LCC-LocoNet Gateway Firmware B8g Update. (July 24 2024)

Be sure that you are using JMRI version 4.22 or later. 

Using Firefox, Google Chrome, or Safari, (NOT Microsoft Edge) download the latest firmware. 'LCC_LN_Gateway_RevC_UPDATE_B8g.hex' or
'LCC_LN_Gateway_RevD_UPDATE_B8g.hex' as appropriate for your unit.

Note that this upgrade will not disturb your existing configuration data which is stored in a different NVR chip from program memory.

B8g Update Includes:

• Adds modifications to the CDI to prevent 'Out of range' errors on un-configured (default) entries when opened under JMRI 5.8 or newer.

• Adds options. One option is for the location of the command station, which is either on the LocoNet side (Digitrax CS) or on the LCC side (TCS CS).
• The other option is to (not) allow DCC basic accessory commands (LCC well-known events/LN turnout commands) to make it across the other side of the Gateway.
• Changes the throttle to only send speed and function messages from the throttle that selected that train.
• When the throttle is disconnected from the bus, e.g. during walk-around, it will pick up its train(s) again after being reconnected to the bus. However, this has to be done within two (arbitrary) minutes, otherwise the slot will go from 'IN-USE' to 'IDLE' and the Gateway will be detached as a controller/listener for such slots. To continue operation from this point forward the train(s) needs to be re-selected on the throttle to regain control of a train.
  

• Adds updates to support LocoNet throttles on an LCC command station.Adds automatic translation of DCC accessory messages into well known events.
• Corrects an error in the decoding of LocoNet sensor entries. Previously any sensors numbered over LS128 were incorrectly entered.
• B6b update includes a correction in the power up sequence that allows proper start up in any order of power application. (USB, Network, and External Power Plug)
• Revisits the power up sequence issue in B6b. The previous fix did not work for the new Rev-C hardware.
• Added Data LED blink codes to indicate error messages.

Firmware Update:

The LCC-LocoNet node includes its own USB interface. This creates a special issue when upgrading its firmware. The issue is that when an LCC device switches from Normal Mode to Boot Mode (Firmware upgrade), the processor stops, and then restarts into the alternate mode. For most nodes this is not any issue and the user does not even notice. However when the LCC-LocoNet Gateway does this mode switch it breaks the USB connection to Windows that allows JMRI to run. This is sort of like sitting on a limb and sawing down the tree. (like Road Runner can do) This requires stopping and restarting JMRI twice during the upgrade process.

To upgrade the LCC-LocoNet Gateway there are two options:

A. If you have a LCC Buffer-USB available, then use it as your connection to JMRI and upgrade the firmware normally as shown below in the 'Firmware update process'.

B. If your only LCC to computer connection is over the LCC-LocoNet Gateway itself, then you must follow the following steps:

• Be sure that the LCC-LocoNet Gateway is externally powered continuously during the following steps and is attached to an LCC network with at least one other node.
• Start the Firmware update process (below) normally.
• The process will stall (hang) after you press 'Load' at step 6 below. (because JMRI became disconnected during the switch to boot mode)
• Exit JMRI (to release the failed COM port)
• Unplug the LCC-LocoNet Gateway USB cable from your computer.
• Plug the LCC-LocoNet Gateway USB cable back into your computer. (to restart the COM port)
• Restart JMRI and re-run the Firmware update process. Only the LCC-LocoNet Gateway itself will be available to upgrade.
  
• It should now be able to complete the 'Load' process, but will stall again at the completion of step 7 below.
• Exit JMRI (to again release the disconnected COM port)
• Unplug the LCC-LocoNet Gateway USB cable from your computer.
• Plug the LCC-LocoNet Gateway USB cable back into your computer. (to restart the COM port once again)
• Restart JMRI to resume normal operation at Step 8 below.
  

Firmware update process:

1. Start JMRI and select "LCC".
2. Select ‘Firmware Update’ from the LCC drop down list.

3. Click ‘Select’ to pick a firmware file.
4. From the file menu, select: 'LCC_LN_Gateway_RevD_UPDATE_B8g.hex' or the latest proper upgrade available.
5. Select your 'Target Node ID'.
6. Click the 'Load' button to initiate the download to your LCC-LocoNet Gateway.

7. Wait until 'updating device firmware..' progress bar is 100% and shows 'Operation Complete'.
8. Open the OpenLCB Network Tree window. (LCC-Configure Nodes)
9. The updated node should now show 'Mod: LCC-LocoNet Gateway' and 'Software Version: rev-B8f'.
10. Any errors will be shown in the lower window ticker tape display.

If the node does not automatically enter boot mode and start the upgrade it may be forced into boot mode by un-powering it, then holding down the ‘Prog’ button as you power it up again. The gold LED should start blinking the one flash error code to indicate that it is in forced boot mode. This will also likely be required after a failed upgrade attempt.