LNCP Firmware Upgrade to Version 2

V2 - update, March 2012 Changes

-    CV17 / CV18 board address change only allowed in service mode
-    added CV read/write for BOD6
-    fixed CV read/write for CV28 / CV29
-    fixed CV read/write for CV832
-    modified CVs factory defaults
-    reset to factory defaults also rewrites EEPROM

Boot Loader

To update your LNCP firmware to the current Version 2, a program such as "Download Firmware" in JMRI version 2.4 or later is required.

1. Download the latest firmware file. LNCP_V2_Update_Keep_Config.hex Note: This version of the firmware will keep any configuration settings that you have made to your LNCP.

2. Place the new firmware file in your local JMRI preferences folder.

3. To enter Boot loader mode, depress the switch 'S1' for 10 seconds, until the Command light first starts to blink, and then finally lights steadily, then release it. The yellow "COM" led will continue to light steadily indicating that the boot loader is now ready to accept messages from the JMRI Down loader. A stray LocoNet message may switch the steady indication to the red "LN" LED. This is OK.

4. Start JMRI if it is not running, and select "LocoNet" then "Download Firmware".

5. Click 'Select' and choose the latest LNCP upgrade "LNCP_V2_Update_Keep_Config.hex" from your preferences folder.

6. Next click 'Read file' followed by 'Download'. The red activity led will blink each time it receives a data packet from the JMRI down loader. When programming is successful, the yellow led will extinguish automatically, and normal operation will resume automatically.

Error codes:
During boot loading, several possible error codes are shown by the yellow led:

- 1 blink: manufacturer code or product code mismatch; - Be sure that you have chosen the proper file to upload.
- 2 blinks: hardware version mismatch; - You may need to select “Accept later hardware versions”.
- 3 blinks: hex file software version equal or lower; - You may need to select “Don't check software version”.
- 4 blinks: unused (no LocoNet® data);
- 5 blinks: internal programming error detected. - The operation has failed, see below.

Each of the above errors will halt the boot loader process. To recover from the first three error types, just cycle power to restart the device, correct the error, and then re-run the JMRI "Download Firmware" program. Nothing has been overwritten.

To recover from the last error type, it must be assumed that the firmware is left in an undefined state, most probably damaged or incomplete. If the process is interrupted for any reason you will also end up with corrupted firmware.

To recover from a corrupted upgrade you must first unplug the power to the LNCP, then, while holding the program switch depressed, plug in the power again. This will place the unit directly into program mode and allow you to resend the upgrade. (the yellow command light will immediately light steadily) The boot loader code itself is protected against being written over.

Decoder File

To update to the latest DecoderPro decoder file, either upgrade to a version of JMRI later than Test Release 99.3 else or download the new decoder file from here.  RR-CirKits-LNCP-basic.xml

Move this file to C:\Program Files\JMRI\xml\decoders folder (or equivilent location) where it will replace a file by the same name. The new decoder file will identify itself as "Decoder file version: 0.08." on the LNCP tab.

Manual

To download the latest LNCP Manual go here. LNCP-manual.pdf


                                                                                 Last updated  15-March-2012
                                                               Copyright © 2012 Dick Bronson