Apex Firmware Update - 4.10 Beta

clp · 06/06/2011, 05:15 PM

If you want to help test the latest firmware for the Apex, then read on. Don't expect this release to be perfect - that is why it is a beta release. If for any reason you are not comfortable putting beta firmware in your controller, I recommend that you wait for the final release.

This release adds the following features:

- Added support for Apex Jr
- Added support for AquaBus Lunar Simulator.
- Added probe calibrate to web pages.
- Updated bootloader.
- Updated Flash Utility with Apex discovery support.
- miscellaneous bug fixes.

The firmware can be downloaded from:

http://www.neptunesys.com/apex_4_10.zip

Curt

RussM · 06/06/2011, 10:05 PM

FYI... The 6A11 build has a bug affecting switch inputs; Curt - 'da man' - has already fixed it. Look for a new post from Curt tomorrow.

kenargo · 06/06/2011, 11:34 PM

You might want to hold off; there was a bug found in the loader that needs to be fixed; refresh should be online tomorrow. The corrected loader should report a version 4.0.0.1 (4.0.0.0 has a bug).

jrpark22000 · 06/07/2011, 05:47 AM

Cool, I saw a loader issue last night, after failed attempt 6-8 it would reset my Apex. The webpage update worked fine.

clp · 06/07/2011, 06:04 PM

The firmware on the web site has been updated. It fixes the digital input issue as well as updating the Flash Utility so that it works better with older bootloaders. You can still download it using the same link:

http://www.neptunesys.com/apex_4_10.zip

Curt

jrpark22000 · 06/07/2011, 06:55 PM

Thank you Curt. Fixed my issue with adding a second vortech, after the upgrade the second outlet was created. Also, nice add of the WXM and Vortech change options from the webpage.

AI Lightning is still a bad LSD trip, but in time hopefully.

jbachert · 06/08/2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrpark22000

Thank you Curt. Fixed my issue with adding a second vortech, after the upgrade the second outlet was created. Also, nice add of the WXM and Vortech change options from the webpage.

AI Lightning is still a bad LSD trip, but in time hopefully.

I didn't install the beta yet - what do you mean WXM and Vortech change options?

Hawkdl2 · 06/09/2011, 08:42 AM

The Network setting and the Misc Settings page each have an option to "Reset system on update". Checking this option on either page and pressing "update" results, in my case, in the page failing to refresh and locking up as a blank page (I waited over 5 minutes). I can navigate to other pages (e.g. "graphs"), but when I return to the Network or Misc page, that check box is unchecked, which is not a surprise because it is ether supposed to be a one time option or the instruction never made it to the base unit, or perhaps both.

RussM · 06/09/2011, 08:51 AM

Larry, you are correct - that check is a one-time thing. Because the Apex reboots if that is checked, you need to wait until the Apex is back up and running. 45 seconds is ample time. Then just refresh the web page.

sjwinick · 06/09/2011, 08:23 PM

having trouble with the bootloader. downloaded current version. loader hangs on:

Placing Apex in read to receive mode
Trying to connect: attempt 1

after some failures, apex reboots

also seeing an ARP command line which i don't remember seeing before and it's reporting a different IP than the loader is set to

anyone else still having a problem loading the new code?

thx

sjw

superray2002 · 06/09/2011, 09:38 PM

What does the "Open XML Access" option do (under Network Setup)? Will this allow you to use an RSS reader to poll the APEX without logging in? (Wasn't there an issue with having to use a secure connection (login) in order to access the RSS feed?)

RussM · 06/09/2011, 09:56 PM

The Open XML Access option, if enabled, allows anonymous/unauthenticated access to the RSS and various XML data outputs. Everything else still requires login.

superray2002 · 06/09/2011, 10:26 PM

What is the URL for a RSS Feeder Reader (http://Your.IP.net:88/rss.sht)
or it is different than on the web page when polling from a reader? I tested this with my Android using a feed reader and my (real) URL and I get "feed is invalid"...(Open XML Access is enabled). I use a profile for my lights so the Android App crashes and I would like to have a simple, quick way to check the stats without going to a web page or browser on my phone.

kenargo · 06/09/2011, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RussM

The Open XML Access option, if enabled, allows anonymous/unauthenticated access to the RSS and various XML data outputs. Everything else still requires login.

Open access does NOT include RSS; it is ONLY for the XML (status, log, outlet and program).

RSS is not opened.

RussM · 06/10/2011, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenargo

Open access does NOT include RSS; it is ONLY for the XML (status, log, outlet and program).

Ken, try it... RSS(.xml) is included.
http://apex.reeftronics.net:7333/cgi-bin/rss.xml.

