ACOM 1200S How to update the firmware

Updating Firmware - ACOM 1200S Amplifier

NOTE: This write-up was performed using a Windows PC on July 9, 2018.

Please verify you have the most up-to-date files from the ACOM web site.

The ACOM 1200S firmware updater software can be found on the
ACOM website, http://www.acom-bg.com/products/amplifier/acom-

a1200s, by clicking on the “DOWNLOADS” tab. You will need to

download both the Firmware 1200S-last updated (Day)
(MonthYear).zip as well as the Tools 1200S.zip file.

Un-zip both files into a folder of your choice. Once completed that folder should contain two new
folders named “Firmware 1200S-last updated (Day) (MonthYear)” and “Tools 1200S”. Open the

“Tools 1200S” folder, open the next “Tools 1200S” folder, open the “ACOM Terminal S” folder, open

the folder that matches your operating system and run the “ACOM Terminal S-x.x.x” file to install the
ACOM Terminal S software in your system.

“ACOM Terminal S” is designed for firmware update or backup of compatible ACOM products, for

example the ACOM 600S amplifier. For successful firmware upload/backup please follow these steps:

1. Turn off and disconnect the amplifier from all cables including mains power, transceiver, antennas,
and GND.

2. Connect the amplifier to the PC using RS232
interface on the rear panel of the amplifier. If
your computer does not have a serial interface
use an USB-to-RS232 adapter. The serial cable
that you need is RS232 straight cable (only pins
2, 3 and 5 are straight connected, while all other
pins must be free). If using an USB-RS232
adapter and verify that it loaded correctly. The
USB-RS232 can be verified on a PC by going to
the Device Manager /Universal Serial Bus controllers or if using a Mac go to System
Information/Hardware USB and the USB-RS232 adapter should be evident.

3. Apply mains power, turn on the amplifier, and enter STB mode.

Page 1 of 3

4. Exit all programs running on the computer and start “ACOM Terminal S”. Open the settings
window by clicking on the Settings icon (two gears) or use
“Tools”->”Settings” from the menu bar.

In the Settings window click on the tab labeled “Serial

port” and select the desired COM port and configure the
appropriate settings for communication with the amplifier’s

main firmware: 9600 8N1

5. Connect “ACOM Terminal S” to the amplifier by clicking

on the “Connect” icon (two connected plugs) or use
“Device”->”Connect” from the menu bar.

When connected click on the Firmware

Upload/Download icon (two arrows in opposite

directions) or use “Device”->”Firmware

upload/download” from the menu bar to activate the

bootloader.

When the bootloader has been activated there will be 2 beeps from the amplifier and the front

display will go black.

6. Click on the Disconnect icon (two separated plugs) or use “Device”->”Disconnect” from the menu
bar to disconnect from the amplifier.

Open the settings window by clicking on the Settings icon (two gears) or use “Tools”->”Settings”

from the menu bar. In the Settings window click on the tab labeled “Serial port” and change the

communication settings to: 38400 8N1. Re-connect to the amplifier by clicking on the “Connect”
icon (two connected plugs) or use “Device”->”Connect” from the menu bar.

Page 2 of 3

When connected click on the Firmware

Upload/Download icon (two arrows in opposite

directions) or use “Device”->”Firmware

upload/download” from the menu bar to activate the

bootloader.

A bootloader menu should now appear in the text box.

Next choose firmware backup using option “B” (recommended). A new dialog box will open

prompting you to enter a backup filename and location for the file. After a successful backup, you
may then upload the new version of firmware by selecting option “U”. A new dialog box will open
asking for the version and location of the updated firmware to use. Open the folder that contains
the firmware that you downloaded earlier and select the version file to use.

7. If a firmware update/backup is unsuccessful check the connection, COM port settings, and try
again. If the backup “times out” you will have to Disconnect and Connect the “ACOM Terminal

S” in order to initiate the backup sequence again. Once the firmware is uploaded or a backup is

performed exit from the bootloader using option “E” from the bootloader menu before

disconnecting from “ACOM Terminal S”.

Note 1: We strongly recommend that you first backup your current amplifier firmware before

performing an update procedure!

Note 2: If technical or operating assistance is needed, please contact DX Engineering.
In the unlikely event you need further information you may e-mail ACOM directly as follows:

mailto:[e-mail] or mailto:[e-mail] .

ACOM web site: https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/Tg7_CDkr1wfj74VCWBZCs?domain=acom-bg.com

© DX Engineering 2018

1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA

Phone: [phone] ∙ Tech Support and International: [phone]

Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [e-mail]

Page 3 of 3