Comtech EF Data CRS-200 REDUNDANCY SWITCH - Manual (Page 42)

CRS-200 COMTECH COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
CRS-200 REDUNDANCY SWITCH - OPERATIONS MANUAL PAGE 40
10 FLASH UPGRADING
From time to time it may be necessary to update the internal firmware of the switch, either
to correct any problems that may be reported in operational use, or to add new features. In
the past, this has been accomplished by using EPROMs, which had to be physically shipped
to the user. The user would then have to remove the lid from the unit, locate and remove the
old EPROM, and replace it with an updated EPROM.
The CRS-200 uses ‘flash memory’ technology internally, and new firmware can be uploaded
to the unit from an external PC. This makes software upgrading very simple, and updates can
now be sent via the Internet, E-mail, or on floppy disk. The upgrade can be performed
without opening the unit, by simply connecting the switch to the serial port of a computer.
The cable to connect the PC to the switch is the same as is used for normal RS232 remote
control, and comprises 3-wires between 9 pin ‘D’ type female connectors. This is shown in
the Cables Section.
Comtech will distribute a free software utility, that is designed to run under Windows 3.1x,
Windows 95/98 or Windows NT. This utility program is called CCCFlash.exe, and should be
copied to the user’s computer hard disk. This is the same program that is used to flash
upgrade the CDM-550T modem and other Comtech products. Along with this, the user will
receive the latest firmware file (for example, 200V102.ccc), that the user should copy to the
same sub-directory (folder).
The user then connects the switch remote control port to an unused serial port on the user’s
computer, and executes the program. The user should follow the instructions presented on
the screen, and the upload will take place automatically. Following the successful upload
process, the unit will automatically re-start, running the new version of firmware. During this
process, the non-volatile RAM, storing the configuration of the switch, will be erased, so the
user is then required to re-enter the desired configuration parameters.
Full on-line help is provided with CCCFlash.exe, but if users experience a problem, or have
a question, they should contact Comtech Technical Support.