Firmware Update

To update the firmware, the BIN update file should be manually sent to the device. This can be done with Control Panel OB-215/OB-216, version 1.0.8 or higher.

Before you start

Data Safety

Firmware update does not erase your device configuration or Modbus settings, unless specifically warned so in the firmware description.

Power Supply

Ensure the device has a stable power supply during the update process. Do not power off the device while the update is in progress (usually 20-30 minutes).

Recoverability

The update process faults (e.g. caused by power losses or communication interruptions) are recoverable by repeating the update until it is complete. In case of link loss or file damage, the update can be completed by replacing the file.

Checking current version

Before updating, check your current firmware version to see if an update is necessary. You can find the version number:

• At the bottom of the Control Panel application window, after it connects to OB-216.
• By reading Modbus Firmware version register (Additional Registers, address 1).

Getting the update file into OB-216

To write the update files into the OB-216 memory:

1. Connect OB-216 via RS-485 interface

   • OB-216 should be connected using external USB/RS-485 interface converter or Modbus RTU/Modbus TCP converter.
   • If Modbus TCP converter is used, its RS-485 response timeout should be set high (5000 ms) to allow for long memory erase delays in the firmware update process.

Recoverability

The OB-216 USB interface is in most cases unsuitable for firmware update, due to restarts required in the process.

2. Connect Control Panel OB-215/OB-216 to the device

   • If USB/RS-485 converter is connected, use Program settings button to select serial port and set baud rate 9600, parity and stop bits None, 2, protocol RTU.
   • If Modbus TCP converter is connected, use Program settings button to select Modbus TCP port and address.
   • Use Connect to device button to connect to the OB-216.
   • Check current device firmware version in the bottom of the application window.

3. Start firmware upgrade

   

   • Disconnect from device (if connected).
   • Use Program settings button, then Firmware upgrade button in the Settings window.
   • Use Open file button and select the BIN file on your drive.
   • Check the file version in the top right corner of the window.
   • Use Upgrade button to start the firmware update process.

Entering update mode

If reset and switching to firmware update mode is prompted by application, confirm it by clicking OK. If application suggests turning off the device power supply, turn it off, wait for 5 s and then turn it on again.

4. Wait till the update process finishes

   • The process may take up to 20-30 minutes.
   • The process will be shown in the application window, with progress bar and updating log messages.

5. Confirm the version number

   • Connect to OB-216 again if needed.
   • Check the version number in the Control Panel application window.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Q: Will I lose my configuration or data during an update?

A: No, the firmware update to a newer version process is designed to preserve your device configuration, and Modbus settings. However, downgrading the firmware may revert the settings to factory defaults. In either case, backing up critical data is always recommended.

Q: The Firmware Upgrade button is not appearing in the application window.

A: Disconnect the application from the device, then use Program Settings button. Check the application version is 1.0.8 or newer.

Q: The Control Panel application does not recognize the file, and no file version is displayed.

A: Check the following:

• The file is the correct OB-216 update file downloaded from the Firmware Downloads.
• The file has BIN extension (in the file properties).
• The file is not archived (unpack if it is).

Q: The update process seems to hang.

A: The update process typically takes 20-30 minutes. If it takes significantly longer:

• Do not power off the device immediately.
• Check the log in the application window for any error messages.
• If the device is unresponsive (or the update process is stalled while the device LEDs blink intermittently), try to repeat the update process.

Q: Can I downgrade the firmware?

A: Yes, you can install an older firmware version by sending the older firmware file to the device. However, the device settings are not always retained and may be reverted to factory defaults after firmware downgrade.

Need Help?

For technical support and assistance:

• Email: support@overvis.com
• Support portal: www.overvis.com/support