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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.