New Barryvox Service Software available for download

The new Barryvox Service Software is now available for download on the "knowhow" section of the Mammut website.  The service software installs on a PC, and in combination with a W-Link Adaptor or Tester allows installing beacon firmware updates as well as configuring beacon settings or performing diagnostic and simultaneous fleet-management functions on all Barryvox Avalanche Transceivers.   To download the new service software version 3.4
go to this link and look under the  > "Service tool for dealers" : LINK TO DOWNLOAD SERVICE SOFTWARE 3.4.

It’s useful to be clear what the difference is between FIRMWARE and SERVICE SOFTWARE.  Firmware is the program that is installed in an avalanche transceiver.  All Mammut Avalanche Transceivers utilize an upgradeable platform that allows for periodic firmware updates to extend the lifespan of the product by introducing new features and improvements.  Service Software is the program that is installed on a PC that, in combination with some additional hardware, allows for firmware upgrades, beacon configuration, fleet management, functional testing and record keeping on one or a fleet of beacons.

Owners of Pulse Barryvox beacons can now have their older beacon upgraded to the newest firmware, Pulse FW version 4.0 , at a retailer offering firmware upgrades or through the US and Canadian Service Centers.  These locations can be found at the following link: Mammut Dealer Search by selecting the checkbox for "barryvox upgrade locations", or by contacting Mammut North American headquarters at info@mammutusa.com .   If you aren't sure what firmware your Pulse Barryvox has, it will flash the firmware version in the corner of the screen upon startup ,i.e. "3.0" or "3.2".  If there is no version displayed on startup it means it is an older beacon and can be upgraded.  If your beacon was purchased in Fall 2013 and it flashes "4.0" on startup, then it already has the newest firmware installed.  This firmware upgrade is not available for the Element Barryvox beacon. 

For current owners of fleet-management tools, below are some quick instructions to install the new version of the service software and perform beacon upgrades.

Installing the Service software:

1)      Download the “Barryvox Service Software 3.4” file here (look under the "Service & Support"tab > "Service tool for dealers" and scroll down to find the link):  Link to download service software .  Depending on your operating system, you may need to right click on the link, or you may simply click on it—either way, save the file to your desktop.  It will save as a zipped folder. 

2)      Unzip the folder and save it as a normal folder on your desktop—it is critical to work from a normal folder, it will not work if you try to install from the zipped file.

3)      Open the normal folder—you should see several files.  Files ending with “EN” are in English, files ending in DE are in German.  The “readme” file contains system requirements and brief instructions for getting started.  Full step by step instructions for installation and performing a firmware update are below—for other operations the HELP menu in the service software serves as an instruction manual.

4)      Make sure the W-link Adaptor or Tester is unplugged from the computer, but is close by—you’ll need it to install the service software.  Run the “setup” program.  IT IS CRITICAL TO PROCEED SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY—if any of the processes are not completed properly the installation will not work. 

a.     You may need to select a license profile.  Select the one most appropriate for your needs.

                

5)      Follow the instructions in the setup file carefully. Be certain that all specified processes have completed before confirming and moving to the next step, or the installation will not work.

Upgrading the firmware on a beacon:

1)     If you will ever update more than one beacon at a time or step away from an update-in-progress, it can be helpful to change the computers’ settings in your control panel to avoid having the computer go to sleep during an upgrade—this can interrupt the upgrade. 

2)     Plug in your W-link Adaptor or Tester to your PC—the service software will not start unless the w-link device is plugged in. 

3)     Open the service software program from the shortcut icon on your desktop.

4)     Make sure the beacon(s) to be upgraded are turned OFF.  It is critical to turn them on at the right time or the service software will not recognize them.

5)     Click “+ ADD DEVICES” in the menu at the top-left of the screen.  A popup will appear indicating that it is now OK to turn the devices to be upgraded on.

a.     Turn on one beacon at a time and wait for that device to appear in the Device List spreadsheet, then place it on a non-metallic work surface (metal desks, on a computer, etc can cause interference which can disrupt the update).  If in doubt place the beacon on a phone book or a cardboard box to elevate it above your table or work surface.

b.    If more than one device is to be updated at a time, it is important to keep them physically organized so that you can easily tell which device is which.  If applicable, turn on the second beacon and place it under the first beacon so you can immediately tell which beacon corresponds to which row on the device list. 

c.     When you have finished turning on the beacons, click “stop searching”.

d.    Each row will contain a column titled “required action”.  Follow the instructions to perform the required steps—either turn the beacon 360-degrees horizontally to calibrate the compass, or proceed to update the firmware.

6)     Use the mouse to select the beacon(s) you wish to update. 

7)     Click the “update device firmware” button on the menu at the upper left of the screen (button names can be seen if you hover your mouse over it).  A popup window should appear.

a.     In the “DEVICE FIRMWARE FILE” bar, use the button on the right (the button has three dots on it: …) to select the firmware version you wish to install.

b.    NOTE:  Beacons must be upgraded one firmware version at a time.  In other words, if you have a beacon with Firmware version 2.x, it is necessary to first upgrade to 3.0, then separately to 3.2, and then to 4.0.  You can see the installed Firmware version for each beacon in the device list under “FW Version”. 

c.     If you have several beacons in the device list with different firmware versions and you wish to update them simultaneously, select only those beacons that need to be upgraded at every step, i.e. if you have 3 beacons, one with 2.7, one with 3.0 and one with 3.2, first select the 2.7 beacon and upgrade to 3.0.  Then select both of the 3.0 beacons and upgrade to 3.2.  Finally, select all three and upgrade to 4.0. 

d.    Click on “start update”.  A 3-note beep will sound indicating that the beacon has begun the update, and the progress bar will show the status of the update.

8)     When the beacon is finished upgrading a popup report will appear showing that the beacon passed its self-test, the firmware version currently installed, and other information including directing the customer to download a new user manual and a “maintenance date”.  The maintenance date is the programmed date the beacon is due for a routine diagnostic check (recommended every 3 years).  For a firmware upgrade, print this page for the customer and return it with the beacon. 

Troubleshooting:

1)      If an upgrade is interrupted the beacon may cease to function, only sounding a 2-note beep.  In this case, the old firmware was un-installed but the new firmware was not installed.  This beacon must be added to the device list manually.

a.     Open the battery compartment and remove the batteries—under the batteries is a sticker with the beacons serial number and a W-LINK CODE.  Copy the W-link code, being careful to note letters and numerals (letters are slightly larger than numbers.  This code IS case-sensitive).  Replace the batteries and re-calibrate the device if prompted, then turn it off and on again.

b.    Click on the "update device firmware" icon in the service software.  A pop-up will inform you that "no device is selected. For an emergency restore..."

c.     Click OK and write in the W-Link code in the "Emergency restore" box.  Click on "start update".

d.    The Firmware update should proceed normally.