The auto-recovery software is designed to automatically detect and recover a corrupted file system. This functionality is possible by installing a mirror image of the AEI drive into a hidden storage area on the Compact Flash card (CF). When corruption is detected, the CF card is automatically re-imaged based upon the hidden “mirror” backup image. This update is for LPMTX based APU with network hardware installed (4-board Pentium stack).

Requirements:

The auto-recovery software requires the Startup ROM version 5.4 or greater PLUS a CF card formatted to include the mirror storage area. This procedure details the upgrade procedure with pre-imaged CF. Instructions to create the CF will be detailed in a separate document, 376-0042-00.

Upgrade Parts Required

5.4 Startup ROM
Preloaded Compact Flash (CF) formatted with “mirror” partition, application executable, support files and generic parameters.

Tools/supplies Required

Misc hand tools
Laptop computer with communication program such as ProComm, HyperTerminal, etc.
Null modem cable or modem cable with null adapter (25-pin DB male on APU-102 end)
Antistatic (ESD) wrist strap

Optional

APU-102 System Operations Manual, 003-0015-00
CF recovery document, 385-0010-00
Communications program users guide

Caution

DO NOT upgrade the Startup ROM to version 5.4 unless the CF card is being replaced or has already been re-imaged with the mirror partition. The 5.4 version is NOT compatible with a non-mirrored CF card. It will attempt recovery and make the APU nonfunctional.

Upgrade Procedure

If your site has maintenance reporting, contact the appropriate department and notify them that you are about to perform an upgrade on the APU-102. If you are unable to do the parameter dump and load or file transfers, they can do that for you. During the upgrade process, maintenance message will be generated. Maintenance reporting should be disabled until the upgrade is completed. Verify you have all materials required for the upgrade. If possible, check train schedule by the site and schedule the upgrade accordingly to reduce the risk of missed trains.

Note: The parameter dump, file downloads, and preparation of the new CF card can be done prior to the site visit.

Caution	Follow proper antistatic precautions when handling the boards.

1) Connect a laptop to APU-102 via the local port and get a current parameter dump of the site. Refer to APU-102 System Operations Manual, Section 4, and your communications program user guide if necessary.

2) Download any site-specific files (VIO.CFG, header files, APUERROR.DAT, flag files, etc) using the ZSEND command. (Refer to APU-102 System Operations Manual, Section 4, and your communications program user guide as necessary)

3) Verify trains that have been recorded have reported to all active sessions. Note the last sequence number.

4) Put ESD wrist strap on wrist and connect to ground lug on outside-bottom of APU.

5) Open the APU enclosure.

6) Power off the APU.

7) Remove the locking bar. (Loosen the thumbscrew and slide the pin toward the center of the card cage to release)

8) Remove cables to LPM-TX Pentium card stack in card cage.

9) Remove the LPM-TX Pentium card stack from the card cage.

10) Place Pentium card solder side down on a firm anti-static surface.

11) Carefully remove the Startup ROM on the PSSD (top) board and replace with the version 5.4 Startup ROM supplied. Observe proper orientation of chip by location of the notch (not by the label-see Figure 1). Carefully align pins with socket and make sure they are started in the sockets before seating completely.

12) Eject the CF card by pressing on the ejector tab.

13) Replace with new pre-imaged CF card.

14) Reinstall the LPMTX Pentium card stack in the card cage.

15) Reconnect all of the cables to the LPMTX Pentium card stack that were removed earlier.

16) Inspect/reset all other cable connections to make sure none have come loose during the upgrade process, especially the IRQ cable.

17) Reinstall locking bar.

18) Remove ESD wrist strap.

19) Power on the APU. The Pentium may take up to 5 minutes to boot up initially. A beep may be heard for a second boot-up (this is normal if the battery was disabled or defective). (SYS LED on solid when ready)

20) Set the clock on the APU if necessary. (Refer to APU-102 System Operations Manual, Section 4).

21) Upload parameters dumped in step 1. There has been some additions and changes to parameters if upgrading from software version 5.09 or 5.10. Obtain updated Operations Manual or contact your support team for assistance.

22) Upload any site-specific files downloaded earlier with ZREC. (Refer to APU-102 System Operations Manual, Section 4, and your communications program user guide as necessary)

23) If maintaining train sequence numbering is desired, perform MR (Master Reset) and enter the desired starting sequence when prompted.

24) Reboot the APU. (fast reboot OK)

25) Log back into supervisory level. Re-enable maintenance reporting if disabled above. Back up the current parameters with the “BP” command.

26) For proper operation of the CF recovery utility, a new backup image (mirror) of the current configuration must be created and kept current when changes to the system are made. The CF is pre-imaged with factory defaults. Make an image of the AEI application drive with the “SHELL IBACKUP” command. A reboot is required to initiate the backup. Refer to the CF recovery document, 385-0010-00, for further details.

Note: During the mirror operation, the unit will not be accessible and will not record trains. The process will take up to 20 minutes to complete. During the mirror operation, the “SYS” LED on the front panel of the APU will flash rapidly. When the mirror operation is complete, the unit will automatically reboot itself and you will be able to log back in.

27) Inspect remainder of AEI site and correct as necessary.

28) Verify site is operational. Notify your network/communications department and/or Comet Electronics that the APU-102 upgrade is complete. If calling Comet Electronics, please provide site #, location, phone number of site and s/n of APU-102.

Comet Electronics Service technicians are available M-F, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Central Time if you require assistance.

(888) 700-4214 or (816) 245-5400

Note:

If it is necessary to revert back to the old CF, revert back to the original Startup ROM as well. The 5.4 Startup ROM is NOT compatible with a single partition CF card. The 5.4 Startup ROM will detect missing files and attempt a recovery, rendering the CF inoperable. The dual partitioned CF will boot and run with an earlier Startup ROM, but will not have the recovery capability.