Dreambox 500 DM500 complete how-to from scratch

C/P: Just got a new dreambox or an old one used on another private server?
Well how do you begin?
You have 2 options but the recommended option is to follow the long tutorial bel
ow. You can alternatively opt to load a pre-configured backup and follow instruc
tions from here:
Below is the long tutorial:
Id say start by loading an image.
Here are 2 of my recommendations:
1) DSM-remastered image for more stability and best scanning ability
2) PLi-jade3-max-var image easier to use and has more features to offer.
Note: Dont mixup images with .fw2 files. .fw2 files are backups of other dreambox
500 that are loaded using flashwiard and have many saved settings. Images are a
lways .img files.
Use DreamUP 1.3.3.4 (only use this for clones and not a later or earlier version
) from downloads and the following procedure to load images:
C/P:
1. Unplug the DreamBox from its power.
2. Connect a Null Modem Cable between the PC and the DreamBox. A plain serial ca
ble WILL NOT work!
3. Start the Universal DreamUp program on your PC.
4. Leave the Use Network box unchecked.
5. Click Connect.
6. When it says to switch on the dreambox please plug in the DreamBox.
7. Eventually you will see Box attached and ready
8. Click Flash Erase and select Yes.
9. It will tell you when it is completed successfully.
10. Click Flash and browse to the image of your choice, and select it.
11. Answer Yes to the flash erasing during the process.
12. The image will begin uploading to the DreamBox 500.
13. It will tell you when the process is over.
End of C/P
You can also a webloader by changing the name of the image file (this depends on
the firmware that is already loaded) and saving it to /tmp folder from DCC, but
dreamup 1.3.3.4 is recommended.
Alternatively you can use Flashwizard 6.3 and upload the image instead if you do
not have a null modem cable. But Dreamup is recommended. Flashwizard can be bug
gy at times. Flashwiard can handle both .fw2 files as well as .img files. Just m
ake sure you have the correct IP of dreambox in the configuration (check dreambo
xs networking in setup menu for the IP) and then browse or drag the image to inst
all.
After loading the image next its time to setup sats.
The dreambox is a weird creature in that it doesnt have an lnb type but allows yo
u to change every setting yourself manually.
If you are planning to scan, use the modded TP update for legacy or dishpro (che
ck dm500 files section). If on the other hand, you are planning on loading the c
hannel list using dreamboxedit, then use the list first and reboot before settin
g up sats. Use DP update/list for dishpro lnb and use legacy otherwise.
Chanel lists are in DM500 files section
To load a channel list, open dreamboxedit (check files section). Select Tools Op
tions. In profiles tab, input your dreambox IP, press satelite receiver button to
switch from enigma2 to enigma1 and hit save. Open the channel list and then clic
k on the FTP button and click on send files to dreambox. Make sure to do a hard
reboot of your dreambox after that.
After using one of the above, here is a brief general idea on how to setup sats,
including what works best:
For best results I recommend selecting user-defined configuration (not available
in dsm, in which you can just choose the right option you need).
First choose the primary sat that you wish to define settings for (this should u
sually be your lnb on port 1 diseqc). The lnb# defines absolutely nothing. It is
just a numbering. But for best results, use the same lnb # for BOTH 118 and 119
sats if you are using 1 lnb that gets both sats. If you are using 2 different l
nbs for those sats then use 2 different lnb #s. After choosing the lnb# (use 0 f
or the 1st sat and so on) a new pop-up appears that asks for even more settings.
lof/l should be default 09750 for a dual port lnb, but is best set the same as l
of/h for the single port lnb.
Threshold is best left default 11700.
For lnb/h (same for v and h in dsm), use the usual lnb frequency that you assign
in other receivers.
It is usually 11250 for a standard and 10750 for a 118 or 118/119 dual lnb.
After using those settings, go to the next page.
If you are using a diseqc swtich 41 use diseqc mode 1.0, for more, use 1.1 and fi
nally for motor, use 1.2
As for diseqc ports the alphbets are the ones that define the lnb port from disq
ec.
AA implies port 1.
AB implies port 2.
BA implies port 3.
BB implies port 4.
If you are not using a diseqc just change diseqc to none.
After doing all the settings do not forget to hit SAVE!
You can then add more sats and define them as well one by one.
Make sure you get 80%+ SNR and agc (recommended 90-99%) and a ber of 0% in satfi
nd among the strong transponders.
After defining the sats, it is now time to install an emu cam like mgcamd (recom
mended) or rqcamd or cccam.