How to update controller firmware

Created by Phil Cunliffe, Modified on Fri, 6 Oct, 2023 at 8:35 AM by Phil Cunliffe

If you are updating controllers to be used on GP10 that have been used on GPP they may require a firmware update. Controllers with firmware dated before 2018 will need to be updated to work on GP10. All controllers are compatible as long as there firmware is upgraded.

WARNING: Flashing the wrong file may permanently damage your controller, and is not covered under warranty. If you are unsure which controller you have or which file you need, please contact us at [email protected] before you proceed.

You will need:

A USB-485 adaptor to update the firmware, as well as the driver which can be found here.
The Flash 2000 tool, which can be downloaded from here.
The correct HEX firmware file for your controller type, which can be downloaded from here.

Procedure:

Ensure the GuardPoint Pro application or GuardPoint 10 services are not running, and connect the controller to the computer with the USB-485 adaptor.
Open Device Manager and look for USB Serial Port under Ports. If this doesn't appear, install the driver and try again. Make note of the COM port, COM3 in this example.
Open Flash 2000, and change the COM port as above. Also ensure the other settings match the screenshot below.
Tick the box for your controller address, as set by the dipswitches. In this example the address is 0.
Click Flash Info and you the program will start trying to communicate with the controller. If successful, you will get a screen like below with information in the fields respective to the controller address, in this example address 0.
The Version field should show the firmware date. If it shows something else, such as 00/AB/CD, please contact us for further instructions.
Please be aware that the Speed setting will automatically cycle through the options if it cannot communicate with the controller. You will need to change it back to 9600 before trying again.
Close the Flash Info window, click Browse and open the HEX firmware file.
Click Download (Parallel) and Flash 2000 will start programming the controller.
WARNING: DO NOT UNPLUG THE CONTROLLER DURING THIS PROCESS. If the programming process is interrupted, the controller will be permanently damaged. We also recommend you avoid using the PC during this process.
After the programming process is complete, the Flash Info will be shown with the updated firmware date.
The firmware update is now complete. Close Flash 2000 and restart GuardPoint Pro/10. Make sure you initialise the controller after you reconnect it to the server.