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Home > Tiling Transmitter > 3G Ultra Tiling Transmitter > 3G Tiling Transmitter Microcode Update
3G Tiling Transmitter Microcode Update
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May 02, 2024

Overview

In addition to the web-based firmware running on the 3G+4+ Tiling Transmitter, there are two underlying microprocessors that can only be updated using special tools from Just Add Power. While we aim to provide as many updates through the web firmware, occasionally updates to the micro-processor code - microcode - are needed to address bugs or add new powerful features. This article reviews the steps and tools needed to perform an update to the 3G+4+ Tiling Transmitter microcode.

If an update is started, both microprocessors MUST be updated; updating only one microprocessor will result in various unpleasant behaviors.

Do I Need This Update?

There are three states of microcode on the 3G Tiling Transmitter. First, identify the version that you have:

  1. 2015 Release: when Primary Audio is changed (tapping the PF2 button), the active audio highlights with a green border. The Transmitter must be on firmware B2.1.0 or earlier to work properly.
  2. 2016 Update: when Primary Audio is changed (tapping the PF2 button), the active audio is briefly brighter and all other videos are dimmer. Additionally, sending the CLI command VERSION_READ to the Transmitter IP returns the text 4in. The Transmitter must be on firmware B2.1.0 or earlier to work properly.
  3. 2023 Update: when Primary Audio is changed (tapping the PF2 button), the active audio is briefly brighter and all other videos are dimmer. Additionally, sending the CLI command VERSION_READ to the Transmitter IP returns the text v4.12 2022-06-25 (3G+4+). The Transmitter must be on firmware B2.3.6 or later to work properly.

The firmware on the Tiler will determine which version of Tiler Microcode is needed.

Required Hardware

  • Native Windows PC running Windows 7 or Later (Mac is specifically unsupported)
  • USB Direct Cable (USB -> 4-pin Molex)
  • SyncMOS MSM9066 (USB Dongle)
  • SyncMOS Cable (5-pin -> 4-pin Molex)

Download Software and Files

  • SyncMos SMAP1293
  • USB Direct

The download contains two programs - USB Direct and SMAP 1293 - and files to be loaded by those programs. Install both programs on a Windows PC. At the end of the SMAP1293 setup you are prompted to install a PL-2303 driver; do so.

Programming Instructions

There are separate instructions for SMAP1293 and USB Direct. Both sets of instructions MUST be followed to update the Tiling Transmitter.

SyncMOS (SMAP1293) Programming Instructions

  1. Install SMAP_1293_Setup.exe. At the end of the setup if you are prompted to install a PL-2303 driver, do it.
  2. Connect the SyncMOS Cable to the SyncMOS USB Dongle as shown below

  3. Connect the SyncMOS USB Dongle to your PC, and the 4-pin Molex to the Tiler (in GREEN below)

  4. Power on the Tiling Transmitter
  5. Open the "SyncMOS SMAP" program
  6. Choose Writer 9066
    • If  prompted, update the firmware on the SyncMOS Dongle. Select the default values the tool chooses for you.
  7. Click Select (Chip and Green Check icon) at the top center to pick the MCU: SM59R16A5L, 3V

  8. Click Select (Folder icon)
    • Set Initial Value to FF
    • Check the box next to Code and click Open in the same line
    • Choose the .hex file in the SyncMos SMAP1293 folder that corresponds to the update you are applying
    • Click OK

  9. Choose On-line ICP from the left menu
  10. Choose the Configuration tab on the right side
    • Set ISP Start Addr (N) to read No ISP Code
    • Leave all other settings the same
  11. In the bottom center section:
    • Set the dropdown to Custom speed and set the speed to 2
    • Check the box next to Chip Erase
    • Check the box next to Blank Check
    • Check the box next to Program
    • Check the box next to Verify
    • UNCHECK the box next to Protect
    • ​​​​​​Check the box next to MCU Reset

  12. Click Autorun
  13. Disconnect the SyncMOS USB Dongle from the Tiling Transmitter
  14. Power-cycle the Tiling Transmitter

USB Direct

  1. Disconnect the SyncMOS USB Dongle from the Tiling Transmitter (from the previous section). If the SyncMOS USB Dongle is connected, it will interfere with the USB Direct update and trigger a FAILURE.
  2. Install USB Direct Setup.exe.
  3. With the Tiler Powered OFF, connect the USB Direct Cable from your PC to the 4-pin Molex connector on the bottom of the Tiler (in RED below)

  4. Turn ON the Tiler, and wait for Windows to recognize and install the USB Direct cable device.
  5. Once Windows has finished installing the Generic Device, open your Device Manager.
    • Find the Other Devices category and expand it
    • Identify the Unknown Device
    • Right-click on it and choose Update Driver

      USB Direct Connection

  6. Choose to Browse my computer for driver software. Browse to the following location: C:\Program Files (x86)\Spansion\FLASH USB DIRECT Programmer\driver\Win7

  7. Once the driver update is complete, Device Manager will list the USB Direct as a COM Port. Write down the number after COM; it will be used in the USBDirect program.
  8. Open the USBDirect software
    1. Select MB9AF314L/M/N from the Target MCU List
    2. Click Open and browse to the downloaded file. Choose the .srec file in the USB Direct folder that corresponds to the update you are applying
    3. Change the COM to reflect the number assigned by your PC to the USB Direct Tool (from Step 5)
    4. Click Full Operation(D+E+B+P)

  9. A popup will tell you to power-cycle the microprocessor. Turn off the power switch on the Tiling Transmitter, count to 5 seconds, then turn on the power switch. Count to 5 seconds again, then click OK on the popup to continue.
  10. Let the program go through the motions to finish programming.
  11. In USB Direct, click the Download button. The popup will tell you to power-cycle the microprocessor again. Turn off the power switch on the Tiling Transmitter, count to 5 seconds, then turn on the power switch. Count to 5 seconds again, then click OK in the popup to continue.
    • This will re-download the updated code after the power-cycle
  12. Click Read & Compare. The popup will read The flash and the hex file are identical. Click OK.
    • If the popup shows something else, start from Step 8 and follow through the instructions again

  13. Power-cycle the Tiling Transmitter once more to complete the programming process
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