NovAtel Firmware and Software
Chapter 8
OEM6 Family Installation and Operation User Manual Rev 12
106
6. The receiver finishes the download and then resets. The process is complete when
Done
appears in the
main display area.
Figure 51: Upgrade Process Complete
7. Close WinLoad.
8.4
Updating Using SoftLoad Commands
Firmware can be updated on a running receiver using a process called SoftLoad. Any available
communication ports on the receiver (COM, USB, ICOM, XCOM, etc.) can be used. The SoftLoad process is
made up of a set of commands and logs that are used to send new firmware data to a receiver and check the
progress of the update. Use SoftLoad if automated loading is desired or if a connection is only possible
through USB or Ethernet.
The receiver stops tracking GNSS satellites during the SoftLoad process. Do not attempt to SoftLoad when
GNSS satellite tracking on the unit is required. If the unit is connected to the NovAtel Connect utility, only the
Console and ASCII Message windows may remain open in the Connect Utility.
8.4.1
SoftLoad Commands and Logs
Refer to the
OEM6 Family Firmware Reference Manual
(OM-20000129) for further log and command
information.
Each command and log can be used in abbreviated ASCII, ASCII or binary format, with the exception of
SOFTLOADDATA, which should only be used in binary format.
File Types
Firmware data is stored in *.hex and *.shex files as ASCII data in the form of S-Records, based on the
Motorola S-Record format. The *.shex file is the same as the *.hex file but includes a digital signature for the
firmware.
Command
Description
SOFTLOADRESET
Initiate a new SoftLoad process
SOFTLOADSREC
Send an S-Record to the receiver for the SoftLoad process
SOFTLOADDATA
Send firmware image data to the receiver for the SoftLoad process
SOFTLOADCOMMIT
Complete the SoftLoad process
SOFTLOADSETUP
Send configuration information to the receiver for the SoftLoad process. This
command is not required when working with a *.hex or *.shex file
Log
Description
SOFTLOADSTATUS
Provides status updates for the ongoing SoftLoad process