User`s manual

OPERATION : UPDATING SOFTWARE

02.9676.0019 A 05-January-2004 45

Reprogramming Procedure

Note: Up to 32 luminaires can be programmed at the same time if they are data linked together. Refer

to “Connecting Data and Power” on page 17. (Programming more than 32 luminaires will require

programming in batches of 32 or less.)

To update luminaire software:

Step 1. From Product Downloads page at www.vari-lite.com, download and install the

VLDownload.exe program and required .bin files onto your PC (following instructions at the

website).

Step 2. Assemble Luminaire Programming Kit components by connecting Serial Straight Thru

Cable and RJ45-to-XLR cable to Interface Converter.

Figure 3-7: Hardware Setup

Step 3. Connect Serial Straight Thru cable to serial Comm Port of PC and connect RJ45-to-XLR

cable to DMX In connector of luminaire.

Step 4. Apply power to PC and luminaire(s).

Step 5. Run VLDownload.exe program by selecting from Start menu Programs list or by selecting

C:\ProgramFiles\Vari-Lite\VLDownload Program from directory. (Luminaire Software

Download window will open.)

Step 6. At Select Comm Port section of window (refer to Figure 3-8 on next page), select serial

Comm Port (Comm Port 1, Comm Port 2, Comm Port 3, or Comm Port 4) where Serial

Straight Thru Cable is connected.

Note: DMX Data must be disconnected before downloading software to luminaires. (Do not merge

with DMX signal.)

Step 7. At Select Software to Download section of window, select required luminaire software

version to download by clicking its button or select Download All. (Software version is

identified by the date and time: MM/DD/YY and HH:MM.) The buttons function as follows:

VL2500 button downloads the software to all VL2500 luminaires.

Download All button is the equivalent of executing all of the specific software version

buttons shown in the window (if applicable). They will be executed one at a time in the order

they appear in the window. This button can be used when any combination of VARI❋LITE

luminaires are connected to the PC.

Interface Converter

Serial Straight

Thru Cable

RJ45-to-XLR Cable

Luminaire

(DMX In)