Printronix P8000 Series Cartridge Ribbon Printer - Manual (Page 255)

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7
Downloading Firmware
There is 256 MB of FLASH memory on the controller board. The printer
firmware which includes printer control languages (the “emulations”), the
engine control, and printer operating system software are loaded into FLASH
memory at the factory, but there are occasions when you may have to load
this software:
• Firmware upgrade to a newer level
• Changing to a different firmware (emulation) type
• Replacing a controller or reloading firmware if FLASH becomes corrupt.
Different firmware types may be included on a CD-ROM for printer upgrades.
The target firmware type should be copied to a computer’s hard disk. From
there, you can employ one of the various download methods presented in this
section. Downloading firmware can be accomplished through any host IO
installed on the printer, but may not be valid for all methods.
NOTE: The target firmware must be consistent with the options present in the
controller Security Key. Otherwise, the firmware download will be
prevented.
With exception to the manual two-key and manual three-key power-
up sequences, downloading new firmware does not require the user
to put the printer into any special mode. Rather, most downloading
methods are employed when the printer is ONLINE and ready to
receive data. This makes the download procedure easy.
FLASH is used to store the firmware, but it also contains a file system that
holds System and User Flash Files. User Flash Files consist of downloaded
fonts, logos, forms, setup files, feature files, CST files, and files that are
specific to the user’s setup or application. These files are either preserved or
deleted based on the download method used as shown in Table 19 on
page 256.
IMPORTANT Regardless of download method, any saved configurations will be
erased. Before starting a download procedure, be sure that you have
printed or saved configurations on your host computer so they can be
restored after the download process is complete.