D195prog / D295prog

Firmware Update Tools for D195/D295

P-DDE / T. Hermann
2014-01-15
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Contents
1. Objective ........................................................................................................................................ 3

2. Operation ....................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Basics........................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2. Invoking the update tool................................................................................................................ 3
2.2.1. Via B&R Software Manager (SWman) ....................................................................................... 3
2.2.2. Standalone mode ...................................................................................................................... 3
2.3. The update process...................................................................................................................... 4

3. Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................ 4

4. Contact information....................................................................................................................... 6

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1. Objective
The D195prog and D295prog tools serve for loading the ATL and RQM firmware into the “Qualisizer II”
(D195) and “Qualisizer III” (D295) signal processor units in Rieter autoleveler draw frames. They can
also be used for updating the D195/D295 firmware in these machines during field service.

Formerly, GUI-based programs (RSB_D195_Update.exe and RSB_D295_Upd.exe), built upon an

outdated software framework, have been in use for this purpose. With the advent of Windows7-based
laptops and external USB-to-RS232 adapters, these programs turned out to be no longer useful. It was
therefore decided to develop new tools designed to run in the new hardware and software environment.
In this process, the tools’ internal code was also “streamlined” in order to improve their speed and
reliability.

2. Operation
2.1. Basics
The D195prog and D295prog tools (currently) do not use a GUI. Instead, they are controlled via
parameters passed to the program via command-line parameters. There are several possibilities to do
this, as outlined in the following sections.

Since D195 and D295 use different hardware, the update process will fail if the wrong tool for the device
at hand is used. Also, a firmware file intended for D195 will not work on a D295, and vice versa.

2.2. Invoking the update tool

2.2.1. Via B&R Software Manager (SWman)
This will usually be the most convenient – and therefore preferred – method. For this to work, the
D195/D295 software package must be installed into the SWman file structure, which is automatically
effected by the self-extracting archives which can be downloaded from Rieter Service Portal for this
purpose.

After installation of the package, a corresponding item will appear in the “D” menu of the SWman
window. The update process is conveniently started by choosing the proper selection from there.

NOTE: Of course, before attempting firmware download to the D195/295, the RS232 null-modem cable
must first be detached from the A1 panel, if still connected there, and plugged into connector X1 on the
D195/295!

2.2.2. Standalone mode

Alternatively, the D195/D295 software package may also be invoked independently from SWman, by
navigating to the tool directory in Windows Explorer and double-clicking the “Update_ATL.cmd” or
“Update_RQM.cmd” script files found there.

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2.3. The update process

After invocation of the update tool, a Windows Console window will appear and display text output
pertinent to the update process.

The example screenshot above was taken during a successful update of a D195 ATL processor. Note
the “SUCCESS” message at the bottom. Should any problem occur, the process will usually terminate
with an “ERROR” message instead. Refer to the Troubleshooting section for help in this case.

3. Troubleshooting
3.1. Possible problems and their causes
This section gives an overview over a selection of possible problems.

 The tool is unable to open the firmware (*.QS3 / *.195) file

 The tool is unable to open the COM port

Both these cases should not occur when using the procedures outlined in section 2.2 on a system
with the standard software and hardware configuration.

 No response from D195/D295 on port COM1

Make sure that the D195/D295 to be updated is powered up (green LED A1 is on) and properly
connected to the COM1 port. In particular:

o Are you using a proper null-modem cable?

o Is the cable actually connected to X1 on the D195/D295 (and not to the A1 panel)?

The LEDs on the front panel of the D195/D295 must react when the update process is started.

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 Hexloader / Flash programmer failed to start

 Transmission failed
 Faulty checksum in firmware file detected

These errors most likely point to a problem with the data connection between the COM port and the
D195/D295. The null-modem cable should not be longer than 2 m. Check for bad and/or intermittent
connections, then retry the update process. If this does not help, contact Rieter service.

 Erasure/Programming of Flash memory failed

The internal Flash memory on the D195/D295 appears to be defective. Retry the update process. If
the problem persists, the D195/D295 will need to be replaced.

 System error X occurred at (Y)

The Windows OS has reported an error during a system function call. Retry the update process, and
if this does not help, please use the steps outlined in section 3.2 to notify the developers.

3.2. Giving feedback to the developers

Right-click into the title bar of the console window. From the context menu that appears, select “Edit” →
“Select all”.

(The screenshot above was taken on a German version of Windows 7.)

The text within the console window should now appear highlighted in white:

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Right-click somewhere into the console window. The white highlighting should disappear. Now, the text
has been copied into the Windows clipboard and can easily be pasted into an E-mail or CORN report.
================================================
D295 Firmware Update Tool (Command Line Version)
Version 1.12 Jan 10 2014 T. Hermann / P-DDE
(c) 2013-2014 Rieter Ingolstadt GmbH
This tool is intended for internal use only!
================================================

Processing QS3 file... done

Executing bootstrap sequence
Initializing ATL processor... FAIL

*** ERROR: No Response from D295 on port COM1!

Check interface selection and cable connection

Drücken Sie eine beliebige Taste . . .

4. Contact information
Mohammed
Mr. Tobias Habibur
Hermann, Rahman
Team P-DDE
System engineer
Rieter Ingolstadt GmbH, Germany
Hardware Software Troubleshoter
E-Mail: [email protected]
Email : [email protected]

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