Q Drive 1+1/1+1 Map/SERVOnet Firmware Upgrading
Introduction
The Q Drive 1+1, Q Drive 1+1 Map and Q Drive SERVOnet all have a new type of memory chip for the firmware written by Quin Systems: a FLASH ROM. This is similar to an EEPROM in that it remembers its contents without requiring electrical power, but is different in that it can be re-programmed via software, instead of using an EEPROM programmer. The FLASH ROM is a surface mount component on the circuit board and cannot be removed. It is no longer necessary to disassemble the controller to change/upgrade the firmware supplied by Quin Systems. Instead the upgrade is performed through serial port A using a standard serial cable and a special program (written for Microsoft Windows) run on the PC. [The IRT control card in the Q Drive also uses FLASH memory and can be upgraded via a similar procedure]
Required components/tools
Instructions
Program Started |
Confirmation message |
Checking S record file... |
Checking the file for errors |
Selected S record file A:\ROM660.S19 |
Everything is OK with the file |
Opened serial port 1 |
Serial port which is being used |
Contacting Q Drive unit... |
Progress message |
*** SWITCH Q DRIVE ON NOW *** |
Instruction to USER |
Unlocking unit... |
Has made contact with Q Drive |
Flash Boot Version 1.2 15 Oct 97 |
BOOT code info from the Q Drive |
Communications established |
Confirmation message |
Erasing... |
FLASH ROM is being erased |
Erase successful |
Confirmation message |
Programming... |
FLASH ROM is being programmed |
Programming successful |
Confirmation message |
Auto Program Complete |
Everything finished OK! |
Handling Errors
There are a number of possible errors that can occur during the programming of the FLASH ROM in the Q Drive. Most errors are self explanatory, such as no spare serial port on the PC, or a corrupted ROM image file. Study the error message, and retry as appropriate. Contact Quin Systems if necessary for more help.
NOTE: EVEN IF THE REPROGRAMMING OF A Q DRIVE FAILS IT CAN STILL BE REPROGRAMMED AGAIN! YOU CANNOT PERMANENTLY DAMAGE IT.
Advanced Options
The Q Drive firmware programming software can be used to upgrade many Q Drives, just select 'Reset Communications' from the Actions menu once a Q Drive has been upgraded, and then repeat the process for the next unit.
Verification of the FLASH ROM can also be performed, choose the verify option and press the GO! button.