User Manual Q&AAnswer
Feb 21, 2025 - 09:02 PM
To upgrade the firmware on your iOptron CEM120 mount with a 8410 hand controller, please follow these step-by-step instructions:
1. Prepare for the Upgrade:
- Download and install the FTDI USB-VCP driver on your Windows-based computer.
- Connect the mount to your computer using a USB 2.0 cable.
- Power on the mount and plug in the 8410 hand controller if its firmware also needs to be upgraded.
- Find the assigned COM port number by following these steps:
- Right-click on the Windows sign located on the bottom left corner of your computer's screen.
- Select "Device Manager" from the list of tasks that appear.
- Click on "Ports (COM & LPT)" and find the COM port number assigned to your mount. Note down this number for later use.
2. Firmware Upgrade:
- Locate the downloaded firmware upgrade utility (iOptronUpgradeUtility.exe) on your computer and run it.
- In the iOptron Upgrade Utility window, click on "Browse" and select the mount firmware package (CEM120_FWYYMMDD.bin) that you downloaded.
- The file type and package will be verified and displayed.
- From the COM/USB Port dropdown menu, select the COM port number that you noted down earlier.
- Choose either "Intelligent Select" to let the software decide which part of the mount firmware needs to be upgraded, or "Manually Select" to choose specific firmware to upgrade.
- If you selected "Intelligent Select", check the small box in front of it and click on the "Upgrade" button. If your software is already up to date, you will see a notification.
- If any firmware needs to be upgraded or if you selected "Manually Select", the software will proceed with the upgrade process.
- After all four firmware upgrades are finished, power cycle the mount.
- Verify the firmware version by pressing MENU -> Firmware Information on the hand controller.
- Exit the Upgrade Utility program.
3. Calibration for CEM120 EC Version High Precision Encoder (CEM120EC/EC2 only):
- Turn off the mount.
- For RA encoder calibration, hold the number "2" on the hand controller and then turn on the mount's power. Keep holding the #2 key until the calibration starts automatically.
- The calibration mode will search for the mount's zero position, swing to the eastern side quickly, and then slowly move from the eastern side to the western side to calibrate the encoder. It will return to the zero position after calibration is finished. This process may take a few minutes.
- After the mount stops, turn off the mount and then turn it on again.
- For CEM120EC2 DEC encoder calibration, hold the number "4" on the hand controller and then turn on the mount's power. Keep holding the #4 key until the calibration starts automatically.
- Follow the same steps as above for DEC encoder calibration.
- After the mount stops, turn off the mount and then turn it on again.
- Perform a Search Zero Position or Set Zero Position.
Common errors during firmware upgrade and their possible solutions:
- "Can not open COM port":
- Ensure that the correct COM port is selected.
- Make sure the mount is properly connected.
- Check if the USB to RS232 converter driver is installed correctly or if it's corrupted.
- There might be an issue with the main board.
- "Connection failed":
- Ensure that the mount's power is turned on.
- Check if the cable is firmly plugged in.
- There might be a malfunction with the control board.
- "Upgrade stopped in the middle or failed":
- Try upgrading again using the manual upgrade option.
- Ensure that the cable is firmly plugged in and not moved during the process.
Please note that these instructions are based on the information provided in the iOptron CEM120 Firmware Upgrade instructions. Always refer to the official documentation or contact iOptron customer support for any specific concerns or issues you may have during the firmware upgrade process.
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