[HOW TO FLASH] how to flash SPYCAT

To flash the original SPYCAT (the full-sized model, often referred to as the Spycat Twin or Solo), you need to follow a specific directory structure on your USB drive. This model uses a different subfolder name than its “Mini” counterparts.

Preparation

1. USB Drive: Use a FAT32 formatted USB stick. For legacy receivers like this, an older USB 2.0 drive (8GB or less) is much more reliable than newer USB 3.0/3.1 sticks.

2. The Files: Extract your chosen image (e.g., OpenATV, OpenViX, or Egami). You should see a folder named spycat.

3. Root Path: Copy the entire spycat folder to the root of your USB drive.

   • Structure: USB Root > spycat > spycat > (files: kernel.bin, rootfs.bin, etc.)

   • Note: It is correct for the path to be spycat/spycat/ for the standard model.

Flashing Steps

1. Power Down: Turn off the receiver using the physical rocker switch at the back.

2. Insert USB: Plug the USB stick into the front USB port (located behind the flap). The front port is generally preferred for flashing on this specific model.

3. Power On: Flip the rear power switch to ON.

4. The Trigger:

   • Watch the front panel VFD display or your TV screen.

   • When the display shows “Found Update” or the TV prompts you to update, immediately press the OK Button on the front panel of the receiver.

5. Flashing Process: The display will show “Flashing” or show a progress percentage. This takes roughly 3 to 5 minutes. Do not turn off the power during this time.

6. Completion: The receiver will show “Success” or “Done” and will reboot automatically.

7. Finalize: Remove the USB stick during the reboot to prevent the box from finding the update files again.

Quick Troubleshooting

• Box ignores the USB: If it boots straight to your old image, double-check that the files are in spycat/spycat/. If they are, try the rear USB port or use a different USB stick.

• The “Force” Shortcut: If you cannot get the front buttons to trigger the flash, go into the /spycat/spycat/ folder on your USB, find the file named noforce, and rename it to force. The box will then flash automatically upon power-up.

The flashing process should take approximately two to four minutes to complete, while the receiver
is being flashed it is vitally important that you DO NOT power the receiver down for any reason as
this can cause serious and or permanent damage.