RussM · 06/10/2011, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superray2002

What is the URL for a RSS Feeder Reader (http://Your.IP.net:88/rss.sht)

http://Your.IP.net:port/cgi-bin/rss.xml

Note that only probe parameters appear in the RSS; outlet status does not.

superray2002 · 06/10/2011, 08:44 AM

That's what I was looking for...Thanks guys! Would be nice to have the outlet status also, but was looking for the Temp in a feed since summer is here in Texas and I wanted to keep an eye on the temp in the tank .

kenargo · 06/10/2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RussM

http://Your.IP.net

ort/cgi-bin/rss.xml

Note that only probe parameters appear in the RSS; outlet status does not.

It isn't supposed to work.

The real feed is /rss.sht and I've heard that some browsers won't accept the .xml as a feed but if the xml works for your needs that is good.

RussM · 06/10/2011, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenargo

It isn't supposed to work.

The real feed is /rss.sht and I've heard that some browsers won't accept the .xml as a feed but if the xml works for your needs that is good.

.sht files in the AC3 and Apex are s-htlml, which invoke a designated server-side include; the exec process is pretty much just a redirect to the actual demand-generated rss.xml and other raw XML. The RSS/XML (.xml files) have always been accessible without using the sht exec process. The sht files still remain protected in all cases, but if Open XML is enabled, there is direct/unathenticated access to any xml files - rss.xml included, which is the actual RSS feed.

You heard right... Chrome is the one which does not have a standard-compliant embedded RSS processor, so the rss.xml is just displayed as raw XML. Current versions of IE, FF, and Safari see the rss tag in the file, and properly display it as an RSS feed. Old IE (7 and earlier I think) also had issues.

Outlook 2010's RSS reader works great with the Apex now. 2007 is probably good too. Even Safari on iPhone reads and displays rss.xml properly.

rinconmike · 06/15/2011, 03:34 PM

any new info on the latest beta? is it pretty stable?

kenargo · 06/15/2011, 04:27 PM

It has been stable for me; running it on a few systems, no issue.

jrpark22000 · 06/15/2011, 04:45 PM

+1, no issues here.

phuzzykins · 06/15/2011, 07:50 PM

The flash utility won't upgrade for me... first time I've had a problem with this:

Loading firmware file into memory
Firmware file load complete...
Calculating Apex Start Checksum Vector
Calculating Apex Start Checksum Vector complete...
The controller address is: 10.0.0.7
Connecting to controller at address: 10.0.0.7
Connecting
Connected, waiting for login prompt
Login prompt detected, sending user name information
User name accepted, sending password information
Waiting for login to be accepted
Login successful
Login successful
Requesting boot loader version information
Apex running in boot loader mode
Trying to connect: attempt 1

Operation failed with the following error information:

StartIndex cannot be less than zero.
Parameter name: startIndex

RussM · 06/15/2011, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phuzzykins

The flash utility won't upgrade for me... first time I've had a problem with this

are you trying to load 4.10-6A11 or -6B11? There was a bug in the first beta build that caused problems with updating firmware. And you need to use the flash utility that comes with 6B11 too.

phuzzykins · 06/15/2011, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RussM

are you trying to load 4.10-6A11 or -6B11? There was a bug in the first beta build that caused problems with updating firmware. And you need to use the flash utility that comes with 6B11 too.

I'm using both the flash utility and firmware from the 6C11 zip file.

The flash utility identifies itself as 4.0.0.2, if that helps.

06/06/2011, 05:15 PM	#1
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	Apex Firmware Update - 4.10 Beta If you want to help test the latest firmware for the Apex, then read on. Don't expect this release to be perfect - that is why it is a beta release. If for any reason you are not comfortable putting beta firmware in your controller, I recommend that you wait for the final release. This release adds the following features: - Added support for Apex Jr - Added support for AquaBus Lunar Simulator. - Added probe calibrate to web pages. - Updated bootloader. - Updated Flash Utility with Apex discovery support. - miscellaneous bug fixes. The firmware can be downloaded from: http://www.neptunesys.com/apex_4_10.zip Curt

06/06/2011, 11:34 PM	#3
kenargo Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 8,151	You might want to hold off; there was a bug found in the loader that needs to be fixed; refresh should be online tomorrow. The corrected loader should report a version 4.0.0.1 (4.0.0.0 has a bug). __________________ Click on my name to visit my homepage and access a collection of AquaController and Apex software, tips, trick and other Q&A including a link to the 'unofficial Apex new users guide' with loads of helpful information and don't forget to put a pin in my location map. Current Tank Info: 225G, BK 300 Deluxe, Deltec PF601, Precision Marine Kalkreactor, 2-LMIII+6 pumps, SpectraPure UHE, Apex, LunarSim, Tunze 6305s. Mixed reef, clam, fish, etc.

