HOW TO MAKE A FIRMWARE UPDATE
If there are new software updates available for your digital Veratron instrument, you can reflash the gauge with the latest firmware. The required computer software to do that, can be downloaded free of charge from the Veratron website.
REQUIRED HARDWARE
Firmware updates on Veratron products only work via the CAN bus interface.
Therefore, a functioning NMEA 2000 setup is required. That means, the minimal setup looks as shown in the following schematic.
The network requires:
- Backbone terminated by resistors
- 12V power source
- Veratron Diagnostic Tool (CAN to USB Converter)
- Windows PC
- Open connector to interface the instrument
It is recommended to use the original Veratron Diagnostic Tool as a CAN to USB converter. The application is not guaranteed to work with foreign converters.
Updates can be performed directly on the vessels NMEA 2000 network as additional gauges on the bus do not interfere with the installation. (Unless the high-speed CAN is enabled.)
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
To perform a firmware update the "Veratron Configuration Tool" is required. This computer application is available free of charge and can be downloaded here:
The Configuration Tool requires a Windows PC.
Beside the tool you need to download the software package containing the latest firmware update. The latest versions of all Veratron products can be downloaded here:
RUN THE UPDATE
Start the Veratron Configuration Tool and access the Service → Software Update screen.
Choose which device you want to update from the selection in the top section of the window.
Use the tick marks based on whether a firmware or graphics file update is required. Then, click the button with the three dots to define the software to install.
A new window opens to let you choose the software package, which you downloaded from the previous link.
Select the Firmware-File. This file is usually named
FW_<Product>_<Version>.S37
or
FW_<Product>_<Version>.hex
When also updating the graphics file, repeat this step for the second line and choose the graphics software file this time. This file is usually named
GFX_<Product>_<Version>.S37
For products others than displays this is not required.
Some displays (e.g. OL43) include have both - the firmware and graphics file - combined in one. In these cases the tool wont let you select a separate graphics file.
Start the installation process by clicking the button UPDATE.
Wait until the progress bar went all the way through.
Do not interrupt the download process by closing the Configuration Tool or unplugging the instrument.
When the update is completed and the gauge started up again, it is recommended to perform a factory reset at first.
(On gauges where this feature is available: OceanLink TFT displays, VMH 35, VMH 70, AcquaLink Displays)
HIGH-SPEED CAN
The download can take a couple of minutes. Especially the graphics files for the displays require some time.
The Highspeed CAN mode helps speeding the process up.
When using the Highspeed mode, there must be no other devices on the NMEA 2000 bus beside the one being updated.
In case other devices are connected to the network you can either power them off or disconnect the NMEA 2000 drop cable from them.