Each of the firmware files is checked for line by line checksum validity and the presence of a file end record during FTP (which isn't used in the Beta unzip process) and the firmware files are read into the PC's RAM and similarly verified before initiating firmware load. We don't access the file system during firmware load to avoid issues like network file share access problems at awkward times.
There is a line by line checksum test and a retry protocol during the load. But we are critically dependent in receiving single byte ACK or NACK for each firmware record. Most corruption I see is based on USB / laptop combinations and is somewhat transient or due to unfortunate combinations of laptop and USB adapters. The same devices work fine at different times or with other cables or the cable works fine with another computer. The most damaging corruption the occasional introduction of a byte the program didn't send or the loss of a response ACK. I have traces of both scenarios, and application level error recovery code for "should not occur" sorts of failure like this. Most of my K3 Utility testing is done with a vintage Prolific PL2303 based KUSB with my Windows 7 64-bit desktop development system, with two 2-meter RS 232 extension cords across the room, two DB9 ABCD switches and two one-meter DB9 extension cords in line between PC and K3. When I make changes to the firmware loaders I also test with an XP laptop, Vista laptop, Windows 7 netbook, and a Windows 98 SE minitower, and a Windows XP desktop with RS232. Dick, K6KR On Feb 6, 2011, at 6:55, "Lee Trout" <trou...@gmail.com> wrote: > Craig's problem brings up a question. If, for whatever reason, one or more > of the downloaded firmware files is corrupted, do you need to delete all the > downloaded files from your computer, do a new download from Elecraft so that > a reload doesn't just grab the corrupted file again? Thanks, Lee (K9CM) > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
