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Tech Notes

Instructions for Updating the Software in the M5 Class Modem Using the DOS Software

Overview:

Note that the instructions for the DOS based M5Loader program described below have been completely superceded by the new Windows compatible M5UPDATE.EXE file available for download on the Downloads page. The older Loader should only be used if the Windows program cannot be used. The Windows program is very easy to use and is automatic for most uses.

The M5 Class modems include the PSM-4900, PSM-4900H, PSM-4900L, ASM4800, M5000, M5000HL, SMR5000, SMR5000HL and several other private label model numbers of satellite modems, all manufactured by Datum Systems, Inc. These Modems all use the same base software. However, the model number, serial numbers, calibration and current configuration are all stored in non-volatile memory and are not affected by a software update.

Note: The Text and Pictures below use the software version of 0.80 as an example. The actual version will be the latest available, for example 0.90.

Application Specific Software:

The latest software release will come in one of several variations for specific applications. The application is determined by the last 3 digits in the software version code. The code version follows a format of "Mxxxxyyy" where "xxxx" defines the software revision and "yyy" defines the application version. The known variations to date is for specific application versions are:

  • yyy=000 M5 modem with 70 MHz transmit and receive IF.
  • yyy=001 M5 modem with 140 MHz transmit and receive IF.
  • yyy=002 M5 70 MHz IF modem with Sigtek burst transmit firmware.
  • yyy=003 M5 140 MHz IF modem with Sigtek burst transmit firmware.
  • yyy=020 M5 "Hybrid" modem (70 MHz transmit, L-Band Receive).
  • yyy=021 M5 "Hybrid" modem with 140 MHz transmit IF.
  • yyy=022 M5 "Hybrid" modem 70 MHz transmit, with Sigtek burst transmit firmware.
  • yyy=023 M5 "Hybrid" modem 140 MHz transmit, with Sigtek burst transmit firmware.
  • yyy=040 M5 L-Band modem (L-Band Transmit and Receive).
  • yyy=041 M5 L-Band modem (L-Band Transmit and Receive) with Sigtek burst transmit firmware.
  • yyy=042, 043 Not used

The modem's current code version can be read from the from panel in the Unit Status column. The modem will refuse to load a code version not suited for it. The base code set is the "000" set.

NOTE: The IF frequency that a unit operates at is determined by hardware only. DO NOT ATTEMPT to load Hybrid or L-Band software into a standard modem. It will not change the modem into another type. For safety the unit is set to not accept incompatible software, so it will reject an attempt to load the incorrect version.

The base software is held in "Flash" memory and can be updated using an IBM "PC" type computer with a special loader program (supplied) designed to talk to the modem via the computer's serial port connected to the modem's remote control port.

The program which runs on the PC and performs the loading of new software into the modem is called "M5LOADER.EXE". The new software to be loaded into the modem is called "Mxxxxyyy.BIN" where the xxxx is a code revision and the yyy is the unit specific version of the software. A batch file is also included called "M5UPDATE.BAT" which will run the loader with the specific software revision that it came with. All of these files are contained in a "ZIP" of compressed file which can be unzipped on the computer for use. This single file is downloaded either in an e-mail, directly from the web, or sent on a diskette. A typical name for the ZIP file might be "M5V080.ZIP" or "PSM-4900&H Version 080.ZIP". The second type contains both standard and Hybrid modem software and two different batch files.

It is very important that the procedure for uploading the new programming into the modem be followed exactly. In the first version of software supplied with the modems (Revisions 0.11 and 0.12) several parts of the modems loader program itself had to be changed to insure more reliable transfers in following revisions. This procedure is is most critical, because an interruption in power during the 10 to 20 seconds that this portion of the load is being performed could possibly result in loss of the modems base information. In that event the only recourse is to send the modem back to Datum Systems for re-installation of software and calibration. Subsequent uploads do not require this step and should be extremely safe.

Before You Start - Requirements

You need the following:

  • A PC type computer with either serial port #1 or #2 available, "COM1:" or "COM2:". The computer should be at least a 66 MHz 486, preferably a Pentium 90 MHz or higher speed. The process has been successfully completed on a 33 MHz, 386 computer. Note that many new laptops do not have a serial port, and are not currently suitable for loading firmware.
  • Either DOS or Windows (WIN3.1, 95, 98, 2000 or XP) operating system installed and running.
  • A good quality serial cable to go between the computer serial port and the remote control port of the modem. On virtually all computers these days this will be a DB9, Male to Female cable. The cable has a 1 to 1 connection between pins, and is NOT a null modem type serial cable. If your computer has a DB25 connector then you will require either an adaptor to DB9 or a DB25 to DB9 cable. The modem connection is to the rear panel "Control" port, J6.
  • The modem itself (have its serial number written down).

