Dragon CAM Predator update HELP !!!

genius5000

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greetings all
i've just got this Dragon CAM v3.02 FireCrypt with Predator 3.09 on it.
without any loadercard, etc ... but it opens many channels - happy about it!

this is my very first CAM - my question is ...

how do i update the Predator?
what do i need extra for that?
loadercard?
USB infinitity?

i'm totally confused about connecting the loadercard with my PC.
how does it work? do i have to detach that 'golden SIM' from the card?

:confused :confused :confused

i did update my receiver software few times with serial cable ...
but never ever handled CAM to PC before ... so please do explain
it in a simple way.

thanks a lot.
 

Mickha

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Hi genius5000,

you require a card programmer and a loader card to upgrade your Dragon Cam firmware.

You can use either a Fun 7 card (approx £11) or F84A Loader card (approx £12), both work the same but the Fun 7 is easier to program if you haven't got a Phoenix capable programmer.

As for the programmer, it depends on how much you want to spend and on your computer, if it has a Com port or not.

The latest programmers can program in Phoenix mode using just the USB cable, there are 2 of these, that I'm aware of the Adteknik 3.6 and the Infinity Unlimited.

I personally use the Infinity/Phoenix USB programmer, which needs to be connected using a serial and USB cable, the USB cable programs fun cards etc, and provides the power, the Serial cable is required to program in Phoenix mode. You might be able to pick up a cheap programmer off an auction site.

I can provide you with detailed instructions on how to program you card and upgrade your Dragons Cam firmware depending on which programmer and loader card you purchase, in the meantime you might want to download a Predator file and read the howto.txt file in the folder.

_http://www.ucassupport.nl/dragonsupport/english/Software.htm

Best wishes

Mickha
 

genius5000

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hi mickha

thanks very much for your reply.
i think i understand it better now.

so what do you think about Infinity USB Unlimited?
i think its without serial port - so will it still work only
by USB cable?

and whats the difference between this and Infinity USB Phoenix?

is there only one type of Dragon Loader Card (Fun 7) out there?

cheers.
 

Mickha

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Hi genius5000,

the main difference between the Infinity/Phoenix and the Infinity Unlimited and the Adteknik 3.6 is that the Infinity Phoenix requires 2 cables to do all the programming, a USB cable and a Serial cable, whereas both the Infinity Unlimited and the Adteknik 3.6 just require a USB cable.
The Serial cable is required to program in Phoenix mode, for Titanium cards, OPUS cards, Dragon Loader F84a etc... but only the USB cable is needed to load the Fun Card 7, as you do not program this in Phoenix mode.
Their are 2 main types of loader card:
Fun Card 7.
For this you load the .bin file into your card and program it like a normal fun card, so you only need a programmer that can program fun cards, like the Infinity, some older programmers can't handle the size of the files.
F84a
For this you load the .dra file, programming in Phoenix mode 6Mhz.

Both files do exactly the same, are found in the Predator folder, and update your Dragon in the same way. For pictures of the cards try here:
_http://www.unapit.com/index.html


My programmer, Infinity/Phoenis USB is a few years old now but still meets my needs, but to make the most of it you need to have a computer/laptop with a dedicated Com port. The latest programmers, aware that some laptops and modern computers do not have Com ports have developed programmers that can program in Phoenix mode using just the USB cable. If your Computer/Laptop has a deicated Com port (Built into the machine as part of the design) then you could buy an Infinity/Phoenix USB cheaper than Adteknik 3.6 or the new Infinity Unlimited.
Best wishes
Mickha
 

genius5000

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hey mate
thanks again
seems i like i'd go for Infinity USB Unlimited as i only need to
program the Dragon Loader Card. (what else i can do with this Unlimited anyway?)

but i'm a bit confused about this post things ...
i have a only 1y old PC and i did work with com ports to update
my STB software from time to time .... so, do you think it would
fit with Unlimited?

cheers




Mickha said:
Hi genius5000,

the main difference between the Infinity/Phoenix and the Infinity Unlimited and the Adteknik 3.6 is that the Infinity Phoenix requires 2 cables to do all the programming, a USB cable and a Serial cable, whereas both the Infinity Unlimited and the Adteknik 3.6 just require a USB cable.
The Serial cable is required to program in Phoenix mode, for Titanium cards, OPUS cards, Dragon Loader F84a etc... but only the USB cable is needed to load the Fun Card 7, as you do not program this in Phoenix mode.
Their are 2 main types of loader card:
Fun Card 7.
For this you load the .bin file into your card and program it like a normal fun card, so you only need a programmer that can program fun cards, like the Infinity, some older programmers can't handle the size of the files.
F84a
For this you load the .dra file, programming in Phoenix mode 6Mhz.

