Changing Firmware

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Changing Firmware

Warning

This is a very Advanced Process, has has had very limited testing.

The Upgrade Files

The Reciva radios all use the same 'core' barracuda module. Currently, there are several hardware releases of this board - these boards have different fit/no-fit components selected, and we do not really understand the differences.

Reciva build the firmware for all manufacturers, who check it on their hardware, and then request Reciva to make it available for their customers to upgrade. Not all manufacturers are pro-active in checking the firmware, and supporting upgrades, which is why there are some radios that are on very old releases.

The firmware process submits the hardware type, and Reciva provide an upgrade file iff an upgrade is supported by the manufacturer and required.

The Process

If you want to apply a different version of the firmware, you need to skip the first step in the radio upgrade, which is the compatibility check.

This is now possible with the Sharpfin patchserver. If you are starting from scratch, this is a two-stage method.

We do not host the Reciva patches, or any proprietary Reciva software or firmware on the Sharpfin site. You need to apply the Sharpfin patch, and ensure you are using the latest webserver files.

  • If you haven't already done so, Download and Patch the Radio using the latest sharpfin-base (0.1) - see Enabling Login
  • Download and Patch the Radio using the latest sharpfin-www (>= 0.4)
  • Click on the 'New Firmware' link on the Sharpfin Radio Webserver
  • Enter the firmware you wish to download (see table below)
  • The radio will download the patchfile from Reciva
  • Save the patchfile and readme file to your hard drive
  • Run the patchserver, using the downloaded patchfile
  • Follow the patching instructions on Enabling Login
  • Don't be surprised if the radio sits there downloading the patch for ages
  • The radio will print on the screen "Do not unplug" and give progress when the actual writing is taking place.
  • After update is complete and radio reboots, do not be surprised that it has lost the WiFi and Network settings; these can be re-entered manually.

Successes / Failures

Radio Patch Versions Applied By ... Status
Logik IR100 257-a-297-a-007 rdk OK
Logik IR100 257-a-297-a-027 trumpton, netstruggler OK
Logik IR100 257-a-421-a-057 jn, nigelcliffe, tim OK
Logik IRMA1 257-a-421-a-057 trumpton OK
Revo Blik Wi-Fi 257-a-421-a-057 wema OK

Features changed/improved with new firmware

Based on an IR-100, Pre-update firmware (ie. official upgrade): 255-c-158, post update firmware: 257-a-421-a-057.

Changes:

  • Navigation through "stations - location" now skips out the continent step.

Additions:

  • Stations stored in "my stations" offer all stream types and their "on demand" content. (Previously only had default live stream). Probably the most useful additional feature.
  • WiFi Signal strength meter.

Edit It Yourself Features

Even with the old firmwares, there are many features of radios which are disabled. to enable these features, you may not even have to upgrade the firmware, but you will have to be familiar with Linux Command Line and the editor 'vi'.

  • Apply the sharpfin patch
  • Log into the radio using telnet (user & password = admin)
  • Look in /root or /root/hwconfig, depending on the current firmware version of your radio
  • Find your configxxxx.txt file (The xxxx is the Hardware Id, which you can find in 'Configure / Version'
  • Look in it and others in the same directory to work out what modifications you wish to make (such as enabling alarms)
  • Issue the command 'mount / -orw,remount' to unprotect the partition
  • Edit the configxxxx.txt file with 'vi configxxxx.txt'
  • Double Check your edits
  • Now trebble check them!
  • Write protect the drive with 'sync;mount / -oro,remount'
  • Reboot the radio