Authorization Code

An authorization code, commonly known as an auth-code, is required to change the software model on a receiver. Auth-codes are obtained by contacting novatel.com/support. Upon contact, NovAtel Customer Support requires:

  • the receiver model number

  • the receiver serial number

  • the receiver firmware version

Enter the LOG VERSION command to determine the receiver model, serial number and firmware version.

Example:

After determining the appropriate model and firmware version, the authorization code (auth-code) is issued. The auth-code is required to unlock the features on the new model type.

To upgrade to a new model with the same firmware version, use the AUTH command with the issued auth-code, as outlined in Upgrading Using an Auth-Code.

To upgrade to a new model with a new firmware version, the new firmware needs to be loaded into the OEM7 receiver. For instructions, refer to Updating or Upgrading Using the WinLoad Utility, Updating the Firmware Using NovAtel Application Suite, Updating the Firmware Using Manage Web or Updating Using SoftLoad Commands.

Auth-codes work with any signed firmware image. Therefore, if a receiver has an auth-code for the old version of firmware, that same auth-code will work for the new version of firmware, provided both images are digitally signed by NovAtel.

Signed firmware images are distributed in *.shex files. The new download package includes a signed firmware file type that uses an extension designated as “.shex” (example OM7MR0200RN0000.shex), as well as the latest WinLoad utility and What’s New file containing firmware update change details.

Temporary auth-codes may be provided by NovAtel for evaluation purposes. Once the trial period has expired, the functionality provided by the auth-code is removed. The expiration date for temporary auth-codes is in the form YYMMDD, where YY = year, MM = month and DD =day. The date is the last day that the auth-code is valid and expires at the end of day, UTC time.

Once the trial period has expired, a new auth-code will need to be obtained from NovAtel Customer Support (support.novatel@hexagon.com).

Firmware images may also have auth-codes embedded within them. The models provided by such firmware images will be valid only on receivers with certain PSNs and Hardware Versions.