Screenshot

All Sky Digital set top boxes (including Sky+ and Sky+ HD) automaticaly update their firmware from certain satellite streams. This utility can download these firmware images using a DVB-S TV card. It also supports the extraction of the linux kernel and root file system from images for the following Sky+ HD boxes:

  • Amstrad DRX595
  • Amstrad DRX895 / DRX890 (both have same firmware)
  • Amstrad DRX780
  • Samsung HDSKY
  • Pace TDS850NB

Usage

  • First make sure you have a DVB-S TV card connected and correctly installed (it must also be connected to a dish pointed at 28.2°E).
  • Open the application.
  • If you want to change the download location you can do this by clicking "Browse".
  • Click "Start" to start downloading files, the utility will then tune to the correct transponder and download the files available on the two update streams.
  • When a firmware finishes downloading it will move to the "Completed Firmwares" list and if it is for one of the supported boxes the kernel and file system will be automaticaly extracted.
  • Double clicking a completed firmware will open it's download location.
  • The firmwares available on the streams will vary. The firmware file on the update stream will change every few hours while the firmwares on the forced update stream seem to be more constant (at the time of writing, the Pace PVR3 and all HD boxes except the Thompson).

Change Log

V1.0.4488

  • Added - Support for Pace TDS850NB Sky+ HD Box
  • Added - EPG Version detection
  • Added - Automatic extraction of binary config file

Download

Binaries: Sky_Firmware_Tool_1.0.4488_bin.rar
Source Code: Google Code

As anyone who owns one of these routers knows, the default administration interface is very limited, many features that this router supports have been locked out by sky (DNS settings, Quality of Service, IP Filtering etc.). The default sky firmware actually has a secondary Sagem web interface with access to all these settings, but it is turned off by default (and it cannot be changed from the sky web interface).

This custom firmware updates the configuration area of the router to allow access to this advanced web interface.

Warnings: Read these carefully!

  • If your router gets unplugged / there is a power cut during the upgrade process your router may become inoperable. However unlikely this may seem, it is a very real possibility and this procedure should only be attempted if you have a backup router.
  • All your router settings will be lost during the upgrade process, INCLUDING the factory default settings (wireless SSID, wireless key and MAC address). If somthing has happened to the sticker on the base of your router detailing this information DO NOT flash this firmware. Without these details you will not be able to connect to the internet.
  • It is highly recommended that you connect to your router directly via ethernet cable and NOT through wireless while updating.
  • It is highly recommended that your disconnect your router from the phone line while updating.
  • All though I have tested this firmware extensively, there is a chance that something may go wrong. I will not be held responsible for any harm that comes to your router due to use of this firmware.
  • Sky automatic updates have not been disabled by default, if they release a firmware or configuration update in the future it may overwrite this firmware and disable the extra features.

Advantages

  • The full sagem web interface is enabled by default, giving access to a large amount of previously unavailable settings.
  • This firmware will work with Sky Router Tool.
  • Contains a 'lite' version of Sky Router Tool which runs on the router.

How to install it

  • Before continuing make sure you read, and understand all of the warnings above
  • Download the new firmware from FAST2504N_6.14.2a4N_mrmt32_v1.w
  • Log into the sky web interface and select "Maintenance" followed by "Router Upgrade"
  • Browse for the firmware file then click "Upload". Make sure you do not unplug your router after starting the upgrade process, doing so could permanently break it.
  • Wait about 2 minutes before trying the next step.
  • After 2 minuites visit http://192.168.0.1 (if you previously had changed your router's ip address it will now have reverted to the default).
  • If all went well you should be greeted by the following screen:

  • Type in the details it asks for, making sure they exactly match those on the bottom of your router
  • After clicking save you should get the following screen and your router will reboot:

Sagem Web Admin Access

The Sagem web admin can be accessed either from the link on the front page of the sky interface, or by visiting http://192.168.0.1/sky_unlocked/main.html.

Sky Router Tool Lite

Sky Router Tool Lite can be accessed either from the link on the front page of the sky interface, or by visiting http://192.168.0.1:8324/srt.

The following features are available:

  • Connection Details
  • Process List
  • ADSL Statistics Graphs
  • Ping
  • Setting SNR Margin
  • Running arbitary commands

Sky Auto Update

The sky automatic firmware update is still enabled with this firmware. If Sky release a firmware update, it may overwrite this modified firmware.

Sky Router Tool Classic Screenshot

This is the original, now unsupported version of Sky Router Tool. It only supports the DG834GT but has a Windows Forms interface instead of the new web interface.

You can download it from here.

