How to Proflash an Instrument

The information provided is for help with Commtest Instruments products:

• vb instrument, MMS data loggers, Profiler instrument

QUESTION

How do I PROFLASH my instrument?

ANSWER

PROFLASHING is the system used to install an operating system (firmware) into the instrument.

The instrument accepts .hex files. The .hex files are included with the software but it is advisable to check for the current release version on our website download area. The process of PROFLASHING an instrument is similar for the complete range of Commtest Instruments products.

Downloading the Firmware

Go to the appropriate download page for your instrument. The firmware is shown as a .exe file. This is a .hex file that has been made into a self extracting WinZip executable. You do not need WinZip to extract the firmware file.

There are two options for extracting the file. Click the link and you will be asked to 'Save' or 'Open' the file:

• Save: Download and save the .exe file to your hard disk then run the executable by double-clicking it.
• Open: Click Open and you will be asked where you want the .hex file saved to on your hard drive.

  A good place to store the .hex file is within the Commtest program itself. A default install will put the software in:

  C:\Program Files\Commtest Instruments\'your software package'\

  The Ascent software has a separate 'Proflash' directory to store .hex files.

Performing the PROFLASH

It is vital that you upload any data you wish saved from the instrument to the software before you begin.

Some firmware upgrades will preserve data on the instrument, but this is not always the case. Make sure the instrument has 30% minimum battery charge, 7.2 V battery voltage or preferably have the battery charger connected and turned on. Make sure your instrument is connected to the communications cable (in the usual manner for data transfer).

To access the MAS software PROFLASH system:

For Profiler and MMS3000 series:

• From the Main Menu select Tools>PROFLASH MMS.

For the vbSeries^®:

• From the Main Menu select File>Proflash VB.

Once activated the PROFLASH will prompt you for the .hex file that you have extracted.

PROFLASHING an instrument takes approximately 1 minute. It is important to read any messages given by the software during the PROFLASH. You may be prompted to wait till the instrument reboots; it is important to let it do this and finish the process fully. Read this FAQ article on avoiding instrument lockup during the PROFLASHING process.

FAQ ID: 11610 Last Reviewed: 23/01/2003