Cam and Programmer Required?

[Roman]

Hi Guys,

I'm actually new to all this, so apologies if this post is in the wrong section. I have just moved to a new house which has allowed me to realise an ambition of having a multi-satellite system installed. To begin with I've gone for a simple set-up, based on a Visiosat Bisat dish with a Phoenix Apollo receiver. It all seems to be working fine. My intention is to upgrade the receiver to something like the Lyngbox which I believe is due out in March, for accessing Hi-Def broadcasts. In the meantime the Phoenix receiver is giving me access to all the Standard Definition FTA channels on Hot Bird and Astra 1.

I'm still trying to get my head around the whole Cam and card thing at the moment. I beleive the Apollo receiver has a 'Multicrypt' Cam built into it. This being the case I wondered if anyone can help with answering a few questions for me.

1. Would I get accesss to any of the encrypted channels by buying a T Rex Cam, beyond what the Multicrypt Cam in the Apollo receiver is already accessing.
2. Would I still need official cards to use with a CAM?
3. If I bought a T Rex Cam would I also need to buy a Card Programmer like the CAS 3?
4. Where do you get the latest firmware for Cams such as the T Rex?

I'm particularly interested in Movie channels without having to subscribe to Sky movies over on Astra 2, but don't necessarily mind subscribing to other Movie packages if that's the way to do it.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers, Roman

[Mickha]

Hi Roman,
the 2 main Cam's, at the moment, are the Diablo and the T-Rex supermodule 4.6, these were opening Premiere, the german package on 19.2E, but as Premiere have currently stopped using the MECM, they should be available on your receiver, as the keys are widely known.
Therefore it would be wise to await further developments, before buying a Cam, but the Cas 3 is a good choice of programmer as it can program both cam's and do extra as well.
Best wishes
Mickha

[Roman]

Hi Mickha,

Many thanks for the response. Where should I look to find out how to update the keys in my receiver, or is it done automatically?

Cheers, Mark

[Mickha]

Hi Roman,
I haven't got a Phoenix Apollo receiver but I have seen some softcam files around, which are for Premiere, and there is a loader as well so I assume you connect your receiver to your computer, using a null modem cable, and use the loader and software.
I have loacated these instructions:
1/ Create a folder to save the loader and software file.
2/ Download the software link for the model you have and save to the
appropriate folder.
3/ The receiver needs to be switched off from the back AC power switch.
4/ Connect the null modem lead on the serial port at the back of the
receiver to the COM Port of your PC.
5/ Open the All Updater loader and check the following settings :-
• Click on Serial Port to check COM Port settings.
• Check if Program Update is activated.
6/ Click on File and Open to access the folder containing the required
software.
• Click once on the required software file.
• Click Open on the Open sub-menu to load the software file.
7/ The following settings will be displayed :-
• Baud Rate : 115200
• Databit : 8
• Parity : No
• Stop Bit : 1
• Flow Control : No
8/ Click on Update, the word “Connecting” will be displayed
9/ Switch the AC power switch on, the downloading process will now begin
with the displayed message :- “Connecting…
OK! >> Connection.
Downloading…”
10/ When the progressing bar has completed do NOT disconnect until the
following pop up message appears :- “ Completed to Update STB! OK “
then Click “OK”. The receiver will display a single digit on the display,
this is normal.
11/ Switch the AC power off from the back power switch of the receiver and
disconnect the modem lead.
12/ Switch the receiver on and apply a “full” factory reset. You are now
ready to program your required Satellites.
Best wishes
Mickha

[Roman]

Hi Mickha,

Many thanks for your help with this. I'll give it a try.

Cheers, Roman