LPC Recovery

Revised LPC 1/2/4 Hardware (serial numbers 006xxx onwards)

The LPC has a built-in failsafe against firmware problems: it stores two versions of firmware. So if one copy of the firmware fails to load, or becomes corrupted due to a loss of power during a firmware reload, the other can be used instead. However, in the event that the LPC will not startup, there is a method to recover the LPC using the memory card.

Please follow these instructions carefully:

Remove the memory card from the LPC and insert it into your computer
Wipe all files on the memory card (ensure you have made any necessary backups)
Locate the firmware directory in the Designer installation directory or app bundle*
Copy the file lpcr2.fw from the firmware directory to the memory card
On the memory card, rename the lpcr2.fw file to lpc.app
Reinsert the memory card into the LPC and restart the LPC. The LPC will boot, but will take longer to boot than normal. Please be patient and wait for the Active LED to illuminate continuously
Connect to the LPC using Designer and reload the firmware as normal
Remove the memory card from the LPC and insert it into your computer again
Delete the lpc.app file from the memory card
Reinsert the memory card into the LPC and restart the LPC.

* To locate the firmware directory in the app bundle on Mac OS X, please follow these steps:

Navigate to your "Applications" folder located on the the Hard Drive, typically named "Macintosh HD"
Locate the application called "Pharos Designer"
Right-click (or control-click) on it and choose "Show Package Contents" from the menu that appears
Now navigate to Contents/Resources/firmware to find the file lpcr2.fw.

Original LPC 1/2 Hardware (serial numbers 001xxx - 005xxx)

The Legacy LPC Recovery Tool is a standalone utility for updating the original LPC's bootloaderBootstrap loader; a small software program, stored in internal flash memory, that is responsible for loading the firmware or operating system. and firmwareThe embedded operating system, stored in internal flash memory or on the Compact Flash card.:

When to use it

To update the bootloader

The Legacy LPC Recovery Tool is the only method by which the bootloader can be updated. The latest version is 0.5 and you should upgrade to this version.

To recover corrupt firmware

It is possible, although rare, for the firmware to become corrupt when updating using the Designer software, particularly over an Ethernet connection. An LPC with corrupt firmware (as indicated by the status LEDs, see troubleshooting) can not be updated using the Designer software and so the Legacy LPC Recovery Tool must be used instead.

How to use it

Connect the LPC via USB

Use either a DC supply or PoE to power the LPC and then connect to the PC with a standard USB cable. When first connecting an LPC to a Windows PC you will be prompted to install the Pharos USB drivers via the "Found New Hardware" wizard. Follow the default instructions (answering "No" then "Auto" to the prompts) to install both drivers - the process will happen twice, once for the LPC's data port and then again for the control port.

Run the tool

On Windows this tool can be launched from the Start menu under Programs > Pharos Designer. On Mac OS X the tool can be launched from wherever the Designer software was installed, typically in Applications or Desktop. Pharos Designer must be closed before launching this tool.

To update the bootloader to the latest version (0.5) press "Update Bootloader" and the process will begin, taking a few seconds to complete during which time you must not disturb the USB connection, the PC nor the LPC in any way. Interrupting this process can corrupt the bootloader image and render the LPC inoperable. Press Exit to finish and then launch the tool again to update the firmware.

To update the firmware to the latest version (v1.12) press "Update Firmware" and the process will begin, taking a few seconds to complete during which time you must not disturb the USB connection, the PC nor the LPC in any way. Should this process be interrupted or fail for some reason then try again. Press Exit to finish.