Important Note on Firmware Update

this is me · 03/15/2013, 09:29 AM

Just like to throw this out there to help with Profilux users.
Firmware update on the Profilux can be tricky if you're not using the right connection to the PC. Yes, the Profilux has a USB port and a serial R232 port. USB is most convenient and widely used. You can find USB port in almost any devices nowadays. So it seems like a no brainer to use USB to connect your Profilux to the PC. It works, and works great with programming the Profilux using the Profilux Control software. However, when it's time to update your firmware, there's no gauranteed to work 100% of the time and the firmware can kick out in the middle of the update. This can spell chaos and disaster if you don't know what's going on.

In an event of a firmware update failure, the the Profilux locks up. The natural thing to do is disconnecting the power and connecting it back. When you do this, the screen of the profilux goes blank and looks like a dead unit. Your whole tank shuts down since the Powerbar doesn't know what to do. You run around like a chicken panicking around your tank. After you calm down a bit, you searched on the web to find the remedy.

The remedy is to use Flasher to flash the memory and download the new firmware into the Profilux
http://support.aquariumcomputer.com/...tion.php?sid=7
This Flasher can only work via serial connection. You cannot use USB to do this! After you get a hold of an old computer with the serial connection or a serial to USB converter, you can use the Flasher and download the new firmware to the Profilux and the screen will go back to normal.

Do not send the Profilux in for repair when you see the screen is blank. As long as your computer see the connection, the unit is still operational. One way to check this is to listen to the sound of your computer when you plug the Profilux in. It should make that sound when a device is connected to it. Or you can do to "Device Manager" on your computer and find the Profilux if you're computer savvy.

I guess the message here is to use a Serial R232 connection for your firmware update!

AQD_ottawa · 03/15/2013, 04:06 PM

If you have a P3N you no longer need an RS232 adapter to use the flash tool, the P3N has its own on board adapter that is assigned by moving a jumper inside the unit. This means you can now use the USB port for the flash tool with P3N and P3N-EX only.

This is explained in detail on the support forum.

THIS DOES NOT EFFECT P3 OR PLUS II

akindbro4u · 04/05/2013, 05:34 PM

any plans of making this flash-able via usb flash drive?

AQD_ottawa · 04/06/2013, 03:34 PM

Not that I am aware of, but please feel free to ask on the support forum where GHL will see this excellent suggestion

herbklee · 03/28/2014, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AQD_ottawa

If you have a P3N you no longer need an RS232 adapter to use the flash tool, the P3N has its own on board adapter that is assigned by moving a jumper inside the unit. This means you can now use the USB port for the flash tool with P3N and P3N-EX only.

This is explained in detail on the support forum.

THIS DOES NOT EFFECT P3 OR PLUS II

does this mean I have to open up my P3nex unit to move a jumper in order to perform firmware upgrade using a Usb connection?
Please clarify.

AQD_ottawa · 03/28/2014, 06:53 AM

no this is for firmware recovery

unze · 03/28/2014, 10:11 AM

When I first did a firmware update I almost always had a crash, however I found that when i used the old profilux control software it never crashed.

so never used the new profilux control for new firmware updates.

akindbro4u · 03/28/2014, 01:29 PM

I use the flash tool. So much easier

herbklee · 03/30/2014, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AQD_ottawa

no this is for firmware recovery

does not seem to work.
I downloaded latest drivers for adapter, disconnected PAB and made sure I had correct settings for Flasher FR.
Dtill foes not work.
I get error 006.

Would using the RS232 port with a 3rd party serial to uUSB adaper work?

BigAl2007 · 03/30/2014, 03:50 PM

Herb I use the RS232 USB adapter every time I do a FW update and have yet to have a hiccup myself.

good luck

akindbro4u · 03/30/2014, 06:28 PM

Same here. Rs232 to usb. Every time. Never had a bad flash yet.

akindbro4u · 03/30/2014, 06:29 PM

Fyi I got mine at besybuy on clearance. Its old tech, so you should find it fairly cheap.

doggydoc · 03/31/2014, 11:38 AM

RS 232 to USB adaptor all the time. Honestly never had an issue.

rcmania · 03/31/2014, 11:56 AM

I had issues using the RS232 every once in a while. Come to find out the issue was using a laptop that wasn't fully charged. Now I just make sure my laptop has a power source and all is well.

herbklee · 03/31/2014, 07:23 PM

i guess the built in serial to USB adapter in the P3 does not work properly so that we have to use a separate RS232 to USB adapter cable?

