Chapter 6 - Software Update Gorbel G-Force Q/iQ units are shipped out of the factory with the latest released software. The software will be continuously improved by adding new Q or iq features, expanded feature capabilities, bug fixes, or even a new product line. When a software update or a standard release version is ready, it can be deployed into an existing unit with the Gorbel Q/iQ Update Utility program. The program can connect to the unit, retrieve and store its current settings, upload the new software version and restore the original settings. This program MUST BE used to update the software for the users and followed through properly. Any alternative method may corrupt the unit configuration and result in an inoperable unit. Gorbel G-Force Software Update Instructions The following instructions pertain to running the Gorbel Q/iQ Update Utility for Gorbel G-Force units. Installation Upon insertion of the CD, the installation program should start automatically. If it does not, navigate to the CD in Windows Explorer and run the program called GorbelUpdate.msi. At this point, if you do not have the.net 2.0 Framework installed on your computer (this is included with most XP and Vista computers) you will be prompted to download and install this before proceeding. With the.net 2.0 Framework installed you will be prompted to install the Gorbel Q/iQ Update Utility on your computer. 6-1
Click the Next buttons until the software installation is complete and then click Close at the following screen. Starting the Program Now that the program is installed, you may run the program from the icon on your desktop. You may also run the program using the Start Menu from the Gorbel Inc group. Using the Program On program start-up, you will see a prompt reminding you that at times during the update you may see a pop-up box like the one shown below. This is expected and merely needs to be closed to continue with the update. 6-2
Step 1 To begin the software update process, choose the location to save temp files that are created by the program. The program may be left at its default (C:\temp) or click the Select Folder button and choose an alternate folder anywhere on the computer. Step 2 In this step, select the port on the computer that is connected to the G-Force unit. The program will return an error when attempting to connect to the G-Force in step 2 if the correct COM port is not chosen. Step 3 This step begins the software update process by saving the current unit s settings so that they may be restored following the software update. Click the Retrieve and Store Current Settings button shown below to start the process. A prompt will appear at this point to ensure that the E-stop button is pressed before proceeding with the retrieval. 6-3
After this pop-up window closes, the status of the retrieval may be followed in the gauge below the button and in the Status and Messages window at the bottom of the screen. When the retrieval process is complete, this will be indicated by a green success label next to the progress gauge. 6-4
Step 4 This step involves choosing the location of the update file that you need to run for the G-Force unit. The location of this file may be on the CD that contained the Gorbel Q/iQ Update Utility, sent separately on a CD or delivered via the internet. In any case, contact Gorbel to ensure that the correct update package is being utilized. After confirmation, select the PIL file and click the Open button in the file dialog window. The selected file name will then be displayed in the program window. 6-5
Step 5 With the update program selected, it is now time to run the software update. Upon clicking the Run Q/iQ Software Update button, the PVI Transfer program will open in a separate window. This update can take up to 10-15 minutes, but the program will show the current progress so that status of the update can be monitored. At this time do not make any adjustments to the G-Force unit or press any buttons in the PVI Transfer or Gorbel Q/iQ Update Utility windows. When the software update is complete, a pop-up box will appear as a reminder to cycle the power of the G-Force unit before proceeding. 6-6
Step 6 For the final step of the update process, the previous settings need to be restored to the unit. Click the Restore Settings button and the progress of the restore process will be shown in a gauge beneath the button, as well as in the Status and Messages box at the bottom of the program window. You will be prompted to depress the E-stop button before beginning the retrieval process. After the retrieval process is complete, a green label next to the Restore Settings button will indicate success. At this point, the G-Force unit should be ready to function using the updated software. Other Functions There are three additional buttons at the bottom of the program window that perform additional functions. During the normal update process there should be no reason to use these buttons and are only present for debugging when working in conjunction with Gorbel to address problems that may occur during the update process. Connection Status This button informs the user of the connection status of the Task, CPU and Service between the G-Force unit and the computer. 6-7
Disconnect PLC This button manually disconnects the PLC from the computer that is performing the update. PVI Manager Status This button informs the user of the PVI manager status. The PVI manager allows the G-Force to share information with the computer. 6-8