Updating Firmware on Crimson 3.0/3.1 Devices

New firmware for Crimson devices is delivered via the Crimson desktop applications.

Complete details can be found in the User Manuals:

Crimson 3.0 Manual English

Crimson 3.1 Manual English

Downloading to Crimson devices

Crimson database files (.cd3, cd31) are downloaded to the target devices by means of the Link menu. 

The programming link between the PC and the target device can be made using:

• an RS-232 port
• a USB port
• a TCP/IP connection. (While TCP/IP connections are typically made via the panel’s Ethernet port,
  they may also be established via a dial-in link.)

Before downloading, use the Link-Options command to ensure that you have the correct method selected:

*Note that this dialog does not provide any method to select the target IP address when using TCP/IP
for download. This information is stored in the database file and is configured via the Download tab of
the Network configuration item. This method makes it easier to switch between multiple databases
without having to re-configure the target IP every time.

*Note also that Crimson maintains distinct download settings when working with multiple product families. This makes it easier to use USB for downloading to those products that support it, while falling back to serial download for less capable devices.

Once the link is configured:

• Open the Crimson database to be downloaded to the device
  • *If you do not have the desired database, you can extract it as follows:

•  
  • To extract a database from a panel, use the Link-Extract command.
  • This command will upload the database, and prompt you for a name under which
    to save the file.
  • The file will then be opened for editing. If the database was password-protected, you may
    be required to enter the password before it can be opened. In other words, enabling upload will not
    circumvent password protection.

• The database can now be downloaded using either the Link-Send or Link-Update
  commands.
  • Link-Send will send the entire database, whether or not individual objects within the file
    have changed. The latter will only send changes, and will typically take a much shorter period of time to complete.
  • Link-Update is typically the only one that you will need, as Crimson will
    automatically fall back to a complete send if the incremental download fails for any reason.
  • As a shortcut, you can access Link-Update via the lightning bolt symbol on the toolbar, or via the F9 key on the keyboard.
• The download will include the newer version of the Crimson firmware along with the configuration database, with or without any changes. 

*Note that downloading via TCP/IP to some models relies on a memory card being installed if the
device’s firmware is to be upgraded. Since you may want to perform such upgrades at some point in time,
it is highly recommended that you install a memory card in any device to which TCP/IP downloads are
likely to be performed.

*Note also that the TCP/IP download option must be enabled via the Network
settings in the Communications category.

*Note that if you lose your database file and you do not have upload support enabled, you will not be
able to reconstruct your file without starting from scratch.

Disclaimer

It is the customer's responsibility to review the advice provided herein and its applicability to the system. Red Lion makes no representation about specific knowledge of the customer's system or the specific performance of the system. Red Lion is not responsible for any damage to equipment or connected systems. The use of this document is at your own risk. Red Lion standard product warranty applies.

HMS Technical Support

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