Technical Bulletin

USB FIRMWARE UPGRADE

FL-DFU V2.X
FL-TB-Tools 006

Overview

This Technical Bulletin describes how to upgrade the printer firmware using FL-
DFU version 2.x. The printer may be upgraded whilst in the machine, or on a test
bench outside of the machine (connected with an External Power Supply and
RS232 Evaluation Cable).

You will need:

• PC or laptop, Windows XP or Windows 7 32- or 64-bit;

• FutureLogic FL-DFU™ version 2.x program and drivers;
• FutureLogic firmware file, with extension .DFU / .SHA / .BIN;
• Optional (GEN2 Universal printer): USB A-B cable.

A Video Tutorial is also available on our website. Please visit:

http://www.futurelogic-inc.com/videos/training/
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FL-DFU installation (first-time use only)

The following describes how to install the FL-DFU program and drivers for first-
time use. This section may be skipped for any PC or laptop already set up with
FL-DFU version 2.x This summary assumes the user is familiar with Windows
program and driver removal and installation. For a detailed step-by-step guide
please refer to MNL-00071.

1. Use Windows Control Panel to remove any previous version of FL-DFU.

The removal process will ensure old drivers are removed from the
Windows registry.

2. Run the installer FLDFUSetupV2x.exe. The InstallShield Wizard

displays, click Next >

3. Click Install. The Install process will run.

4. When finished, click Finish. If prompted, restart the computer.

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Driver installation (first-time use only)

This section describes how to associate the printer drivers. Skip this section for
any PC or laptop already set up. The following guide is a summary; for a detailed
step-by-step guide please refer to MNL-00071.

The printer is upgraded over USB. Windows Device Manager shows the printer
when connected for the first time as other unrecognized device(s), for example:

FLI-CDC-DFU 1.1.v : Used for Device Firmware Upgrade

(optional) FL GEN3 USB PRINTER: GEN3 only virtual COM port
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1. For any FutureLogic unrecognized devices, in Windows Device Manager,

right-click on the device and update the driver. Manually browse for driver
selection in either of the following locations:

C:\Program Files\FutureLogic\FLI DFU Downloader

C:\Program Files (x86)\FutureLogic\FLI DFU Downloader

2. Depending on the printer type a selection of available devices will be listed,

e.g. FLI-CDC-DFU1.1. Click Next.

3. Upon successful driver installation the device will now be listed under
Universal Serial Bus Controllers, for example:

4. (Optional, GEN3 only) The virtual COM port drivers may also be installed in
the same way. A CDC driver package is needed and may be requested from
FutureLogic. Right-click FL GEN3 USB PRINTER and use the CDC driver
package to manually install the virtual COM port.
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Upgrade procedure

This section describes how to upgrade the printer firmware using the FL-DFU
program, assuming program and driver installation is already set up as described in
the previous sections.

1. Connect the printer to the host PC or laptop.

GEN2 Universal: Use a USB A-B cable to connect to the printer side port.
GEN3: Use the printer’s own USB cable to connect to the PC host.

GEN3 only: Unlike the GEN2 Universal printer, the GEN3 printer does not
have a USB firmware upgrade socket. The USB connector on the printer cable
may be connected directly to the USB port.
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2. Start FL-DFU program:

The printer appears in the Device List Window. The device listing varies
according to firmware type, but as long as the Device List contains an entry, there
is communication with the printer.
If no device is listed check the printer power and refer to the previous Driver
Installation section.

3. Select the firmware to use

Click the ‘Select Firmware’ button and browse to the file for the firmware
revision being loaded. These can be in either .DFU or .SHA format.

Firmware files with a .BIN extension may be renamed or saved as . SHA.

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4. Select Erase User Settings (except GEN2 Universal printer)

Erase User Settings will reset previous communication parameters (baud rate
and handshaking) to the new firmware default settings. For most firmware
versions it’s recommended to keep this option ticked.

5. Start the Upgrade process

GEN3: Click Full Upgrade. The upgrade will start automatically.

GEN2 Universal: Click Download Application Only. Upgrade will start

automatically, however on older GEN2 Universal printers if an alert message
appears asking for an UPGRADE KEY and USB SIDE PORT connectivity
then please contact us for further help and to obtain these.

Note that the upgrade cycle may repeat depending on the firmware and if
Erase User Settings is selected. The green status icon on the top right of the
screen will continue to flash until the process is fully completed.

Screenshot of GEN3 firmware upgrade

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6. Printer Successfully Updated

Do not stop the process or unplug the printer until the Printer Successfully
Updated message appears in the status screen. The flashing green status
icon will disappear.
It is then safe to disconnect the printer.

7. Confirm the firmware version.

Confirm successful upgrade by printing a Configuration Ticket (GEN2

Universal: power up the printer while holding the FEED button; GEN3
printer: press FEED button twice).

8. (Optional, GEN3 only) Set user communication settings

Use the Configuration switch to make optional baud rate and handshaking
changes. If the firmware default communication settings do not need changing
then the upgrade is complete.
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Troubleshooting

The table below lists common troubleshooting issues and how to

resolve them.

Issue Description and Solution

Windows XP: Windows 7 pre-installs drivers.

Drivers need to be Windows XP does not pre-install, so requires manual driver
re-loaded. installation every time it detects a device or port change.

The printer supports different communication protocols: DFU,

PDC, CDC, GDS/HID, SPC USB. Windows associates a
New devices
driver for each protocol. During firmware upgrade at least 2
found.
protocols are used. More protocols may be used if the
firmware type is also being changed.
Windows 7 Old DFU drivers may be conflicting with new drivers.
FL-DFU shuts Use Add/Remove Programs to remove old versions and
down associated drivers of FL-DFU (e.g. remove FL-DFU v.1.1),
unexpectedly. then restart the computer.
Printer appears as GEN3 R232 applications are designed as a composite device
two devices in with two interfaces: DFU run time and CDC (virtual COM port)
Device Manager. CDC interface does not require installation and can be
(CDC) ignored. Cancel any new hardware wizard.
Error when
converting from A first-time download may time out depending on time taken
SPC protocol to to install drivers. Close the application and restart the printer.
DFU.
Printer fails to
When downloading BSP SPC firmware, the device will not
restart while
automatically reset. Power cycle the printer. The printer will
loading BSP SPC
restart in BSP mode.
bundle

FutureLogic Europe Ltd

Cordwallis Industrial Estate, Maidenhead SL6 7BU. United Kingdom. +44 (0) 1628 760080

www.futurelogic-inc.com