[VU+ Ultimo] Swap, Flashexpander or both?

[rte]

What is the best way to expand the flash memory: ViX Swap or plugin Flashexpander? They both use HDD. In PC filedirectory, swapping locks the hdd only readable. Flashexpander stops showing the HDD contents.
I have Ultimo with Apollo 037 and Duo with Apollo 030.

 

[Rob van der Does]

SWAP extends RAM, not flash.

What are you installing, that you run out of flash? Even the old DUO has more then sufficient flash for normal use, and flash-extender should only be used if you're close to being a Linux expert.
And the Ultimo has so much flash; no chance you eat it all.

 

[rte]

My old duo runs out of flash, or obviously RAM memory, swap usage is recommended. Flashexpander is dangerous and should be avoided.

 

[Rob van der Does]

Again: SWAP is for 'extending' RAM and has nothing to do with flash.
You'd better look into the issue and fix the cause. As this is rather difficult, you might consider a flash, and only restore the settings. Once done and running fine, you can add plugins one by one.

PS1: the telnet command "df -h" tells you more about flash usage
PS2: a common cause for this issue is epg-data being written to flash.

 

[rte]

I'm fed up with the numerous freezing at restart after reflashing and restoring the settings in my duo. Swap-file is stored in HDD and so is the epg-file. This obviously helps starting the receiver after reflashing and restoring. And some plugins must be avoided. I trusted that the plugins listed are all tested and compatible with Vix. Now I have noticed that this is not the case. Some of them are closed sources and beyond your control.
As you mention, Ultimo is usually working well without swapping.

 

[Rob van der Does]

You could try using the 'CacheFlush' plugin for the DUO. That usually helps this box.

 

[rte]

You could try using the 'CacheFlush' plugin for the DUO. That usually helps this box.

Of course, I use it, with regular automatic checking. But first I must get the receiver started. Before that it is useless.

 

[Rob van der Does]

Not sure what you mean, but it sounds like the famous capacitor needs to be replaced.

 

[rte]

Not sure what you mean, but it sounds like the famous capacitor needs to be replaced.

The famous capacitor? Specify, please.
According to the discussions in forum I understand that I'm far from alone with this problem.

 

[Rob van der Does]

Search for dead DUO, and red light.
My advise is to power off the box, to prevent more damage.

 

[rte]

Still confused, but on a higher level.

 

[Rob van der Does]

Your box seems to show the first symptoms of the dying cap.

 

[rte]

What is the life expectancy of Vu+Duo? I had no idea that they are so short lived. My receiver has not even reached its first decade.

 

[Rob van der Does]

Well, a decade would be very long indeed.

 

[ronand]

Its only 1 capacitor that needs to be changed and the receiver should live for a long time afterwards. There is a thread on it here http://www.world-of-satellite.com/showthread.php?26743-Dead-Vu-Duo-repair-guide

 

[rte]

I suppose I need a second advice somewhere else.