BigAl2007 · 04/01/2014, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herbklee

i guess the built in serial to USB adapter in the P3 does not work properly so that we have to use a separate RS232 to USB adapter cable?

I have to note that I'm using a PII that was upgraded to a P3 and not talking about the new P3 series so I can't vouch one way or the other for the built-in USB adapter.

akindbro4u · 04/01/2014, 07:02 AM

Tbh I never tried straight usb. I have been flashing profilux from p2, so using the flasher has just become second nature for me.

herbklee · 04/01/2014, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akindbro4u

Tbh I never tried straight usb. I have been flashing profilux from p2, so using the flasher has just become second nature for me.

i use the flasher as well.
still doesn't work

akindbro4u · 04/01/2014, 08:37 PM

Is the correct com port selected? Easy to over look.

herbklee · 04/02/2014, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akindbro4u

Is the correct com port selected? Easy to over look.

yes. i think.

herbklee · 04/06/2014, 08:15 AM

so frustrated with upgrading firmware.
I'm stuck.

akindbro4u · 04/06/2014, 09:58 AM

What can I do to help?

Halfmoon61 · 04/30/2014, 11:52 AM

I wish I could update firmware from LAN since that is the only connection I can get to work.
RS232 doesn't connect, even bought a new one to try and still no joy. USB won't connect, really frustrating. Heck, my Mitras won't update firmware, for such a high end controller and lights one would think updating firmware would be simple for the average home user. Serial ports, virtual USB???

AQD_ottawa · 04/30/2014, 11:59 AM

I think if you are not able to update mitras or the controller I really think the issue more lies with the PC rather than the equipment, or you could be missing a step. I highly doubt two systems that use totally different update concepts would experience the exact same issue.

Please refer to the support forum for assistance, lets work on getting you up and running rather than critique

Halfmoon61 · 04/30/2014, 12:02 PM

Posted to the support group, sent email to GHL North America.

03/15/2013, 09:29 AM	#1
this is me Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: MA Posts: 4,074	Important Note on Firmware Update Just like to throw this out there to help with Profilux users. Firmware update on the Profilux can be tricky if you're not using the right connection to the PC. Yes, the Profilux has a USB port and a serial R232 port. USB is most convenient and widely used. You can find USB port in almost any devices nowadays. So it seems like a no brainer to use USB to connect your Profilux to the PC. It works, and works great with programming the Profilux using the Profilux Control software. However, when it's time to update your firmware, there's no gauranteed to work 100% of the time and the firmware can kick out in the middle of the update. This can spell chaos and disaster if you don't know what's going on. In an event of a firmware update failure, the the Profilux locks up. The natural thing to do is disconnecting the power and connecting it back. When you do this, the screen of the profilux goes blank and looks like a dead unit. Your whole tank shuts down since the Powerbar doesn't know what to do. You run around like a chicken panicking around your tank. After you calm down a bit, you searched on the web to find the remedy. The remedy is to use Flasher to flash the memory and download the new firmware into the Profilux http://support.aquariumcomputer.com/...tion.php?sid=7 This Flasher can only work via serial connection. You cannot use USB to do this! After you get a hold of an old computer with the serial connection or a serial to USB converter, you can use the Flasher and download the new firmware to the Profilux and the screen will go back to normal. Do not send the Profilux in for repair when you see the screen is blank. As long as your computer see the connection, the unit is still operational. One way to check this is to listen to the sound of your computer when you plug the Profilux in. It should make that sound when a device is connected to it. Or you can do to "Device Manager" on your computer and find the Profilux if you're computer savvy. I guess the message here is to use a Serial R232 connection for your firmware update! __________________ Nick When a man talks dirty to a woman, it's sexual harassment. When a woman talks dirty to a man, it's $4.95 per minute. Current Tank Info: Miracle 360 gallons

03/15/2013, 04:06 PM	#2
AQD_ottawa Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK/Canada Posts: 8,020 Blog Entries: 33	If you have a P3N you no longer need an RS232 adapter to use the flash tool, the P3N has its own on board adapter that is assigned by moving a jumper inside the unit. This means you can now use the USB port for the flash tool with P3N and P3N-EX only. This is explained in detail on the support forum. THIS DOES NOT EFFECT P3 OR PLUS II __________________ Michael Hall Tank Build and product reviews coming soon. 60x30x24 Ecotech powered, OLD Profilux 3 but looking to upgrade when market settles, Seneye Monitored, Bubble Magus DC Skimmed. Current Tank Info: Floating about on the water enjoying semi retirement!!

