NovAtel Firmware and Software
Chapter 8
OEM6 Family Installation and Operation User Manual Rev 7
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8.4.8
SoftLoad Errors
It is possible for errors to occur during the SoftLoad update. All command responses should be checked
to verify all issued commands were accepted. The SoftLoad status should also be monitored in the
SOFTLOADSTATUS log. Any status enum value greater than the ERROR status indicates an error has
occurred during the SoftLoad update. In the event of an error, the SoftLoad update should be restarted by
issuing a
SOFTLOADRESET
command or normal operation can be restored by resetting the receiver.
In rare cases after a SoftLoad error, the boot code may not be able to determine which is the latest
firmware to be executed. To protect against this, SoftLoad does not erase the previous valid firmware
image from flash on the receiver. In such cases, the boot code will execute the old image and raise the
"Safe Mode" error (See RXSTATUS log). If that error is detected, simply restart the SoftLoad process to
reload the new firmware image and the error will be resolved.
8.5
Upgrading Using the AUTH Command
The
AUTH
command is used to upgrade to a new OEM6 family model with an authorization code that
enables (unlocks) model features. This command only functions with a valid auth-code assigned by
.
The upgrade can be performed directly through the NovAtel Connect command line or from any other
communications program.
8.5.1
Upgrade Procedure
1. Power up the OEM6 family receiver and establish communications (refer to the Quick Start Guide
included with the product for instructions).
2. Issue the
LOG VERSION
command to verify the current model, firmware version and serial number
for instructions on obtaining).
3. Issue the
AUTH
command, followed by the auth-code and model type (refer to
for details on obtaining any auth-code). The syntax is as follows:
auth <your auth-code here>
where
auth
is a command that enables model upgrades and
auth-code
is the upgrade authorization
code, expressed as follows:
XXXXXX,XXXXXX,XXXXXX,XXXXXX,XXXXXX,MODEL,EXPDATE
where:
1. Each X character is a case-insensitive ASCII character.
2. The MODEL string is a maximum of 15 characters long and represents the model enabled by the
auth-code.
3. The EXPDATE string is the auth-code’s expiry date, in YYMMDD format
Example:
auth 7WBMBK,887CB6,K5J3FH,5DF5P2,42PW8G,D1SB0GTT0,121211
When the
AUTH
command is executed, the OEM6 family receiver reboots. Issuing the
LOG VERSION
command confirms the new upgrade model type and firmware version number.
If communicating using NovAtel Connect, the communication path must be closed and reopened using
the Device menu.
Section Types of Firmware Files on page 91
for details on
updating versus upgrading.
