EMU's manual installation from Linux box

orzem

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Hi,

I have a DB5620S and a Debian Linux PC, I have read many
threads and guides about images and EMU's, but before I get
rid of the original firmware, I'd like to grab a feel on it, understand
the filesystem, try and install emu's manually from my linux box.
And of course, learn how to backup everything first, just in case
I need to get back.

I can't find anything on the subject though, and I wonder if that's
because with a linux box you just copy/overwrite/edit files on the DB
with standard unix commands like cp/mv/vi or if it's because if you
plan to use EMU's you just got to install an "improved" image on it.

I have a copy of Hubi's guide on how to install necamd 5.18 on
an original DB, but newcamd is now at 5.28 and I don't know if
the guide is still good.

Any info will be greatly appreciated,
regards

orzem
 

BGonaSTICK

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The most common way to manage files on the Dreambox manually, is to use an FTP client, which you can obviously do quite happily from your Linux image.

Many of the really slick utilities for the Dreambox will only run under Windoze though (AFAIK).

Read my guide on upgrading to NewcamD V5.2x in the idiot guide. It still holds perfectly good for the latest V5.28 release. You'll just need the latest key files and executables. Watch out for the libcrypto file. The one delivered in the NewcamD package only supports NewcamD and may stop other softCAMs working (although mine still runs SCAM alongside with no problems). If it causes you problems, grab the all-singing all-dancing one from the latest Hydra image.

STICK
 

orzem

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Thanks for such a prompt answer.

From what I gather it looks as simple as ftp-ing some files from PC
to some specific dirs in the DB. Linux box or not.
If it's that simple, I wonder why I should go through the fuss of
flashing the rom with an image like hydra or gemini.

I'm at ease with commandline, I wouldn't mind manually editing keys
from time to time, I don't want any memory filling fancy feature
(5620 has no HD nor USB port).

And for a start I really would rather keep a stable original
image AND one or two working EMUs and take my time to study the
dreambox.

Besides, I read that the hydra and gemini images are not so good with
radio channels: is that right? (OK OK, you can't have it all, but just to know...)

Thanks again, I'll be back when it's working... or if I get too desperate ;-)
 

T_G

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I would suggest, if you are really into this, to try a few images. Install them, and then before you do anything have a good look at all the var folders. Then use the automatic download feature that many images have, and then compare them to before. That can be quite interesting.
I would recommend the Gemini for the 5620 as I don't like the Hydra way of filling up the var.
I currently run SCAM and newcamd together without problems.
 

BGonaSTICK

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Yep, I can agree with most of what both of you are getting at.

If it were me, I'd just leave the stock image in there for a few days and have a real good nose around with FTP.

You can then add the basic NewcamD emu straight on top, and this would be a good learning experience although it's not the most straightforward of Dreambox tasks. There is a 'vanilla' to NewcamD V5.18 howto available if you need it. You can then manually upgrade to V5.28 (the latest) from there.

There is a how-to for the latter in the IG.

Finally, I would bite the bullet and upgrade to a decent off-the-shelf image, probably Gemini, but whatever takes your fancy.

Don't be too afraid to make the jump into flashing the image.
  • Read a lot (especially the Idiot Guide here)
  • Prepare well, make sure you have the right equipment before you start (flash/rescue software and null modem lead)
  • Ensure you have a 24/7 connection to this forum!
  • Don't forget to flash-erase! (know how to do it before you need to)
STICK
 

orzem

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Thanks for the support and all the good advice!

I think I'll take a good look around the system, try and get NewcamD working on the original image and then see if I can flash a gemini. I think it will take me some time, I'm kinda cautious.

I still have 2 questions:

1) On Hubi's howto install, there is an init file I don't find in the NewcamD package: is that necessary to let the emu start?

2) I found a shell alternative to backing-up/flashing on
(www.piggei.com/it/dreambox/backup - www.piggei.com/it/dreambox/restore)

Anyone tried it?

My best regards,
orzem
 

BGonaSTICK

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Not used the alternate method you mention, but I have the answer to your init file question. Unfortunately I'm not very comfortable posting it here as it's a bit borderline as to whether it breaks the board rules or not.

You need to build the init files using some scripting or similar.

I don't think you have enough posts to use the PM system, but if you want to post a throw-away email address, I'll mail it to you. It's just text.

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orzem

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Thanks STICK, got that.
As I said, I'll come back here when it works.
Hopefully.

Best regards
orzem
 

orzem

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Hi again,

I'm back and it works... or so it seems.
Got Newcamd on the original image via manual installation, all smooth.
Now I'd like to go a step further and manual install Scam, on the same Original image.
I'd just have to copy the scam file on /var/bin, chmod and add a line on the init file
to start the process, right? Or do I need a config file also (like in newcamd)?
I gather the two emus can run simultaneously with no problems, right?
About possible libcrypto problems, I can't find the hydra libcrypto on a standalone file,
do you know if and where I can get it?
Thanks all for help and support,
orzem
 

BGonaSTICK

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You're going further than I have now, but here are my thoughts.

I think that starting SCAM should work like you say.

The problem with running it alongside NewcamD is not that it will conflict (it won't) but that you have no 'EMU menu' to switch between the two, so I think you'll just have to have one or the other unless you want to try and manually install and emu manager aswell.

Try the libcrypto that came with NewcamD with SCAM. Mine works OK.

The Hydra version was never released on it's own. Only in a Hydra image.
That's all finished now that the Hydra group has broken up.

Also, SCAM does not use the same key files as NewcamD. All completely different, and in different locations.

If I were you, I'd backup what you have, then install an image containing SCAM to see how it works, and then go back to your handbuilt image and mod it. None of this should hold any fear for you. You seem way more advanced than the average Dreambox user.

STICK
 
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