Nexo NX241/NX242 Firmware Update.


As most of you are aware, the NX241/NX242 has an inbuilt firmware loader which enables the unit to accept the latest versions/setups available from Nexo. As new Nexo products come into production, their respective setup parameters will be available for the NX241/242. Just upload the setups to the unit and off you go !

We get calls from time to time from users having difficulty with the upload process. It is a very simple operation that takes just a few minutes to complete. Just follow these instructions.

First, you will need the appropriate cable. This cable has a Female DB9 connector on BOTH ends. It's wired as per the chart below.
Note that the Readme.txt file that comes with the NX Series Firmware .zip file indicates "Don't Care" on some connections. You can make these connections - or not it's up to you. We'd suggest just connecting pins 2,3, and 5 and leave the rest off. 2 and 3 are reversed on ONE end only. The other advantage of wiring just these three pins are that you can use a piece of mic cable to make the connection.

Alternatively, you can purchase a NULL MODEM or LAPLINK cable. These are pre-wired and should work OK.

NX241  (Female DB9)	Function	PC Com Port  (Female DB9)
1	Don't Care	1
2	<------- Receive -------	3
3	------- Transmit ------->	2
4	Don't Care	6
5	Signal Ground	5
6	Don't Care	4
7	Don't Care	8
8	Don't Care	7
9	Don't Care	9

Following the release of new software from version 1.92, there are now two ways to perform the upload - via DOS or Windows.

Both methods are described below. Note that if you are using an NX242, you MUST use the Windows method.  Also, the DOS version is now being phased out. Firmware versions from 2.0 onwards do not now include the DOS loader.  However, instructions are included here for customers wishing to use older loads.


DOS Download Instructions (Only for earlier loads Pre -V1.92)

Before you attempt the firmware upload, please note the following :

The NEXO DOS software is DOS compatible and has been tested on the following operating systems :

Microsoft MSDOS (V5.0 and above)
DOS shell of Microsoft Windows 3.x
DOS shell of Microsoft Windows 95
DOS shell of Microsoft Windows 98
Macintosh DOS compatible shell.

Due to the way Microsoft Windows NT addresses serial ports, the software does not currently run on any version of Windows NT DOS shell (neither in a DOS Window or Full Screen). It has not been tested with Windows 2000 or Windows XP but as there are similarities with NT (no true DOS support) we anticipate that it will not work. Use true MS-DOS.


If you wish to use a machine that is running NT you will have to make a bootable DOS system disk, copy the downloader (NXLOAD.EXE) and the corresponding LOAD (*.DLD) files to the disk and restart your machine in true DOS using this disk.

To create a bootable disk containing true DOS you must create the disk from a machine that is actually RUNNING true DOS.
You can do this from a machine currently running DOS version 5.0 and above, Windows 3.x, 95, or 98.

You cannot create the disk from NT or XP!

To create the new System Boot Disk, go to the MS-DOS prompt and type the following:

"Format a: /s" .

Put this disk aside for now. It will be required later.

The files needed to execute your upload are provided as a compressed ZIP file.

You will have to extract the contents of this ZIP into a temporary directory (folder) using programs such as Pkunzip
or WINZIP (not provided by NEXO). Shareware versions of these files are available free of charge on the Internet.

To get one of these, visit : winzip.com or pkware.com (just click the link). Instructions come with the programs.

Once the files are decompressed and extracted you should have access to the following files :

• Two download (.DLD) files : the last official release version and the newly released version. (If you experience any problems with the new version, the idea is to simply load back the old .DLD program to return the unit to the previous version.)
• README.TXT that will contain download instructions (it's similar to this file).
• WHATSNEW.TXT which will inform you with all new features of the new LOAD.
• The DOS downloader program NXLOAD.EXE  (only included with older loads)
• The Windows downloader program NXWIN.EXE
(Other files may be present too which may contain extra instructions)

Note the location of the unzipped files. You will need to know this later.

If you are using an NT machine, you must now copy the NXLOAD.EXE and both .DLD files to your boot disk.

LOADING THE NEW FIRMWARE

Execute the following procedure to load the new software into the NX241/242  Flash. (Apologies to those of you who are familiar with all the terminology - these instructions are intended for use by everyone).

Turn on the NX241/242 and check the version number of the firmware already in the unit. If the version number displayed is less than the new loader file (usually in the format "LOADx_xx.DLD) then you need to upgrade the unit.

Boot up the computer. (Or if your computer has NT, start your machine from DOS using your new boot disk).

Connect the serial cable to both computer and NX.

Execute your DOS shell (go to the MS-DOS prompt). If you booted from a boot disk you'll already be there!

Change directory to the location of the files. (e.g. If the files are located on c:\nexo, do this by executing the command "CD\NEXO" (without the quotes) at the DOS prompt. If you booted from a boot disk you will have already copied the files to the root directory, so your screen should just show the A:> prompt.

At the DOS prompt, now type the start command for the loader in the directory containing the files.

