FIELD SERVICE BULLETIN

NUMBER: FSB 98-1

JANUARY 1998 ROUTINE
Microwave Data Systems, 175 Science Parkway, Rochester, NY 14620 USA
Phone +1 (716) 242-9600, FAX +1 (716) 242-9620

MDS 9810 SOFTWARE RELEASE V2.2

For all MDS 9810 radio transceivers manufactured before January 15, 1998.

INTRODUCTION
The software for the MDS 9810 transceiver has been updated to Version 2.2. A field upgrade is now
available for customer installation into radios with earlier versions of the software. This version will
be shipped in all new transceivers as of January 15, 1998. Radios with this new version are fully
compatible with older MDS 9810 transceivers containing previous versions of the software. In
addition, any unit returned to the factory for repair will automatically be updated to this release.
MDS does not recommend upgrading from version 2.0 unless your system requires sleep mode
or a two stop bits configuration. Radios with software prior to 2.0 may be updated directly to
2.2.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE

The upgrade software, 9810X220.S28 is available from:
1. The MDS Internet FTP site at “ftp://www.mdsroc.com/Software/9810/9810X220.S28”
2. The MDS BBS at (716) 242-8426 under “software/9810”
3. MDS on floppy disk. Fill in the request form in this bulletin and FAX it to MDS or prepare an
e-mail message with the same information and send it to [email protected].
4. As an e-mail attachment (≈140k)
NOTE: All radios shipped since January 15, 1998 have the new software installed.

RADIO SOFTWARE UPGRADE WITH A PC

You must use the MDS REMOTE Radio Diagnostics software (Version 1.3 or later) in order to load
this release into your radios. If needed, this software is also available through our Internet FTP site
or our dial-up bulletin board system (BBS) under the software name “Remote Radio Diagnostics”.
Installing the New Radio Software
Using the REMOTE Radio Diagnostics software, select RADIO SOFTWARE UPGRADE under the SYSTEM
menu. Follow the prompts and online instructions to determine how to proceed.
Software upgrades are distributed as ASCII files with a “.S28” extension. These files use the
Motorola S-record format. When the download is activated, the radio’s PWR LED will flash rapidly
confirming that a download is in process. The download takes about two minutes.
NOTE: If a download to the radio fails, the radio is left unprogrammed and inoperative. This is
indicated by the PWR LED flashing slowly (1 second on/1 second off). The download can be
attempted again should this happen.

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Connecting a PC
To connect a PC to the radio’s DIAGNOSTICS port, an RJ-11 to DB-9 adapter cable (MDS P/N
03-3246A01) is required. If desired, this cable may be constructed using the information shown in
Figure 1.
RJ-11 PLUG DB-9 FEMALE
(TO RADIO) (TO COMPUTER)

4 TXD RXD 2

5 RXD TXD 3
1
6
6 GND GND 5
RJ-11 PIN LAYOUT

Figure 1. RJ-11 to DB-9 Adapter Cable (for PC Diagnostics & Control)

UNIT IDENTIFICATION
The MDS 9810’s current software revision can be determined through the use of the MDS hand-held
terminal (HHT) connected to the radio. Use the SREV command to ask the radio to display the
currently installed software information. Or use the REMOTE Radio Diagnostics software and read
the Software Rev. from the data screen as shown below.

Figure 2. Data Screen from the Radio Diagnostics Software

SOFTWARE REVISION HISTORY (V 2.2) File Name: 9810X220.S28

1. Added resources for future enhanced networking services not currently implemented.

SOFTWARE REVISION HISTORY (V 2.1) File Name: 9810X210.S28

1. Previous versions would not allow a user to re-program the UNIT number to a 4 digit value
even thought this how they come from the factory. Both 4 and 5 digit numbers are now allowed.
2. Sleep mode (through the grounding of pin 12 of the user interface connector) was not reliable
under some conditions prior to this release. Problems could range from no communications to
intermittent loss of communications depending on the rate at which the radio was awakened.

2 of 3 05-3304A01, Rev. A
 NOTE: Sleep mode difficulties could also be due to hardware issue that could be apparent on
radios shipped prior to October 15, 1997. If you are having trouble with sleep mode
and require this hardware change, please contact our RMA department at the above
number to make arrangements.
3. Fixed a bug which prevented systems requiring 2 stop bit support from functioning. This is
needed for 8N2, 7O2 and 7E2 modes.
If you have any questions about this bulletin, please contact the MDS Sales and Customer Support
Group at the telephone numbers shown in the heading of this bulletin.

REQUEST FOR SOFTWARE UPGRADE

To request a radio software upgrade 9810X220.S28 (≈140k), please fill in this form, then mail or FAX it to
MDS at the address below. If you prefer, this same information can be sent in an e-mail message to the
address below. This software will be supplied on a 3.5" DOS formatted diskette and shipped by U.S. Postal
Service unless arrangements are made in advance to use another delivery system.

Software Requested: Send as an E-Mail attachment to: ______________ @ ___________________

On-Disk

NAME: __________________________________________________________________

COMPANY: __________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

CITY: __________________________________________________________________

STATE/PROVINCE: __________________________________________________________________

ZIP/POSTAL CODE: __________________________________________________________________

COUNTRY: __________________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE: Voice __________________________________________________________________

FAX __________________________________________________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________

U.S. Mail: Sales & Customer Support Department FAX: 1 + 716 242-9620
175 Science Parkway Voice: 1 + 716 242-9600
Rochester, New York 14620-4261 E-Mail: [email protected]

Print Form (Page 3) for FAXing

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