[REVIEW] SPYCAT mini plus
Review: Spycat Mini Plus Enigma2 (The Mini MIPS PLUS Champion)
The compact Enigma2 market is saturated with entry-level receivers that compromise performance for size. The Spycat Mini Plus arrived as a direct response, perfecting the ‘Mini MIPS’ concept by addressing the two most common bottlenecks of compact boxes: limited memory and weak Wi-Fi. This isn’t just a slightly faster version of the standard Mini; the ‘PLUS‘ moniker designates a significant hardware upgrade designed for a smoother, faster, and more robust 1080p Full HD experience.
We are taking an in-depth look on enigma2.net to see how the Spycat Mini Plus balances its discreet footprint against flagship features like an internal SATA PVR bay and built-in dual-band Wi-Fi. If you need a stable, versatile powerhouse for a secondary room, a kitchen, or a discrete installation, this is the definitive ‘Mini MIPS’ upgrade.
1. Core Hardware: Blazing-Fast + PLUS + Speed
The primary difference between the standard Mini and the Mini Plus is pure, unrestricted performance. While both use a Broadcom Dual-Core (MIPS) processor running at 2x 750 DMIPS, the Plus model removes the memory bottlenecks that plague its predecessor.
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Processor: The 2x 750 DMIPS Broadcom processor established itself as the reliable alternative to cheap, crash-prone ARM clones.
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Performance (Speed Boost): The core hardware is optimized to ensure the interface responsiveness is fluid and fast. Thanks to the increased RAM, zapping through a complex bouquet list, navigating the EPG, and launching plugins feels like a true “SPEED BOOST.” The Broadcom drivers are legendary for stability, meaning fewer crashes and fewer “voodoo” software hacks.
| Hardware Feature | Benefit |
| Broadcom Dual-Core (MIPS) | Fast, stable performance for demanding OE-Alliance images and heavy skins. |
| Increased Flash & RAM! | Blazing-fast zapping speed and completely fluid interface (ZERO LAG). |
| 1080p Full HD | Perfect for the vast majority of current satellite content. |
| Fanless Design | Fanless architecture; ideal for a bedroom environment. |
2. PVR and Connectivity: Hidden Expansion Power (Internal SATA!)
The ‘Mini’ label often means sacrificing proper storage and networking. The Spycat Mini Plus ignores that trend completely, offering professional-grade PVR options.
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Internal 2.5″ SATA PVR Bay: The standout feature for a discrete box. Technomate clever designed this chassis (approx. 200mm wide) with an “easy” access SATA drawer on the rear. You can slide in an internal 2.5″ SATA hard drive, turning the Mini Plus into a silent, professional-grade PVR without any messy external cables.
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eSATA PVR & USB: For further flexibility, you have a dedicated high-speed eSATA port and multiple USB 2.0 ports for external PVR and timeshifting.
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Built-in Dual-Band Wi-Fi (Stable 2.4/5GHz!): The base model was limited to unstable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The PLUS model features built-in Dual-Band Wi-Fi, providing a stable 5GHz connection necessary for reliable HD streaming, IPTV plugins, and networked PVR access via OpenWebif.
3. Tuner Versatility: DVB-S2 + DVB-C/T/T2 Combo
The Spycat Mini Plus is a true all-in-one ‘Combo’ machine, allowing you to master your local and satellite feeds simultaneously.
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Fixed Hybrid Tuner: The box features a fixed Triple Tuner configuration: 1x DVB-S2 Satellite Tuner + 1x Fixed DVB-C/T/T2 Hybrid Tuner (for Cable or Terrestrial HD).
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Impact: This combination allows you to record a satellite channel while watching terrestrial HD, or record cable TV while watching a satellite feed. This level of flexibility in a small box is rare and makes it the ultimate all-in-one kitchen machine.
4. Software and Multiboot Secrets
For the enigma2.net hobbyist, the Spycat Mini Plus is a perfect playground:
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Fast Plugin Support: Thanks to the optimized drivers, specialized plugins like Jedi Maker Xtream (IPTV) and Fast Scan (bouquet creation) operate with lightning speed.
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External Picons & Flash Expansion: The box features an external microSD slot. This is essential: you can install all your heavy picons and the EPG database directly onto a microSD card, keeping your internal flash lean, fast, and safe.
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Dual-Boot & OpenATV: The system fully supports running Enigma2 or switching to a specialized Technomate OS (a legacy OS preferred by some users), allowing you to switch between a pure hobbyist setup and a simple family interface. As seen in image_134.png, it has native, optimized support for OpenATV 7.x.
Final Verdict: The Stable MIPS Mini Champion
The Spycat Mini Plus Enigma2 is a masterclass in compromise-free compact design. It perfects the ‘Mini MIPS’ category by adding the necessary Dual-Band Wi-Fi and increased memory to let the Broadcom dual-core processor truly shine. It isn’t a 4K powerhouse. But for any user on enigma2.net who primarily watches 1080p content and values Broadcom stability, blazing-fast zapping, and, crucially, a silent internal SATA PVR and triple-tuner flexibility, this is arguably the best single-room compact ever made.
If you are currently suffering through an older, slow receiver and want a reliable, snappy upgrade for your main room or a high-performance bedroom box, the Spycat Mini Plus is, without question, WORTH IT. It’s the definition of stable, reliable performance.
© COPYRIGHT ENIGMA2.NET. All technical data used in this review is based on the specifications presented in image.
