Update Firmware

This process requires connecting devices directly to the PC USB for firmware updates. Update times may vary by device.

IMPORTANT: It does not matter whether CrewWare is “live” or “offline” during this procedure. If updating a configured CrewCom system, the system requires you to update your devices in this order: Control Units, Hubs, RTs, and finally RPs. When updating RPs, power off all other equipment.

Tip: You can utilize a USB “hub” in order to connect and update multiple devices at once; in this case, be sure all devices are connected prior to Step 3. (When updating multiple RTs via USB "hub" (and those RTs are powered via PoC), a reset could occur if an upstream RT finishes its update ahead of downstream RTs. In this situation, the downstream RT(s) may experience an update failure, which you can rectify by restarting their update.)

IMPORTANT: When updating each CU's firmware to version 1.8, an additional file upload directly to the CU (via front panel USB) will be required. Upon clicking "Scan for Devices" in CrewWare's firmware tab, you will find step-by-step instructions for this process.

1. In CrewWare, navigate to the “Firmware” tab. Select the USB Devices sub-tab.

   

   CrewWare Firmware Tab

2. Connect a USB-to-Micro-USB cable from the PC to the device (micro end goes into the CrewCom device).

   IMPORTANT: When updating the Pliant 6+6 Drop-In Radio Pack and Battery Charger (PBT-RPC-66), do not connect power to the Charger until AFTER you have completed Steps 1 and 2.

3. Click the Scan For Devices button at the bottom of the tab. If you are updating a CU on version 1.4 or older, proceed to step 3.A. below. If you are updating a CU on version 1.4 or newer or updating an RT, Hub, or RP skip to step 4.
   1. The connected Control Unit will display on the tab with an alert message about front-panel USB file update procedure. Click Next.

      

      CU Front-Panel File Update Prompt

   2. Connect a FAT32-formatted USB drive to your PC. Click Next.

      

      Insert USB Drive Prompt

   3. Select the USB drive from the drop down box, then click Save.

      

      Select USB Drive Prompt

   4. When the file is saved to the USB drive, eject the drive from your PC and plug it into the front panel of the CU. (You may click Next in CrewWare to view instructions for the next steps in this procedure in addition to reading them below.)

      

      File Saved Prompt

   5. Use the CU's navigation buttons to scroll and select Upload Firmware from the menu that displays on the CU LCD.

      

      CU LCD "Upload Firmware" Menu

   6. Select cuimage.bin in the next menu that displays.
   7. Select Yes in response to the CU's "Are you sure you wish to upload firmware?" prompt. A progress bar will display the progress of the upload.
   8. After the upload completes, disconnect the USB drive from the CU and power cycle the device.

      Note: After the update completes, a prompt will display, confirming the change and asking "Do you want to reboot the DSP?" You may disregard this prompt. Power cycling the CU at this step will automatically reboot the DSP, so no response is required.

   9. After the CU has finished powering up, ensure it is still connected to the PC via USB cable, then click Scan for Devices in CrewWare to initiate the next phase of the firmware update.
   10. The connected Control Unit will display on the tab with an alert message about the transitional procedure. Click OK.
4. Each connected device will display on the tab along with their current firmware version.

   

   USB-Connected Device

5. Click the Update button under each device to initiate its update. A progress bar will display.

   Note: For RPs, you can also initiate the update from the device by pressing F2 when prompted.

   Note: For CUs updating to 1.8, the progress bar will halt at 50% awaiting user input. Once the CU LCD displays a "Waiting for Rescan" message, you can click Scan For Devices then Update again to continue with the second half of the CU update.

   

   USB Firmware Update In Progress

6. Wait for the device to complete its update. DO NOT disconnect the device or click Abort until all of the device’s updates are complete and an “Update Complete” message displays in the progress bar.
   

   

   USB Firmware Update In Progress

   Caution: When updating RTs, you must also wait for the RX and TX LEDS to finish alternating flashes and return to a normal state before clearing the CrewWare screen and continuing to step 7.

7. Click the Clear button to remove the updated device(s) from the Firmware tab.
8. Verify the firmware installation by repeating steps 3 and 4 to rescan the devices. Confirm that the rescanned devices now display the new firmware version number in CrewWare.

   

   Rescanned Updated Device

9. Disconnect the USB cable from the device without clicking on anything in CrewWare. Once the device is disconnected, click the Clear/Abort button to remove the device from the Firmware tab.
10. Repeat steps 2–9 above until each Control Unit (CU), Hub, Radio Transceiver (RT), and Radio Pack (RP) is updated.

11. If updating from firmware version 1.1 or older, you must also save your CCF in the new version to match existing settings to added features. Use the recommended procedure from Save Configuration File (CCF).

Device firmware must be 1.1 or higher for network update capability.

1. Update any system Control Units and Hubs via USB before updating RTs.
2. Connect the CrewCom system, power on the devices, and verify that all RTs you are updating are receiving power.
3. Open CrewWare and click on the Offline button in the upper right corner. The Login window will display.
4. Enter the primary CU’s IP address in the Device field of the Login window. Click OK.
5. Once connected, all RTs will be grayed out since their firmware version does not match the CU’s firmware version yet. An error will display in the upper right system status region.



“Error” System Status

6. Click on CrewWare’s Firmware tab. On the Network Devices sub-tab, check the Show All Network Devices box. All connected RTs will display.
7. Click the Update Listed Devices button at the bottom of the tab to initiate the update for all connected RTs. CrewWare will automatically begin the process of updating the RTs one at a time, and a progress bar will display for each.
8. Wait for the devices to complete their update. As each update finishes, you should see the RT’s firmware version change to the new version number within CrewWare. DO NOT disconnect the device or click Abort until all of the device’s updates are complete and an “Update Complete” message displays in the progress bar.

   Caution: When updating RTs, you must also wait for all devices’ RX and TX LEDS to finish alternating flashes and return to a normal state before clearing the CrewWare screen and continuing to step 9.

   

   CrewWare Firmware Tab - Network Devices Sub-Tab

9. Click the Live button and go offline.
10. After all RTs are updated, reboot your system by powering off and powering on all CUs, Hubs, and locally powered RTs.

11. If updating from firmware version 1.1 or older, you must also save your CCF in the new version to match existing settings to added features. Use the recommended procedure from Save Configuration File (CCF).