Comtech EF Data Vipersat Load Utility User Manual
Vipersat Load Utility
VLoad v3.5.x
User Guide
Part Number MN/22117 Revision 1
Vipersat Load Utility
VLoad v3.5.x
User Guide
Part Number MN/22117
Document Revision 1
Software version 3.5.x
October 14, 2010
COMTECH EF DATA
VIPERSAT Network Products Group
3215 Skyway Court
Fremont, CA 94539
USA
Phone: (510) 252-1462
Fax: (510) 252-1695
www.comtechefdata.com
Part Number: MN/22117
Revision: 1
Software Version 3.5.x
©2010 by Comtech EF Data, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be copied or
reproduced by any means without prior written permission of Comtech EF Data.
Comtech reserves the right to revise this publication at any time without obligation to provide
notification of such revision. Comtech periodically revises and improves its products and
therefore the information in this document is subject to change without prior notice. Comtech
makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including but limited to the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. No responsibility for any errors
or omissions that may pertain to the material herein is assumed. Comtech makes no
commitment to update nor to keep current the information contained in this document.
All products, names and services are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
Printed in the United States of America
Document Revision History
Revision Date Description
0
7/18/08
Revisions for software version 3.4.x product release.
Document part number changed from 22117 to MN/22117.
New features:
Modem Support: Modem model SLM-5650A.
Set Preferences: New Digicast mode option available for Digicast networks.
1
10/14/10
Revisions for software version 3.5.x product release.
New features:
Modem Config File: Compatibility with VMS data file type; Write base modem
parameters Put option for Streamload1.
Set Preferences: New Unrestricted mode option available for Put file
validation inhibit.
Codecast: Cancel sends abort command to modem; New Send Codecast
Termination reset option.
{ This Page is Intentionally Blank }
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
General
How to Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Manual Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Chapter 1 — General . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Chapter 2 — VLoad Installation . . . . . 1-1
Chapter 3 — Using VLoad in Vipersat Mode
1-2
Chapter 4 — Using VLoad in Digicast Mode
1-2
Appendix A — Glossary . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Conventions and References . . . . . . . . 1-2
Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
VLoad Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
New in this Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Reader Comments / Corrections . . . . 1-6
Chapter 2
VLoad Installation
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Using VLoad with Windows Firewall. . . . . 2-1
Installing VLoad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Copying the VLoad File Set . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Using the Installation Wizard . . . . . . . . 2-3
Destination Location . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Select Start Menu Folder . . . . . . . . 2-5
Create a Desktop Icon . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Ready to Install . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Completing Installation of VLoad . . . . 2-8
Chapter 3
Using VLoad — Vipersat Mode
Main Window Description . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
About VLoad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Unit Listing / Selection Area . . . . . . . . 3-3
Mode Selection Area . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
File Selection Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
File Type and Naming . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Actions Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Set Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Cancel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Status / Progress Area . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Progress Bar Color Code . . . . . . . 3-10
Set Defaults / Clear . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
View Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Image Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Saving Images to Units . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Image 1 and Image 2 . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Existing Image (Unchecked) . . . . . 3-16
Special Base Modem Considerations . . 3-16
Starting VLoad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Unit Listing and Selection . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Unit Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Adding Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Add . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Add All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Removing Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Refresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Order of the List . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Application Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
File Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Get Application . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Put Application / Codecast Application 3-27
Put FAST Code . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Configuration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
File Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Get Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Put Configuration / Codecast Configuration
3-36
Edit Param File . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Base Modem Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
File Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
Put Base Modem Image / Codecast Base
Modem Image . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
Select Base Modem Image / Codecast
Select Base Modem Image . . . . . 3-43
ToC i
Chapter 4
Using VLoad — Digicast Mode
Starting VLoad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Digicast Media Router Remote Commander . 4-3
Digicast Receivers Area on the Remote
Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Adding a Receiver into Inventory . . . . 4-5
Option Buttons Area on the Remote
Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Preferences Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Configuration Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Transfer Status Area on the Remote
Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Actions Area on the Remote Commander . 4-9
Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Tuner Setting Update . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Firmware Update . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
PID Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Appendix A
Glossary
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Index-1
ii VLoad User Guide
List of Figures
Chapter 2 Figures
Figure 2-1 VLoad File Set example. . . . . . . . . 2-2
Figure 2-2 VLoad Installation File . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Figure 2-3 VLoad Setup Wizard, Initial window 2-3
Figure 2-4 Select Destination Location, VLoad
Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Figure 2-5 Select Start Menu Folder, VLoad Setup
2-5
Figure 2-6 Create Desktop Icon, VLoad Setup 2-6
Figure 2-7 Ready to Install dialog, VLoad Setup. .
