Should I update firmware?

[N1UB]

I have a classic 150 that was manufactured earlier this year. Everything works fine except, I can't seem to get the auto EQ function to work. I'm hesitant to update firmware because my system is at my weekend cabin with no internet service. I don't want to get up there and end up bricking my system, so the big question is should I just leave it alone, or are there some beneficial improvements on the latest update? The laptop I would load the firmware with has Windows 10 for an OS.

Thanks, Bart

[zoneblue]

occassionally hear this. but not using it, all i can suggest is
https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=site:midnitesolar.com+AUTO+EQ

[N1UB]

Thanks for the reply, maybe there is something going on with the auto EQ function.

Out of 52 views no one else wants to comment?

[Resthome]

Thanks for the reply, maybe there is something going on with the auto EQ function.

Out of 52 views no one else wants to comment?

Never use it. I want to be around when I equalize my battery bank.

[Vic]

Hi Bart (is it OK to call you Bart?),

Personally,  I would not Update the Firmware,  especially without a live Internet connection ...  that's just me.

For remote sites that are not often visited,  I personally try to run a bit behind with updates.  Always like to watch the behavior of any Charge Controller (CC)  that has just had an update,  just to make certain that all is working predictably,  and that I have not missed one of the more obscure settings.  This is especially important,  if there will be many months before the next visit to that site.

Realize that for sites that are quite cold in the Winter months,  and seldom visited,  that having an Auto EQ can be important.  Otherwise,  to me,  EQs should always be watched,  and often need some interaction from humans,  on site.

Others will probably have a different take on things ...  73,  Vic

[Resthome]

I have a classic 150 that was manufactured earlier this year. Everything works fine except, I can't seem to get the auto EQ function to work. I'm hesitant to update firmware because my system is at my weekend cabin with no internet service. I don't want to get up there and end up bricking my system, so the big question is should I just leave it alone, or are there some beneficial improvements on the latest update? The laptop I would load the firmware with has Windows 10 for an OS.

Thanks, Bart

As far as updating the firmware, Midnite has not provided written instruction for updating firmware with Win10. And who knows if or when they will. That said I have done it with Win10 but had difficulty installing the driver Midnite uses for the serial USB Com8 connection. Once the driver is installed you don't have to do that part again. But you need the Classic to install the driver.

I also keep copies of the new and old firmware on my laptop because I do not get internet reception at the lake either because of the low water situation in California. This way I can always install the previous version.

You didn't mention what version the firmware is at and if you have the MNGP attached or if it is a Lite Classic.

[N1UB]

Thanks for the info guys, kind of along what I was thinking, still new to this and needed some reinforcement. I have the regular Classic 150 with the MNGP, didn't realize Windows 10 wasn't supported so that automatically makes my decision in itself. I don't go to the cabin as much in the colder months, but certainly can at least once a month to run a manual EQ.

Thanks again,
Bart
73

[cmclane28]

I have a classic 150 that was manufactured earlier this year. Everything works fine except, I can't seem to get the auto EQ function to work. I'm hesitant to update firmware because my system is at my weekend cabin with no internet service. I don't want to get up there and end up bricking my system, so the big question is should I just leave it alone, or are there some beneficial improvements on the latest update? The laptop I would load the firmware with has Windows 10 for an OS.

Thanks, Bart

As far as updating the firmware, Midnite has not provided written instruction for updating firmware with Win10. And who knows if or when they will. That said I have done it with Win10 but had difficulty installing the driver Midnite uses for the serial USB Com8 connection. Once the driver is installed you don't have to do that part again. But you need the Classic to install the driver.

For what it's worth, I also used Windows 10 on my Surface Pro 3 and didn't have to install the Midnite specific driver (not that I didn't try :-) ) Ultimately all I had to do was change the automatically installed Windows driver's Advanced port settings to COM 8 and followed the rest of the instructions for running the updates. I believe most of the instructions in the Windows 8.1 document are still relevant if it helps at all.

[Resthome]

I have a classic 150 that was manufactured earlier this year. Everything works fine except, I can't seem to get the auto EQ function to work. I'm hesitant to update firmware because my system is at my weekend cabin with no internet service. I don't want to get up there and end up bricking my system, so the big question is should I just leave it alone, or are there some beneficial improvements on the latest update? The laptop I would load the firmware with has Windows 10 for an OS.

Thanks, Bart

As far as updating the firmware, Midnite has not provided written instruction for updating firmware with Win10. And who knows if or when they will. That said I have done it with Win10 but had difficulty installing the driver Midnite uses for the serial USB Com8 connection. Once the driver is installed you don't have to do that part again. But you need the Classic to install the driver.

For what it's worth, I also used Windows 10 on my Surface Pro 3 and didn't have to install the Midnite specific driver (not that I didn't try :-) ) Ultimately all I had to do was change the automatically installed Windows driver's Advanced port settings to COM 8 and followed the rest of the instructions for running the updates. I believe most of the instructions in the Windows 8.1 document are still relevant if it helps at all.

Yeah, I finally used the Windows 10 Serial USB driver also. It took the MNGP update right away but then refused to take the Classic update. Fought with it for a hour or more before it finally loaded.

Ryan thinks the issue has to do with noise from the Ethernet so the next time I have that issue I will shut down the Ethernet to see if it resolves the issue. Funny thing is with WIN 7 and WIN 8.1 rarely had an issue using the Midnite driver. Although inf files for the drivers look very similar between the MS and MN files except for a few changes MN has commented on in the inf file.

Still waiting for that promised firmware update with the new network code.