Upgrading Application Software and Module Firmware

From time to time ICT releases new updates with changes and enhancements to system features. To ensure your installation is running at optimal performance we recommend that all installed modules utilize the latest updates.

Before Upgrading Firmware

  • This process will take approximately 10 minutes and the controller will not be able to perform its normal functions during this period. It is recommended that firmware updates are performed when the site is closed for maintenance or at times of low activity.

  • Ensure that the controller does not lose power during the firmware upgrade process.

  • Ensure that there is a stable network connection to the web interface before you begin uploading the firmware.

  • Controllers do not support defaulting and firmware upgrade at the same time. Before you upgrade the controller firmware, ensure that the wire link used to default the controller is not connected.

  • We strongly recommend having a technician on site during the firmware upgrade process to respond to any issues that might arise.

Losing power or network connection during the upgrade process or upgrading with a default link connected can cause the controller to become inoperable.

Upgrade Firmware

  1. From the main menu, select System | Application Software. This page provides details about the current Protege WX version that is installed.
  2. Click the Choose File button and browse to the supplied update file.

  3. Click Upload to commence the upgrade procedure.

  4. The controller will automatically create a backup of the programming. Depending on your browser settings you may be prompted to save the file. Otherwise, it is downloaded automatically to your Downloads folder.

  5. Progress is shown as the new application software is installed. The controller then restarts.

  6. After the upgrade is complete, log on to the controller to review and resolve any health status messages to resume normal operation. You may need to perform module updates, re-arm areas and re-enable the 24HR portions, and start services and programmable functions.

Update Module Firmware

  • Module: This section is used to update the firmware of modules connected to the controller. You can also view the serial number and firmware version of card readers connected to the network by ICT RS-485 or OSDP and update TSL reader firmware. Select the connected module that requires a firmware update from the dropdown.
  • BIN File: Click Upload Firmware to browse to the firmware file (.bin format) supplied by ICT, and open the file to install the new firmware on the selected module.

Warning: Updating module firmware will put the entire network into maintenance mode, preventing normal activity for the duration of the update process. Module firmware must not be updated remotely. This warning does not apply to TSL readers, which do not put the network into maintenance mode.

Force Update

Force updating allows you to update the firmware when the module has become inoperable and the standard update process is not available. Only use this feature when advised by ICT Technical Support.

This feature is not available for card readers. Contact ICT Technical Support for assistance.

To force update a module:

  1. On the Application Software page, click Module to expand the hidden Force Update section.

  2. Set the Force Update - Module, carefully selecting the module type and model.
  3. Select the Force Update - Address, which is the configured Physical Address of the module.

  4. If directed by ICT Technical Support, enable Skip Verification. This option will bypass the firmware check and allow firmware that does not match the type of this module to be loaded.

    Do not enable this option unless advised by ICT Technical Support .

  5. Click Upload Firmware. Browse to the firmware file (.bin format) supplied by ICT, and open the file to install the firmware on the selected module.