2-7
Figure 2-8 Completing Installation, VLoad Setup .
2-8
Chapter 3 Figures
Figure 3-1 VLoad Main Window, Functional Areas
3-2
Figure 3-2 VLoad Pull-Down Menu . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Figure 3-3 About VLoad window . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Figure 3-4 VLoad Preferences dialog . . . . . . . 3-5
Figure 3-5 Put Streamload Error . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Figure 3-6 Put Reset Request dialog . . . . . . . 3-8
Figure 3-7 Codecast Reboot dialog. . . . . . . . . 3-8
Figure 3-8 Codecast Application (Put) in Progress
3-11
Figure 3-9 View Log window . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Figure 3-10 VLoad Utility, Initial Window. . . . 3-17
Figure 3-11 Unit Listing / Selection box, InfoTip
displayed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Figure 3-12 Unit Information window. . . . . . . 3-19
Figure 3-13 Add New IP Address dialog . . . . 3-19
Figure 3-14 New IP Address Added . . . . . . . 3-20
Figure 3-15 Add All dialog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Figure 3-16 Progress Status, Unit Refresh . . 3-22
Figure 3-17 Application Mode Selection . . . . 3-23
Figure 3-18 Application File Selection. . . . . . 3-24
Figure 3-19 Acquiring Application Image from
Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Figure 3-20 Get Application dialog . . . . . . . . 3-25
Figure 3-21 Get Application dialog, Advanced 3-26
Figure 3-22 Get Application Progress Status 3-27
Figure 3-23 Get Completed, File Not Saved . 3-27
Figure 3-24 Put Application / Codecast Application
dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Figure 3-25 Put Application dialog, Image Selection
3-29
Figure 3-26 Put FAST Code dialog . . . . . . . . 3-30
Figure 3-27 Event Log display for Get and Put
Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Figure 3-28 Configuration Mode Selection . . 3-32
Figure 3-29 Configuration Parameter File Selection
3-33
Figure 3-30 Get Configuration dialog . . . . . . 3-34
Figure 3-31 Get Configuration Progress Status . .
3-35
Figure 3-32 Save As dialog, Configuration File . . .
3-35
Figure 3-33 Successful Get Configuration Status .
3-36
Figure 3-34 Put Configuration / Codecast
Configuration dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Figure 3-35 Parameter Editor window . . . . . . 3-38
Figure 3-36 Base Modem Mode Selection . . 3-39
Figure 3-37 File Selection Browse Button . . . 3-40
Figure 3-38 Acquiring Base Modem Image from
Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
Figure 3-39 Put Base Modem Image / Codecast
Base Modem Image dialog . . . . . . . . 3-41
Figure 3-40 Select Base Modem Image / Codecast
Select Base Modem Image dialog . . . 3-44
Chapter 4 Figures
Figure 4-1 VLoad Utility, Initial Window . . . . . . 4-2
Figure 4-2 VLoad Preferences dialog . . . . . . . 4-2
Figure 4-3 VLoad Main Window, Digicast Mode 4-3
Figure 4-4 Digicast Receivers Listing / Selection box
4-4
Figure 4-5 Digicast Add Device dialog . . . . . . 4-5
Figure 4-6 Digicast Option Buttons . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Figure 4-7 VLoad Preference dialog . . . . . . . . 4-6
Figure 4-8 Digicast Transfer Settings dialog . . 4-7
Figure 4-9 Transfer Status, In Progress . . . . . 4-8
Figure 4-10 Transfer Status, Complete . . . . . . 4-8
Figure 4-11 Digicast Actions box. . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Figure 4-12 Digicast Reset dialog . . . . . . . . . 4-10
LoF iii
Figure 4-13 Digicast Tuner Setting Update dialog
4-11
Figure 4-14 Tuner Settings box. . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Figure 4-15 Tuner Update Selection box . . . 4-14
Figure 4-16 Digicast Firmware Update window. . .
4-15
Figure 4-17 Digicast PID Update window . . . 4-16
Figure 4-18 PID Commands area . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Figure 4-19 PID Maintenance box. . . . . . . . . 4-18
Figure 4-20 Digicast Add PID dialog . . . . . . . 4-19
iv VLoad User Guide
GENERAL
How to Use This Manual
This manual documents the features and functions of the Vipersat Load Utility
software application, and guides the user in how to use this product in a Vipersat network and in a Digicast network.
