Installing firmware

1. Introduction

The firmware can only be updated using Ethernet.

2. Check Files

Depending on the product, the firmware is a file called rtbns, or ec_xbns or xbns (usually packaged with xDEV although xDEV is sometimes provided separately). 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.

The xbns package contains two files, these are both in lower case with the extension .img. These files are xbns and xDEV. Older xNAV products (v1 and v2) only run xbns so xDEV will not be supplied for these products.

For the RT3000v3, Survey+v3 and RT500, 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 been sent 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 rtbns/xbns/ec_xbns firmware id is displayed, as shown below. 

To view the xDEV version, you will need to go to Widgets>Digital and add the 'Advanced Development Kit Development ID' measurement. 

This version displayed should be updated to the version 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 (or the name of the xbns/xDEV file).