README - VIBROTIP


Since its inception, VIBROTIP has undergone several changes in hardware and software which may not be readily discernable. 
The VIBROTIP Update Manager program makes it easy for you to tell whether your VIBROTIP instrument is up to date. 
If it detects outdated software, the Update Manager automatically offers you the option of immediately updating to the latest version. 
All detected information is also written to a text file which can easily be used with a text editor or other program for archival and reporting purposes.  


PC requirements
- Standard PC: AT or later
- 4 MB of RAM
- 700kByte of hard disk space
- An unoccupied serial interface 
(COM1 or COM2, no others are allowed)

Since the program runs under MS-DOS, Windows is not necessary. In fact, for best results the program should be executed from DOS rather than under Windows.


Installation procedure
Make a new directory to hold all VIBROTIP Update Manager files, for example:

C:> MKDIR VIBUP

Then copy all files from the program diskette into a new directory on your PC's hard disk, 
for example:

C:> COPY A:\*.* C:\VIBUP

(Consult your DOS manual if necessary for detailed instructions on directories and copying).


Running the program

1. Use cable VIB 8.619 to connect the VIBROTIP instrument to an unoccupied 9-pin serial port on the PC. (Depending upon your PC, it may be necessary to use the ALI 3.264 9-to-25-pin converter between the cable and the serial port socket.)

2. Press the 'M' key to switch on the VIBROTIP.

3. On the PC: if necessary, change to the directory where the Update Manager files are located. From there, run the Update Manager:

VIBUP.EXE [Enter]

Note again that the program should be run from MS-DOS, not under Windows!

4. The program first asks you to enter the number of the serial (COM) port to which VIBROTIP is attached. For example, if COM2: is being used, simply enter '2'.

The Update Manager then evaluates the instrument and returns its results in the PC monitor.


Results

The Update Manager first displays the following four pieces of information for the VIBROTIP instrument connected to the PC:

1. Serial number
2. Hardware version
3. Boot software version
4. Operating software version (if present)

This information is also written into the 'TELEGRAM' section of a text file entitled PROTOCOL.TXT, which may be renamed or copied to a different file name to avoid accidental overwriting the next time the program is run.

Then, depending upon its findings, the program responds in one of two ways:

A. 'Software is up to date'
In this case, you need not take any further action: the instrument has been found to contain the latest software version available. 

B. If software is out of date
In this case, the instrument should be updated, so Update Manager automatically instructs you how to proceed:

1. Switch off the VIBROTIP instrument by returning to the main menu with the 'Next' key if necessary, then pressing the 'Up' and 'Down' keys at the same time.

2. Press the 'Enter' and 'Next' keys and hold them down during the next step.

3. Press the 'M' key and hold it down until the display is lit, then release the 'M' key.

4. Release the 'Enter' and 'Next' keys.

5. The display now shows 'boot x.xx' to indicate that the instrument is now ready to receive the program update from the PC.

6. Then press the 'D' key on the PC to begin transferring the program update (if you do not want to update the VIBROTIP instrument, press the 'Q' key to abort the update procedure). VIBROTIP displays the number of data blocks downloaded; the process takes about 5 minutes. On completion the display clears and the new software status is briefly displayed.

If the VIBROTIP does not contain any operating software at all:
VIBROTIP starts in 'boot' mode when switched on, so steps 1 - 4 may be skipped.

In case of error
If any errors are encountered, Update Manager aborts and displays the message 'program terminated with error.' In that case, be sure to rename or copy the entire PROTOCOL.TXT file for further diagnosis by PRÜFTECHNIK Software Support (telefax: +49/89/99616-300).