Upgrading an Instrument Using Proflash
From time to time Commtest will release new versions of instrument firmware. These firmware upgrades allow you to take advantage of product enhancements and new features that were created after your instrument was purchased. To re-program an instrument with newer firmware you must PROFLASH the instrument with a new firmware file.
Warning:
PROFLASHING will restore the instrument to the factory default state and delete all stored information. This includes folders, routes, machines, parameter sets, recordings and balance jobs. If you wish to save any of this information, please transfer all folders to the software before PROFLASHING your instrument.
- To check if a newer firmware version is available, visit our website at www.commtest.com and check the Downloads page. You will need to register your instrument before you can download the latest firmware file.
- Compare the website firmware file's version number with your current instrument firmware to see if it is newer. Power up the instrument so that the Main Menu displays. In the middle of the screen look for the text 'Firmware vX.xx' (where X.xx is the current firmware version number). If the instrument firmware number is lower than the website firmware number it means the website file is newer; download the file and proceed with the PROFLASH.
Proflash a vbSeries Portable Instrument
NOTE: This video may take a moment to buffer and load.
- With the instrument powered on, connect and turn on the battery charger.
- Connect the instrument and the PC using the supplied communications cable. If you want to save any information that is still stored in the instrument you should transfer this now.
- Start the Ascent software on the PC.
- In the Ascent software, select Edit>Manage>vbInstruments... The 'MANAGER - VB UNIT' window will open.
- Double-click your instrument (identifiable by its serial number) in the new window. The instrument properties window will open.
Note: if your vbSeries instrument is not listed, it has not yet been added to the Ascent software.
- If Proflashing a vbX instrument click the Proflash button in the vbSeries Properties window's Setup tab. If Proflashing a vbClassic instrument click the Proflash button under the Tasks tab. The Proflash window will appear, listing the available firmware version(s) stored on your PC.
Note:
If Ascent locates more than one firmware file within the selected folder, it will list all versions present. The recommended vbX version will be highlighted at the top of the list. The text Recommended will
also be displayed beside the recommended firmware revision under the Suitability column. You must select the recommended/suitable vbX000 (vbClassic) update manually.
- With the recommended firmware version highlighted, click Proflash (or Proflash now! for vbVlassic instruments). PROFLASHING the instrument takes approximately one to two minutes. The instrument will display a series of progress messages then prompt you to reset the instrument. Do not interrupt the PROFLASH process as this will damage the instrument.
Last Reviewed: 08/Jun/2009 Source: Ascent Software Guide Revision 15 April 2009 - page 350 - 252