How to type data with a DreamBox Receiver

DreamBox satellite receivers can be used in addition to the usual channels reception as a mail client and to browse the internet.
Mail client Tuxmail 1.41 works very well with the 7000S and also with other models.
See thread on Tuxmail here and in the
The Idiot/\'s Guide

It is also possible to browse the internet using the Links Web Browser. To install see this thread.

In addition, you may need to edit data directly in your configuration files and "other files" using Tux Commander.
This will saves you doing the FTP routine.

For all these tasks a suitable inputting device is needed in order to make life a little bit easier.
The standard remote control that comes with each receiver can be used to do the editing of all the above tasks.
But it is very limited with the number of keys that it has and in order to type an ASCII character, you would need to make several clicks on a certain number key in order to type the specific character.

A better solution would be to use the DreamBox Keyboard which has many additional features such as function keys.
It is small in size, has an ergo shape, lightweight. In short a perfect solution, except for it's price.
In Germany (I suppose a German model) it costs 69 Euro and in the UK (English model) 49 quid.
Add to this the shipment cost of 6-25 quid depending on your location.

Type of DreamBox Receivers

There are two types of receivers. With a USB connector at the back such as the 7000S and without as in the 500 and 600 models.

For receivers without a USB connector, the only inputting devices that can be used are either the remote or the DreamBox Keyboard.
(Before buying, check with the dealer if it can work with your specific model)

Receivers with a USB connector can have a much cheaper solution by using a standard keyboard with a USB plug or if it has a PS/2 connector, use a PS/2-USB adapter.
You will also need an extension cable of about 2m in order to enable you to use it while sitting in your TV couch.
Just be careful that you or one of the family members would not trip on the cable, in the usually darkened sitting room.

There are mini USB keyboards which are smaller in size than the standard ones, since it doesn't have a keypad.
They are slim, lightweight and they cost about $10-15.

With such a keyboard, you can reply, compose an e-mail message, type the URL of the website that you want to browse very quickly. Just like using your PC.
You would need to use also the small remote control, especially the four coloured buttons in order to navigate.

If you do use a USB keyboard, then you might need to buy a USB hub with several inputs in order to accommodate both the USB memory stick if you are using one for the /var and for the USB wired keyboard.

Wireless Keyboard (RF)

I was also going to consider testing a wireless keyboard (RF, NOT IR), but when I checked the distance range in the product specification, it turned out to be around 2 meters, which is less than the average distance of 3-5 meters between your TV couch and the receiver so I abandoned the test. You would also need a USB connecter for the USB RF receiver that comes with the wireless keyboard. In addition, you need batteries for the keyboard.
Another worrying point is that wireless keyboards are meant to be used with PCs and they come with software installation and I wasn't sure if it would work with the DreamBox without any software.

Tuxmail Edit Procedure

Switch on the box and load the Tuxmail.
With the green button, it is possible to edit an e-mail message.
Click the yellow button several times until Keyboard is displayed.
Move the curser to a new line and start typing a short reply with the keyboard.
All the ASCII characters can be typed as if you are typing using a PC.
Also the space, delete, backspace, etc are functional.
The Shift, Alt, Ctrl keys are not functional.
When you are ready to send the reply, click on the yellow button until you see ABC
Click OK and a popup message asks you if you want to send the message
Click OK and the message is sent successfully.

Tux Commander Edit Procedure

It is also possible to edit text files using a keyboard.
For example, if you have Tux Commander, load it and then edit config files or keys.
You need to press OK on the remote in order to enable editing with the keyboard. (The Enter key is not functional in this case)

Links Web Browser Edit Procedure

If you have Links Web Browser, you can use the small remote control, DreamBox Keyboard or the USB keyboard.

Credit goes to _http://www.sat-industry.net for this valuable info when using the small remote.
(The USB keyboard can be used mainly for typing text, but you may find that other keys can be used to navigate more effectively).

PROGRAM CLOSE => LAME!

Mouse movement:
Mouse pointer XY => UP DOWN LEFT RIGHT
Mouse wheel => VOL UP/DOWN, BOUQUET UP/DOWN
Mouse leftclick => OK

Cursor movement:
Cursor left right => < >
Cursor up down => INFO AUDIO
Space => VIDEO
Backspace => MUTE
Enter => BLUE

Program shortcuts:
Menu/Escape => MENU/DREAM
Goto URL => TEXT
Bookmarks => HELP
Go back => RED
Reload page => GREEN
Kill all connections => YELLOW
Page info => TV
Download link => Radio

TEXT CHARS =>

1 : '.' -> '-' -> '/' -> '1' -> '@'

2 : 'a' -> 'b' -> 'c' -> '2' -> 'A' -> 'B' -> 'C'

3 : 'd' -> 'e' -> 'f' -> '3' -> 'D' -> 'E' -> 'F'

4 : 'g' -> 'h' -> 'i' -> '4' -> 'G' -> 'H' -> 'I'

5 : 'j' -> 'k' -> 'l' -> '5' -> 'J' -> 'K' -> 'L'

6 : 'm' -> 'n' -> 'o' -> '6' -> 'M' -> 'N' -> O

7 : 'p' -> 'q' -> 'r' -> 's' -> '7' -> 'P' -> 'Q' -> 'R' -> 'S'

8 : 't' -> 'u' -> 'v' -> '8' -> 'T' -> 'U' -> 'V'

9 : 'w' -> 'x' -> 'y' -> 'z' -> '9' -> 'W' -> 'X' -> 'Y' -> 'Z'

0 : ' ' -> '#' -> '*' -> '0' -> '?' -> '!' -> ':' -> ';' -> ','

If you need to comment or add more information, please use either one of these threads:

Tuxmail here
Links Web Browser here.