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Changing Software
There are two are sections in which software can be changed. The bootloader and the Firmware section.
The Bootloader is a small loader program who task is to load into memory the operating system.
The Firmware area is where the operating system is stored. Both sections are held with Flash Memory
Flash Memory is non-volatile memory.
Which Bootloader do I have in my box?
In order to ascertain the version of Bootloader currently in your box , disconnect the mains cable, then
reconnect the mains cable.
The display panel on the front your box will (for a short period of time) the version number of the Bootloader and the Firmware.
The format of the display should be similar to B1.09pBD. BD 4.1
This would indicate that the Bootloader version is B1.09pBD and the firmware version is BD 4,1
How do I change the software?
There are two methods. By using a BDM Interface or downloading via the serial interface port.
Both procedures have advantages and disadvantages.
BDM
Advantages: Both the Bootloader and the firmware can be read or written (e.g. a copy of the Bootloader and
firmware could the read and stored on an hard disk. If for any reason there was a need to repair the software on
your box. The saved files could be written back using the BDM interface.
Disadvantages:
To install the BDM the cover needs to be removed from the box. The cover has tamper proof screws and requires special tools. However it not too difficult with the correct tools.
The modem unit also needs to be removed.
An BDM Interface needs to be purchased (approx 60 DM) .
Certain BD Bootloaders will not run other manufactures versions of firmware.
SERIAL:
Advantages:
Box does not have to be opened. A null modem cable is required (approx 29DM)
The BD Bootloader can download other that BD firmware.
Disadvantages:
Not all Bootloaders are supported (the current B2.02pBD for instance)
This means that Bootloader will not download the firmware.
This disadvantage is a limited one in as much firmware can be obtained from the net.
Which Bootloader is the best?
The differences are not that great. I recommend using the B2.00uns from Nokia, since with this the serial transfer functions problem-free and makes no CHECKSUM calculation on the firmware. With the BD Bootloader a CHECKSUM total is formed (this is to restrict the user to BD software). The Bootloader refuses to work with other software-Versions. This problem can be dealt however with boxbox box.
In summary: The original BD Bootloader needs firmware, where the CHECKSUM total is correct. This is corrected automatically by boxbox box. The Nokia 2.00uns does not worry about the CHECKSUM total and can be operated thus with the BDM and simple programs.
Thus the way is clear. If I have the B2.02pBD in the box I would need to change Bootloader using the BDM
Interface.
So it works with the BDM
First one must have the neccessary software program for the BDM INTERFACE (free or Shareware) and procure a BDM INTERFACE (some addresses at the end). Additionally one needs, in order to change the Bootloader, a Jumper (like the ones use on computer cards). First 5 tamper proof screws hold on the cover,
they are Torx 10H size with a centre core. A screwdriver can be shaped to fit.
If one opens the box, one sees the modem on the left of the circuit board, centre back, to the right of the power supply. It is Important that power should be removed before any work is carried out within the box.
The connection for the BDM INTERFACE is under the modem circuit board. To remove the modem board the 2 sheet metal tags must be bent and the flat ribbon cable removed, screws at the rear of the box holding the modem need to be removed before removing the modem. Just inside the rear wall of the box there is a 10-pin connector
to which the BDM module needs to be attached. Before we attach the BDM module, we need to disconnect the d-box from the mains. The BDM module is then attached with a printer extension cord to a printer port of the computer. The boot block is write protected. If this is to be changed, then bridge JP6 with a Jumper. The location of JP6 varies in different version of the d-box so may take some finding.
Switch on the computer and the box. The display remains blank at first. The box waits, until the computer the printer port initialised and with Windows 95 can take quite a while. If however the computer boots correctly, then also the d-box should function normally. Now first the old software read and on disk secured. I refer here to the program BDP 1,15 from Erwin Reuss. First click on the Button ' Connect ', the program establishes contact to the box and the box display becomes black. Then one can select and on disk store the 3 storage areas ' boot block ' ' Settings ' and ' firmware '. Subsequently, the new software and the new Bootloader with this program can be written into the box. If one now again clicks the 'Connect Button ' the d-box with the new software boots and one can thereby operate. In order to simplify life, one can finish off by loading program table (Settings) into the box.
If the box does not boot there may have one of two causes:
Either there is something gone wrong with writing to the box or Jumper JP6 is still jumpered. In order to remove this, disconnect the box from the network the computer can remain connected. One should remove the Jumper in any case after the loading of the boot block into the box. If the jumper is left connected it may cause some peculiar problems.
If we look at a 1MB box the memory is divided into 2 blocks. The first 128 k is the boot block, the remainder the firmware. A special 48k large block within the boot block contains the Settings (in it to be all channels, which are stored in the box). This 48k block can be loaded also without Jumper JP6. If one finds thus a 1MB large file, then this consists of firmware and boot block +.
Serial procedure:
First one must obtain the software, to operate the serial download link, a null-modem cable and a d- box .
Tthere is demo version of the software for the Bootloader 2.00uns, the costs the full version of the software for all other Bootloaders is 29 DM).
Attach the null-modem cable to the d-box and to the computer (it is not necessary, for the d-box to be connected to the dish) It is best to read the help file of the serial download software , everything you need to know is within this file.
Now load the software and follow the menus. You will be asked to enter the name of the file that you wish to "download"and the com's port to be used. The power needs to be disconnected from the d-box and then restored.
If all goes well then the file will start to download. The download software and d-box should display that the software is being downloaded. It should take approx 15 mins in the "normal mode" and 3mins in the "turbo mode".
How do I repair the initial state?
If I intend to change the all of the contents with the BDM prior to writing the new software to the box,
I should first make a backup copy of the existing software on disk. If it was necessary to reload the original
Software then it would be a simply case writing the backup file back to the d-box.
If the original BD Bootloader is still in the d-box it is easier to restore the software is
by using the OPT key and putting the d-box in "standby mode" This will condition the d-box to accept a download from BD via satellite
What means error 75?
This is a CHECK accumulated error and occurs when the BD Bootloader is not compatible with the download
Software . Remedy : Change either the Bootloader to version 2.00uns or the download software.
Hope this helps
Husky
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