Daktronics

How to update firmware on a VFC controller

Topic

  • How to update firmware using a memory stick (flash drive, thumb drive) and the VFC controller?
  • How can I update firmware remotely using a computer through the webpage user interface (Web UI)?
  • How can I update firmware locally using a computer through the webpage user interface (Web UI)?

Environment

  • Product: VF, VM, VX, VC6, VS6, VT6 displays
  • Component: VFC DMP-50xx controller 
  • Control System: 

Steps

  • Perform a Reset of the controller before proceeding with updating the firmware. This will ensure the processor is ready for the updates..
    • Locally in front of the VFC:
      • Login to VFC, select Shared, select Reset, select Reboot.
    • Remotely away from the VFC through a network connection:
      • Login to the DMP webpage interface.
        • Go to the troubleshooting Icon (triangle), click on Restart.
      • Login to the VIP webpage interface.
        • Go to the troubleshooting Icon (triangle), click on Restart.


Its best practice to update both the VFC controller & VCB board to what is currently on Dakfiles. The below is used as an example:

  1. Determine the firmware needed for the DMP
    • In this example we are using 8.xxx.x.x firmware and would need the latest version of 8.xxx.x.x available. If the version begins with a 9 you would use the latest version of 9.xxx.x.x available.
    • Please note: Do NOT load the DMP-5000 Ubuntu (standard) firmware 8.xxx.x.x over the Debian (nonstandard) firmware 9.xxx.x.x or vice versa 

 image.png image.png

2. Download firmware:
  •  Link for where to download firmware. 
  • Once at the FTP site click on Transportation > Firmware > VFC-DMP5000 
    1. Save DD2295229_VCB_II_epld_production_bootload_hid1F00.hex
    2. Save DD2295229_VCB_II_micro_production_bootload_hid1F00.hex
    3. Save vip-distro_xxx.xx.xx-bxxx_armel_main.deb
      1. NOTE: The Display Firmware Package is updated with the VIP distribution. It is no longer necessary to download dispfw_2023.7.7-6318beae.deb
    4. Select Latest VFC.
    5. Save the DMP firmware identified in step 1. Either dmp.offline_8.xxx.x.x_amd64.deb or dmp.deb10_9.xx.x.xx_amd64.deb
  • ​​​There are two methods on how to load the firmware listed below:
Method 1: Updating remotely through the webpage interface page. 

Reboot / cycle power to the controller before proceeding with updating the firmware.
DMP:

  1. Open an internet browser and log into the DMP board of the VFC controller.
    1. For assistance accessing the DMP web interface, contact Daktronics Technical Support.
  2. You will be prompted to enter the username and password in the popup window.
  3. Select Firmware from the Dashboard.
  4. Select Update and browse to the DMP file example: dmp.offline_8.xxx.x.x_amd64.deb or dmp.deb10_9.xx.x.xx_amd64.deb
  5. Click on the open button.
  6. Wait for it to finish 100%.

 VIP:

  1. Open an internet browser and log into the VIP board of the VFC controller.
    1. For assistance accessing the VIP web interface, contact Daktronics Technical Support.
  2. You will be prompted to enter the username and password in the popup window.
  3. Select Firmware from the Dashboard.
  4. Select Update and browse to the VIP file example: vip-distro_xxxx.xx.xx-xxxxx.deb.
  5. Click on the open button.
  6. Wait for it to finish 100%.

VCB:

  1. How to update firmware on a VCB using the VFC controller

 

Method 2: Updating locally with a USB memory stick. 

Reboot / cycle power to the controller before proceeding with updating the firmware.

  1. Download the firmware to your USB memory stick.
  2. Insert the memory stick into J3 on the back of the VFC. (Kingston brand is preferred. other brands might not work)
  3. Log into the VFC.

To update the DMP do the following from the controllers menu screen:

  1. Select Shared
  2. Select Update
  3. Select VFC
  4. Select dmp.offline_8.xxx.x.x_amd64.deb or dmp.deb10_9.xx.x.xx_amd64.deb
  5. Select Confirm
  6. Wait for it to finish 100%

To update the VIP do the following from the controllers menu screen:

  1. Select Shared
  2. Select Update
  3. Select Display
  4. Select  vip-distro_xxx.xx.xxxxxxx.deb
  5. Select Confirm
  6. Wait for it to finish 100%

VCB:

  1. How to update firmware on a VCB using the VFC controller


KB ID: 000001252

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