BitSURFR Pro Softload The Motorola BitSURFR Pro utilizes flash memory to store the operating system software. This memory can be upgraded or "reflashed" when necessary to provide enhancements to the product. The softload process is accomplished by uploading a new softload file from the PC or Mac attached to BitSURFR Pro using Y-Modem G file transfer protocol found in most popular async communications packages. The instructions below describe the steps necessary to perform softloading. You may use the softload program for DOS which is included in the softload directory. The readme.txt file describes exactly how to use it. This is the least error prone method to softload the BitSURFR PRO. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WARNING: Once a file transfer has begun, the BSPro will lose all functionality except the ability to softload. If the transfer is canceled for any reason, the BSPro will re-enter the YModem-G receive mode and will accept another softload attempt. The BSPro will not function otherwise until a valid softload is completed. If power is removed from the BSPro during a softload, when power is restored the BSPro will immediately re-enter the YModem-G receive mode. Another softload may proceed normally, except the file must be uploaded at 19200 bps, regardless of the speed of the first softload. See the Softload Failure section at the end of this chapter for further instructions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * If there is a README.TXT file accompanying the softload file, read it for a description of the software contained in the softload file. * For best results, the softload file should be uploaded from the PC or Mac's hard disk instead of the floppy drive. The following steps demonstrate a typical softload session from a PC or Mac, using async communications software such as HyperACCESS for PCs or MicroPhone LT for Macs. 1. Configure the PC or Mac's communications software for 38400 bps (or the fastest data rate supported), full-duplex asynchronous operation, 8-bit characters, no parity, one stop bit, and RTS/CTS flow control. Softloading can be done at any DTE speed supported by the BSPro. However, no increase in softload throughput is achieved with DTE speeds past 38400bps. 2. Using the terminal emulation on the PC or Mac, send an AT command to the BSPro. The BSPro will respond with OK. 3. Configure the BSPro for RTS/CTS flow control. This may be done using either LocalMenu or the AT\Q3 command. 4. Verify the current operating system software of the BSPro using the ATI8 command. Note the current "Software Revision" and "Freshest File Stamp" date. 5. Set a softload password using the AT%P1=x where x is a 1-8 character word. A password is required to later initiate softloading. The current password can be verified using the AT%P1? command. 6. Initiate softload using the command AT$Y=x (where x is the softload password). The TA responds with either ERROR (if the password is invalid) or the softload method banner (SOFTLOAD YGMS-1). This banner identifies the download method and file format. The BSPro will send the message READY to indicate that it is ready for softload, and will begin sending the YModem-G initiation character (G). 7. Initiate the YModem-G file upload from the PC or Mac. Upload only the .SL file to the BSPro. Do not attempt to send any other type file. The transfer will take approximately 2.5 minutes at 38400 bps, or approximately 4 minutes at 19200 bps. During the softload the TD (Transmit Data) LED on the BSPro will blink green as the file is being sent to the BSPro. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If any errors are encountered during the file transfer, the BSPro will display an error code and the message "Softload failed! Restarting softload". The BSPro will re-enter YModem-G receive mode and begin sending the YModem-G initiation character (G). At this point a new file transfer may be started. If a softload failure occurs, see the section at the end entitled Softload Failure for instructions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8. When the file transfer upload is complete, the BSPro will pause for several seconds. Do not remove power from the BSPro during this pause! It will then display the message "Softload successful, restarting TA". The BSPro will reset itself and return to AT command mode. A D-channel reinitialization will also be done. It is now operating with the software upgrade. 9. Verify the new operating software using the ATI8 command as used in step 4. Softload Failure The BSPro can contain only one set of software at a time. During a softload, the BSPro is replacing its existing software with the new software contained in the softload file. For this reason, if the file transfer is interrupted for any reason, then the software in the BSPro will be incomplete, and the BSPro will be unable to function. In most cases, it will retain enough functionality to perform another softload. A successful softload must be performed before the BSPro will be able to operate normally. * Canceling softload before a file transfer has been started. When the AT$Y=x command is issued, the BSPro responds with the softload method banner and the message READY. It will begin sending the YModem-G initiation character (G). At this point it is possible to cancel the sofload, by removing and reapplying power to the BSPro, as long as a file transfer has not been started. Do not remove power from the BSPro if a file transfer has been started. After a file transfer begins, it is impossible to return to the old software. * Interrupted file transfer Do not cancel a file transfer, since this will render the BSPro unable to function except to perform another softload. If a file transfer is accidentally interrupted, then the BSPro will display an error code and the message "Softload Failed! Restarting softload". The BSPro will then re-enter the YModem-G receive mode and will send the YModem-G initiation character (G). At this point a new file transfer may be started. * Loss of power during a softload If power to the BSPro is removed at any point during a softload after the file transfer begins, then the BSPro will be unable to function, except to perform another softload. When power is reapplied to the BSPro, it will immediately enter the YModem-G receive mode, and the softload may proceed normally as described above, with the following exception: the communications software must be set to 19200 bps, 8-bit characters, no parity before sending the file. The softload will be invalid at any other setting. If this softload is successful, then the TA will restart itself and will be fully operational with the new software upgrade. * If the BSPro does not respond after a softload attempt After a successful softload, the BSPro should respond to AT commands. If the softload failed for any reason, then the BSPro should re-enter the YModem-G receive mode. It will not respond to AT commands while it is in YModem-G receive mode. In this mode the BSPro should be sending the YModem-G initiation character (G) to the terminal continuously, indicating that the BSPro is ready for softload. If power has been removed from the BSPro during a softload attempt or after a softload failure, make sure the communications package is set to 19200 bps before another softload is attempted. If power has not been removed, then the communications package settings should not be changed. If the BSPro will not respond to AT commands, and the YModem-G initiation character (G) is not being sent to the terminal, then the software in the BSPro may have been corrupted. Contact Motorola ISG technical support for assistance.