Prometheus CPU User Manual V1.44
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7.2 BIOS Download / Recovery
Because the BIOS is stored in reprogrammable Flash memory, it is possible that the BIOS could
be accidentally erased when trying to write other files into the Flash. To recover from this situation
the CPU chip on Prometheus contains a special failsafe Boot-Up ROM (BUR) that can be
activated on power-up. A Diamond Systems software utility is provided to enable system recovery
by downloading the BIOS to the flash memory through serial port COM1 when the CPU is booted
up to the BUR.
The recovery procedure requires another PC running Windows 95, or Windows 98. This host
machine is connected to the Prometheus CPU using a null modem serial cable connected to
COM1 on each computer. Three files are required on the host PC: Zftrm.exe, Loadbios.com, and
the file containing the BIOS, Prm1.rom. These files should be in the same directory.
PC Serial Port End (DB-9)
Prometheus COM1 end
Corresponding pin on J6
2 (RX)
3 (TX)
2 (TX)
3 (TX)
2 (RX)
1 (RX)
5 (Ground)
5 (Ground)
3 (Ground)
Null modem cable required pinout
To boot up the Prometheus CPU to BUR, set the jumper on J6 on Prometheus to the BUR
position. If using the Panel I/O board, press the Link switch while powering up or resetting the
computer. The link switch must be held down slightly longer than the reset switch is released in
order to power up to the BUR. When the Prometheus CPU boots up you will see the BUR display
in the terminal program. The required communication parameters are 9600, n, 8, 1.
Now run the accompanying batch file recover.bat to begin the process. This batch file executes
the following command:
zftrm.exe loadbios.com prm1.rom
Each flash manufacturer utilizes a different programming protocol. Zfterm.exe knows about AMD
and Atmel parts, which are used on Prometheus boards. If the software cannot recognize the
flash device as an AMD or Atmel part then the CPU might have a hardware problem, or else the
program is an old version and needs to be upgraded. If this is the case, the software will exit with
a message indicating that the device is not supported. Contact Diamond Systems technical
support for further assistance.
After the software recognizes the device, it first completely erases the flash chip. This might take
up to 90 seconds. After the chip is erased the software reports “Flash Erased” and then starts
downloading the BIOS image from the host and programming the chip. To completely download
and reprogram the BIOS takes several minutes. While this happens characters are continuously
scrolled across the screen of the host PC. It is recommended that no other applications or tasks
be running on the host PC during this time.
When the device is completely reprogrammed with the BIOS, the host will report the completion
and the program will terminate. The Prometheus CPU is now ready to reboot in normal mode.
Remove the null modem cable, and return the jumper on J6 to its default position.
