Chapter 6 - Software Update
Gorbel® G-Force® Q/iQ units are shipped out of the factory with the latest released software. The software will be continuously improved by adding new Q or iQ features, expanded feature capabilities, bug fixes, or even a new product line. When a software update or a standard release version is ready, it can be deployed into an existing unit with the Gorbel® Q/iQ Update Utility
program. The program can connect to the unit, retrieve and store its current settings, upload the new software version and restore the original settings. This program MUST BE used to update the software for the users and followed through properly. Any alternative method may corrupt the unit configuration and result in an inoperable unit.
Gorbel® G-Force Software Update Instructions
The following instructions pertain to running the Gorbel® Q/iQ Update Utility for Gorbel® G-Force® units.
Installation
Upon insertion of the CD, the installation program should start automatically. If it does not, navigate to the CD in Windows Explorer and run the program called GorbelUpdate.msi. At this point, if you do not have the .NET 2.0 Framework installed on your computer (this is included with most XP and Vista computers) you will be prompted to download and install this before proceeding.
With the .NET 2.0 Framework installed you will be prompted to install the Gorbel® Q/iQ Update Utility on your computer.
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Click the Next buttons until the software installation is complete and then click Close at the following screen.
Starting the Program
Now that the program is installed, you may run the program from the icon on your desktop.
You may also run the program using the Start Menu from the Gorbel Incgroup.
Using the Program
On program start-up, you will see a prompt reminding you that at times during the update you may see a pop-up box like the one shown below. This is expected and merely needs to be closed to continue with the update.
Step 1
To begin the software update process, choose the location to save temp files that are created by the program. The program may be left at its default (C:\temp) or click the Select Folderbutton and choose an alternate folder anywhere on the computer.
Step 2
In this step, select the port on the computer that is connected to the G-Force® unit. The program will return an error when attempting to connect to the G-Force® in step 2 if the correct COM port is not chosen.
Step 3
This step begins the software update process by saving the current unit’s settings so that they may be restored following the software update. Click the Retrieve and Store Current Settings
button shown below to start the process. A prompt will appear at this point to ensure that the E-stop button is pressed before proceeding with the retrieval.
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After this pop-up window closes, the status of the retrieval may be followed in the gauge below the button and in the Status and Messageswindow at the bottom of the screen.
When the retrieval process is complete, this will be indicated by a green success label next to the progress gauge.
Step 4
This step involves choosing the location of the update file that you need to run for the G-Force® unit. The location of this file may be on the CD that contained the Gorbel® Q/iQ Update Utility, sent separately on a CD or delivered via the internet. In any case, contact Gorbel to ensure that the correct update package is being utilized. After confirmation, select the PIL file and click the
Open button in the file dialog window.
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With the update program selected, it is now time to run the software update. Upon clicking the
Run Q/iQ Software Updatebutton, the PVI Transferprogram will open in a separate window. This update can take up to 10-15 minutes, but the program will show the current progress so that status of the update can be monitored. At this time do not make any adjustments to the G-Force® unit or press any buttons in the PVI Transferor Gorbel® Q/iQ Update Utility windows.
When the software update is complete, a pop-up box will appear as a reminder to cycle the power of the G-Force® unit before proceeding.
Step 6
For the final step of the update process, the previous settings need to be restored to the unit. Click the Restore Settingsbutton and the progress of the restore process will be shown in a gauge beneath the button, as well as in the Status and Messages box at the bottom of the program window. You will be prompted to depress the E-stop button before beginning the retrieval process.
After the retrieval process is complete, a green label next to the Restore Settingsbutton will indicate success.
At this point, the G-Force® unit should be ready to function using the updated software.
Other Functions
There are three additional buttons at the bottom of the program window that perform additional functions. During the normal update process there should be no reason to use these buttons and are only present for debugging when working in conjunction with Gorbel to address problems that may occur during the update process.
Connection Status
6-8 Disconnect PLC
This button manually disconnects the PLC from the computer that is performing the update.
PVI Manager Status
This button informs the user of the PVI manager status. The PVI manager allows the G-Force® to share information with the computer.
