[grasshopper]

Here's what you need:
*an apple computer with an Intel CPU (solo or duo, i have a Mac mini 1.66 duo).
*a USB to Serial adapter. i bought this one: hxxp://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/detail.asp?dpno=401348
*a coolsat STB.
*latest bin and loader.
*download the trial version of Parallel's Desktop found here: hxxp://www.parallels.com/en/download/desktop/
*download serial box/serial seeker program here: hxxp://www.serialz.to/serialbox.html
*a FULL copy (that means not an upgrade) of windows, ranging from win95 all the way to XP. service pack doesn't matter.

all you have to do is install parallel's desktop first. follow the instructions that come with the download to install it on your mac. when it asks you for a serial number, open up serial box/serial seeker and do a search for parallel's. parallel's workstation comes up. same key works. so you have a full working copy of that program.

Install your windows version of choice. no need for updating it. save yourself the time by not doing it. i didn't update it.

once windows is up and running, install the proper drivers for the usb to serial adapter i mentioned above.

attach your coolsat to your usb to serial, open the loader, enter where your bin file is, hit autodetect to allow the computer to find the right com port, hit connect and program your coolsat.

in all, the process took me about an hour and a half to install windows (i had xp pro). not sure if other windows copies will be faster or slower. coolsat programmed a little slower. BUT IT WORKS!

so anyone with a newer Intel Mac computer, throw away your PC. I can't say for sure if this will work for other STB's. i have 2 cs5k's.

i hope this helped a few people.

USE IT AS YOUR OWN RISK