flashing image

[lairobell]

I'm new to this stuff but I've read a sufficient amount on here to attempt sorting my dreambox 500c.

So here's my problem (you guys must get fed up with noob threads ), I've got my null modem cable (usb type) and I can see my box loaded up on my laptop. I downloaded the latest version of dreamup and I also got gemini and enigma images...the problem comes when I try to flash either of these images to my box...it runs for about 20 seconds then it aborts!!

Also, when I fix this problem, how do I insert new keys so i can get all my channels back....I'm on Virgin media

cheers in advance.

[ManofScience]

dreamup needs a cross over network patch lead. not a standard network cable.

as for flashing, all the guides are at the top, then google for mercs.us for the magic files

[vroom_buddy]

Try and do a Flash Erase using DreamUp first and then try to flash the image again.

I strongly suggest that you try the DK1.1 image which can be found here. Instructions for installing the image with Dreamup can be found here and instructions for installing the necessary "magic files" for free TV can be found here. However, please note that the new Nagra3 encryption will render these magic files useless fairly soon. They may already be useless depending on which area you live in.

One final word of warning. It's possible that your USB to Serial adaptor is only working one-way, i.e. it will receive data but not send or vice versa. USB to serial adaptors seem to be notorious for this problem.

[lairobell]

I thought that's what a null modem cable was for!? You saying I've got the wrong one?

I have both types of cable, the usb one with 9 pin end and the other cable with 2 9 pin ends.

[vroom_buddy]

Hopefully your cable is fine and does the job as it supposed to. However, we use USB to serial cables at work and have found them to be a bit "hit and miss" as to whether they work two way or not.
I'm looking at one now which will only receive but the 9-pin end is fully wired up for both transmit and receive.

The one with two 9-pin ends is the one that I would use because USB conversion is not required. However, you will need a serial port on your computer and many laptops don't have them nowadays.

[lairobell]

Thanks vroom_buddy. My usb one has a female 9 pin end so Ive connected this to the other null mobem cable I have to make the connection between my laptop and dreambox, I hope this doesn't screw things up. Alternatively I have a 9 pin port on my Desktop PC, I'm assuming then that that would be more suitable to use for this stuff!?

[vroom_buddy]

I suspect that the two cables connected together are giving you the trouble. Personally, I would connect the 9-pin serial port on the desktop PC to the Dreambox with a single null-modem cable and run Dreamup from the desktop.

[lairobell]

Thanks, I'll try that and let you know how I get on!

[lairobell]

Successfully managed to get image put onto breambox. Sorry to ask this but how the heck do I get these keys into the box now? I've downloaded and extracted the db_magic file so how the heck do I get them in there?

cheers