VIMS Communicator Communicator Flash Utility Software Caterpillar

The flash utility allows the latest version of the VIMS Communicator software to be put onto the VIMS Communicator box. In order to flash new code into the Communicator, you will need a PC that is running Windows with a serial port or a USB port to a serial cable.

To flash the Communicator box, the following items are also required:

• Download cable for the VIMS Communicator

• mfflash software

• Latest VIMS Communicator flash file

• Network crossover cable (optional)

Note: The mfflash software is located on the VIMS Communicator Toolkit CD.

Installing The Flash Software

1. Unzip mfflash.zip into a folder on the local hard drive.

2. Place a copy of the latest VIMS Communicator flash file (.bin) in the same folder.

3. Navigate to the folder. Double click on "mfflash.exe" in order to launch the flash utility.

Configuring the Flash Software

1. Select "Setup - Communications" from the menu options in order to configure the communications option for your laptop to open the flash utility.

   Note: VIMS Communicator only supports a serial flash.

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Illustration 1	g01415011

2. Configure the options. Use the settings in Table 1.

   ReferenceIllustration 1

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   Table 1

   Option	Setting
   Debug Baud Rate	Leave at preset
   Max Download Baud Rate	Set at "230400" or lower.
   Disable Baud Rate Negotiation	Unchecked
   Serial Port	Select the serial port of the laptop
   Stop Bits	1
   Enable Processor verification	Unchecked
   Use USB to Serial Converter	Check if using a USB to Serial Converter

3. Select "Setup - File Locations" from the menu options in order to configure the file locations for your laptop.

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Illustration 2	g01415018

4. Select the appropriate file from the bios folder by using the button next to each path in order to navigate to the local folder that contains the mfflash file.

Connecting to the Communicator

Use a download cable for the VIMS Communicator in order to connect from the serial port on your computer to the buffered telemetry port 1 on the VIMS Communicator.

Note: The download cable for the VIMS Communicator can be purchased directly from your AVSpare dealer.

Installing the Flash File

The VIMS Communicator flash file will be contained in a .bin file. Additionally, the VIMS Communicator flash file should be copied to the local hard drive.

1. Connect the VIMS download cable from the PC to buffered telemetry port 1 of the VIMS Communicator.

2. Navigate to "mfflash.exe". Launch the flash utility by double clicking on "mfflash.exe".

3. Select "File - Load Flash Image" from the menu options.

4. Choose the new flash file to load.

   Watch the progress on screen.

   Note: In some cases the VIMS Communicator module needs to be rebooted before the flash file will take. To reboot the box, remove the 12-pin main harness connector. Then, plug the 12-pin connector back in.

Verifying the Installation

Note: This procedure is optional.

To verify that the flash file installation was completed, connect to the Communicator manually with a crossover cable. View the flash file version on the diagnostics screen.

Use the following procedure in order to connect to the VIMS Communicator.

1. Apply power to the VIMS Communicator module.

2. Connect the crossover cable between the network port on the laptop and the network port on the Communicator.

3. Open network settings on the laptop by right clicking on "My Network Places". Selecting "Properties".

4. In "Network Connections", right click on "Local Area Connection". Select "Properties".

5. From the list of connection types, select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)". Select the "Properties" button.

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Illustration 3	g01415052

6. Select the "Alternate Configuration" tab.

   All changes will be made to the Alternate Configuration only. Note any current settings in order to restore the settings after completion.

   The Communicator uses a default IP address of 192.168.0.100. The subnet mask is 255.255.255.0. The laptop needs to be in the same range as the Communicator in order to communicate.

7. In the "Alternate Configuration" window, select "User Configured".

8. Enter the following information:
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   Table 2

   "IP address"	192.168.0.105
   "Subnet mask"	255.255.255.0
   "Default gateway"	192.168.0.2

   Note: If the VIMS Communicator is assigned a static IP address, the following information must be the same: IP address, subnet mask and gateway information.

9. Select "OK" in order to save the changes.

10. Select "OK" to close the "Local Area Connection Properties".

11. Open Internet Explorer. Type 192.168.0.100 in the address bar.

    The Communicator home page will open.

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Illustration 4	g01415189

12. On the left navigation bar select "Diagnostics".

13. Enter the username and password when prompted.

    The default username is "admin". The default password is "vims".

14. On the diagnostic screen, verify that the "Product ver:" is correct.