i also have a dreambox. i like it quite a lot.

[maffy]

so, as part of my heath-robinson sat install, i've have a second hand dm7000s with a 120hd.

i like it. it's not quite as clever as the tivo, but it's clever.

i'm doing this stuff on a mac, not a peecee. but don't let that bother you. in reality it means that i would like to avoid anything that specifically requires a serial cable.

i have the dreambox on the network, and can access it from the computer. i can push and pull files to and from it. i can use a program with the LAME button instead of the exit button to remote control the box from the computer. i have cf cards i can use for testing, or i can procure usb sticks if necessary.

i've been able to put .avi files from the net onto the box, which play fine. i've tried .ty file from the networked tivo also, and they play, but not as smoothly as the avi files. i suspect it's down to the aspect ratio of mode0 networked tivos.

so, the dreambox has boxman 1.1.0, fp version 1.06 on it. i did not load them onto it.

could someone direct me to a "dreambox images, firmware and CAMs for dummies" tutorial? i kinda think i might be able to watch some channels without a card with it. i may be wrong...

cheers,

maffy
---
i have beer i will change the scary rooster EP cover to a non-threatening-chicken soon.

[Jimdefruit]

Welcome to the Dreambox world maffy.

If you want to avoid the serial cable then I strongly recommend that you get a usb memory stick to hold your image(s). 256 or 512 MB should do you.

Whilst you can use the cf card, there are conflicts with the hard drive on some images and we dont want that do we.

Basically, have the flash image as you already have it but install a working image or if you are like me, lots of images on the usb stick and boot from that.

What it means is that if you manage to foul up an image, it is all recoverable via the lan without resorting to the serial cable image install.

[maffy]

thanks jimDF. i have an ipod shuffle which i can use as a pc format memory HDstick. i'll try some testing based on that, and get hold of some other non-mission-critical usb stix. i take it the CF cards will interfere with the internal HD (i almost RTFM'ed)

maffy. there's still more beer left

[BGonaSTICK]

Originally Posted by maffy

i take it the CF cards will interfere with the internal HD (i almost RTFM'ed)

Yep. USB doesn't suffer from that problem.

Not sure how old your Boxman image on flash is (get an update at _http://www.cvs-image.de/board/portal.php), but try a Gemini image on USB. The two need to be kept more or less in step chronologically so that the Linux modules used in each version are matched (based on the CVS version).

Don't know how you're going to manage your images without something like FlashWizard Pro (PC app.) but a multi-boot option would be required and a way to install the images themselves on the stick. Once up and running FTP will get the job done. You can use a remote PC if you open/forward ports on your firewall.

Send beer. Thirsty, and still frightened of live poultry of any persuasion.

[Jimdefruit]

If you are going to play with images I would strongly recommend the EDG perfect dual boot flash image. It is only for the 7000 and allows dual boot options. I have had EDG on my box for many months now and it works perfectly without any problems.

For multiboot images, I would suggest Nabilosat Darkstar, EDG (Einstein Dreambox Group) and PB Enigma images. Make sure you use the 7000 versions.

The Gemini images are excellent but don't have the same internet download options and require a bit more work on your part. There are many more images that you can experiment with as you become more conversant with the box but quite a few have just copied others and added their own graphics

You only need three pc programmes to manipulate files on the Dreambox although there are others that some use to do the hard work for them. The three are, FlashXFP or a similar ftp prog, FlashWizard 6.3 and Dreamup for those total cockup recovery moments.

Get your box connected into your LAN and off you go.

[nanochickin]

If you go for a USB stick i can recommend a Kingston DataTraveller 256mb or 512mb, They both work perfectly in my 7020



Nano

[maffy]

thanks all for the helpful advice.

ipod shuffle seems to recognized by the usb port

i have had a look at some of your suggestions, and had a look around at mac software for dreambox. see picture for interesting screenshot

quick question: what's the difference between firmware and fp firmware?

cheers,

maffy

[BGonaSTICK]

FP = Front Processor - its a subset of the enigma components. Once upgraded, it's tricky to go backwards - but not impossible. You need to match FP versions between images in flash and those on a stick, otherwise you will have problems.

[maffy]

mmm, update. must put permanent wires out to the dish. but that means i would have to sort out where they went to in the end.

dreambox was a bit fussy about usb. it's working now on a nabilosat (0.8 i think) image from usb with a choosy boot via edg boot chooser. thanks jim :-)

it does not seem to like any gemini 3.5 or 3.6 images. it stalls on boot....

it seems all nicely nice enough for me to be keen on permanent cabling and placement. although i might still have to play with the dish placement for 33e AND 30w reception. trees. pah.

am finding it hard work to locate really deep hole digging equipment...

i will eventually take pictures of the temporary motor dish mount, for yous and posterity. it rained here last night, and it gets dark before nine o'clock, you know...

yeah for celtic and penalties.