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GPIB-ENET and Windows 3.1 - Firmware Update Utility

Hardware: GPIB>>External Controllers/Convertors>>GPIB-ENET

Problem:
I have an old GPIB-ENET device that I am using on Windows 3.1. How do I update the GPIB-ENET firmware so that I can use it with the NI-488.2 driver?

Solution:
If you have received your NI-488.2 software as an update to your current GPIB-ENET, you need to update the firmware in the GPIB-ENET. Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) stores the firmware that controls the GPIB-ENET. You can use the Firmware Update utility to upgrade the firmware in the EEPROM. The latest firmware file is called enet_xx.bin, where xx stands for the latest firmware revision number.

Caution: Because of the potential loss of EEPROM functionality, it is extremely important to follow the instructions in this section. Please read this entire section before attempting to update your firmware. Pay close attention to the GPIB-ENET READY LED, which reports important status codes.

Although you should update your firmware as needed, the number of times you can do so is limited. Therefore, update the firmware only when necessary. Also, notice that there is a time period of about two seconds when the GPIB-ENET runs exclusively in volatile RAM memory with the EEPROMs erased. If the box loses power during this time, it is no longer usable and must be returned to National Instruments for repair.

Caution: Because of the potential loss of EEPROM information, do not attempt to update the firmware when your electrical power is in danger; that is, during a weather storm or similar situation. Once you have started the update process, do not switch off power to your GPIB-ENET until you see and record the flashing READY LED pattern.

The following steps describe how to update the firmware.
  1. Power off the GPIB-ENET and set DIP switch 7 to the ON position.

  2. Power on the GPIB-ENET and wait for the READY LED light to remain steady.

  3. Double-click on the Firmware Update icon in the NI-488.2 GPIB-ENET Software group in the Program Manager.

  4. Enter the IP address of the GPIB-ENET and the EEPROM binary image file name.

  5. Click on the Update button when you are ready to begin the update process. Follow the instructions provided by the Firmware Update program.

  6. Make sure you wait for the READY LED to begin flashing, which signals that the update is complete. Do not power off your GPIB-ENET before you see and record the flashing READY LED pattern. If the programming is successful, the READY LED signals a status code of 00, signified by one long flash and one short flash. Other patterns are used to indicate that the EEPROMs did not program properly. If a pattern other than 00 is indicated, refer to Appendix D, READY LED Signaling of the Getting Started manual, linked below, for more information on recording the flashing pattern.

  7. Power off the GPIB-ENET and return DIP switch 7 to the OFF position.

  8. Power on the GPIB-ENET and wait for the READY LED to remain steady.


Related Links:
Drivers and Updates: GPIB-ENET firmware revision A5
Product Reference: Getting Started with Your GPIB-ENET and the NI-488.2 Software for Windows

Attachments:


firmup1.JPG - firmup1.JPG

Report Date: 08/02/2006
Last Updated: 08/18/2006
Document ID: 40171O0D

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