Connecting to a HPT modem for Firmware Update?

[Richard Sunden]

Hello,
In an effort to use the faster RTK rates (2Hz), I’m trying to update the firmware on my HPT435BT UHF modem. Tried connecting the HPT to an Android tablet Via Bluetooth, no success. ? Can someone explain the cable hook up to a tablet? We have both Android and iOS but they both have cables terminating in “outie” USB’s. My RS232 to USB converter is an outie also so I cannot connect to the HPT with the Javad cable. ? I wonder if they make an “innie” to innie USB connector?

I have the Javad ModemVU software installed on my PC, downloaded and installed the Javad drivers. Loaded the drivers for my RS232 to USB connector. I started the HPT connected it to the PC with the Javad cable and my RS232 to USB converter. Searched thru the PC’s device manager looking for the com port, not able to identify it. Made attempts to connect by use of ModemVU, with no success making the connection to the PC.

Searched this forum for info and my next attempt, when I’m back at the office, is to right click ModemVU and run as administrator.

After that I’ll try updating via the LS. ? Can someone tell me the procedure to update the HPT with an LS?
Thank you for your help, Richard

 

[Adam]

Richard, when updating on the PC you need to run ModemVU as administrator. Look under Device Manager on your PC to find the port that it's using.

To update with the LS, go to base setup, click UHF parameters,

 

[Richard Sunden]

Thank you Adam. I had success. Here is what I did ( Some particulars will vary for you. such as the PC's Device Managers name for your connection and the COM port #, your brand of RS232 to USB2.0 converter ):

Updating HPT435BT Firmware (For Dummies)

1. Download, onto your PC, USB drivers from Javad’s website. Then install them, on PC.

2. Download new HPT firmware file from Javad’s website. Unzip the files and note the location, on your PC, of those files Also take note of the version #.

3. Connect the antenna to the HPT.

4. Connect data cable to HPT.

5. Connect Terra Grand RS232 to USB2.0 converter to the data cable.

6. Connect HPT to battery and fan.

7. Plug RS232 to USB into a USB2.0 on your PC. It will may be COM8. This is what the Terra Grand converter produces: "USB Serial Port (COM8)". Not readily identifiable as your HPT. So look for something, mine was found under Ports(Com & LPT).

8. Start ModemVU by right clicking its icon and running as administrator.

9. In ModemVU select HPT435BT. And at the Connection window select COM port by imputing a # (8 in my case).

10. Select COM8. The app will try different baud rates, starting with 115200 moving to slower rates. Then it will cycle back to 115200, a blue progress bar will appear and you will have it connected to the PC. ( I went thru this steps 8-10 several times and all of a sudden the HPT was found by ModemVU. It was then that I had a clue as to the port#)

11. Look at the current firmware by selecting the Identification tab. Make note of the version of software.

12. Select the interface tab and click on the box with “can’t remember exactly what, ending with FW” (FirmWare).

13. Browse to the firmware file you previously downloaded and unzipped. It may be a tricky browse since the PC will be looking at your administrator files not your usual user files.

14. A red progress bar will move very slowly. Come back in 10 min.

15. When download is complete, click on the Identification tab. You will still see the old software version. Not to panic.

16. Shut down ModemVU. By Clicking File…Exit.

17. Unplug the HPT battery, let it shut down. Re-plug the power to the HPT.

18. Do steps 8 thru 11. You should see the new firmware version #.

19. Disconnect everything. Remember to replace the plastic cover on the HPT's port.

Good luck, Richard.