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Appendix K
Firmware Upgrades
Occasionally it will be necessary to get firmware fixes for problems
discovered with the R/F Reader, especially in the early stages of each advance
in development. This is accomplished by replacing the EPROM, a chip
located on the board of the R/F Base Station's decoder box.
To replace the EPROM, remove the cover to the Base Station box and the
metal electromagnetic shield according to instructions in Appendix A.
Remove the EPROM, (the chip with the Copyright label on it), by gently
prying with a small flat head screwdriver -- alternate ends to keep from
bending the metal legs.
Before inserting the new EPROM, notice that the EPROM has a small groove
in one end; the end with the groove in it must match the groove in the socket
that it is to be inserted into. Don't insert the chip backwards -- line up the
groove in the chip to be on the same side as the socket's groove.
You may need to slightly bend into the center the legs of the EPROM so that
they can be inserted into the socket. Place the chip into the socket and begin
to lightly push the chip into the socket. Unless you check, you may bend one
of the leads not in a hole underneath the chip -- making your Reader
dysfunctional. Once you are sure all legs are positioned into the holes
correctly, you can push hard until the chip is firmly positioned into the socket.
After turning the re-powering the R/F Base Station, you should hear 3 beeps.
This indicates that the EPROM has been successfully installed. If it doesn't
beep three times, remove the EPROM and check for bent legs. Also be certain
you have not placed it in upside down, (not matching the notches).