Workstation users, as well as network administrators and operators responsible
for the configuration and maintenance of the Vipersat satellite network, are the
intended audience for this document.
C
HAPTER
Manual Organization
This User Guide is organized into the following sections:
Chapter 1 — General
Contains VLoad product description, customer support information, and manual
conventions and references.
Chapter 2 — VLoad Installation
Covers the steps for installing the VLoad software application on a host PC/
workstation.
Chapter 1 - General 1-1
How to Use This Manual
NOTE
Chapter 3 — Using VLoad in Vipersat Mode
Describes using VLoad for acting on the Application and Base Modem firmware as well as the Configuration parameter file for selected VMS controlled
modems.
Chapter 4 — Using VLoad in Digicast Mode
Describes using VLoad for updating the firmware and tuner and PID settings, as
well as setting transmission parameters for selected Digicast receivers.
Appendix A — Glossary
A glossary of terms that pertain to Vipersat satellite network technology.
Conventions and References
The following conventions are utilized in this manual to assist the reader:
Note: Provides important information relevant to the accompanying
text.
Tip: Provides complementary information that facilitates the
associated actions or instructions.
Caution: Provides explanatory text that notifies the reader of
Warning: Provides precautionary text that describes a potentially
possible consequences of an action.
hazardous situation. Failure to take or avoid a specified
action may result in damage to equipment.
The following documents are referenced in this manual, and provide supplementary information for the reader:
• Vipersat CDM-570/570L User Guide (Part Number MN/22125)
• Vipersat CDD-56X Series User Guide (Part Number MN/22137)
1-2 VLoad User Guide
How to Use This Manual
• Vipersat SLM-5650A User Guide (Part Number MN-0000035)
• Vipersat Management System User Guide (Part Number MN/22156)
• Vipersat CDM-570/L, CDD-56X Parameter Editor User Guide (Part
Number MN-0000038)
• Vipersat SLM-5650A Parameter Editor User Guide (Part Number
MN-0000041)
Chapter 1 - General 1-3
Product Description
Product Description
Introduction
VLoad, the Vipersat Load Utility, is a comprehensive tool for managing and
distributing application, configuration, and identification information for the
modem/routers in a Vipersat network.
VLoad is a stand-alone program which runs on a Microsoft Windows-based
workstation. Using VLoad, you can get (read) files from target Vipersat
modems and store the resulting data in files on your workstation. You can then
take these stored files and put (write) them to a targeted Vipersat modem.
The VLoad Utility performs many of the functions available through the Vipersat Management System (VMS) and supports VMS by allowing the system
administrator to store (backup) the application, configuration and identification
files used by every modem on a Vipersat network.
This function can be used to recover from equipment failure, for example, by
uploading the failed equipment’s configuration and application program to its
replacement from the stored files.
In addition, VLoad can distribute updated firmware to network modems as it
becomes available and update the FAST feature codes as new features are
purchased.
For detailed information on the VMS program, refer to the Vipersat Manage-
ment System User Guide.
VLoad Features
The VLoad utility software has the following features:
• Transmits (Put) and/or Retrieves (Get) an application image (firmware) to/
from Vipersat units.
• Transmits (Put) a FAST Feature Code to a Vipersat unit.
• Transmits (Put) and/or Retrieves (Get) as well as Edits a configuration
(parameter) file for a Vipersat unit.
• Transmits (Put) base modem application image in binary format to one or
more target Vipersat units.
• Specifies base modem image to run upon unit reset.
1-4 VLoad User Guide
Product Description
• Refreshes unit information such as configuration and application versions,
image versions, and FAST features.
• Supports Consecutive, Concurrent, Codecast, Digicast, and Unrestricted
preferences.
• Unit Selection List displays network units that can be added or removed
for a given action.
• Progress Area displays color-coded progress bars.
• Event logging of VLoad activity shows action taken and corresponding
results.
New in this Release
v3.5.x Release
• New Unrestricted preference setting to support modem units that do not
yet have a recognized file type; file validation is inhibited during Put
operations.
• VMS-compatible modem configuration files (.vipersat-modem-
configuration) are now accepted. This file type can be selected and
converted for Put operations, as well as created and saved with Get
operations.
• When using Streamload1 (CDM-570/L, CDD-56X) Put operations, the
parameter set can be pushed from the NP card to the base modem using the
new Write Base Modem Parameters option.
