7.2BIOS Download / Recovery
Because the BIOS is stored in reprogrammable Flash memory, it is possible that the BIOS could be accidentally erased when trying to write other files into the Flash. To recover from this situation the CPU chip on Prometheus-LC contains a special failsafe Boot-Up ROM (BUR) that can be activated on power-up. A Diamond Systems software utility is provided to enable system recovery by downloading the BIOS to the flash memory through serial port COM1 when the CPU is booted up to the BUR.
The recovery procedure requires another PC running Windows 95, or Windows 98. This host machine is connected to the Prometheus-LC CPU using a null modem serial cable connected to COM1 on each computer. Three files are required on the host PC: Zftrm.exe, Loadbios.com, and the file containing the BIOS, Prm1.rom. These files should be in the same directory.
PC Serial Port End (DB-9) | Prometheus-LC COM1 end | Corresponding pin on J6 |
2 | (RX) | 3 | (TX) | 2 | (TX) |
3 | (TX) | 2 | (RX) | 1 | (RX) |
5 | (Ground) | 5 | (Ground) | 3 | (Ground) |
| Null modem cable required pinout | |
To boot up the Prometheus-LC CPU to BUR, set the jumper on J6 on Prometheus-LC to the BUR position. If using the Panel I/O board, press the Link switch while powering up or resetting the computer. The link switch must be held down slightly longer than the reset switch is released in order to power up to the BUR. When the Prometheus-LC CPU boots up you will see the BUR display in the terminal program. The required communication parameters are 9600, n, 8, 1.
Now run the accompanying batch file recover.bat to begin the process. This batch file executes the following command:
zftrm.exe loadbios.com prm1.rom
Each flash manufacturer utilizes a different programming protocol. Zfterm.exe knows about AMD and Atmel parts, which are used on Prometheus-LC boards. If the software cannot recognize the flash device as an AMD or Atmel part then the CPU might have a hardware problem, or else the program is an old version and needs to be upgraded. If this is the case, the software will exit with a message indicating that the device is not supported. Contact Diamond Systems technical support for further assistance.
After the software recognizes the device, it first completely erases the flash chip. This might take up to 90 seconds. After the chip is erased the software reports “Flash Erased” and then starts downloading the BIOS image from the host and programming the chip. To completely download and reprogram the BIOS takes several minutes. While this happens characters are continuously scrolled across the screen of the host PC. It is recommended that no other applications or tasks be running on the host PC during this time.
When the device is completely reprogrammed with the BIOS, the host will report the completion and the program will terminate. The Prometheus-LC CPU is now ready to reboot in normal mode. Remove the null modem cable, and return the jumper on J6 to its default position.
Prometheus-LC CPU User Manual V1.0 | Page 21 |
