EXL6 Firmware Update Manual

Return to:  Horner Tech Support FAQ

 

This section includes:

Introduction

Resources

How to Check for Current Firmware

Options for Updating Firmware

Download the Firmware

Firmware Update Steps

 

 

Introduction

This guide details how to update or change firmware on the Horner OCS Controllers. Updating firmware to the newest version adds new benefits to the controller. Also, changing firmware is necessary when changing communications between CsCAN and CANopen.

 

WARNING: Firmware updates should only be performed when the equipment being controlled by the OCS is in a safe, non-operational state. Communication or hardware failures during the firmware update process can cause the controller to behave erratically resulting in injury or equipment damage. Make sure the functions of the equipment work properly after a firmware update before returning the device to an operational mode.

 

 

Resources

For further information on this controller, please refer to the following documents on the Horner website.

 

Manual Numbers for EXL6

User Manual

 MAN1032

Datasheet for Model 0

 MAN1168

Datasheet for Model 2

 MAN1169

Datasheet for Model 3

 MAN1170

Datasheet for Model 4

 MAN1171

Datasheet for Model 5

 MAN1172

Datasheet for Model 6

 MAN1173

 

 

How to Check for Current Firmware

To check the firmware revision on a controller, open System Menu > View Status.

 

 

 

Options for Updating Firmware

WARNING: Updating firmware will clear the application program, screens, configurations, and register data. If required, make sure to backup program and register data before updating firmware. The controller’s User Manual has instructions for doing backups.

 

Method A: Removable Media Method

The controller firmware is updated by a bootloader, using a microSD card or USB Flash drive (not through the Cscape Firmware Update Wizard).

 

To update or change firmware:

  1. Download desired Firmware set from the Horner APG website. (Verify CsCAN or CANopen communications.)

  2. Save Firmware files to microSD card or USB, these are the removable media devices.

  3. Update the firmware through the controller’s Firmware Update function

 

NOTE: Files from the Horner website come as a .ZIP file which need to be unzipped and placed in the root of the drive for them to function properly.

 

 

Method B: RS232 Serial Connection

Serial firmware updates are done from Cscape software to the controller’s primary serial port, MJ1 in most cases.

 

 

Download the Firmware

In North America, visit https://hornerautomation.com. Go to Support > Controller Firmware and download the most recent firmware set with the correct communication protocol and controller.

 

-OR-

 

In Europe, visit http://www.hornerautomation.eu/support/firmware and click the Firmware tab and download the desired firmware. Create an account to enable access to the latest firmware updates.

 

 

Firmware Update Steps

  1. Unzip all files from downloaded .zip file (Step One) onto removable media.

  2. Plug the removable media into a powered-up OCS controller.

  3. Touch the upper-right-hand screen corner to slide out the control panel.

  4. Press and hold the SYSTEM key until system recovery screen appears. Select System Upgrade option. Boot Installer screen will appear.

  5. Press the Install Bootloader button and then press Yes.

  6. When Operation Completed appears, press OK.

  7. Power-cycle the OCS controller and wait for it to boot up.

  8. Touch the upper-right-hand screen corner to slide out the control panel.

  9. Press SYSTEM key, select View Status and press the Enter button.

  10. If any of the version numbers are incorrect, verify the correct files were copied to the removable media device and repeat the steps above.