Newbie
Programming
Guide:
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Newbie |
Programming a working H card used to be a fairly simple task, but this is no longer the case. Because of the constant and multiple updates received, there is simply no safe way to program a card, anymore. At present, the safest avenue seems to be using an activation script. These scripts give the card the "appearence" of being a subscribed card, however they are wide open to attack. It would seem that risk is not the name of the game. At any rate, follow these directions carefully and you'll be fine.
I'm going to assume that you already have a programmer and that you have attached it to your computer. If you haven't done this, do it now... If you don't have a programmer (I also highly recommend that you get an unlooper), go to this site and get them.
Necessary Files and Programs:
Before you start, there are a few things you're going to need. Besides an H card, a programmer and a valid bin file (possibly already on the card), there are several files and programs that you'll need to do the job. File requirements will be changing, regularly, as Dave hits our cards, so I will be updating the list as necessary, These are the current, valid files...
sct10en.exe - Must be installed so that WinExplorer will run...
ste51en.exe - Must be installed so that WinExplorer will run...
WinExplorer44.zip - Runs the script files...
BasicH32.zip - Prepares card to be scripted...
Aktivatorplus63a.zip - The actual script you'll be applying to the card...
Winzip80.exe - Used to unzip the other files...
...they may be downloaded from here by clicking on the file name.
Once you have the files, install winzip80.exe. Then use WinZip to unzip all other files into a directory or directories of your choice. This is all Windows based stuff, so it should be pretty straight forward. Now is the time to install sct10en, ste51en, BasicH and WinExplorer.
Time For Some Fun!
Ok, all set? Let's have some fun. This section assumes that you have a card that is free of any scripts (has never been programmed, outside of DTV's programming). If your card has been previously programmed, you'll need to remove the old script before proceeding. To do that, you must use the uninstall option/script for that program. If you don't know what is on the card, send all info to your favorite DSS forum and ask for assistance.
Before starting, Unplug your receiver and make sure that there is no phone line attached - ever again!
The first step in the programming process is to clean the Eprom image on the card. You'll do this in BasicH32, so go ahead and start the program now. Before trying anything, though, make sure you configure BasicH to your system. From the Config menu, set the Comm Port to the one that your programmer is attached to and set User Mode to Normal.
Make sure the card is free of programming before continuing
Ok, the programmer is powered up and BasicH32 is running. Put the card in the programmer so that the metallic pad is positioned over the contact points in the programmer. This is usually done with the contacts facing down and toward the programmer. Check your programmer to make sure. Once you have the card in the programmer, click on the Camera icon. This will read the card and display the CAM shot on the screen. Next, click the One-Step-Clean icon and clean the card. Now sit back and let the system work. DO NOT interrupt the process. Let it finish. Now click the Save Eprom File icon and save the Eprom to disk. Give it a name you can remember, and save it in a place where it will be handy. If this is a valid image, from a currently subscribed card, it is very valuable, and can be used in cloning a card which has been hit with the Ext. 745 nag. Save it in several places, on and off you computer... Now, click the Camera icon again. You'll notice that the IRD numbers are all 0's, and the USW is set at 63. You are now ready for actual programming. Close down BasicH.
The next step involves WinExplorer v4.4. Go ahead and start the program. When the program comes up, you'll need to configure it as you did BasicH. Click on the Configure icon and choose Program Parameters. Then choose Communication. Set the Comm Port to the one your programmer is hooked to. Now, click the P2 Settings button and then OK. Great! Now you're setup and ready to install the script.
With the card still in the programmer, click the Camera icon, just to verify the card is where it is suppose to be. It should look just like it did in BasicH.
Note: Before using the Aktivator script, I recommend that you read the .htm file that is included with the script. It is very informative and answers most questions you may have.
Now click the Open Script File icon (the yellow folder) and open the aktivatorplus63a.xvb script file. It will be in the directory you chose when you unzipped it. You did unzip it, right? Good! Now click the Run Script icon (two to the right of the yellow folder). At this point, Aktivator will take over. When the script is up, Use the following steps to install the script. Keep in mind that there are several options available, but we are only going to cover the ones that will give you the most viewing with the least amount of risk. You may make any changes you want, once you are familliar with the script.
1. Click Install
2. Click Yes
3. Click Programmer
4. Type your Zip Code and click OK
5. Choose Time Zone
6. Choose Daylight or Standard
7. Click OK
8. Click OK
9. Click OK
10. If you want the 900 locals, click Yes. For less risk, click No.
11. Click No.
12. If you're happy with the choices you made, click Yes. If not, click No and make the changes.
At this point, just sit back and relax. When the script is finished, click your way out of the program. Now start BasicH32 again and click the Camera icon. If you've followed these instructions, carefully, you'll see that the card is now at USW 63. Exactly as it should be...
The Test: ... and you thought there wasn't going to be a test. :0)
Now plug in your receiver, insert the card, and turn it on. That's it! Enjoy FREE TV!
Note: Because Aktivator is an activation script, you will find that some channels will start to drop off after a day or two. When this happens, and it WILL, you simply need to start the script again, and choose the Reinstall option. That's all there is to it!
Don't forget to read the .htm file included in the zip file...
DO NOT hook your receiver up to a phone line, ever again!
Important
Note:
This guide is very basic and does not cover everything involved in programming H cards. It is meant to give the newbie enough information to get a good card up and running. There will be several instances where the card will have problems, which will need to be handled differently. This is why I feel that it is important to have an Unlooper at your disposal. If you do run into a problem, log on to your favorite DSS forum and ask questions. When submitting a request, include as much information, in as much, detail as you can. Most importantly, Don't Panic! That will only result in your causing unnecessary problems, some of which can ruin your card. Have fun and enjoy the hobby...