Upgrade the Domain 5000 Kernel

The kernel, ramdisk, and FPGA code do not need to be upgraded in going from 2.5.1 to 3.0.0.

 

Please print these directions before beginning (using "Landscape" with 0.5" boarders on all sides).

 

In addition to the Ubiquity application software, also resident on the Domain Controller are four software system components:

  • The kernel, which is the Linux the operating system

  • The ramdisk, which manages writing to the Flash memory

  • The fpgacode, which is the code in the FPGA that controls some I/O ports

 

From time to time, it is necessary to upgrade these software components. The following steps can be followed by someone who is familiar with using Hyper Terminal (Microsoft's default Windows terminal program). This application is used to establish a wired and direct console (command line) communication to the D5K through a port on the back of the D5K labeled RCP (Redundant Communication Port). Communication to the D5K in this manner should not be undertaken if you are not familiar with this kind of activity. Mistakes made during this process can adversely affect the operation of the Domain 5000 controller.

 

Connect the RCP cable

A cable called the RCP cable was shipped with the Domain 5000. Insert it into the RCP plug one end into the back of the Domain 5000 and the other end into the serial port of your PC.

 

Open Hyper Terminal at 115200

Open Hyper Terminal to the baud rate of 115200.

 

 

Go to the Boot prompt on the Domain 5000

Reset the D5K by pushing the reset button once momentarily until a single LED lights. Release the button and wait a few seconds and the Domain 5000 will begin to reboot.

On the Hyper Terminal console, watch the startup process until you see series of numbers begin to roll rapidly at the cursor. This is the memory check sequence. Hit the space bar during this sequence. You must watch carefully and be ready to hit the space bar as it goes by rather quickly. If you miss it, you will have to reset the D5K once again.

Within a second or two, you will see a "Boot" prompt.

 

At the prompt type "load kernel".

The D5K will respond with "ready for Xmodem transfer". Then quickly, (there is a limited amount of time with which to start the file transfer), go to the Hyper Terminal Transfer menu and select Send File...

In the window that comes up, browse to the location of the zImage file (the kernel upgrade file you will have previously saved somewhere on the computer).

 

Make sure you have selected Xmodem from the Protocol pull-down menu.

 

 

Click on the Send button. Next you will see the following window.

 

The upload of the file to the Domain 5000 Controller can take 15 or 20 minutes. Do not disturb the process or the file upload may become corrupted requiring a complete re-flash of the compact flash card in the D5K.

 

 

 

When finished sending the file, the D5K will return to the Boot prompt.

 

It is strongly recommended that if you update the kernel, that you also update the ramdisk and fpgacode. These are created in matching versions by our engineering department.

FPGACODE

To update the fpgacode, follow the same steps as above, but instead of typing "load kernel", type "load fpgacode". The fpgacode file in the same directory as the zImage file. Then, proceed as above.

 

Ramdisk

To update the ramdisk, follow the same steps as above, but instead of typing "load kernel", type "load ramdisk". The ramdisk file in the same directory as the zImage file. Then, proceed as above.

 

When finished updating the kernel, ramdisk and fpgacode, type the word "boot" and hit return. The D5K will restart and return to full functional state after about 5 -10 minutes.

 

The Domain 5000 will restart.