In-System Software Updates; Repair Procedures; Warranty - AEC PCIe-TC User Manual

IN-SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATES

One very nice feature of our PCIe-TC boards is that they can be updated
in the field without having to take your computer apart. These updates
can be used to fix software bugs, to add new features, or to upgrade your
board to be a more expensive (but hardware compatible) model (for a fee
of course). If you have just received a brand new board, you can ignore
this page, because all boards are shipped from the factory fully tested and
with the latest software already installed.
Every PCIe-TC board has a 16-digit "software ID code" which is different
from every other board, and which changes every time a board is updated.
The update file which will be sent to you will only work one time, and for
this specific board only. Thus we need to know in advance the current
software ID code of your board. At present there are two ways of obtain-
ing this information, using the test/demo/support CDROM which came
with your board. For Windows users, there should be a short utility pro-
gram on the CDROM which displays the software ID code for you. Alter-
natively, boot to the CDROM (as described on page 6), then navigate
through the DOS-like demo program as needed to select the "Get Soft-
ware ID" option. In either case, write down the 16-digit software ID code
and send it to us along with an indication of who you are, how we can get
ahold of you, why you need a software update, your board model number(s),
and so forth. If you need to update more than one PCIe-TC board, you
will have to get the software ID code from each board and also remember
which board has which ID code. This is very important, because each
update file usually only works once, and with one particular board.
Whenever you receive a software update file from us, you should also
receive detailed instructions on how to transfer that data to your board.
Just follow the instructions. You will be guided through the update pro-
cess automatically. Normally it takes less than 1 minute to do the update
itself. Assuming that the update is successful, reboot (reset) your com-
puter. It should now operate normally, but with better software in your
PCIe-TC board. Let us know if you encounter any problems.
PCIe-TC User Guide Page 22 April 2012

REPAIR PROCEDURES

Please contact us before returning any PCIe-TC board for repair purposes,
because historically over 90% of boards returned have absolutely nothing
wrong with them, and a lot of time and money gets wasted in the process.
We will attempt to get you back on line via telephone or e-mail support,
because that is the least expensive and fastest method. If for some reason
that does not work, we will let you know where to return the board to.
There is essentially nothing on a PCIe-TC board which can be repaired in
the field. Very special parts, knowledge, repair equipment, and test equip-
ment are required. We do not make any money on repair jobs. If the
board is still under warranty, and hasn't been abused, the repair and re-
test will cost you nothing except one-way shipping. If the board is out of
warranty, we will let you know ahead of time what the repair cost will be.
You are always responsible for the full cost of shipping the board back to
us, well packaged and insured. We will evaluate, repair if necessary, test,
and will usually return the board within 1-2 days of receipt. We pay for
shipping back to you, via a method comparable to what you used to get
the board to us in the first place. If you send us a board via overnight
courier, we will normally return it via overnight courier. If you send us a
board via ground service, we will return the board via ground service.
It is very important that you include enough documentation with the board
so that we know who you are, what's wrong with the board, where to
return it to, a phone number in case we have any questions, and so forth.

WARRANTY

For the first two(2) years following the shipment of an AEC product, we
will repair or replace, at our option, any such product which is found to be
inoperative due to defects in materials or workmanship. Not covered is
damage due to unusual electrical and/or physical abuse. Altered hard-
ware, software, labels, or other identifying marks may also void the war-
ranty.
PCIe-TC User Guide Page 23 April 2012