dCS 904 User Manual

Manual for Software Version 1.5x and 1.36

dCS Ltd

June 2000

 

 

Software

Installing New Software

Updated operating software can be downloaded via the RS-232 link from a PC comm. port, using the Windows Remote software running on the PC, or can be copied from an EPROM installed internally.

Using the RS-232 download is hands free, but takes about 40 mins per unit. With special software (contact dCS) multiple units can be daisy chained together so that one PC can update them all serially (overnight).

To update the software by the RS-232 link, load the new software into a convenient directory on the PC, then run the Windows Remote programme with whatever units you want connected. The software will scan the RS-232 chain for units (this takes a while) to see what it thinks is connected, and then reports back. For each unit there is an Info button. Select the Info button for the unit you wish to update, and then select Download Flash. The programme will prompt you for the file to use, and then will start the download. If you want to programme many units automatically (say overnight) contact dCS for special software to enable this function.

IMPORTANT! Do not turn the unit off until the download is complete. The unit has to erase its current programme before it can store the new one, so if the power is turned off, its internal programme store will have been erased but no new programme installed. Contact dCS if this happens inadvertently – the situation can be recovered if it does happen, but it involves taking the lid off the unit.

To find out if there are any software updates available for your equipment, call us, or email us, with your units serial number, or check our web site (www.dcsltd.co.uk). In general, software updates are free. Manuals for updated software can be downloaded from our web site, or just call us.

During An Update …

As soon as the download starts, the ADC will display Prog. The Windows programme will say Erasing Flash (10 secs), then Flash Erased (quick) then Programming Flash. At this stage a progress bar with a count down time is displayed, showing how much time is left (30 mins or so). After this has counted down, the PC says Done and the ADC reboots itself. Depending on the nature of the software update, it unit may then need to re-initialise its internals – if it does it will say Hold on its front panel. Do not do anything at this stage. Then, when that message disappears, it will be back to normal use.

Manual part no: DOC135904 iss 2B2

Page 71

135904ma2b2.pdf file available from website

Contact dCS on + 44 1799 531 999

email to: more@dcsltd.co.uk

(inside the UK replace + 44 with 0)

web site: www.dcsltd.co.uk