4 - Update or Upgrade
Test Bed Receiver Subsystem Addendum – Rev 1 19
4 UPDATE OR UPGRADE YOUR GPSCARD The MiLLennium stores its program firmware in non-volatile memory, which allows you to per form firm ware upgrades
and updates without having to return the MiLLennium to the distributor. New f irmware can be transferred to the
MiLLennium through a serial port, and the unit will immediately be ready for operation at a higher le ve l of performance.
The first step in upgrading your receiver is to contact your local NovAtel dealer. Your dealer will assist you in selecting
the best upgrade option that suits your specific GPS needs. If your needs are still unresolved after seeing your dealer then
you can contact NovAtel directly through any of the methods described in the Soft ware Support section, at the beginning
of the MiLLennium Command Descriptions Manual.
When you call, be sure to have available your MiLLennium model number, serial number, and progr am revision level.
This information is printed on the original shipping box as well as on the back side of the MiLLennium itself. You can
also verify the information by issuing the VERSION command at the port prom pt.
After establishing which new model/revision level would best suit your needs, and having described the ter ms and
conditions, you will be issued with an authorization code (auth-code). The auth-code is required to unloc k the new
features according to your authorized upgrade/update model type.
There are two procedures to choose from, depending on the type of upgra de /update you require:
1. If you are upgrading to a higher performance model at the same firmware revision level (e .g. upgrading from a
MiLLennium Standard rev. 4.50, to a MiLLennium RT-2 rev. 4.50) , you can use the $AUTH special command.
2. If you are updating to a higher firmware re vision level of the same m odel (e.g. updating a M iLLennium Standard
rev. 4.45 to a higher revision level of the same model, such as M iLLennium Standard rev. 4.50) , you will need to
transfer new program firmware to the MiLLennium using the Loader utility program. As the Loader and update
programs are generally provided in a compressed file form at, you will also be given a file dec ompression password.
The Loader and update files can be found on NovAtel’s FTP site at http:\\www.novatel.ca, or can be sent to you on
floppy disk or by e-mail.
Your local NovAtel dealer will provide you with all the information that you require to update or upgrade your receiver.
UPGRADING USING THE $AUTH COMMAND
The $AUTH command is a special input command which authorizes the enabling or unlocking of the various model
features. Use this command when upgrading to a higher performa nce MiLLennium model available within the same
revision level as your current model (e.g., upgrading from a Mi LLennium Standard rev. 4.50, to a MiLLennium RT- 2
rev. 4.50). This command will only function in conjunction with a valid auth-code assigned by GPS Customer Service.
The upgrade can be performed directly from Loader’s built-in terminal emulator, GPSolution’s Command L ine Screen,
or from any other communications program. The procedure is a s follows:
1) Power-up the MiLLennium and establish communicat ions over a serial port (see Chapter 3, Operation on Page 17).
2) Issue the VERSION command to verify the current f irmware model number, revision level, and serial number.
3) Issue the $AUTH command, followed by the auth-code a nd model type. The syntax is as follows:
Syntax:
$auth auth-code