• When Put operations are performed in Codecast mode, the Cancel
command now includes a Codecast abort command that is sent to the
targeted modem(s). In addition, an abort command can be issued using the
new Send Codecast Termination setting that is available during a Reset
operation.
Chapter 1 - General 1-5
Customer Support
Customer Support
Contact Information
Contact Comtech Vipersat Networks Customer Support for information or
assistance with product support, service, or training on any Vipersat product.
Mail: 3215 Skyway Court
Phone: 1+510-252-1462
Fax: 1+510-252-1695
Email: supportcvni@comtechefdata.com
Web: www.comtechefdata.com
Reader Comments / Corrections
If the reader would like to submit any comments or corrections regarding this
manual and its contents, please forward them to a Comtech Vipersat Customer
Support representative. All input is appreciated.
Fremont, CA 94539
USA
1-6 VLoad User Guide
VLOAD INSTALLATION
System Requirements
VLoad can be installed on any workstation with the following minimum configuration. The Vipersat Load Utility software should be installed on an industrystandard computer workstation running Microsoft Windows 2000 or later operating system.
C
HAPTER
The minimum hardware configuration required is:
• Pentium or later (or equivalent) processor
• 128 Mbytes of RAM minimum (depending on the operating system used)
• 16 bit color or higher video capability
• Network interface card with an IP stack
For the most current system requirements, refer to the VLoad Release Notes.
Using VLoad with Windows Firewall
Depending on the Windows configuration of the host PC, security warning
messages may appear when running VLoad due to the Windows firewall that
monitors the communications passed over the network. If necessary, the firewall settings can be adjusted to eliminate these messages.
Chapter 2 - VLoad Installation 2-1
Installing VLoad
Installing VLoad
The VLoad program can be installed in one of two ways:
• Copy the VLoad file set to the local C: drive.
This method is acceptable for Vipersat users.
• Copy the VLoad Installation file to the local C: drive and launch the
VLoad Setup Installation Wizard. The wizard guides the user in creating a
program folder accessible from the Start menu, as well as the option of
creating a shortcut for the desktop.
This method creates an xml data file and registry entries for application
data that are used by Digicast. Therefore, Digicast users should use this
installation method.
Copying the VLoad File Set
The VLoad application is distributed on a program CD with the following files:
• VLoad v3.x.exe – Application program
• VLoadSetup v3.x.exe – Program Installer
• Streamload1.dll – Streamload protocol library for CDM-570/L, CDD-56X
• Streamload2.dll – Streamload protocol library for SLM-5650A
• ParamEdit.dll – Parameter Editor library files (multiple)
• VLoad v3.x UG.pdf – Program User Guide
• VLoad v3.x Release Notes.doc
Figure 2-1
Create a new VLoad directory on the workstation that will be used to run the
VLoad utility, then copy the VLoad file set to this directory.
The VLoad.exe file runs the VLoad program and displays the graphical user
interface. The ParamEdit.dll files are utilized when editing a Vipersat modem’s
2-2 VLoad User Guide
VLoad File Set example
Installing VLoad
configuration parameters using the capabilities described in the Vipersat
Parameter Editor User Guide.
This completes the initial installation of VLoad. During the operation of VLoad,
additional files will be created to store the parameter sets of the network
modems/routers.
Using the Installation Wizard
Copy the VLoad Installation file to the local C: drive of the workstation.
Figure 2-2
VLoad Installation File
Open the Comtech EF Data VLoad Setup Wizard by double-clicking on the
VLoadSetup icon. The initial window of VLoad Setup will appear, as shown in
figure 2-3, below.
Figure 2-3
VLoad Setup Wizard, Initial window
Click on the Next button to continue with program installation.
Chapter 2 - VLoad Installation 2-3
Installing VLoad
Destination Location
Figure 2-4
Select Destination Location, VLoad Setup
Select the destination for the VLoad files as they are installed. If the user does
not specify a destination, the installation program provides a default.
Click the Next button to proceed.
2-4 VLoad User Guide
Select Start Menu Folder
Installing VLoad
Figure 2-5
Select Start Menu Folder, VLoad Setup
Select the name of the folder located in the Start Menu. If the user does not
specify a name, the installation program provides a default.
Click the Next button to proceed.
Chapter 2 - VLoad Installation 2-5
Installing VLoad
Create a Desktop Icon
Figure 2-6
Create Desktop Icon, VLoad Setup
Click the Create a desktop icon box to instruct the installation program to
automatically create a shortcut on your desktop, if desired.
