Level 0 diagnostics, Boot loader mode – TransAct Technologies ITHERM 280 User Manual

Page 63

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How to Operate the ITherm

®

280

iTherm

®

280 Programmer’s Guide

28-07764

Rev C

Page 61

Level 0 Diagnostics

Level 0 diagnostics always and only run at power up, e.g. power being applied. These
diagnostics perform the following tasks:

Cold Power On

1. Basic System Integrity
2. Vector Integrity
3. RAM Test
4. Flash Boot Loader Integrity
5. Flash Firmware Integrity (NOTE: If the firmware is corrupted, the printer will remain in boot load.)
6. Start Normal Firmware
7. Verify Configuration Integrity
8. Interface Card Configuration
9. User-store Integrity
10. Start Kernel, Verify Multitasking, Start Tasks

Once the kernel is running, the following tests must pass to allow operation. However, if any test
fails (except the knife home test), the remaining tests will generate recoverable faults and normal
operation will start as soon as the fault is cleared. These tests are also run when operation is
resumed from OFF.

11. Cover Closed Check
12. Knife Home (if installed)
13. Paper Present
14. Place Printer On-line, Start Normal Operation


The first phase of testing consists of step 1-5, and determines that the boot loader is
accurate and the printer firmware is correct. Tests 1 through 4 produce non-recoverable
errors if they fail, in which case the power must be removed from the printer and the
printer returned for service. If the boot loader is intact, but the main firmware is
corrupted, the printer automatically enters boot loader mode, where the firmware can
then be reloaded into the printer.

Boot Loader Mode

The boot loader cannot be entered during normal operation. Boot loader mode can only
be entered in one of two ways: (1) when Level 0 Diagnostics finds that the firmware
check (also known as a cyclical redundancy check, or CRC) is bad, or (2) manually.

To manually enter the boot loader, hold the * button while the power is applied. The

ERROR

Indicator comes on, and the

POWER

indicator blinks. At this time, the firmware

boot program is operating and the boot load file may be sent to the printer. When the
printer receives the boot load file, the printer will automatically restart if the firmware load
was successful. If the load fails, the printer will remain in boot load mode. If the load
fails, reset the printer by removing the power and restarting it.

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