Strong SRT4630 frustrations

saltyfish

Dear friends;
I am an unfortunate newbie who happens to be stuck with a Strong STR4630 FTA digital receiver.
Given that there is very little available information on this receiver (especially from the manufacturer!), perhapse it would be our while to pool our knowledge (short of buying a new receiver).
The main problem that I am facing as probably most of u r, is that I can no longer view encrypted channels on HotBird and other satellites.
I suspect that most providers have changed to more powerful encryption methods (Viaccess2, Nagra2, etc.).
In view of this, here r some questions I would like to ask (be patient, I'm a newbie).
1-The software patch available for this receiver clearly did not come from the manufacturer, as the Strong's version does not include SoftCam implementation. How r these SoftCam capable patches developped? Is it just the .bin file that has been decompiled or did someone just re-write the whole thing? If this is the case, when will a new version that supports the new encryption methods be available and where can it be found? (There used to be plenty of patches available at geocities.com/smartpatch03/ but his link is long dead).
Would any of u brillient programmers of the dark care to shead some light on this matter?
Note:The latest version I found is dated 19-6-2006. Let me know if anyone needs it. It works, but it doesn't buy u much.
2-I know for a fact that the chip on this machine is some kind of an ST chip possibly STI5518. Can anyone confirm?
3-I have been able to get into the box via serial/hyperterminal. I have played with the commands available, but I dont know if anything useful can be done with these. All comments r welcome.

Thanks in advance.