Flash loading 850/851-950/951 via the printer port

Note: The parallel port load is only needed when upgrading CD servers with a firmware version older than 2.00. Units with Firmware revision 2.00 and later can be flash loaded via the network.

Equipment needed

• PC  running  DOS ver. 3.3 or later
• CD server flash loading kit Flash loading cable (Art#.14467),
  alternatively you can manufacture your own cable description found here.
• Diskette with loading software FSTPRN.EXE
• CD server to be updated
• File with firmware to be loaded
• Screwdriver

Step by step description

1. Disconnect the power supply and other external connectors.
2. Loosen the two screws holding the back plate of the enclosure
3. Pull out the back plate until the PIN-head array for the parallel cable is accessible
4. Connect the parallel cable to the PC LPT1 port and to the 26-pin array on the CD server circuit board. Make sure the parallel cable connector is mounted with the arrow, facing the ETRAX chip located in the middle of the PCB. (See picture)

   
   

5. Reconnect the power to the CD server
6. Copy the flash load software (FSTPRN.EXE) and the updated firmware file to a directory of your choice
7. Start the loading sequence with the DOS command: fstprn "firmware file"
8. If you have made a firmware update including parameter changes (e.g. from 1.x to 2.x) a reset to factory defaults is required. To do this:
   * Power off
   * Short circuit pin 1 and 2 in the 26 pin-array.
   * Power on and off.
   * Remove the short circuit.

Using the Copy-command

It is also possible to load the CD server with the standard DOS copy command:
copy /b "firmware file" LPTx (x = LPT port no.)
Note! Do not forget the /b (for binary) switch in the copy command. There should be no printer definitions for the LPT port used.

How to monitor the loading procedure

• When the loading is started, the network LED will start flashing
  with a rate of 2 Hz (loading time between 30 sec and 4 min).
• The loader will consider itself completed and the led will flash
  with a rate of 0.5 Hz.
• In case of error, the flashing rate will be 1 Hz (with the on period much longer than the off period). It has been reported that some PC-models do not work with the fstprn software, if this happens please try using another PC or setting your parallel port
  to "compatible" mode in your computers BIOS if possible.