Instructions for Updating Boot Loader (WinCE 4.1)
The
Boot Loader is a program that loads into the Flash EPROM on the Allegro. This
program is responsible for loading the Windows CE from the internal C_Drive into system RAM when the Allegro is turned on. It
also sets certain system parameters that control system performance.
Methods to
update Boot Loader
There are two methods to update the boot loader
on the Allegro CE. Choose the method
that fits best with your tools. Detailed instructions for each method are
described below.
1. ATA Flash Card Method: requires ATA Flash Card, and a computer with a
PC Card slot. The ATA Flash Card method is faster. If you have a number of
units to update, we recommend that you use this method.
2. Serial Communications Method: requires a computer with a serial port and a serial communications cable.
Preparing
the Allegro for the new Boot Loader
On
the Allegro CE, close all active programs and make sure that all of your data
files are on the C_Drive or transferred to your
desktop computer. During the installation the registry is reset to its factory
default settings and the RAM memory is erased. Everything that is stored on the
Allegro’s C_Drive remains intact.
Most
application programs modify the registry when they are installed. It is highly recommended that you remove all
of the application programs prior to installing the new boot loader. Use the Start/Settings/Control Panel/ Remove
Programs utility to remove the applications. After the new boot loader is
installed, then you should re-install all application
programs on the Allegro CE.
Make
sure that your battery is charged or plug the Allegro into the charger during
the update process to ensure that the unit does not power off during the
update.
Step-by-Step
Instructions using the ATA flash card
1. Insert the ATA Flash PC
Card into your computer. Using a file
explorer utility on your desktop computer, browse to the folder containing the
new "boot.bin" file. Copy the "boot.bin"
file from your computer to the root folder on the PC card.
2. Turn the Allegro CE
on. Remove the PC Card from your
computer and insert it into the Allegro CE.
3. With the PC Card
inserted in the Allegro, select "Start Menu/Programs/Utilities/Set Factory
Defaults. (This selection erases the registry and the RAM file system.). There is a pause as the factory defaults are
set and the boot loader is activated. It
is important that you wait patiently.
4. After the pause, the
Allegro automatically reboots and reprograms the flash. The message
"Programming Flash" is shown near the bottom of the screen.
5. Pop out the PC Card when
the Boot Loader says "Done, reboot". The Allegro reboots again and
loads the Windows CE. You are prompted
to recalibrate the touchscreen.
6. The update is now
complete. A message is shown that you have reset your factory defaults.
7. You now need to set the
Allegro settings back to where they were before this update, such as
communication options, user information, device name, etc. The contrast may have changed. Adjust it as
needed.
8. You need to reinstall
all the application programs onto the Allegro, and then use the Save System
utility. The Save System is in
Start/Programs/Utilities/Save System.
9. You can use this same PC
card to update all the Allegros that you have repeating steps 2 through 8. Erase "boot.bin"
file from the ATA flash card after completing the update on all
of your Allegro's.
Step by Step
Instructions using the serial communication cable
The
special utility program, “Remote Update Utility”, is provided to load the Boot
Loader file onto the Allegro. This
program requires that you use the serial communication cable connection to
update the Boot Loader on the Allegro. You
cannot update the boot loader using the USB/Power Dock.
1. You MUST use the serial
cable connection with the cable attached to COM1 on the Allegro. You MUST
disable ActiveSync from using the serial port on your computer. Go into the
ActiveSync window and click the File/Connection Settings menu item and UN-CHECK
the "Allow serial cable or infrared connection to this COM port" box.
2. To prepare the Allegro
to receive the Boot Loader follow these steps carefully:
a.
With
the serial cable attached to COM1 of the Allegro, press and hold down the shift
key on the Allegro.
b.
While
holding the shift key down, tap on Start menu/Programs/Utilities/Set Factory
Defaults.
c.
A
dialog box asks you if you are sure you want to do this action. Answer YES.
(Keep the Shift key depressed)
d.
The
screen blinks briefly, and then the Boot Loader menu is shown. Release the
shift key.
e.
Use the down arrow key to move the highlight
to the third line: “Update Boot Loader via COM1”.
f.
Do not press the Enter
key yet.
3. On your desktop
computer, using a file explorer, navigate to the file "RemoteUpdate.exe ". It should be in the folder you extracted the
zip file to. Run the Remote update
utility following the steps below:
a.
Double
click on this “RemoteUpdate.exe” to run it.
b.
The
"Remote Update Utility" screen is shown asking you to set the
communication parameters for the computer Com port and the baud rate.
c.
Set
the communication port setting for the port that the serial cable is connected
to on your desktop computer. (This setting is NOT referring to the Allegro COM
port; it is referring to the serial port on your computer.)
d.
Set
the Baud Rate to 115,200.
e.
Click
the Browse button and locate the Boot.bin file. Click
on the file name “Boot.bin” and then on the Open
button.
f.
Click
on the "Start Download" button in the Remote Update window.
g.
Press
Enter on the Allegro. You can watch the progress bar on the computer and the
Allegro. The progress bar on the Allegro quickly moves about 3/4 of the way
across, and then stops there for a few seconds. Do not be alarmed because it
appears to stop. This is normal.
h.
When
the Boot Loader has been updated, the Allegro automatically reboots, starts
Windows CE, and prompts you to recalibrate the touchscreen.
4. On the PC, click on the
Exit button in the Remote Update Utility window.
5. The update is now
complete. A message is shown that you have reset your factory defaults.
6. You now need to set the
Allegro settings back to where they were before this update, such as
communication options, user information, device name, etc. The contrast may have changed. Adjust it as
needed.
7. You need to reinstall
all the application programs.
8. If you normally connect
to your Desktop PC using the serial port, go back into ActiveSync
"Connection Settings" menu item and check the check box to enable
"Allow serial cable or infrared connection to this COM port".
If
you have questions during the update process, contact our technical services
department.
Technical Services Department
435-753-1881
email: techsupport@junipersys.com