Venom2 Installation Instructions

Installing a new version of the Venom2 Language firmware on to a VM2 requires programming a new binary code image into the internal Flash memory of the VM2's MCU. There are two main methods for this:
  1. Using USB, transfer a Venom Firmware Update (.vfu) file, and then Reset to invoke the Venom boot loader (~1 minute)
  2. Using a COM port, transfer a Motorola S-Record file (.s19) file to the hardware boot loader (~5 minutes)
It is also possible to remotely update a VM2 in the field by sending it the .vfu file by FTP or other means. Please refer to OperatingSystem.Protect(3) in the Venom2 Help file for details.

Install over USB

  1. Download the VM2___.zip file from our website on to your PC.
  2. Using a VM2 Application Board with a USB connection, set the Program Mode switch, and connect the USB cable to your PC.
  3. Reset or power up the VM2 system.
  4. A new drive should appear in your PC system, representing the VM2's Flash Filing System.
  5. Empty this new drive by deleting any files and folders you find in it.
  6. Open up the VM2___.zip you downloaded and copy the VM2___.vfu file into the VM2's Flash drive. The VM2's LED will flash while the copy operation is in progress.
  7. Wait until the LED on the VM2 has definitely stopped flashing
  8. Then reset the VM2 either by power off/on or by pressing the Reset button momentarily; programming will commence immediately.
  9. The VM2's LED will flash during programming. Be careful not to reset or power down the controller during programming - i.e. while the LED is flashing. If you do then the VM2 may be left without a working copy of Venom and you will have to resort to installing over a COM port.
  10. The VM2 will reset itself when programming is complete.
  11. If you have a terminal connected you should see the VM2 report the new software version.
  12. Answer the Clear RAM? or Clear Flash? question with Y.

Trouble shooting 'install over USB'

VM2 still has old version of Venom
If you accidentally interrupt the file copy operation the whole file may not be copied to the VM2's file system. Venom will detect that the file is corrupt and will not use it to re-program the VM2. In this case just repeat the installation procedure from the start.
VM2 appears unresponsive
If you accidentally interrupt the programming operation your VM2 may be left without a working copy of Venom. In this case you will have to resort to installing over a COM port.

Install over a COM port

  1. Download the VM2___.zip file from our website on to your PC.
  2. Open it and drag/copy the VM2___.s19 file to the desktop (or any folder).
  3. On the VM2 Application Board, move the switch labelled 'Load OS', or similar, to the ON position and press the Reset button momentarily.
  4. In VenomIDE, select the menu item File>Download Venom2 Language... and follow the instructions.
  5. After the download has finished turn off the switch labelled 'Load OS' and reset the VM2. You should see the VM2 report the new software version.
  6. Answer the Clear RAM? or Clear Flash? question with Y.

Slow download speeds

Some COM ports download very slowly when left at their default settings. You may be able to greatly improve the performance by taking the following steps, described here for Windows 7.
  1. Find the Computer Icon on the desktop or Start menu and open it up
  2. Right click in the Computer window and select Properties from the menu
  3. Click on Device Manager
  4. Open Ports (COM & LPT) by clicking on the + box
  5. Double-click on the COM port you are using for VM2
  6. Select the Port Settings tab
  7. Click the Advanced... button
  8. Change Latency Timer(msec) value to 1 (mS)
  9. Click the OK button
  10. Close all the windows that were opened in the above steps
  11. You may have to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.