SWH-xxxx Readers Updating Reader Firmware Version C0 Document Part Number UM-096 July 2012 OVERVIEW This document describes how to download new firmware to Software House SWH-4xxx readers. The procedure involves: Copying the firmware file onto a PC. Connecting the PC to a USB-to-RS-485 converter. Wiring the converter to the reader and power supply. Downloading the firmware from the PC to the reader. Verifying the firmware version on the reader. REQUIREMENTS The firmware download requires: PC running Windows XP or Windows 7. Self-executing reader firmware file. Software House USB-485 converter with cable (p/n USB-485). +12 VDC Power supply (to provide power to the reader). In many cases, the istar or ap/c panel will be providing +12 VDC to the reader. A spare 12-position terminal block of the same type as shipped with the reader. (optional) 1
UPDATING READER FIRMWARE To update the reader with new firmware: 1. Copy the firmware executable file to a directory on the PC. Reader firmware files can be downloaded from the Software House FTP site. ftp.swhouse.com/public/firmware/swhreaders 2. Connect the USB connector of the USB-485 converter to the PC. Laptop or PC USB USB RS-485 Converter Data (A) Data+ (B) Power Supply Reader Terminal Block +12V GND 123 91012 D+ D- FIGURE 1. Connecting Power and Data Pins to Terminal Block P/N 2 - Gnd 3 - +12 9 - D+ 10 - D- 3. Connect Data+ to Pin 9 and Data to Pin 10 on the reader s terminal block (see Figure 1). Provide 12V DC power, if needed, or use the istar or ap/c power (if available). 4. On the PC, run the firmware update utility, using the executable (.exe) file you were provided. The following dialog box appears (the title bar will show the firmware version you were provided). FIGURE 2. Update Firmware Dialog Box 2
5. Click Next. The Choose Serial Interface dialog box appears. FIGURE 3. Choose Serial Interface Dialog Box 6. From the Serial Port drop-down, select COM 1 or COM 3 as shown in Figure 3, then click OK. The following message appears. FIGURE 4. Connect Device Message 7. Connect the terminal block to the back of the reader. See Figure 5. For SWH-4000 readers with a one-piece connector, use alligator clips or other suitable means of connection. TOP 1 12 SWH Reader (back view) 1 12 FIGURE 5. Connecting Terminal Block to Reader 3
8. After connecting the reader, click Next. The following message appears. FIGURE 6. Switch Device On Message 9. After a few moments, the following message appears. FIGURE 7. Programming Reader Message 10. When the firmware update is complete, the reader beeps to indicate it has reset, and the Update Firmware dialog box (Figure 2) reappears. 11. If you are done flashing readers with the new firmware, click Exit, then remove power to the reader. If you have additional readers to upgrade, click Next, then disconnect the reader, and return to Step 7 to upgrade the next reader. 12. Refer to the next section for instructions on how to verify the firmware version on the reader. Verifying the Firmware Version To verify that the new firmware version was properly installed on the reader: 1. Run Windows Hyperterminal. From the Start menu, select All Programs> Accessories> Communications> Hyperterminal. 2. Configure the connection to use COM1 or COM3, as required. 4
3. Configure the COM port as follows: Bits per second = Baud rate of RS-232/RS-485 converter (normally 9600) Data Bits = 8 Parity = None Stop Bits = 1 Flow Control = 1 4. If not already connected, connect the 12-position terminal block to the reader (see Figure 5). 5. The hyperterminal window will show the firmware version (see the example in Figure 8). 6. Verify that the firmware version is the updated version. Firmware naming follows the YY/MM/DD naming convention. The firmware version is shown here. NOTE: The format of the firmware version depends on the firmware that was installed. It may differ from what is shown here. FIGURE 8. Firmware Version in Hyperterminal Window 5