To perform an update follow the steps below exactly.

  1. Connect the PC type computer and the M5 Class modem via a male to female serial cable. Normally this is a 9 pin connector on both ends, one male and the other female. The cable has a 1 to 1 connection between pins, and is NOT a null modem type serial cable. If your computer has a DB25 connector then you will require either an adaptor to DB9 or a DB25 to DB9 cable. The modem connection is to the rear panel "Control" port, J6.
  2. Create a folder (directory) on the PC named "M5Update".
  3. If you are reading this from the documentation CD then copy the files from the CD directory "M5 Modem Firmware" to the M5Update directory/folder. The minimum files required are: "M5loader.exe", "M5Update.bat" as appropriate (M5LUpdate.bat for L-Band, M5NUpdate.bat for 140 MHz and M5HUpdate.bat for Hybrid modem) and the "M0080yyy.bin" file as appropriate. See above for the appropriate version.

    If you are on the web or an email then download or copy the appropriate "ZIP" file to the M5Update directory. Then use an Unzip program to extract the files into M5Update directory. Windows XP has a built in compressed file facility that you would copy the files from.

    You may also go to the web site to see if a later firmware version is available where you would downloaded the web file and un-zip using pkunzip or winzip into the M5Update directory/folder.
  4. In Windows use the "My Computer" desktop icon to go the the "M5Update" directory created above. If running DOS only then change to the M5Update directory. Check that the "M5LOADER.EXE", "M5UPDATE.BAT" (or M5LUPDATE.BAT for the L-Band) and "Mxxxxyyy.BIN" files are present in this directory. "xxxx" represents the software revision of the binary image file. This shows version 0.80 in this case and the bin file is named "M0080000.bin". The binary file for the Hybrid modem is "M0080020.bin" and for the L-Band is "M0080040.bin". A sample folder with the standard 70 MHz files is shown below.
    Note: - the current version is actually at 0.87 or above.
  5. Using the modem front panel select the "Unit" button and scroll left or right to the "Status" column. Scroll down to the "Serial No." caption and

    write down the unit serial number for reference.
  6. Using the modem front panel select the "Unit" button and scroll left or right to the "Test" column. Scroll down to the "Update ROM" caption and enter the serial number of the unit written down in step 5 and



    then press the "Enter". This puts the modem into a special mode which will allow updating the flash memory contents. To repeat, at the "Update ROM" LCD screen just press the 4 digits of the serial number and press "Enter".
  7. In windows double click on the "M5Update.BAT" icon. (or M5LUpdate for the L-Band). If running from DOS Type the following line on the PC. "M5UPDATE"
  8. Respond to the Com port prompt by pressing the appropriate key, either "1" or "2" corresponding to the Com Port that you connected to the modem remote control port J6. You do not have to press "Enter" on the computer.


  9. The Loader will execute and begin talking to the modem to update the flash memory. The process will take 4 to 6 minutes depending on the actions required and will show the progress on the DOS window. Do NOT interrupt the process! It seems to take approximately 7 to 9 minutes in Windows 2000 and somewhat longer in Windows XP.



    After a few moments the display will change to say "Loading Flash Please Wait...." The windows box shows the progress as number of bytes loaded into the modem. When finished the modem will restart itself.

    Note: If there is no communications link between the PC and modem the loader program will prompt with:

    "ERROR, SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS FAILED, Try Again (Y/N)?"



    You should determine the reason for the failure. Check what serial port you are using and the integrity of the cable. If you are on the wrong serial port or the cable is bad, Press "N" or "n" and the program will quit. As long as there was not initial communications to the modem to start the process the modem can be taken out of the update mode by turning the modem power off and then back on. If communications failed during the loading of the boot loader (about 10 seconds at the beginning) then the modem will have to be returned for repair. Virtually all other communications failures can be corrected and the loader program rerun to continue the operation.
  10. When successfully completed the log of actions performed will be displayed. The log will show all of the updates performed from this computer.
  11. To insure proper settings with the new software the modem should be turned off, wait 10 seconds and then turn power back on.

In case of problems! --- Check the cable and use of the proper COM Port on the computer. These are the only problem reported so far.