NovAtel Firmware and Software Chapter 6
SPAN-IGM User Manual Rev 2 47
The new download package includes a signed firmware file type that uses an extension designated as
“.shex” (example OEM060200RN0000.shex), as well as the latest Winload utility and What’s New file
containing firmware update change details.
6.3 Updating or Upgrading Using the WinLoad Utility
WinLoad is the simplest and most common way to update or upgrade a receiver.
6.3.1 Transferring Firmware Files
To proceed with an update or possibly an upgrade, obtain the latest version of firmware from the NovAtel
website at www.novatel.com/support/firmware-software and manuals
.
6.3.1.1 Types of Firmware Files
• OEM Version - NovAtel Customer Service may generate and provide the required authorization
code. Authorization codes are obtained by contacting support@novatel.com
or at
www.novatel.com/Support/
.
The OEM version is named OEMXXXX.EXE, where XXXX is the firmware version.
For convenience, copy the update file to a GNSS sub-directory (for example, C:\GNSS\LOADER).
If the firmware update file is password protected, NovAtel Customer Support provides the required
password. After copying the file to a computer, perform the following steps to extract the files:
Syntax: [filename] [password] (if required)
where filename is the name of the compressed file (but not including the .EXE extension) and
password if the password required for extraction.
Example: OEM060200RN0000.shex
In the above example, a window appears asking for a password.
The self-extracting archive produces the following files:
winload.exe WinLoad utility program
howto.txt Instructions on how to use the WinLoad utility
whatsnew.rtf Information on the changes made in the firmware since the last revision
x..x.shex Firmware version upgrade file, where x..x defines the product name and release
(e.g., OEM060200RN0000.shex)
The files are extracted to unzip/program files/NovAtel Inc/x.xxx Full Update Disk, where x.xxx is the
firmware version.
Prior to firmware version OEM060200RN0000, authorization codes depended on the
software model, the firmware version and the serial number of the receiver. The
authorization code changed if any of the three items changed. This is no longer the case.
NovAtel has an online video tutorial that explains firmware uploading at www.novatel.com/
support/knowledge-and-learning/video-tutorials-and-tech-presentations/.