Studio Technologies 5120 2011 - Manual (Page 15)

Model 5120 User Guide Issue 3, November 2011
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 15
Model 5120
Line/IFB Output Module
Software Version Display
After the Model 5120’s power-up sequence
has completed, the unit’s LEDs are used to
automatically display the software version
number. This is useful 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
release number with a range of 1 through
7. The seven LEDs associated with the
channel 2 audio level meter are used to
display the release sub-number which
ranges from 0 to 7. (No channel 2 LEDs lit
indicates sub-number 0.) The software ver-
sion number will display for approximately
one second after the power-up sequence
has completed but before normal operation
will begin. Refer to Figure 6 for a detailed
view of the LEDs and the corresponding
software version numbering scheme.
Note that while it’s easy to determine
which software version is loaded into
the Model 5120 a trip back to the fac-
tory is required to update it. The 8-bit
microcontroller that provides the unit’s
logic “horsepower” also includes internal
FLASH memory. This nonvolatile memory
is used to store the operating software
(“firmware”). Re-programming this memory
requires using a specialized programming
unit. While not outrageous in price, it still
costs in the range of US$500. The pro-
grammer 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 sec-
onds. But unfortunately the programmer
is not something that would be found in a
typical “field shop” or repair facility.
Figure 6. Detail of front panel showing the level meter LEDs
that display the 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