Servicing the PT878GC 9-43
April 2004
Updating PT878GC Software
By using a Windows-based PC with an infrared adapter,
PT878GC users can update the meter’s operating software
without the need to change the hardware. This software can
include the bootloader, FPGA software (timing software for
transit-time), instrument software, the meter string file and the
Help string file. The updatin g procedure involves three steps :
1. Setting up the PT878GC in Flash Update mode.
2. Selecting the loading interface.
3. Loading the new software from the PC into the PT878GC.
Caution!
To guard against mishap, you should print out,
download or otherwise record all logs, settings and
other data you wish to save.
IMPORTANT: When uploading new software, the PT878GC
uses a “bootloader” program. Be sure that the
softwar e you ar e installing is compatible with the
installed bootloader version, shown in the
“About” option discussed on . If you need to
replace both programs, install the new
bootloader first, before any other software.
W ith the current bootloader software, two interfaces are available
for sending software to the PT878GC:
•IrOBEX, a recently introduced Microsoft infrared standard
which allows more straightforward use and faster file transfers,
while tolerating IR interruptions better.
•IrCOMM, an infrared standard supported by certain Microsoft
operating systems.
GE Panametrics recommends updating software via the IrOBEX
standard; however, the IrCOMM standard is available for users
who have problems with IrOBEX. This section covers procedures
for both standards.