06/09/2011, 08:42 AM	#8
Hawkdl2 Mad Scientist Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Claremont, Ca Posts: 2,233	The Network setting and the Misc Settings page each have an option to "Reset system on update". Checking this option on either page and pressing "update" results, in my case, in the page failing to refresh and locking up as a blank page (I waited over 5 minutes). I can navigate to other pages (e.g. "graphs"), but when I return to the Network or Misc page, that check box is unchecked, which is not a surprise because it is ether supposed to be a one time option or the instruction never made it to the base unit, or perhaps both. __________________ Larry Current Tank Info: 120g mixed reef.

06/15/2011, 04:27 PM	#21
kenargo Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 8,151	It has been stable for me; running it on a few systems, no issue. __________________ Click on my name to visit my homepage and access a collection of AquaController and Apex software, tips, trick and other Q&A including a link to the 'unofficial Apex new users guide' with loads of helpful information and don't forget to put a pin in my location map. Current Tank Info: 225G, BK 300 Deluxe, Deltec PF601, Precision Marine Kalkreactor, 2-LMIII+6 pumps, SpectraPure UHE, Apex, LunarSim, Tunze 6305s. Mixed reef, clam, fish, etc.

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06/06/2011, 10:05 PM	#2
RussM Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: El Cajon, CA Posts: 7,818	FYI... The 6A11 build has a bug affecting switch inputs; Curt - 'da man' - has already fixed it. Look for a new post from Curt tomorrow.

06/07/2011, 05:47 AM	#4
jrpark22000 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 572	Cool, I saw a loader issue last night, after failed attempt 6-8 it would reset my Apex. The webpage update worked fine.

06/07/2011, 06:04 PM	#5
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	The firmware on the web site has been updated. It fixes the digital input issue as well as updating the Flash Utility so that it works better with older bootloaders. You can still download it using the same link: http://www.neptunesys.com/apex_4_10.zip Curt

06/07/2011, 06:55 PM	#6
jrpark22000 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 572	Thank you Curt. Fixed my issue with adding a second vortech, after the upgrade the second outlet was created. Also, nice add of the WXM and Vortech change options from the webpage. AI Lightning is still a bad LSD trip, but in time hopefully.

06/09/2011, 08:51 AM	#9
RussM Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: El Cajon, CA Posts: 7,818	Larry, you are correct - that check is a one-time thing. Because the Apex reboots if that is checked, you need to wait until the Apex is back up and running. 45 seconds is ample time. Then just refresh the web page.

06/09/2011, 08:23 PM	#10
sjwinick Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: US Posts: 82	having trouble with the bootloader. downloaded current version. loader hangs on: Placing Apex in read to receive mode Trying to connect: attempt 1 after some failures, apex reboots also seeing an ARP command line which i don't remember seeing before and it's reporting a different IP than the loader is set to anyone else still having a problem loading the new code? thx sjw

06/09/2011, 09:38 PM	#11
superray2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 59	What does the "Open XML Access" option do (under Network Setup)? Will this allow you to use an RSS reader to poll the APEX without logging in? (Wasn't there an issue with having to use a secure connection (login) in order to access the RSS feed?)

06/09/2011, 09:56 PM	#12
RussM Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: El Cajon, CA Posts: 7,818	The Open XML Access option, if enabled, allows anonymous/unauthenticated access to the RSS and various XML data outputs. Everything else still requires login.

06/09/2011, 10:26 PM	#13
superray2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 59	What is the URL for a RSS Feeder Reader (http://Your.IP.net:88/rss.sht) or it is different than on the web page when polling from a reader? I tested this with my Android using a feed reader and my (real) URL and I get "feed is invalid"...(Open XML Access is enabled). I use a profile for my lights so the Android App crashes and I would like to have a simple, quick way to check the stats without going to a web page or browser on my phone.

06/10/2011, 08:44 AM	#17
superray2002 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 59	That's what I was looking for...Thanks guys! Would be nice to have the outlet status also, but was looking for the Temp in a feed since summer is here in Texas and I wanted to keep an eye on the temp in the tank .

06/15/2011, 03:34 PM	#20
rinconmike Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: by NYC Posts: 659	any new info on the latest beta? is it pretty stable?

06/15/2011, 04:45 PM	#22
jrpark22000 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 572	+1, no issues here.

06/15/2011, 07:50 PM	#23
phuzzykins Moved On Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Waltham, MA Posts: 685	The flash utility won't upgrade for me... first time I've had a problem with this: Loading firmware file into memory Firmware file load complete... Calculating Apex Start Checksum Vector Calculating Apex Start Checksum Vector complete... The controller address is: 10.0.0.7 Connecting to controller at address: 10.0.0.7 Connecting Connected, waiting for login prompt Login prompt detected, sending user name information User name accepted, sending password information Waiting for login to be accepted Login successful Login successful Requesting boot loader version information Apex running in boot loader mode Trying to connect: attempt 1 Operation failed with the following error information: StartIndex cannot be less than zero. Parameter name: startIndex