BoilerNet Interface Controller II
45
V1.00.6
8 Bootloader Configuration
This is an optional step that will shorten the start-up time of the BIC II controller board in some specific
situations.
A bootloader comes pre-installed in the controller's Flash memory, which is a customized version of U-Boot.
U-Boot has several environment variables which it uses, which are also saved in the controller's Flash
memory. One of these environment variables can be altered to reduce the start-up time in some particular
cases.
It should be noted that not altering this environment variable will not affect the operation of the BIC II; it only
shortens the start-up time in some particular installations. In an installation with no DHCP server present and
accessible to the BIC II, the start-up time will go from approximately 1 minute and 15 seconds to approximately
4 minutes and 30 seconds if this environment variable is not altered.
Setting the U-Boot Environment Variable
A terminal program, such as Hyper-terminal, or another "standard" terminal program, is needed, in
additional to a RS232 serial port on the computer being used.
Connect a "null" modem cable between the computer and the BIC II controller board.
Set the appropriate serial port on the computer to 115,200 bpi, 8 data, 1 stop, no parity, and (typically)
no handshaking.
Apply power the to BIC II (or press the "reset" button). You should see something similar to the
following on the screen:
