How to Reprogram an Ascent Security Dongle
QUESTION
How do I reprogram my Ascent security dongle to include the new features that I require?
ANSWER
From time to time you may require the program on the Ascent security dongle to be altered. Perhaps you have purchased another vbSeries® instrument or purchased an additional feature that can be activated within the Ascent software? Whatever the reason, you will need to know how to perform this task.
Contact your nearest reseller and use their assistance to obtain the product or service that you require.
When you contact either us or your local reseller there is an important piece of information you need to provide that will make our task much easier. Please copy and send us the contents of the Ascent dongle log by following the instructions below
- From the Ascent main menu select Options>Software Mode>View Dongle History.
(Click any of the images below to enlarge them.)
- Select Copy to Clipboard then paste the information into an e-mail and this forward to your local reseller or to us directly at reg@commtest.com.
We will we notify you when your dongle unlock is ready. You will use this to reprogram your security dongle.
Reprogramming your Security Dongle
There is a feature within the Ascent software that allows for the dongle to be re-programmed using an Internet based update file.
- Connect to the Internet in the normal manner.
- Start the Ascent program then from the main menu select Options>Software Mode>Enter an Unlock code.
The Enter Unlock code window appears.
From here you have two options: by far the easiest option is to use the Internet using the Check web button to automatically download the generated update file from the Commtest web server. This method only takes an instant to gather the file (even on slower Internet connections).
The other option is for us to send you the file via e-mail (as an attachment). You can save this file to your local hard disk and use the Load from File option. Navigate to where you saved the file and select Open. You will need to notify us if you wish to use this as an alternative option to Check Web.
Whichever option you choose, a group of characters will appear in the lower window bar.
- Click OK. The following message will appear:
- Click OK. The dongle log summary will update with the new service or product added.
In our example above a customer has purchased a vb3000 and has reprogrammed the dongle to activate the Proven Method, statistical alarms and other license-only features.
If you need any further information or assistance then please contact us at help@commtest.com.
FAQ ID: 11851 Last Reviewed: 30 July 2008