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Upgrading the Firmware
There are two programmable chips on the CFFA3000, both upgradable by the user. Firmware
upgrades from the web site consist of one or both of these files:
CFFA.bin - firmware for the AVR microcontroller
CFFA.xsv - logic for the CPLD
When upgrading either of these chips, these files must be placed on a Compact Flash memory
device, not a USB memory device.
Upgrading When the CFFA3000 is Working Normally
To update the main firmware:
1. Enter the CFFA's main menu on the Apple II.
2. Put CFFA.bin onto the CF card, and insert the CF card into the CFFA3000.
3. The CFFA3000 automatically asks if you would like to install the update, if the version of
CFFA.bin is different than the currently running version. Press Y for Yes to update.
4. The CFFA3000 will go through several sequences of flashing LEDs; when it is complete, the
main menu will re-appear with an updated version number visible. The expected red LED blink
code is 2, 7. See Diagnostic LED section for details on other blink codes.
To update the CPLD:
1. Put CFFA.xsv onto the CF card, and insert the CF card into the CFFA3000.
2. The CFFA3000 automatically asks if you would like to install the update, if the version of
CFFA.xsv is different than the currently running version. Press Y for Yes to update.
3. Wait about 30 seconds for the expected red LED blink code of 3, 7. You will need to power the
Apple II off and back on once complete.
Upgrading When the CFFA3000 is Not Working
To perform an update (even if the CFFA3000 is not working normally because of incorrect or
incomplete firmware):
1. Power off the Apple II.
2. Use your PC or Mac to copy one or both of CFFA.bin and CFFA.xsv onto a CF card, and insert
the CF card into the CFFA3000.
3. Set DIP Switch #8 to ON and power on the Apple II.
4. Watch the blinking LED on the CFFA3000. After a minute or two it will settle down.
− If only a CFFA.bin is installed, the CFFA3000 will start operating normally (after the 4 green
LEDs D3-D0 blink in an alternating pattern).
− If a CFFA.xsv installed, the final blink pattern will be (3, 7).
5. Turn DIP Switch 8 back off, to avoid potentially trying to apply automatic updates every time you
turn on the Apple II. If the switch is still on, the main menu will remind you to turn it off.
6. If you wish, remove the CFFA.bin and/or CFFA.xsv from the CF card.
