Downloading Firmware - Printronix t8000 Administrator's Manual

4

Downloading Firmware

There is 128 MB of FLASH memory on the controller board. The printer firmware which includes printer
control languages (the "emulations"), the engine control, and printer operating system software are loaded
into FLASH memory at the factory, but there are occasions when you may have to load this software:
•
Firmware upgrade to a newer level
•
Changing to a different firmware type.
•
Replacing a controller or reloading firmware if FLASH becomes corrupt.
Once you have the target firmware copied onto your local PC or SD card, you can employ one of the
various download methods presented in this section. Downloading firmware can be accomplished through
any host IO installed on the printer, but may not be valid for all methods.
IMPORTANT
The target firmware must be consistent with the options present in the
controller Security Key. Otherwise, the firmware download will be prevented.
With exception to the manual two-key and manual three-key power-up sequences, downloading new
firmware does not require the user to put the printer into any special mode. Now downloading methods are
employed when the printer is ONLINE and ready to receive data. This makes the download procedure
easy.
FLASH is used to store the firmware, but it also contains a file system that holds System and User Flash
Files. User Flash Files consist of downloaded fonts, logos, forms, setup files, feature files, CST files, and
files that are specific to the user's setup or application. These files are either preserved or deleted based
on the download method used as shown in Table 7 on page 220.
IMPORTANT
Regardless of download method, any saved configurations will be erased.
Before starting a download procedure, be sure that you have printed or saved
configurations on your host computer or using PrintNet Enterprise Suite so
they can be restored after the download process is complete.
NOTE:
When the firmware download has completed, the FLASH memory will automatically be
optimized to maximize the amount of available FLASH memory.
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