BackReceiver firmware update for Geode GNS3
11 Aug 2023
Firmware version 6.1Aa00 for the Hemisphere GNSS OEM P34 receiver in the Geode GNS3 is available. This firmware update includes beta support Galileo OSNMA, automatic selection of Australia and New Zealand SouthPAN SBAS, and other improvements that do not directly apply to the Geode GNS3. The file can be downloaded using the following link.
To update the receiver firmware for your Geode,
- Connect the Geode to your computer using an RS-232 Serial COM Straight-Through (extension) cable (not NULL modem).
Note: Using a USB-C cable connection as a virtual COM port may be easier but is not officially supported by the receiver manufacturer. - Turn the Geode power on.
- Use Geode Connect to validate the serial connection is functioning. Note the COM port number, then close and exit Geode Connect.
Note: The COM port number and connection speed will be displayed when the Geode is connected. To further check, the terminal window displays a stream of sentences when the Geode is connected.
- Download the Hemisphere P34 receiver firmware to a Windows PC.
Note: If asked, select Allow the file to download.
GNS3-P34-firmware-61Aa00.zip - Unzip the installation files.
Warning: The files will not function if not extracted. - From the extracted GNS3-p34-firmware-61Aa00 files, select RightArm.exe to launch the installer app.
The RightArm window appears.
- From the Receiver menu item, select Connection...
The Open Receiver box appears. - Select the item that includes the port number identified in step one. (COM11 in these pictures.)
- Tap OK.
Note: Leave the other settings as they are. - From the Program Type section, select Application.
- Tap Select File.
An open file box appears.
- From the extracted GNS3-p34-firmware-61Aa00 files, select P32x-PhantomXX_MFA_061Aa00.z.bin.
- Tap Open.
The Programming View displays. The Status section shows File Loaded.
The Hemisphere P34 receiver can install and run two applications, so you must install the firmware for both applications. To update the Geode, install the receiver firmware twice, once in Program Type: Application and once in Program Type: Application 2.
- With the Application radio button still selected, tap Erase and Program.
Note: Do not press any other buttons. Wait for the programming to complete.
Programming will begin.- The version info will show App: 6.1Aa00.
- The status bar section displays text: Programming XX% Percent Complete.
- The status bar will progress showing the app loading.
- When the programming is complete, the status will show: Programming Done.
- Tap Close.
- From the Receiver menu item, select Disconnect.
- From the Receiver menu, select Exit.
- Turn the Geode power off.
- Turn the Geode power on.
- From the Receiver menu item, select Connection...
The Open Receiver box appears. - Select the item that includes the port number identified in step one. (COM11 in these pictures.)
- Tap OK.
Note: Leave the other settings as they are. - From the Program Type section, select Application 2.
- Tap Select File.
An open file box appears. - From the extracted GNS3-p34-firmware-61Aa00 files, select P32x-PhantomXX_MFA_061Aa00.z.bin.
- Tap Open.
The Programming View displays. The Status section shows File Loaded. - With the Application 2 radio button still selected, tap Erase and Program.
Programming will begin.- The version info will show App: 6.1Aa00.
- The status bar section displays text: Programming XX% complete.
- The status bar will progress showing the app loading.
When the programming is complete, the status will show Programming Done.
- Tap Close.
- From the Receiver menu item, select Disconnect.
- From the Receiver menu, select Exit.
- Turn the Geode power off.
- Turn the Geode power on.
- Connect the Geode To Geode Connect.
- Confirm the 6.1Aa00 firmware is installed. From the terminal screen, send $JI.
In the report back look for 61Aa00 at the end of the license info and version number line.