Correct syntax is as follows :

NXLOAD "filename" " -comport_number" <ENTER>

So, if your new downloader file is called LOAD1_80.DLD and you wish to use COM1 as your communications port, type the following :

NXLOAD LOAD1_80.DLD -1

To use Com Port COM2, type :

NXLOAD LOAD1_80.DLD -2

Note: The downloader works with Com Ports 1 and 2 only. Com 3 and 4 cannot be used and the latest version of the downloader program (NXLOAD.EXE) provided with each upgrade set of files must ALWAYS be used.

When you press <Enter> to invoke the command the following message appears on the computer screen :

Loading file... Waiting for NXxxx...

Now to complete the procedure, you must set the NX to "Download" mode to make it ready to accept the program.
Power the TD Controller OFF and then back on whilst holding down the MUTE button of channel 1 (leftmost mute).
The controller will now enter "Download " mode and the download will start. The addresses of the code being loaded will be displayed on both the computer screen and the NX whilst the process is in operation. The download procedure is complete when the unit resets (all LED's on).

The NX now has to be reset again to register the program to the unit. Nexo don't specifically say to do this but we've found that sometimes it's necessary. It doesn't hurt to do it anyway. To do this, turn the unit OFF, wait 5 seconds and then power back ON (or simultaneously hold down the three menu buttons "A,B,<>" together with the unit powered).

If, when you reset the unit, the display shows "TEST MODE - FLAT NO PROT". It has not yet entered "cabinet change" mode. To get the unit to respond, press and hold buttons A+B and tap the <> button (keep holding buttons A+B in). The unit will now reset. When all the LED display indicators go out, release buttons A+B.

The unit should now be in "cabinet change" mode. Select your cabinet using the selector wheel.

Your program is now fully loaded. When you turn the unit on the new program version will be confirmed in the display.

The unit is now ready for use.

The cabinet you have selected is displayed in the main screen when you turn the unit on. To select another cabinet repeat the "Cabinet Selection" procedure above.
WINDOWS Download Instructions

The same .dld file is used for the Windows load as the DOS version.

First, you will need to "unzip" the files (into a separate folder or onto a floppy disk) as per the instructions above.

Execute the following procedure to load the new software into the NX241/242 Flash EPROM via Windows.

• Connect the serial cable to both computer and NX. The downloader works with Com Ports 1 and 2 only. Com 3 and 4 cannot be used.

• Start your Windows OS.

• Launch the loader (NXWin.exe).

Now Follow the 3 steps shown in the loader window.

• Browse for your .dld file to download

• Choose your serial port connected to the NX. The downloader works with Com Ports 1 and 2 only. Com 3 and 4 cannot be used

• Press "Download file to NX" button.

The following window should appear on your screen:

Now to complete the procedure, you must set the NX to "Download" mode to make it ready to accept the program.

Power the TDcontroller OFF and then back on whilst holding down the MUTE button of channel 1 (leftmost mute). The controller will now enter "Download " mode. First screen displays the revision number of the RS232 Firmware.

As soon as the message “DOWNLOADING: WAITING” appears, you can press the "OK" button in your NXwin software.

Have a look to the status bar to follow the downloading process. The Loader sends the first block of code to the NX.

The NX acknowledges the reception both on the computer and in the NX241/242 screen. The downloading continues until the progression bar reaches its right-most position.

The number in the lower left corner (60) is a timeout. A countdown begins when the transmission is broken (wrong com port, plus disconnected…) when it reaches zero a fault is generated.

The download procedure is complete when the unit resets (all LED's on).

The NX now MUST be reset AGAIN to enter the configuration menu.

To do this, turn the unit OFF, wait 5 seconds and then power back ON whilst holding the leftmost two buttons pressed  - or, if the unit is already on, hold down simultaneously the three menu buttons (A, B,43) let the rightmost one go almost immediately but keep on holding down the left two. Wait for the unit to reset and extinguish the leds, then let the buttons go. The unit will then enter "cabinet selection" mode.

The unit is now ready for use.

And finally.....

Make sure that you read WHATSNEW.txt for a complete review of what has been modified in this new version. (Just click on the file in Windows and it will open up in Notepad).

Troubleshooting:

If the computer outputs a string of strange characters when you press the <ENTER> key to start the upload, it is possible you have entered the incorrect Com Port number. If this happens, hit the <ESCAPE> key to abort the procedure and start again. Follow the above instructions carefully. If nothing happens, make sure that the cable is correctly wired and your computer COM port actually DOES work before trying again. You can also try re-booting your machine. If you have a portable with an infra red port, it is possible that the Com Port is redirected to it, thus disabling the 9 pin port on the rear. Turn off the infra red port and re-enable the Com Port.

Note: Ensure that the cable is connected to both units BEFORE the download is attempted. Errors can occur if both the computer and the NX are waiting to download and you then connect the cable.  

If the firmware doesn't load, try another download. This should eradicate the problem.

To go to the firmware download page, click -> HERE

The firmware .zip file also includes these instructions.

* Windows3.x, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows XP, DOS, MS-DOS are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
* Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer Corp.
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