Applies to

Problem

There are times when an nvs parameter has to be changed on a regular basis. Since we do not want customers manipulating the firmware, and since it is not cost-effective for a service person to regularly change the setting, we need an automatic way to perform this change.

Background

For example, some sites are switching back and forth between Print Console 2.0 (PC 2.0) and Platesetter Console 1.7 (PCS 1.7) while in the process of upgrading to Prinergy 2.0. Print Console can detect and use the new rotation settings in the newer Autoloader firmware, but PCS 1.7 (being older) cannot. Therefore, each time the site switches back to PCS 1.7, someone has to manually reset the bit in the firmware in order for the plates to rotate correctly.

Workaround

It's possible to send text to the serial port at start up via the NT "type" command. Be aware that Hyperterminal must already have successfully connected to that port (correct baud rate, etc.) for this procedure to to work:

1. Create a text file that has the string you want to send to the serial port. For example...
   
   File: rotate.txt

Contents: set state bay 1 pr 1


2. Add the following line to the device control software's (site-specific) startup file (example: strtsite.bat):
   
   type DRIVE:\PATH\ROTATE.TXT > COMX
   
   (where DRIVE: is the drive where the file is, PATH is the path where the file is, and COMX is the diagnostic com port. Line does not have to be in uppercase.)
   
   Example: type C:\DeviceStartupScript\ROTATE.TXT > COM3
   
   
3. Ensure that Procomm/Hyperterminal/diagnostic port monitoring software are shut down when you launch the device control software.

When the device control software launches, it will send the contents of the text file you specify to the device via the diagnostic port.

Permanent Fix

Upgrade to the latest device control software.

Technical contacts

James Bredenhof, x5108

Date submitted

Last modified