Upgrading the Sonar Head
The Sonar Head has both software and firmware. You can upgrade these with the latest versions obtained from Kongsberg Mesotech. You can also use this same procedure to downgrade software and firmware versions.
Prerequisites
If you are performing a full upgrade, you will need to write three files to the Sonar Head before power cycling the unit:
•  The Sonar Head software file (.ASW)
•  The Sonar Head transmit firmware file (.TXF)
•  The Sonar Head receive firmware file (.RXF)
You can download these files from our website.
Context
The Head Firmware Configuration dialog box allows you to upgrade the Sonar Head firmware. This dialog box is only available when the Sonar Head is connected and paused.
Procedure
1 Click SetupConnect to start the Sonar Head.
2 Open the Head Firmware Configuration dialog box.
a Click the circular icon in the top-right corner of the sonar view to open the Menu Widget.
b Click Pause.
c Click SetupHead Firmware Configuration.
Observe that the Head Firmware Configuration dialog box opens.
3 Take note of the current versions of software and firmware (Rx HW, Rx SW, Tx HW, and Tx SW).
The version numbers are listed in the Head Firmware Configuration dialog box.
4 Write the latest firmware and software to the Sonar Head.
a Select Head Application Software under Configuration type.
b Click the file folder icon under Configuration file to browse and select the .ASW file on your local drive.
Tip
Use the .ASW file with the same version as the .RXF file.
c Click Write.
Observe that a confirmation dialog box opens.
d Click Yes to start the upgrade.
Tip
If you click Cancel or Stop, the upgrade process will be aborted. The Sonar Head software and firmware will not be changed.
e Select RX FPGA Configuration (receive firmware) under Configuration type.
f Click the file folder icon under Configuration file to browse and select the .RXF file on your local drive.
g Click Write, then click Yes to start the upgrade.
Note
This file may take a few minutes to program.
h Select TX FPGA Configuration (transmit firmware) under Configuration type.
i Click the file folder icon under Configuration file to browse and select the .TXF file on your local drive.
j Click Write, then click Yes to start the upgrade.
Note
This file may take a few minutes to program.
k Close the Head Firmware Configuration dialog box.
5 Confirm the upgrade was successful.
a Click SetupDisconnect.
b Disconnect the power to the Sonar Head, then power it up again.
c Wait ten seconds for the software to discover the Sonar Head.
d Click SetupConnect to start the Sonar Head.
e Click SetupHead Firmware Configuration.
Observe that the Head Firmware Configuration dialog box opens.
f Confirm that the software and firmware has been upgraded from the versions you took note of earlier.
Note
The receive hardware (RX HW) and software (RX SW) must both be on the same version. In other words, the application software (.ASW) and FPGA RX Firmware (.RXF) files being upgraded must have the same version numbers. The Sonar Head will make sure the versions are the same. If not, the version numbers shown in the Head Firmware Configuration dialog box will not be updated.