Studio Technologies 5120 2014 - Manual (Page 15)

Model 5120 User Guide Issue 5, October 2014
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 15
Model 5120
Line/IFB Output Module
Firmware Version Display
After the Model 5120’s power-up sequence
has completed, the unit’s LEDs are used to
automatically display the firmware (embed-
ded software) version number. This is use-
ful when working with factory personnel on
application support and troubleshooting
situations. The seven LEDs associated
with the channel 1 audio level meter are
used to display the major version number
with a range of 1 through 7. The seven
LEDs associated with the channel 2 audio
level meter are used to display the minor
version number which ranges from 0 to
7. (No channel 2 LEDs lit indicates minor
version number 0.) The firmware version
number will display for approximately one
second after the power-up sequence has
completed but before normal operation will
begin. Refer to Figure 5 for a detailed view
of the LEDs and the corresponding firm-
ware version numbering scheme.
Note that while it’s easy to determine
which firmware version is loaded into
the Model 5120 a trip back to the factory
is required to update it. The 8-bit micro-
controller that provides the unit’s logic
“horsepower” also includes internal FLASH
memory. This non-volatile memory is used
to store the operating firmware. Re-pro-
gramming this memory requires using a
specialized programming unit. While not
outrageous in price, it still costs in the
range of US$500. The programmer uses a
ribbon cable and socket to interface with a
6-pin “header” on one of the Model 5120’s
printed circuit boards. And, as you would
guess, once connected reprogramming
takes only a matter of seconds. But unfor-
tunately the programmer is not something
that would be found in a typical “field shop”
or repair facility.
Figure 5. Detail of front panel showing the level meter LEDs
that display the firmware (embedded software) version. In this
example, the software version is 1.2.
Release Sub-Number
Major Release Number ( No LED lit indicates .0)
 
O O O O O O  O  O O O O O
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7