As anyone who owns one of these routers knows, the default administration interface is very limited, many features that this router supports have been locked out by sky (telnet access, DNS settings, Quality of Service, IP Filtering etc.). The default sky firmware actually has a secondary Sagem web interface with access to all these settings, but it is turned off by default (and it cannot be changed from the sky web interface).

This custom firmware updates the configuration area of the router to allow access to this advanced web interface.

Warnings: Read these carefully!

  • If your router gets unplugged / there is a power cut during the upgrade process your router may become inoperable. However unlikely this may seem, it is a very real possibility and this procedure should only be attempted if you have a backup router.
  • All your router settings will be lost during the upgrade process, INCLUDING the factory default settings (wireless SSID, wireless key and MAC address). If somthing has happened to the sticker on the base of your router detailing this information DO NOT flash this firmware. Without these details you will not be able to connect to the internet.
  • It is highly recommended that you connect to your router directly via ethernet cable and NOT through wireless while updating.
  • It is highly recommended that your disconnect your router from the phone line while updating.
  • All though I have tested this firmware extensively, there is a chance that something may go wrong. I will not be held responsible for any harm that comes to your router due to use of this firmware.
  • Sky automatic updates have not been disabled by default, if they release a firmware or configuration update in the future it will overwrite this firmware and disable the extra features.

Change Log

Version 1.1
Fixed: Invalid header error when using Sky Router Tool

Advantages

  • The full sagem web interface is enabled by default, giving access to a large amount of previously unavailable settings.
  • This is a only very slightly modified sky firmware, it should not be detectable by sky that you are running a different firmware.
  • This firmware will work with the upcoming version of Sky Router Tool.
  • This firmware can be used to easily return a router which has had Sagem F@ST 2404 firmware flashed to it to Sky firmware.

How to install it

  • Before continuing make sure you read, and understand all of the warnings above
  • Download the new firmware from Sky_V2.8_Modified_V1.1_mrmt32.w
  • Log into the sky web interface and select "Router Upgrade"
  • Browse for the firmware file then click "Upload". Make sure you do not unplug your router after starting the upgrade process, doing so could permanently break it.
  • Wait about 2 minutes before trying the next step.
  • After 2 minuites visit http://192.168.0.1 (if you previously had changed your router's ip address it will now have reverted to the default).
  • If all went well you should be greeted by the following screen:

  • Type in the details it asks for, making sure they exactly match those on the bottom of your router
  • After clicking save you should get the following screen and your router will reboot:

Sagem Web Admin Access

The Sagem web admin can be accessed either from the link on the front page of the sky interface, or by visiting http://192.168.0.1/main.html.

Disabling Sky Auto Update

The sky automatic firmware update can be disabled by visiting http://192.168.0.1/skyinfo.html, clearing the fields marked "FVC file URL 1", "FVC file URL 2" and "Default HTTP POST URL" and clicking save. Note that doing this may allow sky to know that you are using custom firmware (as your router will no longer access their servers checking for updates).

Re-Enabling Sky Auto Update

Follow the disabling procedure but fill in the following settings:
FVC file URL 1: http://fast2504.skyfirmware.com
FVC file URL 2: http://fast2504.skyfirmware.com
Default HTTP POST URL: http://fast2504.skyfirmware.com/status/

Sagem Technical Info

I have written a page detailing the router's technical details and how to make your own firmwares for this router at:http://code.google.com/p/sky-router-.../SagemFAST2504

Please click here for the original forum thread.

Subcategories

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    ExPVR V3.8.16 is now available on our downloads page.

    This update fixes the issues affecting recording grouping and on demand content with the new Sky+ planner version on DRX890/5 devices.

    Users who have copies which have been affected by the older ExPVR versions (V3.8.14 and V3.8.15) can fix the grouping issues without needing to perform the copy again using the tool available on our forums.

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    This version will now write the newer databases (V2.51) for DRX890/895 devices. For this reason, please make sure that your device is up to date (has at least R006.058.60.00P) before attempting to copy to it if you have a DRX890 or DRX895. Instructions on how to force an update (if your box has not already done this automatically) are available here.

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    This new system has been extensively tested, but there is a small chance there could be some small bugs. If you do notice anything not working correctly, or just want to give some feedback on the new layout, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or make a post on our forums.

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    The issue with pre-darwin to picasso copies (viewtopic.php?f=6&t=626) has now been fixed and there is now full support for the new picasso features (e.g. the un-deletion support).

    Please visit http://www.ph-mb.com/products/ExPVR/change-log for a full change log.
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    I have just uploaded a new beta version to http://www.ph-mb.com/products/ExPVR/downloads which adds a fair few new features, including support for copying from pre-darwin Thompson boxes (the legacy planner is now converted to the darwin format as part of the copy) and the ability to copy recordings from more than one source drive (disk merging).

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