How to upgrade the NanoComputer Firmware
From NanoComputerWiki
Contents |
Overview
This page contains instructions on how to upgrade the firmware of the NanoComputer.
It is recommended to upgrade the firmware of the NanoComputer whenever a new firmware is available so that your NanoComputer will have the latest new features and bug fixes. A new firmware is released with each new version of the NanoComputer SDK located inside the firmware directory of the SDK.
Upgrading the firmware is an absolutely 100% safe process with no chance of damaging the NanoComputer even due to a failed firmware upgrade thanks to the NanoComputer's Anti-Bricking Safety Protection (ABSP) feature. For more information, please see the "Activating UPGRADE_MODE on the NanoComputer using the Anti-Bricking Safety Feature" below for instructions on how to use the ABSP feature.
About UPGRADE_MODE
 Before the NanoCompute will accept a new firmware, the NanoComputer must be placed into UPGRADE_MODE. The NanoComputer will indicate that it is in UPGRADE_MODE by changing the background of the LCD to red with black text. There are two methods to place the NanoComputer into UPGRADE_MODE. The first and recommended method is to use the NC_CMD application. Please see "Activating UPGRADE_MODE on the NanoComputer using NC_CMD" for instructions on how to enter UPGRADE_MODE using the NC_CMD application. The second method is to use the Anti-Bricking Safety Protection (ABSP) feature. The ABSP feature can be used to force the NanoComputer into UPGRADE_MODE if the firmware has been corrupted due to a previous failed firmware upgrade. Below is a picture of what the NanoComputer will look like when it has entered UPGRADE_MODE |
Activating UPGRADE_MODE on the NanoComputer using NC_CMD
To enter UPGRADE_MODE use the following NC_CMD command
NC_CMD --rawcmd UPGRADE_MODE
If the command is successful, the LCD screen on the NanoComputer will show a red background with black text.
Activating UPGRADE_MODE on the NanoComputer using the Anti-Bricking Safety Protection Feature
If the NanoComputer cannot enter UPGRADE_MODE through the NC_CMD command due to a corrupted firmware, the NanoComputer can still enter UPGRADE_MODE by using the Anti-Bricking Safety Protection (ABSP) feature. To activate the ABSP feature, use the steps below.
- Set the NanoComputer Power Switch (located next to the USB connector) to OFF by moving the switch away from the USB connector
- Press and hold the "PLAY" key on the keypad
- Plug the NanoComputer into the USB Port of the PC. The LCD backlight will not turn on. If the LCD backlight turns on, the Power Switch is not in the correct position or the "PLAY" key has not been depressed and held properly.
- The screen will remain dark for approximately 2 seconds after plugging the NanoComputer into the USB Port of the PC. After 2 seconds, the LCD screen's backlight will turn on. Keep holding the "PLAY" key down.
- While holding the "PLAY" key down, press and hold the "NEXT" key. (It's the tiny key to the right of the "PLAY" key and has two arrows on it pointing at the USB Connector)
- Release the "PLAY" key while continuing to press and hold the "NEXT" key. After approximately 2 seconds, the NanoComputer will enter "UPGRADE_MODE" with black text on a red background.
- Release the "NEXT" key. The NanoComputer is now in "UPGRADE_MODE" and the firmware can be upgraded.
Below is a video showing the steps outlined above
Upgrading the Firmware
Note: Upgrading the firmware will erase all files from the NanoComputer!
Before proceeding, please confirm that the NanoComputer is in UPGRADE_MODE by checking that the NanoComputer LCD screen shows a red background with black text.
Firmware files are shipped with each version the NanoComputer SDK and are located at firmware directory inside the NanoComputer SDK. If the NanoComputer SDK has been installed to the default location, this directory will be C:\NanoComputer\firmware. Look in this directory for the name of the firmware file shipped with the SDK.
In this example we will use a firmware named Firmware_NC1_v1_00.frw
To upgrade the firmware on the NanoComputer use the following NC_CMD from insde the firmware directory of the SDK. You will need to replace Firmware_NC1_v1_00.frw with the actual name of your firmware. Please make sure that you run the NC_CMD from the firmware directory inside the SDK.
NC_CMD --upgrade Firmware_NC1_v1_00.frw
After the firmware has upgraded successfully, the NanoComputer will automatically reboot.
Sometimes the firmware upgrade may fail due to a glitch on the USB bus. If this happens don't worry, just enter "UPGRADE_MODE" using the Anti-Bricking Safety Protection (ABSP) feature and try upgrading the firmware again. Don't worry, it is impossible to brick your NanoComputer during a firmware upgrade!