Click the Next button to proceed.
2-6 VLoad User Guide
Ready to Install
Installing VLoad
Figure 2-7
Ready to Install dialog, VLoad Setup
The Ready to Install window provides a synopsis of the installation including
the destination for the installed files and the name of the Start Menu folder.
This window is the last opportunity for the user to terminate installation of the
program.
Ensure that all information presented in the synopsis is correct and click Install
to complete the installation.
Chapter 2 - VLoad Installation 2-7
Installing VLoad
Completing Installation of VLoad
Upon a successful installation of the VLoad program, the Completing Setup
window will appear.
Figure 2-8
Completing Installation, VLoad Setup
Select the Launch Comtech EF Data VLoad box to launch VLoad after exit-
ing the installation setup program.
Click the Finish button to exit VLoad Setup.
2-8 VLoad User Guide
C
NOTE
USING VLOAD — VIPERSAT MODE
This chapter covers using VLoad with a Vipersat network. For a Digicast
network, refer to Chapter 4, “Using VLoad — Digicast Mode”.
In Vipersat mode, VLoad only supports modem/routers with the Vipersat
feature enabled. Attempts to use VLoad with network units that are not Vipersat-enabled will result in a protocol error. For more information on enabling the
Vipersat feature, refer to the user documentation for that unit.
HAPTER
Note: Refer to the VLoad Release Notes for current information on what
features are supported for each modem type.
Main Window Description
This section describes how to use the controls and capabilities that are available
in VLoad. The five functional areas of the Main Window are shown in
figure 3-1, below.
Chapter 3 - Using VLoad — Vipersat Mode 3-1
Main Window Description
Figure 3-1
VLoad Main Window, Functional Areas
About VLoad
Clicking on the V icon in the upper left corner of the main VLoad window title
bar will display a pull-down menu as shown in figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2
Click on About vload_interface... to open the About VLoad window, showing
the version number for this edition of VLoad.
VLoad Pull-Down Menu
3-2 VLoad User Guide
Main Window Description
Figure 3-3
About VLoad window
Unit Listing / Selection Area
This area of the main window is used to add and remove units to/from the
modem list for purposes of retrieving (Get) and/or replacing (Put) either the
configuration file, the application image, or the base modem image for the
modem(s). Detailed information for each modem in the list is also available for
viewing. This information can be immediately updated with the use of the
Refresh button.
Following a Refresh operation, VLoad creates and saves a simple text file
named
Settings\<username>\Application Data\Vload
text editor, and because it is comma-delimited, can be imported into a spreadsheet for offline use.
More details on how to use this area of VLoad are provided in the “Unit Listing
and Selection” section on page 3-18.
VloadUnitList.txt in the Windows directory C:\Documents and
. This file can be opened with a
Mode Selection Area
The specific functions of VLoad that are available for action on the listed
modems vary depending on which Mode and Preference and what Type of unit
is selected at that time.
• Application – This mode is used to Get and/or Put an application image
(firmware) from/to the unit(s), as well as to Put a FAST Feature Code to
the unit. The “Application Mode” section on page 3-23 describes Putting
and Getting the binary (.bin) image file for a Vipersat modem.
• Configuration – This mode is used to Get and/or Put a configuration file
from/to the unit(s), as well as to edit the Param file for a unit. The
“Configuration Mode” section on page 3-32 describes Putting, Getting,
and editing the configuration file (.txt) for a Vipersat modem.
Chapter 3 - Using VLoad — Vipersat Mode 3-3
Main Window Description
The Vipersat Parameter Editor User Guide contains detailed information
for using the Parameter Editor portion of VLoad to configure and optimize
the Vipersat modems in your satellite network.
• Base Modem – This mode is used to Put a base modem image (firmware)
to the unit(s) that are selected, as well as to select which image to run. The
“Base Modem Mode” section on page 3-39 describes selecting and
uploading a base modem image in binary format from a .bin file to one or
more modem units.
Use the appropriate radio button in the Mode Selection block, shown at the top
of the main window in figure 3-1, to select the mode of operation for VLoad.
File Selection Area
This area of the main window is used to either specify the file name and location
for a Get operation to be saved to, or to select the desired file for a Put operation. A Browse button is available for locating the desired directory and file, or
the desired path can be entered using the keyboard.
