Intel® Falcon™ 8+ Drone - Topcon Edition: firmware update instructions

How to update firmware on the Intel Falcon™ 8+ 

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Intel® Falcon™ 8+ Drone - Topcon Edition: firmware update instructions

Before you update

Check your current firmware version.

Each firmware and software (TRINITY.ATF, COCKPIT.ATF, and CockpitControlInstaller_vx.x.x.exe) has its own version number. Check the current installed UAV and Intel Cockpit GCS firmware versions in the menu of the Status Display:

  • Push ENT in the Main Screen to open the menu.
  • Navigate to Settings > Falcon Info.
  • To check the installed version of the Intel Cockpit Controller application, tap the Info button in the lower left corner when the application is running. The About screen displays the currently installed version.
  • After performing an update, check that the new firmware version displays correctly. We recommend checking both the Falcon Info screen of the Status Display and in the About screen of the Intel Cockpit Controller application. If a different version displays, the update was not successful and you must repeat the installation.

To avoid damaging your system when performing a firmware and software update:

  • Always use fully charged batteries.
  • Always insert two batteries in the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV.
  • Never remove the batteries.
  • Never switch off the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV, the Intel Cockpit Controller, or touch-screen tablet.

The firmware update contains of 3 different files: TRINITY.ATF, COCKPIT.ATF, and CockpitControlInstaller_vx.x.x.exe

  • Copy these files onto an empty USB flash drive (maximum 16 GB, file system: FAT32, allocation size: 32 kilobytes).

 

Update the Falcon 8+ UAV

  • Plug the USB flash drive containing the TRINITY.ATF file into the USB port on the backside of the UAV.
  • Push the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV power button until there is a short beep from the UAV.
  • Let go of the power button.
  • The LED position lights of the UAV start flashing while the update procedure is running. Depending on the updated components, the update can take 10–45 minutes.
  • A short melody from the UAV indicates the end of the update process. The LED position lights also stop flashing.
  • Power off the UAV by pressing the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV power button until there is a short beep from the UAV.
  • Let go of the power button.
  • Once the UAV is off, unplug the USB flash drive.
  • If the update was successful, the file on the USB flash drive renames to _TRINITY.ATF.
  • Additionally, check if the new version is displayed in the Falcon Info screen of the Status Display.

Update the cockpit GCS

  • Plug the USB flash drive containing the COCKPIT.ATF file into USB port 1 on the backside of the Cockpit GCS. (Note You can only perform the firmware update of the Cockpit GCS with USB port 1.)
  • Switch ON the touch-screen tablet. Wait until it the Preflight Checklist displays.
  • Switch ON the Cockpit GCS.
  • The Status Display shows Starting X%, and the percentage increases as the update progresses.
  • The Status Display shows several messages regarding the update status of internal components. Depending on the updated components, the update can take 10–45 minutes.
  • At the end of the update process, Done displays briefly and the Status Display shows the start screen.
  • Switch off the touch-screen tablet.
  • Switch off the Cockpit GCS.
  • Unplug the USB flash drive.
  • If the update was successful, the file on the USB flash drive renames to _COCKPIT.ATF.
  • Check if the new version is displayed in the Falcon Info screen of the Status Display.

 

Update the Intel Cockpit Control application.

  • Plug the USB flash drive containing the CockpitControlInstaller_vx.x.x.exe file into one of the USB ports 2, 3, or 4 on the backside of the Intel Cockpit GCS. (Note You can only perform the firmware update of the Cockpit Control application with USB ports 2, 3, or 4.)
  • Switch ON the touch-screen tablet.
  • Switch ON the Intel Cockpit GCS.
  • Confirm the Preflight Checklist of the Cockpit Control application.
  • Tap the Info button in the lower left corner of the touch-screen tablet.
  • In the next screen, tap on Updates in the lower left corner.
  • All update files on the USB flash drive display in the center of the screen.
  • Tap on the update file you want installed.
  • Confirm the dialog that pops up with YES. The Cockpit Control application closes.
  • Confirm the next dialog Cockpit Control Setup Wizard with Install.
  • A progress bar appears.
  • When the update is finished, a message appears. Confirm by tapping Finish.
  • A message prompts you to restart the system. Confirm a restart by tapping Yes.
  • After the restart, the Time and date dialog shows. If necessary, adjust the time and date and tap APPLY SETTINGS.
  • Confirm the Preflight Checklist.
  • Tap the Info button and check the installed Cockpit Control version in the about dialog. You should see the newly installed version.