This source in Trinidad is offering the paddleboard style fix which we described in the DBS update which is on this site. Please read it. It is accurate. The fix is a clone. That means that the programming in the DSS receiver is modified so that it behaves just like the clone master does. It responds to all DSS global commands as well as commands sent to the specific clone master. Those selling this fix claim that no more than 25 units are cloned to a given master. We have heard that some units have already been shut down and that some unscrupulous suppliers are selling a beta test version which does not work. This is the 30% failure rate we advised you of in our article. We suspect that those in countries which do not have programming relationships with DirecTV can use this fix, if their local laws permit reception of foreign programming. That is not a legal opinion.
Our intent in providing this information is to prevent you from being ripped-off by the many con artists who prey on uninformed individuals when a break in a system occurs. An example is the offer from Test Card of Toledo. You will find their bogus offer on another page at this site. We regret to say that N&V magazine is a major source of scam advertisers. N&V is a major hacker resource and there are legitimate offers there, but those offering DSS information packages to avoid PPV charges, etc. are frauds. You will always get more factual information free at this site than you will get from these people for your hard earned dollars.
Scrambling News is not a new business which exists to profit from the DSS break. We have been around since the break on VCII in '86, the breaks on Oak Orion, Z-Tac and many others. We do not rise or fall based on DSS. We have no affiliation with any other company and we do not endorse any product which can be used in an illegal manner. Here is the advertisement from the people in Trinidad. What they are selling is real. The January issue of our hardcopy newsletter has a review of the actual performance of the paddleboard and programmer. Scrambling News does not endorse the following. It is provided for your information only.
Scrambling News has reason to believe that the rumours about a swapout of the DSS smartcards is true. This may happen any time in the first quarter of 1996. The technology behind the paddleboard permits it to be updated. [See our news log 12/28 and later].
We have prepared a package for DSS experimenters. It consists of a schematic for a reader/writer for the 24LS16 and software. The parts used are commonly available and cost about $15. Note that this package only supports the RCA. You may archive box data in case of an accident so you can return the unit to the way it was before you started to play with it. This eliminates the need for the $250 programmer. Our package is only $39.95.
The Magic Card is an electronic replacement for the Access Card used in the DSS units. It consists of a thin PC board with a battery on one side, 2 surface mount microprocessrs and a 256k Static Ram on the other.
This card will fully test the video and the audio on all channels on the DSS units including the 100 block PPV channels. The only question might be the PPV's in the 900 block. One known problem experienced on some channels is when the Macrovision anti-tape feature is activated. This has no effect when connected normally to a TV or monitor , however if the unit runs through a VCR or you try to tape a program, you will experience periodic brightness changes on some channels. This is corrected with a "tape clarifier" or similarly named device which blanks out the Macrovision artifacts in the video signal.
It will be necessary to interface the Card with the DSS unit and this is done by reprogramming the data in the 24LC16 in the DSS unit. This data is supplied with the Magic Card. This data is entered with a special Reader/Writer Programmer included in the dealer package. This programmer also has a function used to capture and store the original data. (necessary to bring the unit back to stock).
Anything is possible. The Magic Card is a clone. If the clone goes down, so does your unit. The Magic Card can be reconfigured, meaning you will return the card to your dealer and it can be reprogrammed with the new data.
This unit is for use outside the U.S. The user of this product must abide with the laws of his Country and State.
Magic Card Package
Dealer Package includes 1 Magic Card and 1 Field Service Programmer (see description below). Cost $1,000.00 in U.S. funds. Additional cards cost $825 for one, 2-5 cost $800/each and 6+ cost $775 each. The Field Service Programmer costs $225. There is another consumer package which includes the rental of a programmer. It costs $900/net.
| Dealer Package | $1,000 each |
| Magic Cards -1 | $825 each |
| Magic Cards 2-5 | $800 each |
| Magic Cards 6+ | $775 each |
| Field Programmer | $250 |
| Consumer Package 2 | $900 after return
of programmer |
The Field Service Programmer has multiple functions. It can read and store current 24LC16 data and program new data. No computer necessary, no desoldering or soldering involved. Programs and runs off a 9 volt battery. Instructions included.
Please include a Fed Ex shipping address and add $20.00 for shipping cost to a U.S. address, add $45 for shipping outside the U.S. per order. Send a money order(s) with the payee section blank, including a description of your order and your Fed Ex shipping addresss and send to:
Lou Hayward
Dangerous Corner Four Roads
Diego Martin, Trinidad West Indies
(809) 633-1636
It is recommended to Fed Ex your order to the above address. The cost is $28 if shipped from the U.S. You will receive a tracking number, allowing you to check on the package status. You will receive yuour return shipment in 4-5 business days. after your order is received. You can call and check on the status of your order by calling (809) 633-1636 from 11 AM - 2 PM EST and ask for Lou Hayward. Use this number for ordering status only. For product information call the info line.
INFO LINE (908) 382-8688