SDM-SIO1 Serial Input/Output Module
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5
Firmware upgrades and flash signature errors
5.1 Upgrading the firmware
In the unlikely event that the operating system of the SDM-SIO1 needs to be
upgraded. This can be achieved by connecting it to a PC and using the Campbell
Scientific Device Configurator program to load the operating system. (This
program can be downloaded free of charge from
The SDM-SIO1 needs a reliable source of 12V power connected in the standard
way and a cable made similar to that shown in Section 3.3.7 to connect to an RS-
232 port on the PC, except there is no requirement to connect any handshaking
lines.
Start the Device configurator program and select the SDM-SIO1 device (the SDM-
SIO1 device may not be available in older versions of the software. New versions
can be downloaded from the Campbell website). Follow the instructions for that
device to load a new operating system. At the end of the process a success
message will be shown if successful. During the loading of the operating system
do not disturb or disconnect power to the SDM-SIO1 otherwise it may need to be
returned to the factory for repair.
5.2 Firmware signature errors
The operating system is stored in “flash” memory. When a new version is loaded
a checksum signature is automatically created the first time its run and stored in
memory too. This signature value can be read back using the logger and compared
to the signature supplied with the version that was just loaded (contact Campbell
Scientific if you require to do this).
If the SDM-SIO1 is not operational or is exhibiting random faults then the flash
memory may be corrupted. This is a very unlikely event due to the robust nature
of the flash device used. The unit automatically checks the flash memory against
its signature upon power up. If an error is found it will send out the string ‘sig
error:XXXX:YYYY’ when an error is detected, where ‘XXXX’ is the signature as
it’s being read and ‘YYYY’ is the stored signature.
The error string is sent out via the RS-232 port automatically and, will also be
returned to the datalogger the next time any attempt is made to read information
from the sensor. The message will be output at the default baud rate of 9600bps,
8-bits, 1 stop and no parity.
If this error is seen contact Campbell Scientific to obtain a copy of the latest
operating system and load it into the SDM-SIO1 using the above procedure. If
this does not correct the fault then the unit may be faulty and will need to be
returned to the factory for repair.
5.3 Checking the firmware version and signature
It is not possible to check the current firmware version using the device
configuration program as the SDM-SIO1 is designed as a transparent RS232
device. Instead the firmware version can be checked by loading a program into the
logger to which it is attached. The program below shows use of the SDMGeneric
command to ask the SDM-SIO1 with a specific address what the firmware version
is (Ver_value) and the signature of the firmware (Sig_value).