Both files do exactly the same, are found in the Predator folder, and update your Dragon in the same way. For pictures of the cards try here:
_http://www.unapit.com/index.html


My programmer, Infinity/Phoenis USB is a few years old now but still meets my needs, but to make the most of it you need to have a computer/laptop with a dedicated Com port. The latest programmers, aware that some laptops and modern computers do not have Com ports have developed programmers that can program in Phoenix mode using just the USB cable. If your Computer/Laptop has a deicated Com port (Built into the machine as part of the design) then you could buy an Infinity/Phoenix USB cheaper than Adteknik 3.6 or the new Infinity Unlimited.
Best wishes
Mickha
 

Mickha

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Hi genius5000,
if you have Com ports on your PC then the Infinity/Phoenix USB will work, you will need a USB cable and a Serial cable, as for the Infinity Unlimited, although I don't have one personally, it does sound good. Try the Infinity products page.
_http://www.infinityusb.com/default.asp?show=products

Best wishes
Mickha
 

genius5000

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hi mickha
just got the Infinity USB Unlimited and Dragon Loadercard F84A.
now, which files to load ....

predator311.bin
predator311.dra
FUN7LDR.HEX

dragonload.exe

which in which? ...

PIC
Ext.EEprom
Ext.EEprom2

there are also 4 options in Card ...

WaferCard 16F84(A)
GoldCard
BlueCard
DragonloaderCard (PIC)

i'm confused and dont want to do anything wrong

please help !!!
 

Mickha

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Hi genius5000,
I've only used a Fun 7 card as a loader, but I think you need to load it using the Dragon loader software.
These are the instructions for the Infinity/Phoenix USB but should be similar.
You need to put the programmer into 6Mhz mode to load the F84a card, unless the card has Fun 7 written on it.
You need:
-Smartmouse compatible card programmer
-The dragonload.exe program
_http://www.ucassupport.nl/dragonsupport/english/Software.htm

Make sure the programmer is in 6 MHz mode
Do not insert card until you start your programmer. DO NOT allow the programmer to auto detect the loader card.
The card goes into the programmer chip face down but into your Dragon Cam chip face up.
Start “Dragonload.exe”
By pressing the "Settings" button, you can change from com1 to com2
Then you need the Dragon loader card inserted in the Infinity USB programmer before you press connect otherwise you will get the message “Unable to Connect, check setting, programmer and card”
Press “Program card” point program to the Predator311.dra and click on it. Found in C: Unzipped Predator 311.
-The card will now be loaded.

When the card is loaded follow these instructions exactly, failure to do so could result in you damaging your Cam.

If your Cam is not in the receiver. Make sure your receiver is tuned to a FTA channel, switch off your receiver. Insert the programmed card into the Dragon module. Insert this into your receiver and turn on the receiver.
If your Dragon Cam is already in your receiver, tune to a FTA channel, I always use BBC news.
Turn off your receiver.
Insert the card, chip face up.
Turn on your receiver.
Go to the Common interface menu on the receiver, and select the "Dragon Loader" module.
In the next menu, select "yes, Load module".
Now a menu appears indicating that loading is in progress. To see the actual porgress percentage, select "refresh". There is no auto-refresh because some receivers had problems with that....
When loading is complete, a menu appears saying "Loading successful". REMOVE the loader card from the module.
Turn off your receiver.
Now turn on your receiver and your Dragon Cam should be updated.
If you experience any problems please post back.
Best wishes
Mickha
 

genius5000

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thanks for getting back fast mickha

now i'm wondering whether i should've bought FUN7 loader card
instead of F84A ??!!!

6Mhz or com options, etc are for serial cable, isnt it?
this USB unlimited only have USB cable!

i already loaded the files (.bin, dra) in several ways
software says loaded sucessfully ...

but when i put the card in the module and turn off the receiver
then module+card into the slot, then turn on the receiver ...
nothing happens ... slot says its still on predator 3.09
and no option given to update from the loadercard!

the smartcard option in 3.09 remains empty as well
although my F84A is in it! also tried the card upsidedown into the module -
result is nothing mate !!!

what next ??? :(
 

Mickha

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Hi genius5000,
yes the programmer only has a USB cable but, from what I understand, it emulates a COM port, to use some of the software for programming various cards.
You don't load the .bin file or the Fun7 hex file, I think you just load the .dra file. Seeing as you mention your programmer as a Dragon Loader Card (PIC) option, I assume you press this, as your card is a PIC based card. Insert the card, then open the Dragon loader.exe and follow the instructions. If the card writes OK, follow the instructrions for loading into your Dragon Cam.
If your Dragon Cam is already in your receiver, tune to a FTA channel, I always use BBC news.
Turn off your receiver.
Insert the card, chip face up.
Turn on your receiver.
Go to the Common interface menu on the receiver, and select the "Dragon Loader" module.
In the next menu, select "yes, Load module".
Now a menu appears indicating that loading is in progress. To see the actual porgress percentage, select "refresh". There is no auto-refresh because some receivers had problems with that....
When loading is complete, a menu appears saying "Loading successful". REMOVE the loader card from the module.
Turn off your receiver.
Now turn on your receiver and your Dragon Cam should be updated.
If this still doesn't work it might bew that you've damaged your loader card, but there are ways of repairing it, so please post back and tell me the results.
Best wishes
Mickha
 

