SOFTLOADFILE

Updates firmware using file devices of the receiver

Platform:

PwrPak7

The SOFTLOADFILE command applies only to receivers with internal data storage.

To use the SOFTLOADFILE command, the option must be enabled using the IPSERVICE command.

Receivers with storage for data logging can also store firmware images to be flashed onto the receiver. Using FTP, .shex or .sbin files are uploaded and the SOFTLOADFILE command programs a firmware file to be used on next boot. ASCII .shex files contain the required metadata to be used directly without further user input. However, binary .sbin files do not and require other SOFTLOAD commands to reset the process and set the Version, Platform, and Type values. See Updating Using SoftLoad Commands

Use of binary images is recommended as binary images (.sbin) take significantly less time to flash than ASCII images (.shex). Binary image files are available on request from NovAtel Support.

Message ID: 1302

Abbreviated ASCII Syntax:

SOFTLOADFILE StorageDevice Filename [Reserved]

ASCII Examples:

SOFTLOADFILE INTERNAL_FLASH OM7MR0705RN0000.sbin

Field

Field Type

ASCII Value

Binary Value

Description

Format

Binary Bytes

Binary Offset

1

Command header

–

–

SOFTLOADFILE header

This field contains the command name for abbreviated ASCII or the message header for ASCII or Binary.

–

H

0

2

StorageDevice

USBSTICK

1

This allows .shex files to be flashed on to the receiver from an attached USB stick containing the files.

Enum

4

H

INTERNAL_FLASH

4

The source device on which the firmware file is stored.

3

Filename

Character string

File name of the firmware file.
(128 characters maximum)

Char
(max 128)

Variable1

H+4

4

Reserved

Int

4

H+132

Binary File Example:

This example shows how to load the binary file EP7PR0705RN0000.sbin.

  1. Upload the EP7PR0705RN0000.sbin firmware file via FTP.

  2. Enter LOG SOFTLOADSTATUS ONNEW.

  3. Enter SOFTLOADRESET.

  4. Enter SOFTLOADSETUP DATATYPE APP.

  5. Enter SOFTLOADSETUP VERSION EP7PR0705RM0000 (version string).

  6. Enter SOFTLOADSETUP PLATFORM OEM7700 (must match receiver platform ID).

  7. Enter SOFTLOADFILE INTERNAL_FLASH EP7PR0705RN0000.sbin.

  8. Enter RESET when the SoftLoad status shows COMPLETE.

ASCII File Example:

This example shows how to load the ASCII file EP7PR0705RN0000.shex.

  1. Upload the EP7PR0705RN0000.shex firmware file via FTP.

  2. Enter LOG SOFTLOADSTATUS ONNEW.

  3. Enter SOFTLOADFILE INTERNAL_FLASH EP7PR0705RN0000.shex.

  4. Enter RESET when the SoftLoad status shows COMPLETE.