Chapter 14. FLASH UPGRADING

The CDM-600 eliminates the need for updating firmware by physically replacing EPROMs. Instead, the CDM-600 modem uses ‘flash memory’ technology internally, and new firmware can be uploaded to the unit from an external PC, as follows:

Go to: www.comtechefdata.com

Click on: downloads

Click on: flash upgrades

This makes software upgrading very simple, and updates can now be sent via the Internet, E-mail, or on disk. The upgrade can be performed without opening the unit, by simply connecting the modem to the serial port of a computer.

The cable to connect the PC to the modem is the same as is used for normal EIA-232 remote control, and comprises 3-wires between 9 pin ‘D’ type female connectors. This is shown in Appendix A.

Comtech EF Data will distribute a free software utility, that is designed to run under Windows 95/98 or Windows NT. This utility program is called 600Flash.exe, and should be copied to the user’s computer hard disk. Along with this, the user will receive the latest firmware file (for example, F1422AD.ccc), which the user should copy to the same sub-directory (folder).

Before initiating uploading, the 25-pin data connector should be disconnected from the modem. The user then connects the modem remote control port to an unused serial port on the user’s computer, and executes the program. The user should follow the instructions presented on the screen, and the upload will take place automatically. Following the successful upload process, the modem will automatically re-start, running the new version of firmware. During this process, the non-volatile RAM, storing the configuration of the modem, will be erased, so the user is then required to re-enter the desired configuration parameters.

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Premier Mounts CDM-600 specifications Flash Upgrading