EASyPLUS v.8.03 Upgrade Precautions

Precautions when upgrading EASyPlus from V.6.xx to V.8.03 or later

Version 8.02 (or later) is required for compatibility with the new CAP protocol. This is a major upgrade to the EASyPlus, and some precautions must be taken to ensure a smooth process.

It should be noted that the default password in the new program is “Administrator”. The front panel passwords remain the same as previous versions: “1234” for operator access, and “2345” for full administrator privileges.

Prior to downloading and installing the V.8.03 (or later) Configuration Program, connect to your EASyPLUS using the V.6.xx of the Configuration Program and retrieve both the configuration and the logs.

To retrieve the configuration, connect to the device and click the “Retrieve Configuration” button from the System tab of the software. The logs can be downloaded on the Logs tab by first clicking “Clear Log” (to remove old data from the screen), followed by “Download EASy+ Log.” The logs should then be saved or printed, as they will be erased when the EASyPlus is upgraded to the new version of firmware.

Once this is complete, download and install the V.8.03 (or later) Configuration Program and install it normally. The configuration files will be carried over from the older configuration program. A full upgrade will require a null modem cable connected to the COM1 on the back of the EASyPLUS and connectivity to the Ethernet port if NIC is installed.

The upgrade is performed by clicking the “Upgrade Firmware” button on the Utilities tab of the configuration software. Follow the prompts to upgrade both the main board and EASyNIC firmware simultaneously. The entire process will require approximately ten minutes to complete. The EASyPLUS will reboot at the conclusion of the upgrade. Future firmware upgrades will no longer require the COM1 port to be connected.

At this point, the EASyPLUS is upgraded, but the configuration settings and logs are totally deleted from the unit. DO NOT click the “Retrieve Configuration” button immediately after performing the upgrade, or all configuration data will be lost. Once the upgrade is complete, choose the previously-saved configuration from the Main tab by clicking the upper-most “Select” button, highlight the correct configuration, and click “Accept.” Finally, click the “Program Configuration” button. The configuration will then be programmed back into the EASyPLUS.

Note: It is possible that not every configuration setting will be transferred to the new version, so it is important to verify the settings in the configuration program. Initial tests should be monitored closely to ensure that all connected devices are functioning correctly and alerts are displayed normally. Questions can be directed to Trilithic EAS support.

A special precaution for DNCS users:

Version 8 of the Configuration Software does not override the Message Repeat setting in the DNCS interface, resulting in the possibility that EAS alerts will be repeated if the DNCS is not set correctly. Because Message Repeat is not a global setting, each EAS event that is enabled will need to be changed in the DNCS. To set the Message Repeat in the DNCS Interface, select “EAS Configuration” and choose an enabled alert (such as Required Weekly Test). Next, click “Edit Configuration” and then “Message Time.” The Message Time setting is entered in seconds, and it is important to choose a duration that is longer than the EAS alert duration to prevent unwanted message repeats. (A setting of 10,000 seconds is roughly equivalent to 167 minutes and will prevent any alert with a duration under 3 hours from being repeated.) Save the new setting and repeat for any other enabled EAS events.