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Firmware - Frequently Asked
Questions
What is 'firmware'?
Within a scanner's hardware is a small computer which interprets commands sent by the
driver (VistaScan or MagicScan) and generates low-level commands to the scanner's
electronics, motors and LEDs. The firmware contains the code and program used to run all
of these low-level functions, controlling the scanner throughout its warm-up procedure,
calibration, diagnosing faults, communicating with the driver and returning scanned images
to the host computer.
The version of the firmware in a scanner may change regularly for a number of reasons: to
improve performance, to fix hardware bugs or improve compatibility, to add support for new
components used in manufacturing or to add specialist functions.
What scanner models use firmware?
In general UMAX SCSI scanners use programmable firmware, but not parallel or USB models.
In low-cost scanners the firmware may be permanently embedded in the hardware, or provided
by the host scanner driver.
How do I check my firmware version?
In the MagicScan or VistaScan driver look for the Scanner Info option in either the Info
menu or the Preferences screen (the version is also shown in some versions of the PC
Scanner Test program). The firmware version is typically "v 1.X" or "v
2.x". Special versions of firmware used by service centres and in testing are
prefixed with an X: eg "v X1.51".
What is the latest firmware for my scanner?
You can check the firmware tables for the latest version used in your scanner model
(above), however it is important to note that a newer version may also require more
up-to-date circuit boards or drivers that won't be available to anyone other than a UMAX
Service Centre. In general the versions of Astra and Vista firmware are tracked but
upgrades are never carried out, as the majority of changes are made for manufacturing
reasons. In high-end scanners - the PowerLook and Mirage series - firmware is more
important as it can have a bigger effect on the image quality and speed.
Can I upgrade my firmware?
To upgrade the firmware of a UMAX scanner it is necessary to remove and replace or
reprogram a socketed chip on a circuit board inside the scanner housing. In general
opening the scanner housing will invalidate the warranty and may be dangerous, and you
should ALWAYS refer to Technical Support engineers before trying to upgrade. Some scanners
are difficult to disassemble and you could damage sensitive electronics and optics - the
upgrade should be carried out by a UMAX authorised service centre or a qualified engineer.
The firmware is stored on either an EPROM or EEPROM chip, which has to be erased before
reprogramming (using UV or the programmer respectively). The new firmware code, provided
in .bin files on our FTP sites for service centres, then has to be programmed on to the
chip using specialist equipment. Finally the firmware chip is reinstalled in the socket
and the scanner tested. In special cases a firmware upgrade may be sent as a preprogrammed
chip, requiring careful handling to prevent damage from static discharge.
If you have a maintenance contract with UMAX, your scanner firmware
will normally be upgraded during site visits along with the driver software.
UK customers can purchase firmware upgrades from the our technical support
company listed on the Contacts
Page.
Can I upload a .bin file to my scanner?
No. The chip has to be removed and replaced/reprogrammed.
What types of E/EPROMs are used in UMAX scanners?
128k: PowerLook 3000, Mirage II, Mirage IIse, PowerLook III - 27C010 or 27C1001 EEPROMs
64k: All other scanner models listed above, 27C512 E/EPROM, 150ns or faster |
