MiniMAC frequently asked questions.
Last revised: 07-MAY-1996


1) Why does MiniMAC not work for me ?

   There could be many reasons for this. MiniMAC has only been
   tested on a limited number of receivers/decoders and certain
   receivers are known to be very restrictive to the behaviour of
   emulator programs. If you run into problems I would like to
   hear from you. Please supply the following information:

     a) Your equipment (PC, receiver, decoder).
     b) Settings tried (baudrate, comport, delays).
     c) What happens?
     d) Does other programs (Maccess, Voyager, Whopper) work?
     e) If possible include a logfile showing output.

   Please ensure that you are using the latest version (currently 1.1).

2) Where can I get the source code ?

   The source it not public available. Experience shows, that this
   kind of programs tend to be pirated and modified in large
   scale. I don't want someone else to modify my code and release
   it under his own name.
   If you are interested in source code please look at EuroCry, a
   minimal but fully functional Eurocrypt emulator with source code.
   You can find it at: http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/2927/eurocry.zip

3) I want to port MiniMAC to another platform, could I have the
   source code ?

   See 2) above. Also look at the MacSat webpage to get additional
   information on how MiniMAC was written. If you have questions
   please mail to the address given at the end of this FAQ.

4) How is FreeMAC releated to MiniMAC ?

   Quite simple, FreeMAC is MiniMAC. Someone took MiniMAC version
   0.2 and replaced every occurence of the string 'MiniMAC' with
   'FreeMAC' and did some minor alterations to the doc file. This
   is certainly an experience that keeps me from releasing the
   source code.

5) Has MiniMAC any relation to Whopper ?

   No! Although they may seem very similar at first glance, I
   started to develop MiniMAC before I even knew about Whopper.

6) How can I get new keys for MiniMAC ?

   When I get hold of new keys, I will post them to news in 
   alt.satellite.tv.crypt and alt.satellite.tv.europe. 

7) How many keys can be put into MINIMAC.INI for each channel ?

   In version 1.0: 10 
   In version 1.1: 16 

8) Why do you use a (pseudo) anonymous address ?

   The main reason for this is that my internet connection is via
   my work, and I don't want my employeer connected with any form
   of satellite piracy.
   The second reason is that I live in Scandinavia, where subscribtion
   to most of the D2MAC channels are available and piracy may be
   illegal. I have not checked the exact legal status though.

9) Why is the program named MiniMAC ?

   MAC because it decodes D2MAC channels. Mini because I initially only 
   intended to make a minimal working implementation. However as with 
   many other projects I got carried away and ended up implementing 
   a much more complete piece of software including a real user interface.

10) Can I decode RendezVous with MiniMAC ?

   Currently no. There are no valid keys available and since they change
   keys very frequently a hack on their update procedure would be 
   necessary to ensure proper support.



Please send comments, suggestions and questions regarding MiniMAC 
to macsat@mailhost.net