Instructions on updating the firmware of the ELSA MicroLink 56k

New firmware versions for the ELSA MicroLink 56k can very simply be transferred to the modem via terminal software. Since the ELSA MicroLink 56k is provided with a so-called flash ROM, it is neither necessary to program an EPROM nor to replace components.

Prerequisites

To conduct a firmware update requires, in addition to a new firmware version (file ML56K.UPX or ML56Kxxx.UPX), a terminal program which is capable of data transmission per X-modem protocol, as well as a version of the flash ROM loader program FLASH.BIN.

Conducting the firmware update

The new firmware version is transferred to the modem in a two-step procedure by file upload. In the terminal program the hardware handshake option (RTS/CTS handshake) must be activated. The highest possible speed should be selected (at the maximum speed of 115 200 bit/s, uploading the firmware file takes about 15 seconds). The precise firmware update procedure is described in the following listing:

Warning: The modem must ON NO ACCOUNT be switched off whilst the firmware file is being uploaded!

Terminal        Modem message      Comments
program
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

at$upx                             Start firmware upload 

                #
                | Flash loader upload
                | 
                | MicroLink 56k
                | Copyright (c) 1997 ELSA, Aachen (Germany)

                  Please upload flash loader by X-modem now, (quit: 2*ctrl X)


FLASH.BIN --->                  Upload the flash loader file using the X-modem protocol


                #
                | Flash ROM upload
                | 
                | MicroLink 56k
                | Copyright (c) 1997 ELSA, Aachen (Germany)

                  Please upload firmware by X-modem now, (quit: 2*ctrl X)


ML56k.UPX --->                   Upload the firmware file using the X-modem protocol


                Flash upload successful!

                OK                 The firmware update is now complete.