Datamax E4203 manual Appendix P, Downloading Firmware

Appendix P

Downloading Firmware

The printer stores its Boot Loader, Operating Program, and Font in Flash memory on the main PCB. This configuration allows updates (bug fixes and/or new features) to this firmware. Depending upon the printer’s firmware revision level, one of the following procedures can be used to update the firmware.

Note: Printers with older versions of the Boot Loader must first have the new version 83-2279-04A installed. See the Install_Instructions.txt file associated with the package or the Boot Loader file. This version of the firmware requires the compatible version of the Boot Loader, Program and Fonts:

Boot Loader firmware 83-2279-04A (filename A3227904_4.01_boot.dlf) or later, font firmware 83-2281-04B (filename B3228104_4.02_fonts.dlf) or font firmware 83-2332-04B (filename B3233204_4.02_font_with_user_flash_module.dlf) or later.

Installing printer system firmware version 4.06 P/N 83-2325-04F (filename

F3232504_4.06_program.dlf) will result in a default power-up configuration. Any user, special Setup Menu values will be destroyed. Prior to installing this firmware print the Setup Menu list (See the Operator's Manual) to provide a record of the current configuration. After installing the new firmware, enter the Setup Mode to re-configure the printer as desired. If a DPL configuration file is available, then that same file may be used to re-configure the printer.

Updating instructions for printers with a current firmware version of 4.05 and below:

1.Identify the desired firmware revision from the Datamax FTP site at ftp://ftp.datamaxcorp.com and download the desired version on to your computer’s hard drive or a floppy disk.

2.With the printer’s power turned ‘off’, simultaneously press and hold the PAUSE and CANCEL Buttons then power ‘on’ the print er. (All front panel indicators should be ‘on’ now; this is download mode.) Release the buttons.

3.The printer is now ready to accept the new firmware data. Using the DOS copy command enter to download:

copy filename.dlf lpt1/b

Note: Other programs (such as hyper-terminal and certain Windows programs) may also be used to download this file.

Once the download begins the Paused and Fault Indicators will turn ‘off’. The printer will write to Flash memory and the checksum and other data are validated. After a successful download is complete, the printer will illuminate the Paused Indicator.

4.Toggle printer power.

5.Print a Configuration Label (<STX>Z) to verify the new firmware version.

If the download was unsuccessful, the ‘Fault’ Indicator will illuminate. In this case, try sending the file again. If the download continues to fail, the following are possible causes:

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