FIRMWARE UPGRADES

1. Q. What is a FIRMWARE UPGRADE?
   A. The RAMCHECK FIRMWARE is the operating system and test program which resides on the FLASH EPROMs inside the unit. The firmware, which is marked by its version number (e.g. Ver. 2.13) is continuously developed by INNOVENTIONS to bring you a better test program and more test features. The firmware is posted on our web site and the process by which you upgrade your firmware via the Internet is called a FIRMWARE Upgrade.
   
   
2. Q. How do I know which firmware is currently installed in my RAMCHECK?
   A. The RAMCHECK FIRMWARE version is shown on the second screen when RAMCHECK is turned on. You can also see the version in the PRODUCT INFORMATION menu, which is reached by pressing F2 (Setup), F5 (Next), F3 (Product Info).
   
   
3. Q. How do I upgrade RAMCHECK's firmware?
   A. If your computer already has an Internet connection, we recommend using the automated upgrade feature of the RAMCHECK PC Communication program. You can also manually download the firmware file as discussed below. More information is available in Section 6 of the manual, as well as on our firmware download page.
   
   
4. Q. How often should I upgrade the RAMCHECK firmware?
   A. While we typically post a new version every two months, sometimes the new version contains only minor changes and improvements to the previous version. As a registered user, you will get an e-mail notification whenever an important firmware upgrade has become available. However, we recommend updating your BIOS about every two months, and whenever you purchase a new option. Firmware upgrades are free and enhance your investment in our products.
   
   
5. Q. What are the benefits of the new program versions?
   A. Version changes may include support for new modules that may have not been supported previously or support for adapters that have recently been released. Please refer to the RAMCHECK Development Log for a detailed explanation of each version.
   
   
6. Q. Are the RAMCHECK firmware revisions compatible with SIMCHECK II PLUS?
   A. No. RAMCHECK's firmware will not work with SIMCHECK II PLUS (and vice versa). If the SIMCHECK II PLUS is upgraded to RAMCHECK, the RAMCHECK firmware file will work normally.
   
   
7. Q. If I regularly upgrade the RAMCHECK firmware, will my unit always support the new features available by the RAMCHECK program?
   A. Yes, unless new hardware changes have been introduced to the RAMCHECK circuitry. We offer a factory Calibration and Upgrade procedure which we recommend that you will perform every 12-18 months to insure that your unit meets current production specifications.
   
   
8. Q. After downloading the rcf.zip file from the Downloads page of your web site, how do I send it to RAMCHECK?
   A. If your computer has an Internet connection, we recommend that you use the Automated Firmware Upgrade button of the RAMCHECK PC Communication program to automatically upgrade your unit. However, if your computer does not have direct Internet connection, you can manually download the rcf.zip file (with another computer that has Internet connection) and copy the file into the RAMCHECK directory in your computer. Use your favorable unzip utility to unzip rcf.zip into the rcf.bin firmware file. Open the rcf.bin file with your PC communication program and send the file to RAMCHECK by selecting the " TO RAMCHECK" item (or the associated button) from the RAMCHECK menu. Make sure that RAMCHECK is in Standby Mode and already connected to an available serial port. When the firmware transfer is complete, press ESC to reset the RAMCHECK unit with its new program. For additional information, please consult your manual.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to email us at support@innoventions.com. Please remember to include your phone and fax numbers.