Firmware Upgrades

1. Q. What is a FIRMWARE UPGRADE?
   A. The SIMCHECK II/II se PLUS FIRMWARE is the operating system and test program which resides on the FLASH EPROMs inside the unit. The firmware, which is marked by its version number (e.g. Ver. 1.55) is continuously developed by INNOVENTIONS to bring you a better test program and more test features. The firmware is posted on our web site and the process by which you upgrade your firmware via the Internet is called a FIRMWARE Upgrade.
   
   
2. Q. How do I upgrade SIMCHECK's firmware?
   A. If your computer already has an Internet connection, we recommend using the automated upgrade feature of the SIMCHECK II PC Communication program. You can also manually download the firmware file as discussed below. More information is available in Section 8 of the manual, as well as on our firmware download page.
   
   
3. Q. How often should I upgrade the SIMCHECK II firmware?
   A. While we typically post a new version every two months, sometimes the new version contains only minor changes and improvements to the previous version. As a registered user, you will get an e-mail notification whenever an important firmware upgrade has become available. However, we recommend updating your BIOS about every two months, and whenever you purchase a new option. Firmware upgrades are free and enhance your investment in our products.
   
   
4. Q. What are the benefits of the new program versions?
   A. Version changes may include support for new modules that may have not been supported previously or support for adapters that have recently been released. Please refer to the SIMCHECK II Development Log for a detailed explanation of each version.
   
   
5. Q. Are the RAMCHECK firmware revisions compatible with SIMCHECK II PLUS?
   A. No. RAMCHECK's firmware will not work with SIMCHECK II PLUS. If the SIMCHECK II PLUS is upgraded to RAMCHECK, the RAMCHECK firmware file will work normally.
   
   
6. Q. If I regularly upgrade the SIMCHECK firmware, will my unit always support the new features available by the SIMCHECK program?
   A. Yes, unless new hardware changes have been introduced to the SIMCHECK circuitry. We offer a factory Calibration and Upgrade procedure which we recommend that you will perform every 12-18 months to insure that your unit meets current production specifications.
   
   
7. Q. After downloading the SC2F.zip file from the Downloads page of your web site, how do I send it to SIMCHECK II?
   A. If you use the SIMCHECK II Communications program for WIN95/98/NT, you can press the Automated Firmware Upgrade button to automatically upgrade your unit. However, if you use our older WIN3.1/3.11 programs, or you do not have an Internet connection in your computer, you will need to download the SC2F.zip file from our web site. Use your favorable unzip utility to unzip SC2F.zip into the SC2F.bin firmware file. Updating the BIOS is performed by running the downloader program that is enclosed in the SIMCHECK II disk. From this program, open the file SC2F.bin that was downloaded, and select TO SIMCHECK from the SIMCHECK menu (Making sure that the SIMCHECK II unit is in Standby Mode and already connected to an available serial port). When the updating is complete, press ESC to reset the SIMCHECK II unit with its new program. For additional information, please consult your manual.
   
   
8. Q. After ugrading my SIMCHECK II PLUS, why do I get the message "Needs Factory Upgrade"?
   A. This message appears when SIMCHECK II's firmware detects an old version of firmware in your Sync DIMMCHECK Adapter. This occurs in Sync DIMMCHECK 168 Adapters that are versions 44 and below. This is also an indication that the hardware of your main tester and/or your adapter may need additional upgrades to be brought to the current factory standard. As individual circumstances will vary, we suggest that you contact our Tech Support Dept. for further details.
   
   
9. Q. When upgrading my SIMCHECK II firmware, why do I sometimes run into difficulty while I have the Sync DIMMCHECK 168 installed?
   A. The firmware is best upgraded while the SIMCHECK II is without adapters. Simply disconnect any adapter and try upgrading your tester again. If problems persist, please contact our Tech Support Dept.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to email us at support@innoventions.com. Please remember to include your phone and fax numbers.