Daktronics

How do I update M2 firmware using M2Config software utility?

Topic

  • How do I update firmware on M2 controller based Galaxy displays?

Environment

  • Product: Galaxy, AF-3150, AF-3160, AF-3165, AF-3180, AF-3190, AF-3197, AF-3200, AF-3220, AF-3400, Electronic Message Center (EMC), Marquee, Electronic Message Board (EMB), Display
  • Component: M2 Controller
  • Control System:

Steps

M2 Firmware Note:

  • Updating the controller could cause the controller to become inoperable if the communication is interrupted or if the controller has any file corruption on it.  The customer becomes responsible for the cost of a new controller in these scenarios.

Step 1: Download the correct firmware to your computer. Prior to updating Firmware review technical info below

  1. Using the following chart, download the correct firmware for your message center:
    Display ModelController TypeFirmware Version
    AF-3150, AF-3160, AF-3165, AF-3180, AF-3190, AF-3197, AF-3200, AF-3220, AF-3400M2ED13305.EXE  - (latest 3.16.2)
  2. Save the file to a location such as your desktop or the My Documents folder.

Step 2: Connect to the controller.

  1. Connect to the display using the M2Config utility.  Refer to How do I update M3 Firmware using the M2Config software utility?  for details.
    1. TCP/IP (Ethernet) connection needs to be used to update the firmware
  2. Perform the following steps before updating the controller firmware.
    1. Check controller settings to make sure they are up to date & correct.  Follow How to configure the standard settings for Commercial Galaxy Displays in M2CHow do I configure the standard settings for Commercial Galaxy Displays in M2Config? onfig, DD2241913
    2. Defragment the controller.
      1. Go to the Tools Tab.
      2. Hit the Start button in the Defragment section. A successful defragment ends with an active connection to the controller in M2Config. If M2config does not connect to controller again automatically after the defragment, connect and defragment again, this may take several attempts to complete.
    3. Verify the firmware you are about to update is the same firmware that your display is currently using.
      1. Go to the status tab in M2Config.
      2. Locate the Version section.
      3. Verify that the version that was selected from the chart above matches the version listed in M2Config.
        • Note: It is important to select the correct firmware file as loading the wrong file can cause the display to become inoperable and requiring a controller replacement.

Step 3: Update the controller firmware. Prior to updating firmware review Technical info below.

  1. Go to the firmware tab in M2Config and browse to the firmware saved on the computer.
  2. Verify that Enable High Speed and Delete Bootload File are not checked.  (These should be defaulted to unchecked)
  3. Click the Update Firmware Button.
  4. Firmware will update and reset the controller.  Allow the display time to properly boot up before sending out content or reconnecting to the display.  This can take up to 5 minutes.  It is critical not to power cycle during this time.

M2 Firmware Update Technical Info:

  • Note 1: Any M2s with firmware lower than 3.10.1 need to be stepped up to 3.10.1.  Note: Memory defrag is not required after each step up but should be done before the 1st one is performed.
  • Note 2: There are several ways to determine if we can update the firmware on the controller to the latest version.
    • 1st Option - If the firmware is above 3.11 then we are able to update to the latest revision.
    • 2nd Option - Determine if the M2 is 0P-1229-0001 or not.  Requires someone at the controller.
      • The controller is made of 2 different boards.
        • The top board is what we call the "M2".
        • The bottom board is what we call the "product board".
      • If the top board has a part number of 0P-1229-0001 then the firmware cannot go past 3.11 firmware (still needs to be stepped up to 3.11).

 

KB ID: DD1997888

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