Specifications

AdderView MP Installation and Use Page 23
2.12 Upgrading the AdderView's flash memory
The AdderView MP uses flash memory technology which enables the firmware code
to be upgraded by the user. Upgrades are performed by connecting a PC's serial
port to the AdderView's options port and running an upgrade program on the PC.
This upgrade program downloads the new firmware to the AdderView and checks
that the data has been programmed correctly.
To perform a firmware upgrade on your AdderView MP you will need a suitable
serial upgrade cable and an IBM PC compatible computer with an RS232 serial port
and an operating system that supports DOS. Upgrade cables may be purchased
from Adder Technology or may be made using the wiring specification given in
Appendix A4. You will also need to download the latest version of the AdderView
MP firmware which is available free of charge at www.addertec.com.
To perform a flash upgrade on the AdderView MP:
Step 1 - Connect your computer to the AdderView
Connect your computer's serial port to the AdderView MP's options port (labelled
OPTIONS/FLASH).
Step 2 - Reset the AdderView MP whilst holding down the front panel key
The AdderView MP may be reset by powering it off and then on again. Remember
that the AdderView MP draws its power from any of the connected computers so you
will need to power down or disconnect all the computers to power down the
AdderView. Alternatively you may reset the AdderView by inserting a small blunt
object, such as the nib of a ball point pen, into the small hole located on the
underside of the AdderView (see figure 4). Hold down the front panel key BEFORE
the AdderView is reset and keep it held down until the AdderView has powered on
and displays 'u'.
Step 3 - Ensure that the AdderView MP is powered on and displays 'u'
Ensure that the AdderView is powered on. It is normally possible to upgrade the
AdderView when it is powered from a single computer. The upgrade program
monitors the AdderView's voltage and will not allow an upgrade to be performed if
the voltage is insufficient.