User's Manual

pulsAR radio Operator’s Manual
3-11
File Utility command summary
Command Description
directory Lists all files stored in Flash PROM
delete-file filename Deletes the specified file from the directory
download-file path/filename
Downloads the specified file from the PC path/filename
into the Flash PROM
set-default-program filename
Sets the indicated filename as the default program to run
after power up
run-file filename loads the indicated program into RAM and executes it.
New firmware versions are made available from time to time at the following page in our website:
http://www.afar.net/support.htm
The firmware files (for point-to-multipoint) are named:
pmp0x_xx.bze (binary zipped file for downloads through the Ethernet port)
pmp0x_xx.dwe (ascii file for download through the serial port, or via Telnet)
where 0x_xx is the firmware version number. The website contains instructions for transferring the
files into your PC.
A new file can be downloaded into the radios in one of three ways: (1) Using the “econ” program
running in a PC connected to the same physical LAN as one of the radios. This is the fastest method
and allows you to download to multiple radios from the same PC. (2) Using a Telnet session from
anywhere on the Internet. This requires the radio to have been pre-configured with an IP address. (3)
Using a terminal emulator program (e.g. HyperTerminal) running on a PC connected through the
serial port to the radio RS-232 auxiliary port. This method only allows you to download to that
specific radio.
The next three sections explain in detail how to download a new file using each method.
3.3.2 Installing new firmware through the Ethernet port
This procedure assumes that the new firmware needs to be installed in all radios of a working
network. The upgrade is performed from a single PC connected via Ethernet to one of the radios.
Note that new firmware does not need to be compatible with the firmware currently running. You
can still download incompatible firmware and restart the network from a single location.
1. If you have not done so, install the utility program “econ” in the PC. This utility program is
distributed with the radios and can also be downloaded from the website. Please refer to
appendix D for instructions on how to install this utility.
2. Make sure the file with the new firmware (file pmp0x_xx.bze) is available in the PC.