The file type used for both Application mode and Base Modem mode is binary
(.bin). The file type used for Configuration mode is either text (.txt) or Vipersat
(.vipersat-modem-config); the latter is a VMS-compatible file type. During a
Get operation, the utility prompts for a file name and choice of the desired
directory to save this file to; typically, this will be the same directory in which
the VLoad.exe program file resides.
File Type and Naming
Since there can be more than one type of .bin file (e.g., CDM-570L Application
file, CDD-564L Application file, Base Modem file), each type should be saved
using a different name so that they can be easily identified. It is recommended
that the .bin file names be based on the firmware release level for that file type.
This is the convention that is used with the original files that are provided by
Comtech EF Data.
For example, for a CDM-570/L modem, the Application file will have a
name such as
such as
Also, a unique file name can be assigned to the Configuration parameter file for
each unit for backup purposes.
VLoad has a smart feature that enables it to distinguish the various file types,
and will not allow the wrong file type to be selected for a particular action. For
example, VLoad will not allow the operator to select a router Application .bin
3-4 VLoad User Guide
FW10875N.bin, and the Base Modem file will have a name
FW10805Y.bin.
Main Window Description
file when in the Base Modem mode. Similarly, in Application mode, a CDD564L .bin file can not be Put to a CDM-570L modem.
This smart feature can be overridden by changing the Preferences setting to
Unrestricted. See the “Unrestricted” section on page 3-7 for more about this
preference.
There are two boxes in the File Selection area. The upper box is used to specify
the path and filename. The lower box is read-only and displays additional information for the selected file, such as the file name or the modem type, and the
time and date of creation. This information text may extend beyond the visible
area of the box—use the right/left arrow keys to scroll through the text.
Actions Area
The buttons in the Actions area of the VLoad main window are used to select
the actions for VLoad to perform. Other than the top two buttons, Set Prefer-
ences and Cancel, the available actions and the button’s labels will change
depending on the Mode selected in the Mode Selection area, the Preference
selected in the Actions area, and the Type of modem unit that is selected in the
Unit Listing area. These dependent button functions will be described in the
three Mode Selection sections that follow.
The common Action button functions are described below.
Set Preferences
Clicking the Set Preferences button displays the VLoad Preferences dialog
box shown in figure 3-4. Making selections in the radio buttons in this dialog
will determine the Put and Reset method to be used when loading the firmware,
configuration, or Fast Code to selected Vipersat modems.
Figure 3-4
Consecutive
Selecting the Consecutive radio button instructs the VLoad utility to Put/Reset
the data to the selected Vipersat modems sequentially. All selected Vipersat
Chapter 3 - Using VLoad — Vipersat Mode 3-5
VLoad Preferences dialog
Main Window Description
NOTE
modems in the network will receive the data in sequence in the order they are
displayed in the unit listing / selection area shown in figure 3-1.
Concurrent
Selecting the Concurrent radio button instructs the VLoad utility to Put/Reset
the data to the selected Vipersat modems using n different unicast streams all at
the same time, each stream directed toward one unit. All Vipersat modems in
the network will receive the data at the same time.
Note that this option requires that there be sufficient bandwidth available on the
TDM outbound to handle multiple streams at the specified data transfer rate.
Codecast
Note: The Codecast preference selection only applies to a Put or Reset opera-
tion. A Get action does not use Codecast for the data transfer.
Codecast is not supported for the SLM-5650A.
Codecast uses a streaming multicast method to upgrade the modem firmware
and/or the Param file. When the Hub TDM outbound capacity is limited, Codecast is a useful option for transferring/resetting data.
Caution: Codecast should only be used with a full understanding of its
limitations, and only in situations where the potential benefit offsets
the risks.
Selecting the Codecast radio button causes the VLoad utility to transfer the data
to the targeted Vipersat modems without verifying the integrity of the data
transfer. Thus, the data will not be re-sent in the event that the target modem
receives a corrupted data block. However, the integrity of the file is checked by
the receiving modem prior to writing the data to flash, so the worst case is that
the file transfer will not have succeeded.
Codecast is received by all units configured to listen to the chosen multicast
address:
• If no units are selected in the Unit Listing area (
# Selected: 0), then all
units associated with the multicast address will accept the transfer/reset.
• If specific units are selected, the list of these units is transmitted along
with the file via multicast, and those targeted units that are not on the list
will ignore the transfer/reset.
Using the Codecast preference will result in some alteration of window appearances, such as with the Actions area of the main window and with some of the
dialogs.
3-6 VLoad User Guide
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