26 C4 Manual Rev 7.5.2
Use a DOS bootable diskette and a PC type computer to load the new firmware
through the C4's serial port. You can obtain the required diskette from Sigma
Systems for a fee, or you can provide your own DOS bootable diskette and obtain
the necessary files for the upload process from the Sigma Systems site on the
Internet. The Internet address for this site is:
www.SigmaSystems.com
The download file, SSUPxxxx.EXE, may contain specific instructions that replace
the instructions in the next paragraph. After downloading the file, copy it to an
otherwise empty DOS bootable diskette and run SSUPxxxx.EXE. This file is a
self extracting ZIP archive that will install all the files you need onto the diskette.
Check for the presence of a README.TXT file on the diskette for instructions that
supplement or supercede these instructions.
Making the physical connection for upload
To upload firmware to your C4, you will need to connect the C4 to a DOS bootable
PC compatible computer using a straight-through, or modem type serial cable.
The C4 is configured as DCE (Data Communications Equipment). Therefore, do
NOT use a “null modem” type serial cable that has pins 2 & 3 crossed. Connect
the cable to either COM1 or COM2 on the PC and to the female DB25 connector
on the back of the C4.
Running the upload software on the PC
After you run the SSUPxxxx.EXE file on your DOS bootable diskette you are
ready to run the software. Place the floppy in the “A” drive of the PC and turn on
or reset the PC to allow it to boot from the floppy. Follow the instructions on the
screen. Note that the menu will allow you to do successive uploads without
restarting and will allow you to change serial ports as you do so. Users who will
be uploading to a number of controllers in one session will find that this feature
saves some time.
If the uploads are being done on a bench (as opposed to leaving the controller in
it’s chamber or platform housing), be certain to follow all precautions about
removing all power before removing the controller and about taking care to use
proper anti-static procedures when handling the controller. Be certain that the
bench has a properly grounded anti-static surface.
If you are going to upload firmware into many controllers successively in a bench
environment, you can use a PC with two serial ports (COM1 and COM2) and two
serial cables. You can then have the upload program alternate serial ports for the