Ambit 200 Advice. - Techwatch Support Forums: Digital & Satellite TV, FTA, Cable, Computers, Mobile Phones, Apple and General Tech Forums

lost_boy · 27-02-09, 11:36 PM

All. I am a newbie to this but an old goat to this forum.

I have a few questions to ask that I cant find definative answers to after my research

Background: I have an Ambit 200 which I used to use but it went off a few years ago and it sat and gathered dust. It just needs a new MAC. I didnt configure it myself originally - so im learning to do this. I have read most of the guides inc the 'All new 2008 Ambit 200' guide

1) The Guide says I can use a Max 232 or a DKU-5 - which one is best?!

2) I have a Black-cat with connectors - should I go down the root of J-tagging or is it recommended to sort it via a Max 232 as this does not involve soldering....?

3) Am i right in assuming the Max 232 method does not involve soldering?!

4) Reading the following post: Do you need Max323 to put new firmware on already hacked modem?
Can "Lee-ds" or any one on this forum know the answer to this question as its probably what I need to do and would save me a lot of hassle and costs!

Thanks in advance!

fitz · 28-02-09, 01:47 AM

Max232 method doesn't involve soldering, but needs a ttl-rs232 adaptor. If you have one then boot it with hypeterminal running, and the max232 connected.

If a firmware including a bootloader with the 'p' option is installed then you won't need to jtag / blackcat, you can reflash it with a more modern firmware through 232, then set the mac etc yourself.

Otherwise you can use 'poor mans jtag' -which is just a parallel cable cut in half and a bit of soldering, and flash fw that way.

lost_boy · 28-02-09, 12:46 PM

thanks. I think u went in to a little bit more detail then my brain could handle! Let me then ask:
1) Poor mans Jtag? Does that involve less soldering?! Any pics of what u mean?!

fitz · 28-02-09, 02:24 PM

If you read the guide in latest ambit 200 2008 in the downloads section, it has a very good tut with pictures. It needs just as much soldering as a proper jtag tho - just without needing the jtag interface chip.

Look at part 2 in the guide and try configuring the modem with the firmware it currently has, before deciding whether you need to reflash it.
cheers, fitz

27-02-09, 11:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
lost_boy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 435 Thanks: 21 Thanked 32 Times in 29 Posts	Ambit 200 Advice. All. I am a newbie to this but an old goat to this forum. I have a few questions to ask that I cant find definative answers to after my research Background: I have an Ambit 200 which I used to use but it went off a few years ago and it sat and gathered dust. It just needs a new MAC. I didnt configure it myself originally - so im learning to do this. I have read most of the guides inc the 'All new 2008 Ambit 200' guide 1) The Guide says I can use a Max 232 or a DKU-5 - which one is best?! 2) I have a Black-cat with connectors - should I go down the root of J-tagging or is it recommended to sort it via a Max 232 as this does not involve soldering....? 3) Am i right in assuming the Max 232 method does not involve soldering?! 4) Reading the following post: Do you need Max323 to put new firmware on already hacked modem? Can "Lee-ds" or any one on this forum know the answer to this question as its probably what I need to do and would save me a lot of hassle and costs! Thanks in advance!

28-02-09, 01:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
fitz Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 587 Thanks: 28 Thanked 119 Times in 95 Posts	Re: Ambit 200 Advice. Max232 method doesn't involve soldering, but needs a ttl-rs232 adaptor. If you have one then boot it with hypeterminal running, and the max232 connected. If a firmware including a bootloader with the 'p' option is installed then you won't need to jtag / blackcat, you can reflash it with a more modern firmware through 232, then set the mac etc yourself. Otherwise you can use 'poor mans jtag' -which is just a parallel cable cut in half and a bit of soldering, and flash fw that way.

28-02-09, 12:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
lost_boy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 435 Thanks: 21 Thanked 32 Times in 29 Posts	Re: Ambit 200 Advice. thanks. I think u went in to a little bit more detail then my brain could handle! Let me then ask: 1) Poor mans Jtag? Does that involve less soldering?! Any pics of what u mean?!

28-02-09, 02:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
fitz Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 587 Thanks: 28 Thanked 119 Times in 95 Posts	Re: Ambit 200 Advice. If you read the guide in latest ambit 200 2008 in the downloads section, it has a very good tut with pictures. It needs just as much soldering as a proper jtag tho - just without needing the jtag interface chip. Look at part 2 in the guide and try configuring the modem with the firmware it currently has, before deciding whether you need to reflash it. cheers, fitz

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