Iceberg how would i do that i dont have the cable or the firmware? Do i buy the cable somewhere?
Calmeidajr,
If you have a PC with a serial port (DB-9 connector) then you can use a straight serial cable direct to the Coolsat. Problem is, most newer PC's don't have serial ports any longer, just USB. If this is your case, then you need a USB to SERIAL adapter "dongle". THe best that I have found is the Belkin F5U409. They are inexpensive.
Sometimes the seller will send a driver disc with the adapter depending upon where you buy one from. Your PC will automatically search online for the driver, depending upon what windows operating system you have.
Don't go out and buy any old USB to SERIAL adapter, like from Walmart or Radio shack. They use different converter IC's in the adapters and they do not all process the serial information the same. Go with the Belkin F5U409 because I can guarantee that it will work for you.
You still need a serial cable regardless whether you need the adapter or not. The adapter will have just a short pigtail cable and it won't reach from your PC to the Coolsat. You need an extension serial cable. There is nothing special about these cables, really, but you have to ensure that the gender of the ends match what they plug into (male vs female ends). The serial cable uses pins 2, 3 and 5. 2 and 3 are the signal transmit and receive lines and 5 is the common.
For a straight cable, pins 2 and 2 on each end are connected and pins 3 and 3 on each end are connected and pins 5 and 5 on each end are connected.
For a crossover cable, pins 2 and 3 get reversed going from one end of the cable to the other, pin 5 is the same.
You want the straight serial cable.
For firmware, you can download the best aftermarket version HERE:
FTAFirmware for Coolsat
Download the file for the Coolsat 5000: CS5000 - 006 - 2009/12/23 This is identical to the original factory firmware with added features and bonuses. It is safe (not hackerware). It is what I use in my box.
You will also need the LOADER program so that you can communicate between the Coolsat and your PC. I use CS Pro Loader v2.4. You can search for it here on the forum or google for it.
RADAR