CCcam lines: server setup and C-lines 2026
CCcam lines, or C-lines, play a key role in the operation of card sharing systems. If you are already at the stage of setting up your receiver or set-top box with Enigma2 firmware and have gained access to the card sharing server, you have probably encountered questions about how to correctly enter these lines in the CCcam.cfg or OScam config. Let's figure out what C-lines are, how to configure them, and how to diagnose connection issues.
What are CCcam lines and how is a C-line structured
CCcam lines are lines that provide your device with a connection to the card sharing server. Each element of a C-line is responsible for specific connection parameters. The syntax of a C-line looks as follows:C: hostname port username password no { params }.
C-line format: host, port, username, password
The fields of a C-line have the following meanings:
- hostname: server address (for example,
example.com). - port: the port on which the server listens for incoming connections, usually this is 12000 for CCcam.
- username: your username for connecting to the server.
- password: password for accessing the server.
- no: usually indicates the number of connections.
- params: additional parameters that can be specified in curly braces.
The difference between C-line, N-line, and F-line
There are several types of lines:
- C-line: client connection via the CCcam protocol.
- N-line: connection via the newcamd protocol, requires a DES key.
- F-line: used for sharing between two CCcam servers.
Note that the lines are case-sensitive and sensitive to spaces. For example, if you enter the username incorrectly, the connection will not be established.
Flags at the end of the line: { 0 1 2 } and their meaning
Flags in curly braces determine how connections are handled. Here is what they mean:
- 0: regular connection without additional parameters.
- 1: activate support for certain features.
- 2: indicates that the connection must be configured for specific conditions.
Where the strings are physically stored
C-strings are usually stored in the configuration file/etc/CCcam.cfg or/var/etc/CCcam.cfg on devices with Enigma2. They can be edited using a text editor.
Configuring CCcam.cfg: step-by-step configuration
Now let's move on to configuring the CCcam configuration file. It defines how your receiver will work with the server.
File location: /etc/CCcam.cfg and /var/etc/CCcam.cfg
As mentioned, the CCcam configuration file is located at/etc/CCcam.cfg or, in some cases,/var/etc/CCcam.cfg. Make sure you are editing the file that your receiver is using.
Key directives: SERVER LISTEN PORT, WEBINFO LISTEN PORT
Two important directives in the configuration file:
- SERVER LISTEN PORT: specifies the port on which CCcam will listen for incoming connections. By default, this is 12000.
- WEBINFO LISTEN PORT: used for accessing the web interface, usually this is port 16001.
Adding client C-strings
To add client C-strings, simply insert them into the file. Example:
C: example.com 12000 user pass no { 0 }
Don't forget to restart CCcam after making changes for them to take effect.
Access rights and restarting the daemon
Set the access rights for the configuration file to ensure its security. Use the command:
chmod 600 /etc/CCcam.cfg
To restart the daemon, execute the command:
killall -9 CCcam
or use the init script:
/etc/init.d/softcam restart
CCcam lines in OScam: equivalent configuration
If you are using OScam, the configuration of C-strings is slightly different, but the principle remains the same.
Section [cccam] in oscam.conf
In the fileoscam.conf create a section [cccam] to specify CCcam parameters:
[cccam]
CCcam client through oscam.server (protocol = cccam)
To add a client line inoscam.server, use the following syntax:
[reader]
The oscam.user file for local clients
If you have local clients, add them to theoscam.userfile to manage access:
[account]
CS378x and newcamd port as an alternative
If you are using the newcamd protocol, note that the port usually starts at 15000. CS378x also requires other ports starting from 15xxx. Many users switch to OScam due to its stability and advanced logging capabilities.
Diagnostics: why lines do not work
If your CCcam lines are not working, it is important to perform diagnostics to identify the issue.
Check status through the web interface (port 16001)
Access the web interface athttp://IP:16001 and check the Servers section. It will show the status of your lines — online or offline.
Decoding ECM time and connection statuses
ECM time is the time required for decryption. If it exceeds 1000 ms, it may cause freezes. The connection may be online, but channels do not open due to the absence of the required CAID on the card.
Typical errors: connection refused, wrong password, no card
If you receive the errorconnection refused, it may mean that the port is blocked by a firewall or an incorrect port is specified. The errorwrong passwordindicates that the wrong password was entered, whileno cardindicates that there is no card on the server.
Checking ports telnet and netstat
To check the port, use telnet:
telnet example.com 12000
If the connection cannot be established, check your router and provider settings.
How to choose a reliable server: criteria without names
Choosing a reliable server for card sharing is an important step that can significantly affect the quality of your viewing.
Stability of uptime and local cards
Local cards are preferable to re-export cards as they offer a more stable connection and lower ECM time.
Low ECM time and minimal number of hops
The ideal ECM time should be up to 300-400 ms. Hop 1 is the best option, as each additional hop increases latency.
Support for the necessary CAID and packages
Make sure that the server supports the necessary CAID for your satellite and packages.
Trial period and adequate technical support
Choose providers that offer a trial period before payment so you can assess the quality of their services. Adequate technical support is also important in case problems arise.
What default port does CCcam use?
The CCcam protocol uses port 12000 for client-server communication, and the web interface uses port 16001. The port is set by the SERVER LISTEN PORT directive in CCcam.cfg.
What is the difference between C-line and N-line?
C-line is a connection via the CCcam protocol (port 12000). N-line is the newcamd protocol, requiring a DES key (14 bytes) and usually port 15000+. C-line is simpler, while N-line is an older standard.
Where is the CCcam.cfg configuration file located?
Usually/etc/CCcam.cfg, on some Enigma2 images/var/etc/CCcam.cfg. After editing, a restart of the daemon is needed:killall -9 CCcam or via a softcam script.
What does ECM time mean and what is a normal value?
The response time for a decryption request. Up to 300-400 ms is good, over 700-1000 ms leads to freezes and stuttering. It depends on the hop and the quality of the channel to the card.
Why is the line online, but channels are not opening?
There is a connection, but the server does not have the required CAID/provider for your satellite, or the card is not sending these packets, or the hop is too high. Check the list of cards in the web interface.
Is it worth switching from CCcam to OScam?
OScam provides detailed logs, flexible reader configuration, support for multiple protocols, and is more stable under load. CCcam is simpler for beginners but less transparent in diagnostics.
Practical checklist for smooth viewing
Even the best CCCam or OSCam line needs two or three simple preparations. Update your receiver firmware, reset the ECM cache once a week and keep 15–20% free space on the USB stick or internal flash so that the reader can store keys without delays.
When tuning a dish, aim for MER/BER reserve: a two‑degree offset or a loose F‑connector often causes the “freezing” that users blame on cardsharing. Keep a short patch cord to test alternative routers, and save two profiles in OSCam — one for TCP, one for UDP — so you can switch instantly if your ISP starts filtering a protocol.
Utgard.tv monitors each hub 24/7, but you can speed up diagnostics by keeping a short log of your receiver actions. Note the time when you changed the channel, which CAID was active and whether you used Wi‑Fi or Ethernet. This tiny “journal” helps engineers reproduce your environment in the lab and return with a solution in minutes instead of hours.
- Keep two line slots enabled: if the first server hits a maintenance window, the second one instantly takes over without re-entering credentials.
- Run a monthly speed and latency test. Stable 1–2 Mbps with ping <80 ms is enough for SD/HD, but if jitter exceeds 20 ms, switch the router to wired mode.
- Save the Utgard.tv status page and Telegram bot @utgard_tv_bot to bookmarks — they publish maintenance notices before SEMrush or uptime monitors raise alerts.