Classic 150 Firmware Update

[Bigboomer]

 

I have been trying to update the firmware to the Classic 150 but to no avail. It asks for a Com8 and and error message pops up and that's it....

Very frustrating....I want to use my laptop or AD to monitor but until I can update the firmware I am out of luck...

I tried getting a com8 driver online and unless I pay for one...again out of luck.

After spending the coin for this SOTA controller I do not think I should have to shell out more for a driver just to update.

I am using a new HP laptop with Win8.1...does anyone have a free com8 driver?

Tried all the cute fixes like turning the CC on and off, unplugging, etc....nothing!!!

Can anyone in MN Land help.....Pretty please? With a cherry on top!

[mike90045]

There is a 15+ page manual on how to install and configure the software and ports for win 8.1    i too tried for several days and concluded it was not going to work for me.   Some people did get it to work for them.

I found it way easier to resurrect an old XP laptop and used it to install.  Worked like a champ first try..   

The update software looks for com8, and you have to go into the computer settings to edit the port configuration..  DO NOT buy any software off the internet that claims to be able to do it for you. They will just take your $$

[zoneblue]

Did you follow the instructions exactly?  The PDF download links are here:

http://www.midnitesolar.com/firmwareReport.php?firmware_ID=3&firmwareProduct_ID=1&act=edit

Kinda hard to find at the moment for reasons i dont understand.

[Resthome]

I have been trying to update the firmware to the Classic 150 but to no avail. It asks for a Com8 and and error message pops up and that's it....

Very frustrating....I want to use my laptop or AD to monitor but until I can update the firmware I am out of luck...

I tried getting a com8 driver online and unless I pay for one...again out of luck.

After spending the coin for this SOTA controller I do not think I should have to shell out more for a driver just to update.

I am using a new HP laptop with Win8.1...does anyone have a free com8 driver?

Tried all the cute fixes like turning the CC on and off, unplugging, etc....nothing!!!

Can anyone in MN Land help.....Pretty please? With a cherry on top!

Zoneblue pointed out and provided the link to the win8 firmware update instruction for you. You must follow the instruction exactly, in the order described. The USB to serial driver is included in the update. There is no need to buy one. To get this driver to installed you must configure win8 to allow the installation of unsigned driver as explained in the instruction provided.

[Bigboomer]

Ok..thanks for the info...so far so good but....I did get to the point where I was able to change the port to com8. I did the MNGP update. Went to do the Classic 150 update and now it comes up error: com8 in use or does not exist...tried several times but it will not start updating...any suggestions?

Also front of classic says comm? In lower right corner.

[Westbranch]

try a CPU reboot and if no go  power off the Classic, both PV and battery..

If still no go reinistall driver.

hth

[Bigboomer]

Thanks. The classic finally recognized the com8 and I started the whole process over. First now is reinstalling the MNGP update. It reached 100% and it has been about 15 or 20 min and still no pop up screen to say it is ok to shut the classic off so I can update the actual classic. Should it take that long?

[Westbranch]

I may be wrong but I thought you do the the Classic first...??
About time, mine took a cup of coffee and more.  Mine finally came up done... ~ 1/2 hr...

[Bigboomer]

Thanks.  Just sitting and waiting.....on to other things while I wait.

[Halfcrazy]

It should go to 100% and then after about 2 minutes say update successful or something like that. At that point you can power down the classic and close the black boxes and do the other part (MNGP or Classic whichever one you did not just do)

[TomW]

The classic finally recognized the com8

Actually, Windows finally recognized the port where the Classic was connected to be accurate.

Most of the Windows based update issues  appear to be Windows being less than sane in how it does things.

Tom

[Bigboomer]

Well folks...SUCCESS!

Thank you to all for your help. My Classic is now updated. I am sure the next fun will be to set-up monitoring it from my laptop (with the CAT5 cable) it still does not see the device! Also the MyMidnite does not see it. I checked my net configs and it is enabled. How do I get the data from the Classic to the my mobile devices?

[Westbranch]

how did it all pan out? ie what did you do or not do?

[Bigboomer]

I did as suggested in the Windows 8 Firmware Update for Win8.1 and followed by the book. This helped me get the com8 port running so the laptop could communicate with the Classic. From there I just followed the instructions and eventually everything updated.

I have it plugged into my laptop now but still cannot see it yet.....I am sure eventually that will come around as well.

[Westbranch]

Did you plug in the CAt5 cable and then turn on the PC or other way round.I have a W7 laptop and I get it up first and then plug in. 
Do you have Net access ?  if so turn it off and see.  I have satellite hookup when we are there and I check my Classics before powering up the modem and wifi...

I had some issues (unknown cause) that I got rid of by using  cheap USB powered switch off ebay

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/271531934921?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Do you have the Classics address showing in the Local App alt all?  It should show up right away but connection is a bit slower.