Astech Micro-Z - Firmware, Firmware Release Notes, Firmware Upload Programs and how to use them


Loading Firmware

  1. The primary method for loading firmware when directly connected to a PC is with the Universal Program Loader (v3.20), v2.0 or later. Instructions (below) and UPL Documentation will detail how to properly load the latest firmware. Note to Windows XP and Windows 2000 users: With UPL version 2.32, it is mandatory to install UPL under ’Administrator’ login.  If UPL is intalled on WinXP or Win2000 under ’User’ login, the installation will fail.

  2. If the receiver is at a remote location, MicroManager (ver 2.0) should be used. The installation instructions and MM documentation details the procedures for uploading new firmware onto the receiver. The firmware version currently loaded in the receiver will determine what version of Micro Manager should be used. For firmware versions UFBX through UFBZ, MicroManager v1.1.00 should be used. For firmware versions before UFBX (UFB1 thru UFBP), an earlier version of MicroManager should be used. The rule is to load new firmware through the MicroManager version of software which came with the firmware version currently loaded in the receiver. Once upgrading the firmware version to CJ00, you should then upgrade the version of MicroManager on your PC to version 1.1.00. Failure to follow this method WILL result in no longer being able to communicate with the receiver file system or upload new firmware versions.

Firmware for the Micro-Z

Ashtech programs are designed to operate with industry standard personal computers. Use of computers, which are not 100% compatible with these standards, may cause abnormal program operation. For best results, Ashtech recommends that one use the highest quality serial ports available.

Loading firmware with Universal Program Loader Quick Reference

  1. Place firmware in directory on hard drive.

  2. Connect and power the receiver to the PC.

  3. Start UPL, and then specify a full name (or names) for firmware files to load in the "Specify Locations of the file(s) to load" field or use the "Browse" button to locate the files.

  4. Click on OPEN.

  5. Select COM port and speed and click on NEXT.

  6. Press the Load button.

  7. If loading is successful, a congratulations message will pop up, along with a handshaking message.

  8. If loading is unsuccessful, read the error messages sent to the screen and decipher problem.

Wait until firmware loading is complete before disconnecting receiver, failure to do so will result in an un-communicative receiver.

Loading firmware with MicroManager Quick Reference

  1. Place firmware in directory on hard drive

  2. Connect and power the receiver to the PC. Start MicroManager and connect to receiver. For more information on this refer to the MicroManager manual, section "Connecting to the GPS Receiver".

  3. Click on RECEIVER (Top left of MicroManager screen).

  4. Click on UPLOAD FIRMWARE (From pull down menu of RECEIVER).

  5. Click on BROWSE to select MZCODE.BIN file. Note that CRC32.DAT file must be in same directory as MZCODE.BIN but you should not select it.

  6. Click on START UPLOAD (This loads the firmware file on the external memory card within the receiver).

  7. After the firmware has been transferred to the external memory card in the receiver, MicroManager will ask you "Do you wish to ask the receiver to replace its firmware with the uploaded file". Click YES.

  8. The receiver will check the uploaded file and then acknowledge it will load the new firmware. Click OK.

  9. Depending on whether you are directly connected or remotely connected, MicroManager may ask if you would like to terminate. Regardless, you should terminate MicroManager at this point.

  10. Wait 5 minutes and then reconnect to the receiver. Issue the command $PASHS,INI,5,5,5,5,3,0

NOTE: In the last step, you should change the serial port baud rate in the INI command to match the port speed that you are connected to the receiver with. Failure to do this will cause the loss of connection between MicroManager and the receiver. You will then need to click on POLL RECEIVER BAUD from the drop down menu by clicking on FILE in the top left corner if you are directly connected to the receiver or by redialing the modem if you are remotely connected.

Questions or problems with receiver firmware uploading may be directed to Thales Technical Suport at: 1-800-229-2400, or professionalsupportthalesnavigation.com



Article ID: 368
Created: February 10, 2009
Last Updated: February 10, 2009
Author: Beth Bartel

Online URL: https://kb.unavco.org/article/astech-micro-z-firmware-firmware-release-notes-firmware-upload-programs-and-how-to-use-them-368.html