CR1 COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVER

SOFTWARE UPDATER INSTALLATION

AND OPERATION
Revision A
6 March, 2013

AeroStream Communications
CommRadio Division
1717 Washington Avenue, Suite 10
Golden, Colorado 80401
support@commradio.com
PREREQUISITES
Before installing the CR1 updater software, two software packages from Microsoft need to be
downloaded and installed.

The first is the Microsoft .NET Framework 4 (or higher), available here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=17851

The second is the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package, available here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5555

Once both of these packages have been installed, the CR1 updater programs can be installed.

UPDATER INSTALLATION
The updater installation will install all necessary files to run the updater software, and add Start
Menu shortcuts. The installer package is titled cr1_installer.msi. Double click or right click and
select Install to start the installation process. The only option during installation is the location of
the files to be installed, which defaults to the Program Files folder on the C: drive. Using the default
location is strongly recommended. Once complete, the updating software will be present on the
Start Menu under the folder CR1 Updater.

SOFTWARE UPDATING
The CR1 contains two processors (DSP and PIC), each of which has its own software. These
software packages need to be upgraded individually. Software updates may require the software of
one, or both, of the processors to be updated. In the event that the software in both processors
needs to be updated, the DSP software should be updated first.

DSP UPDATING
The software for the DSP processor is updated through the dsp_updater application, which
defaults to the first option on the Start Menu shortcut under CR1 Updater. Power on the CR1 and
connect it to the PC via USB. When connecting the radio to the PC for the first time in the normal
operating mode, the Found New Hardware wizard will install the necessary drivers, but may
require a PC restart before it can be used.

Once the driver has been installed, ensure the CR1 is connected to the PC via USB, and that the
power is stable.

WARNING: disconnecting USB or removing power during the DSP update could result in
catastrophic failure of the CR1; ensure power and USB connection will be maintained during the
software update process.
Click the Open DSP File button, and use the open dialog to navigate to the appropriate file, cr1dsp-
app-xxxx.ldr, with the “xxxx” representing the version number. Click the Load DSP File button to
start the load process.

A warning box reminding of the necessity of USB connection and power being maintained will pop
up. Click OK to proceed with the load.

The progress bar will update, along with the label indicating the current block being loaded of the
total number of blocks to load. The entire load will take several minutes to complete, and the CR1
screen will display “SW LOADING MAINTAIN POWER UNTIL COMPLETE”. The label will indicate
when the software update has completed and the CR1 screen will display “SW LOADED REMOVE
POWER NOW”.

Turn the CR1 OFF by holding the menu knob for several seconds, until the screen changes to
“POWERING DOWN Saving…”

After several seconds the screen will again change to “POWERING DOWN All Saved”, and then
power down completely.

The software update may indicate failure, although unlikely, if this does happen, continue
attempting the software update until it is successful.

PIC UPDATING
The software for the PIC processor is updated through the HIDBootLoader application, which
defaults to the second option of the Start Menu shortcut under CR1 Updater.

To enable the software loader mode, the CR1 should be powered off. While holding the MEM button
for 2 seconds, power on the CR1. The screen will not turn on, but the connection will be indicated
in the HIDBootLoader application text box. The first time the CR1 is connected to the PC in the
software loader mode, the Found New Hardware wizard will install the necessary drivers, but may
require a PC restart before it can be used.

Open the PIC file by via one of three options: 1) clicking the folder icon, 2) clicking the File menu
and then clicking Import Firmware Image, or 3) pressing Ctrl + O.

Use the open dialog to navigate to the appropriate file, cr1pic-app-xxxx.hex, with the “xxxx”
representing the version number.

Once opened, load the file by one of two options: 1) clicking the load icon or 2) clicking the
Program menu and then clicking Erase/Program/Verify Device.

The HIDBootLoader application will then erase, program and verify the software, and displayed a
notice in the text box for each step. When the message “Erase/Program/Verify Completed
Successfully.
You may now unplug or reset the device.” is displayed, the full update is complete. The full
process may take up to several minutes. Clicking Reset Device will power down the CR1 not reset
it.

Power down the radio, by using the reset option, or holding the menu knob for 5-10 seconds.

ENJOY THE NEW SOFTWARE!