steve123a]

Sorry, did I not miss something.? I did not see any members saying they had been let down with this receiver? Maybe I have not found the website where these issues were described? Please point me in the right direction. I have read Manic'c posts for many years and I listen to his thoughts. Manic or Digi, would you like to comment on the receiver being no good? Thanks

[deltec]

I agree the case is to small and airflow and a display id say
needs a biger case

[digidude]

@deltec, do you actually own a TM-Twin 4k?

[steve123a]

Hi Digi. I read your report with interest and wondered what you think after having for a while now. I want a new receiver and the spec on this looks very good, but I will value your opinion. I see everyone recommends the vu boxes, but at the moment my budget will not stretch to that.

Thanks

[deltec]

tecnoome has gone down the pan of late if u ask me hasent brought a satellite box out in the last 3 years ie 5000 s promised 2 new boxes last month people still wating and as for the liniux boxes not very manay images vix atv 4d as to the above member go for a vu bud u cant go rong with the vu boxes there start at 110 pounds up woods