GE PT878GC Manual De Usuario

April 2004

By using a Windows-based PC with an infrared adapter, 
PT878GC users can update the meter’s operating software 
without the need to change the hardware. This software can 
include the bootloader, FPGA software (timing software for 
transit-time), instrument software, the meter string file and the 
Help string file. The updating procedure involves three steps:

1. Setting up the PT878GC in Flash Update mode.

2. Selecting the loading interface.

3. Loading the new software from the PC into the PT878GC.

To guard against mishap, you should print out, 

download or otherwise record all logs, settings and 

other data you wish to save. 

IMPORTANT: When uploading new software, the PT878GC 

uses a “bootloader” program. Be sure that the 
software you are installing is compatible with the 
installed bootloader version, shown in the 
“About” option discussed on . If you need to 
replace both programs, install the new 
bootloader first, before any other software.

With the current bootloader software, two interfaces are available 
for sending software to the PT878GC:

IrOBEX, a recently introduced Microsoft infrared standard 
which allows more straightforward use and faster file transfers, 
while tolerating IR interruptions better.

IrCOMM, an infrared standard supported by certain Microsoft 
operating systems.

GE Panametrics recommends updating software via the IrOBEX 
standard; however, the IrCOMM standard is available for users 
who have problems with IrOBEX. This section covers procedures 
for both standards.