Mickha

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Hi genius5000,
I have been searching the internet and came across this, hopefully if the last attempt failed this will work:

Inifinty USB unlimited with PIC Dragoncard ( verified method )
Sorry if I am stating the obvious here but I have just received my infinity unlimited and was having trouble programming a pic dragoncard , here is the method which works


select card a dragoncard pic

in the PIC box use the load2mb.hex file

in the eeprom box use the .dra file

it will say that it is too large so select reverse span

hit the write button
Best wishes
Mickha
 

genius5000

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i tired as you said but NOTHING so far!

dragonloader.exe cannot connect to COM 1 or 2
after enabling the Infinity into VCP mode

why would i need this EXE to open?
Infinity not giving me any error so far - any file i loaded, says DONE!
i loaded only the .dra file this time but still nothing!

i dont understand why the CAM do not recognise that
theres a card inserted ???

what next ??? :(
 

genius5000

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where do i get this load2mb.xex file?
its not in predator311 folder.


Mickha said:
Hi genius5000,
I have been searching the internet and came across this, hopefully if the last attempt failed this will work:

Inifinty USB unlimited with PIC Dragoncard ( verified method )
Sorry if I am stating the obvious here but I have just received my infinity unlimited and was having trouble programming a pic dragoncard , here is the method which works


select card a dragoncard pic

in the PIC box use the load2mb.hex file

in the eeprom box use the .dra file

it will say that it is too large so select reverse span

hit the write button
Best wishes
Mickha
 

Mickha

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Hi genius5000,
a very good point and I'm not sure what it's used for, unless it's needed the first time you program the card. I think I've found it:
_http://www.ucassupport.nl/dragonsupport/english/Software.htm
Scroll down and you should find LOAD2MB file.
Don't forget to follow the instructions for loading your Cam.
Please post with the results.
Best wishes
Mickha
 

genius5000

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found load2mb.hex file .... hey it worked but ....

now ...

CAM says 'Dragon Load'
when i press on it, says
'Card Does Not Contain a valied image' / 'Select me when loader card is in'

does that mean i have to load files again?
which one?
with load2mb again?
 

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Hi genius5000,
try writing to the card again using both the Load2MB and the predator311.dra, and then try updating your Cam. If this fails please post back.
best wishes
Mickha
 

genius5000

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okay mate
it worked finally and this is how i did ...

selected Wafer 16F84A
loaded load2mb
switched Infinity to VCP mode in 6Mhz Phoenix
started Dragonload.exe
selecetd COM2
it connected
selected .dra file toi load


but the loading took about 20mins
couldnt i just load .dra into USB mode
by Dragonl oader card PIC mode?
if yes, would loading be any faster?

CAM loading took another 10mins

please do let me know if these activities were any 'normal'

also, my Dragon CAM gets stuck while zapping the CAS channels
specially when it changes from scrambling system to another ....
is it also normal?

as ever, thanks very much your help Mickha
 

Mickha

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Hi genius5000,
when flicking through the channels it does occasionally take a little time to decode but always works in the end. 20 minutes to load your card is excessive, mine usually takes about 5 and about the same to update the Dragons firmware but that depends on your computer and receiver. There probably is a quicker method, to load your card, but seeing as it works, and Predator updates are not that frequent don't worry about it. Are the Swiss channels SRG working now ??
Best wishes
Mickha
 

genius5000

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SRG swiss still not working :(

but this zapping prob seems to be gone!

my PC is very fast & new.
couldnt i just load the card in USB mode instead of VCP/COM mode?
i get the feeling thats why it took that long!
or is it because of F84A card?

by the way, i can see Holland's NED1-3, RTL4-5, SBS6, Yorin,
but not the other 3s: NET5, Veronica, Fox Kids

i am also not getting the Spanish Digital+, i think.

anywhere i could get TCM free?
 

Mickha

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Hi genius5000,
Digital + changed encryption a couple of weeks ago, as have Net 5 Veronica and others from that package, and RTL 5 is going next week. There are 2 TCM's available on Astra, or there were the last time I checked a few days ago.
11778 V 27500
What make of receiver are you using ? As the only reason, I can think of, for you still not getting the swiss channels is that your receiver is conflicting with the Dragon Cam, have you checked the keys since you upgraded ?
Now that you know the card is working you can try different methods to load your card, it might be wise to do a search on Google, for any mention of how to program your dragon loader card with the Infinity Unlimited, and download and read the users manual:
_http://www.infinityusb.com/default.asp?show=productsdetail&ProductID=11
Best wishes
Mickha
 
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