Classic Firmware update using Linux

[Rybren]

I'm finally about to install the WBJr that I got for Christmas.  I know that I'll have to do a firmware update.  This will be my first one ever.

My Windoze laptop expired on me and the only machine that I have available is a really old Acer that I recently put Debian on because the machine was having trouble running XP.

Here's where I need some help: 

- Are there any tips that anyone can provide to a Linux newbie?
- Is there anything that I can test or run at home before heading up to the camp? My system is completely off grid and I have no communication with the outside world when I'm there
- What Firmware should I install?
- What can I do if the install fails or hangs? 

Thanks

Jerry

[Rybren]

Let me try asking each question one by one.

What should I do if the firmware update fails? How do I get the Classic up and running again?

[zoneblue]

Not sure i can help. Even though i use linux quite a bit, my observation/calculation was simply that most of the midnite firmware resources go into windows, therefore that will give me the best shot. Hence never had a firmware update go belly up. If you are boxed into linux, maybe PM TomW, who probably knows as much about it as anyone.

[TomW]

Here is a fairly good discussion of this:

http://midniteforum.com/index.php?topic=909.msg6019#msg6019

Hope it helps.

Tom

[Rybren]

Thanks Tom.

I hope to head up to the camp and give it a try this weekend.

[chris]

any possibility of just borrowing a windows laptop for the weekend there Jerry?

   I'm a Mac guy my self and have had to barrow one both times I updated my Kid....oh, and if the Classic is as easy to update as the Kid....should be a snap.

[Westbranch]

oh, and if the Classic is as easy to update as the Kid....should be a snap.

Sad to say, but NO, it is not drag and drop...it can be frustrating in the least.  Most  important is to have patience and give the process lots of time to handshake, etc... it is NOT fast by any imagination.

have fun

[Rybren]

Chris,

I MAY try using Linux this weekend. 

My biggest concern is about what to do if it fails.  Then I'm stuck in the bush without a working charge controller.  I'd have to drive around until I got cell reception and then pray that I could actually speak to someone.

[TomW]

Chris,

I MAY try using Linux this weekend. 

My biggest concern is about what to do if it fails.  Then I'm stuck in the bush without a working charge controller.  I'd have to drive around until I got cell reception and then pray that I could actually speak to someone.

Rybren;

I do not remember a case where a failed FW update actually bricked a Classic. Usually it seems the Classic just keeps chugging along as a controller.    From not so reliable memory so take with a grain of salt.

Some successful upgrades have been known to set the mode to off so check that stuff before you leave it.  In fact, I would recommend a VMM whenever you upgrade the firmware. Shut off power in and battery power, hold  < and > arrow keys down and power it up, hold the keys until you get to the welcome screen. Answer the questions and reset any custom settings you may have had. This assures no unpredictable settings retention that may cause problems.


Just what I would do.

Tom

[Rybren]

Tom,

It's good to know that a failed update doesn't brick the unit.  That has been my biggest concern.

Thanks.

Jerry

[chris]

  Hope it all goes smooth Jerry,

   Once you get the WBjr up and running I'm sure you will be thrilled......I can't help but run to the controller every few mins to see how much power I'm using.....and how much is making it threw to the batts LOL

[Rybren]

Thanks Chris,

I'm not so sure that I'll get it done any time soon.  My wife has been struggling with her Chemo lately and a trip to the cabin may not be in the books for a while.

Jerry

[chris]

I hope the difficulty with the treatment pays off and she starts feeling better soon.

[Halfcrazy]

Jerry
I wish you and your wife all the best through this.

Now on the Classic the only way to make it stop charging is to get the update to partially install and stop it. But if you get that far then it is very likely you will get it updated. 99% of the issues always settle around the driver being installed and the Com port being set. Without either it can not erase the old firmware'

Ryan

[Rybren]

Thanks for the well wishes.

Ryan, thanks for the clarification.  I will eventually get the WBjr installed and the firmware updated.  Luckily, because we havn't been using the camp much, the batts spend 99+% of the time in float.