The March 27th ECM has been keeping engineers in the satellite underground very busy.
Here's what has happened so far. As of March 31st, DirecTV sent a total of 5 new software
patches to access cards, increasing the total number of updates sent to 23. The reason that
most blocking devices did not function as expected was due to the location of the updated
code transmitted being shifted to the 40 packet area. The 40 packet area was unprotected
by the blocker devices, thus allowing the access card to be updated with the additional 5
software patches and, ultimately, 99ing plastic cards as if the blocking device was not used
at all.
Underground engineers have informed us that they have updated blocker software to
enhance the devices protection ability and claim that the blocker device is, and will continue
to be, a viable product and work as well as it has during past ECM's. New test card software
that has surfaced since the ECM is reported to be working very well, with dealers upgrading
their customers for free.
Sources from the 4M group informed SWN that they are offering free upgrades to customers who are not receiving channel 248. 4M custom-ers should contact their dealer about getting the plastic card updated. If your dealer should tell you that the upgrade is not necessary, you have been sold a fake 3M or 4M test product.
Howdy All
Its Dayton Hamvention time once again, and we will be attending again this year. Our booth is located in the flea market area at 3327-3329. We also will be doing our DB-1 satellite radio show from the Rib Spot Bar and Grill , located across the street form the Hara Arena and to the left of the Dodge dealership.
Broadcast dates and times are Wednesday May 13 Thursday May 14 and Friday May 15 from 9:00 to 10:00pm est., Saturday May 16th 11:30 PM to 12:00 AM est. DB-1 Live from Dayton Web Site.
We have created a Web site for this years Dayton broadcasts and events. The web site will be updated
daily with photos and information form the Hamvention. You can check the site out at
http://www.freeyellow.com/members2/swn/dayton.htm. We look foward to visiting with those of you that
will be attending the Hamvention this year.
Rocky and I have just about given up on the alledged Plus break. The
people that claim to be developing it are just moving a bit too slow to suit us. So for now it's just another
bad chase and a large batch of vapor-ware.
Most of you that have attended the hamvention in the past and visited with the SWN crew at the Orchard Lounge will remember Jim Frent. Jim lost his life in a tragic accident 2 years ago. Jim and his Michigan Militia antics, all in fun of course, added to the great fun enjoyed by all in attendance. Jim’s sons, Jeff and Marty, still carry on in their father’s tradition at the Ham-vention by selling the great goodies that Jim sold and raising as much hell as they can get away with.
Until Next Month