Argo Navis firmware update v3.0.1 on Linux


Since the end of last year, there is a new firmware for the Argo Navis Digital Telescope Computer available. I'm using an old laptop running on Linux with a serial port to connect the Argo Navis. As I couldn't find a lot of information on how to do the upgrade using Linux on the Internet, I wrote down the procedure I followed to do the upgrade.

The upgrade to version 3.0.1 offers a lot of interesting new features:
  • Support for multiple telescope setups.
  • The moon is added to the list of objects, including lunar phase and time of phases.
  • Horizon filter added.
  • Updated object catalogs.
  • Updated ServoCAT protocol. I don't own a ServoCAT, so for me, this is not really useful.
  • ...

Steps to upgrade the Argo Navis firmware to version 3.0.1.
  • Download the new firmware from http://www.wilcard-innovations.com.au/firmware.html
  • Note down the settings of your Argo Navis in the SETUP tab.
  • Put the serial cable in the 'Serial 1' port.
  • Start up your Argo Navis while pressing the EXIT button. You should see 'BOOT LOADER 1.0.x' on the screen of the Argo Navis.
  • Start the firmware upgrade by typing :
sgzload -s /dev/ttyS0 -f navis_app300.sgz
  • The Argo Navis upgrade should start. Both on the screen of the Argo Navis and on the computer screen you can follow the progress.
  • After finishing the upgrade, re-enter the settings and add your location in SETUP LOCATION.

Adding comets to your Argo Navis
catload -s /dev/ttyS0 -c comet -p
catload -s /dev/ttyS0 -c comet -f Comets201502.txt -w 
  • To make your life easier, I will put my monthly list of comets in a file on Google Drive.

Comments

  1. I used the same procedure to upgrade to version 3.0.4 of the firmware.

    ReplyDelete

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