Installing firmware

1. Introduction

The firmware can only be updated using Ethernet.

2. Check Files

Depending on the product, the software is a file called rtbns, or ec_xbns or xbns package. The exact content of these packages will depend on the product that you have.

The rtbns software has no extension and must be in lower case.

Depending on the product you have, the xbns package contains one or two files, these are both in lower case with the extension .img. xbns is always required, whereas xDEV is only used on certain products and will be sent if required.

For the RT3000v3, you will have been sent a package called ec_xbns. From November 2020, there has been a change in the content of this package. Please see here for details.

If the software has been sent in a zip file, the extension might have been changed (e.g. to .piz) so that it is not rejected by email security systems. If so, change it to .zip, then unzip the file.

NOTE 

3. Connect Ethernet

The RJ45 Ethernet connector on the RT can be plugged in to a network hub. To connect it directly
to a laptop a crossover must be used. The RT is supplied with a suitable cable for connection to a
laptop computer. The IP address of the laptop must be in the same subnet as the RT, in other words the IP address should begin 195.0.0. (by default) and end with a number lower than 255 that is different from the RT.

4. Viewing Raw Data on RT

Explorer can be used to connect to the RT.

Open Explorer. In the address box type: ftp://195.0.0.m where m is the address of the RT, as shown in the screenshot below.

On older systems it is necessary to supply a user name and password. Type: ftp://user:user@195.0.0.m

Explorer will list all the raw data files that are stored in the RT.

If Internet Explorer automatically opens when you try to connect over FTP, open the Internet Options, Advanced tab and tick the setting to enable FTP folder view outside of Internet Explorer (see below).

5. Back up old files

Before updating the firmware, back-up any RD files you may need.

Do not delete the files that start with mobile. These are your configuration files and should only be changed using the RT-Config. (The file mobile.rd can be deleted, but the system will put it back).

6. Applying the firmware

The file must be unzipped before it is applied to the unit. The firmware must be transferred as binary data, with the file name unchanged. 

To copy the firmware drag-and-drop it in the Explorer window.

If you have a unit that requires both xbns and xDEV, please apply these at the same time. 

Close Explorer.

Wait 10 seconds, turn off the RT and turn it back on again

7. Check firmware version

Run NAVdisplay and connect to the RT as normal. In NAVconnect the firmware id is displayed, as shown below.

This should be the same as the new software that you installed. The name of the zipped file containing the firmware will tell you the version (or Development ID) of the rtbns/xbns firmware.