One of the greatest benefits of owning a software defined radio is the ability to load software updates that can completely change the function of the radio or add new features and capabilities. The FLEX-6000 and FLEX-8000 series radio have this capability provided by the SmartSDR software "ecosystem". SmartSDR is a combination of firmware that runs on the radio hardware and the software that allows a user to interface, control, and operate the radio.
Upgrading SmartSDR on an M-model radio to a new version also upgrades the SmartSDR software running on the front panel and the radio firmware where all radio functions occur.
How to Determine the Software Version your radio is licensed to use. (V2 or V3)
Which SmartSDR Software Version is Newer?
The newest versions of the software are higher up the "Select a Version" list on the radio Front Panel.
The first set of available versions listed are the latest versions of SmartSDR version 3 software.
Then the available releases of version 2 software are listed.
The nomenclature is a series of three numbers separated by periods;
Each set of digits shows the version's place in the ranking of the software releases.
The first digit is the Version Class number (Version 2 or Version 3). Version 3 is higher than version 2.
Then there is the middle number: Version 3.7.xx is higher than version 3.6.xx.
Then there is the third digit (or digits) or "point release" number. For example, version 3.7.4 is higher than version 3.7.3 and version 3.8.10 is higher than version 3.8.8
How Does the M-Model Get the New Software/Firmware:
When the M-Model radio boots up while connected to your network via the ethernet cable, the radio Front Panel checks with the FlexRadio Software Server to download the current list of software available for download and installation through the radio Front Panel.
When one of these versions of software is selected, the Front Panel compares the software version to the firmware version already installed and running on the radio "backend" (radio hardware).
If the versions are different, the Front Panel provides the option to select "Update" to initiate downloading and installing this version to the Front Panel and the Radio "backend."
This happens in 4 "Steps"
1) Downloading the software for the Radio Front Panel.
2) Installing the "Client" software into the Front Panel.
3) Downloading the Firmware for the Radio Backend.
4) Installing the Software to the Radio Backend.
The Front Panel shows the software update progress with text and graphics indicators
Let's Update Your Radio
- Power the radio off and wait two minutes.
- Then turn the radio back on.
- The radio should boot up with a solid GREEN light on the Power Button.
If it does not... Then you have other issues. Please open a HelpDesk support ticket and report your radio model and serial number, and What the Power Button LED is doing:
* What Color is it?
* Is it Solid or Flashing?
* How many times is it flashing before pausing for a half-second and repeating the pattern?
(It will often flash RED 1-6 times and repeat the pattern. This is an important "Crash Code" and is helpful for Tech Support in diagnosing the issue.)
* Is there an error message on the Radio Front Panel Display?
- When the radio boots up, it should display the [ (INFO) (OPERATE) (SmartLink Setup) ] Screen
- If the radio does NOT boot up to this screen, but boots up to an open panadapter and slice, force it to return to the opening screen by tapping on the "MENU" Button.
Then tap on the "RADIO" and "Switch Version" buttons:
Then Tap on the "<Radio" button to return to the (INFO) (OPERATE) (SmartLink Setup) Screen:
- Now, tap on the (INFO) button to open the Radio Information Screen:
This will tell you what version of software your radio is licensed to use, (See yellow Arrow)
and what version is currently installed. (See the Yellow Box)
- Click on the OK Button.
Then Click on the (OPERATE) button to open the Select a Version Screen.
- The "Select a Version" screen shows the available software.
Assuming that the radio is licensed for Version 3 software (as indicated in the INFO Screen.) you will want to select the highest version of Version 3 that is available.
In this picture, that would be v3.7.4 (See the yellow arrow)
- Highlight the desired Version (In this case, v3.7.4) and hit the UPDATE button.
The radio will begin the four-step update process.
(NOTE: It may skip some of the steps, depending on whether components of the software/firmware are already loaded into the radio's Front Panel internal memory or not.)
- Wait until the update has finished all four of the steps before proceeding. You can follow the progress for each step on the Progress bar.
When it gets to Step 4, your radio's power button will turn PURPLE and may flash different colors as the update progresses. Please be patient and wait until it is finished and the radio reboots with a Solid GREEN Light on the Power Button. This may take from 15 minutes to half an hour to finish.
- When the Update is finished, the radio will boot up to either:
a) the (INFO) (OPERATE) (SmartLink Setup) Screen, OR
b) to an open panadapter and slice.
c) It may open to an EULA License Agreement approval screen (If it does, click on Agree)
- Once the software is loaded, it is recommended to "Cold Boot" the radio to let it initialize with the new software:
* Turn the radio OFF,
* Wait two minutes,
* Disconnect the power cable from the radio for 30 seconds,
* Return the Power cable to the radio,
* Wait two minutes,
* turn the radio back ON,
- If you also plan to use the radio with your computer or laptop using SmartSDR for Windows, you will also need to download and install the same version of SmartSDR for Windows to your computer. DO NOT use an older version of SmartSDR for Windows, or older versions of DAX or CAT with your radio once it has been updated to a new version. This will cause problems.
- This should complete your software/Firmware update of your M-Model Radio.
- To operate the radio using the Radio Front Panel:
From the (INFO) (OPERATE) (SmartLink Setup) Screen:
Select the (OPERATE) Button to open the "Select a Version" screen
Select the software version that you just installed. (In this case, v3.7.4)
Then Select the (RUN) Button and wait for the radio to finish booting up with the software.
It should open a panadapter and a slice as usual.