Updating the firmware

 

 

About this topic

The Direct Drive Robot is controlled by the following:

•	Robot firmware. Controls the robot arm.

•	Gripper firmware. Controls the robot grippers only.

This section explains how to check the firmware versions you are using and update both firmware.

Agilent Technologies recommends that only administrators and trained personnel use the procedures in this topic to update the Direct Drive Robot firmware.

 

CAUTION The procedures in this topic is for DDR robot firmware version 1.2.0 or later. For robot firmware version 1.1.x or earlier, contact Automation Solutions Technical Support before updating the firmware.

Firmware compatibility

Agilent Technologies will release compatible robot and gripper firmware together, so you should always update both the robot firmware and the gripper firmware at the same time. Failure to do so will cause an error message during initialization.

Before you start

Before you start to update the existing firmware:

•	Save the existing robot settings. In the Setup tab, click Save ALL advanced settings to file.

•	Make sure you have the correct files for the update process:

–	DDRFirmwareUpdate_x_x_x-.zip. Updates the existing robot firmware and retains the existing robot settings, such as robot table dimensions.

–	DDRGripperx.x.sw. Installs the new gripper firmware.

Note: At the beginning of the update process, the software will automatically back up the current robot firmware. You do not need to manually back up the firmware.

Checking the firmware versions you are running

To check the firmware versions you are currently running:

In DDR Diagnostics, click the About button at the bottom of the dialog box. The About DDR Plugin dialog box appears and displays the robot and gripper firmware version numbers. Note the firmware version numbers.

 

CAUTION If you have DDR robot firmware version 1.1.x or earlier, contact Automation Solutions Technical Support before updating the firmware.

Updating the robot and gripper firmware

To upgrade the robot and gripper firmware:

1	In the Advanced tab, click one of the following:

•	Update robot firmware

•	Update gripper firmware

 

2	In the Open dialog box that appears, locate and select the desired firmware file:

•	DDRFirmwareUpdate_x_x_x-.zip (if you are updating the robot firmware)

•	DDR_Gripperx.x.sw (if you are updating the gripper firmware)

IMPORTANT Robot firmware update only. If you select a file that does not have the DDRFirmware character string in the name, the update procedure will fail.

3	Click Open. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the firmware.

 

 

Related information

 

For information about...	See...
Installing new or restoring existing firmware	Restoring existing firmware
Initializing the profile	Initializing the profile
Setting up robot communication	Setting up robot communication
Editing profiles	Editing and managing profiles
Managing profiles	Editing and managing profiles