FAQ
TL;DR: Boot-looping TP.S506.PB818 TVs are fixed with a 3‑step SPI reflash: “needs a programmer to program U2 GD25Q32.” USB .bin updates won’t work while it reboots; program the SPI flash directly. [Elektroda, Michał99, #18693587]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps DIY techs and repair shops recover TP.S506.PB818-based 32" sets stuck on the logo without menu access.
Quick Facts
- Board/panel IDs from the solved case: TP.S506.PB818, panel CV320PW03S; stickers VVP32H148A00-02, 159VKM0091, HK315LEDM-0H3TH, AJ32T03. [Elektroda, Acca85, post #17983487]
- User confirmed the reboot fix after applying the shared firmware: “Firmware worked flawlessly.” [Elektroda, Acca85, post #17987658]
- Recovery requires programming the SPI flash U2 (GD25Q32) with a hardware programmer. [Elektroda, Michał99, #18693587]
- CH341A USB SPI programmer was suggested for this task. [Elektroda, jeloi, post #19028867]
- The shared dump also worked on a Krohler 32 model, per user feedback. [Elektroda, roudany, post #21195437]
How do I fix a TP.S506.PB818 TV that reboots at the logo?
Reprogram the SPI flash (U2, GD25Q32) with the working dump using a hardware programmer. This bypasses the OS boot loop and restores firmware. As one expert noted, “needs a programmer to program U2 GD25Q32.” After flashing, power-cycle and test video. [Elektroda, Michał99, #18693587]
Where can I download the working dump mentioned in this thread?
See post #2, where the dump was attached by the contributor. Download it from that post’s attachment area and use it to program U2. [Elektroda, ODARROC, post #17985543]
Can I use a USB stick (.bin) to update if the TV is stuck in a boot loop?
No. When the set continuously reboots, it can’t apply a USB update. You must write the dump directly to the SPI flash with a programmer to recover it. [Elektroda, Michał99, #18693587]
Which chip do I program on TP.S506.PB818?
Program U2, marked GD25Q32. That’s the SPI flash storing the firmware. Remove it or clip in-circuit, then write the dump using an SPI programmer. Verify the write before reassembly. [Elektroda, Michał99, #18693587]
What tools do I need to flash the dump?
Use a USB SPI programmer such as a CH341A, plus a SOIC8 clip or desoldering tools. Install the programmer software on a PC, load the dump, and program U2. [Elektroda, jeloi, post #19028867]
How do I write the dump to the SPI flash (quick 3-step)?
- Connect your SPI programmer to U2 (GD25Q32) via clip or after removing the chip.
- Load the .bin dump, erase, program, and verify the flash.
- Refit the chip if removed, power up, and test image/audio.
This restores a clean firmware image. [Elektroda, Michał99, #18693587]
Is this fix confirmed to work?
Yes. The original reporter confirmed the result after flashing: “Firmware worked flawlessly.” Others later echoed success on similar 32" models. [Elektroda, Acca85, post #17987658]
Will this dump work for a Krohler 32" TV with TP.S506.PB818?
One user reported success using the same shared dump on a Krohler 32 set. Results can vary by panel pairing, but this case worked. [Elektroda, roudany, post #21195437]
My board is TP.S506.PB801. Can I use the PB818 dump?
No. PB801 requires its own dump. A user asked specifically for a PB801 .bin, highlighting the different firmware requirement. Don’t cross-flash PB818 images. [Elektroda, woojczi, post #18692689]
Which panel and stickers matched the successful repair case?
Panel: CV320PW03S. Stickers observed: VVP32H148A00-02, 159VKM0091, HK315LEDM-0H3TH, AJ32T03. Matching these IDs improves dump compatibility chances. [Elektroda, Acca85, post #17983487]
What is the memory size of the GD25Q32 chip?
GD25Q32 is a 32 Mbit (4 MB) SPI NOR device. Typical block structure uses 4 KB sectors and 256‑byte pages. This capacity fully holds the main TV firmware image. [GigaDevice, 2017]
How can I back up the original firmware from a working set?
Use your SPI programmer to read U2 (GD25Q32) and save a .bin image. Keep this safe for future recovery. Read-verify to ensure a valid backup file. [Elektroda, Michał99, #18693587]
The TV still reboots after flashing—what should I check next?
Confirm your board variant and panel match the dump. PB801 vs PB818 images differ, and mismatches can keep the boot loop. Recheck hardware IDs and use the correct dump. [Elektroda, woojczi, post #18692689]
What file format is the dump I need to program?
A binary .bin image for the SPI flash. It’s not a user-level update package. Program it with a hardware SPI tool, not via the TV menu. [Elektroda, woojczi, post #18692689]
Where can I buy a suitable programmer for this job?
A CH341A USB SPI programmer is commonly used and was linked in the thread. Order a kit and include a SOIC8 clip if you prefer in-circuit flashing. [Elektroda, jeloi, post #19028867]
Does this apply to other brands like Condor or StartLight on TP.S506.PB818?
Yes, but confirm exact board and panel. A user requested dumps for Condor and StartLight variants, indicating model-specific needs even on PB818. Use the precise match. [Elektroda, Touaguine Mohamed, #18410883]