04/06/2013, 03:34 PM	#4
AQD_ottawa Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK/Canada Posts: 8,020 Blog Entries: 33	Not that I am aware of, but please feel free to ask on the support forum where GHL will see this excellent suggestion __________________ Michael Hall Tank Build and product reviews coming soon. 60x30x24 Ecotech powered, OLD Profilux 3 but looking to upgrade when market settles, Seneye Monitored, Bubble Magus DC Skimmed. Current Tank Info: Floating about on the water enjoying semi retirement!!

03/28/2014, 06:53 AM	#6
AQD_ottawa Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK/Canada Posts: 8,020 Blog Entries: 33	no this is for firmware recovery __________________ Michael Hall Tank Build and product reviews coming soon. 60x30x24 Ecotech powered, OLD Profilux 3 but looking to upgrade when market settles, Seneye Monitored, Bubble Magus DC Skimmed. Current Tank Info: Floating about on the water enjoying semi retirement!!

03/31/2014, 11:38 AM	#13
doggydoc Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,501	RS 232 to USB adaptor all the time. Honestly never had an issue. __________________ Doggydoc Current Tank Info: 75 Gallon Rimless Cube

04/05/2013, 05:34 PM	#3
akindbro4u Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 756	any plans of making this flash-able via usb flash drive?

03/28/2014, 10:11 AM	#7
unze Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 411	When I first did a firmware update I almost always had a crash, however I found that when i used the old profilux control software it never crashed. so never used the new profilux control for new firmware updates.

03/28/2014, 01:29 PM	#8
akindbro4u Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 756	I use the flash tool. So much easier

03/30/2014, 03:50 PM	#10
BigAl2007 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Waynesville, NC USA Posts: 1,737	Herb I use the RS232 USB adapter every time I do a FW update and have yet to have a hiccup myself. good luck

03/30/2014, 06:28 PM	#11
akindbro4u Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 756	Same here. Rs232 to usb. Every time. Never had a bad flash yet.

03/30/2014, 06:29 PM	#12
akindbro4u Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 756	Fyi I got mine at besybuy on clearance. Its old tech, so you should find it fairly cheap.

03/31/2014, 11:56 AM	#14
rcmania Im So Confused! Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 439	I had issues using the RS232 every once in a while. Come to find out the issue was using a laptop that wasn't fully charged. Now I just make sure my laptop has a power source and all is well. __________________ Roll Tide! Current Tank Info: 220G Tall DSB SPS DT/3 Sol Blue/ 75 Gallon Sump in basement with Reeflo return/ 2 Mp40W/ Profilux Controller. 65G QT

03/31/2014, 07:23 PM	#15
herbklee Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: etiwanda, ca Posts: 225	i guess the built in serial to USB adapter in the P3 does not work properly so that we have to use a separate RS232 to USB adapter cable?

04/01/2014, 07:02 AM	#17
akindbro4u Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 756	Tbh I never tried straight usb. I have been flashing profilux from p2, so using the flasher has just become second nature for me.

04/01/2014, 08:37 PM	#19
akindbro4u Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 756	Is the correct com port selected? Easy to over look.

04/06/2014, 08:15 AM	#21
herbklee Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: etiwanda, ca Posts: 225	so frustrated with upgrading firmware. I'm stuck.

04/06/2014, 09:58 AM	#22
akindbro4u Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 756	What can I do to help?

04/30/2014, 11:52 AM	#23
Halfmoon61 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 93	I wish I could update firmware from LAN since that is the only connection I can get to work. RS232 doesn't connect, even bought a new one to try and still no joy. USB won't connect, really frustrating. Heck, my Mitras won't update firmware, for such a high end controller and lights one would think updating firmware would be simple for the average home user. Serial ports, virtual USB??? __________________ 150 Peninsula Current Tank Info: 150 Peninsula

04/30/2014, 11:59 AM	#24
AQD_ottawa Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK/Canada Posts: 8,020 Blog Entries: 33	I think if you are not able to update mitras or the controller I really think the issue more lies with the PC rather than the equipment, or you could be missing a step. I highly doubt two systems that use totally different update concepts would experience the exact same issue. Please refer to the support forum for assistance, lets work on getting you up and running rather than critique __________________ Michael Hall Tank Build and product reviews coming soon. 60x30x24 Ecotech powered, OLD Profilux 3 but looking to upgrade when market settles, Seneye Monitored, Bubble Magus DC Skimmed. Current Tank Info: Floating about on the water enjoying semi retirement!!

04/30/2014, 12:02 PM	#25
Halfmoon61 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 93	Posted to the support group, sent email to GHL North America. __________________ 150 Peninsula Current Tank Info: 150 Peninsula