Firmware Update?

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jgrove255
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2012 3:42 am

Firmware Update?

Post by jgrove255 »

What's with the newly available (as of, 10/01/2013) 'FirmwareUpdater2082'? No info other than, '(Win 8 Download @Nextwaveautomation Tech support instructions)'. The download contains an .exe ... when run, it says, 'ncPOD Firmware Updater 2082 - Click here to install'. Would like to have a bit more info as to what this update addresses before I blindly run it.

I really wish that Next Wave would be more forthcoming in their descriptors of updates. :evil:

4DThinker
Posts: 951
Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:00 am

Re: Firmware Update?

Post by 4DThinker »

Just guessing. Previously the controller software would update itself. No way to ask for money in that process. The 2.0 update is $150 or requires a code from those with Makos or Diamond Plate Sharks. Personally I'm wondering why HD 2.0s that came out between those two don't also get the 2.0 update for free, but NWA must have their reasons.

Guess number two is that it is an update for the controller box itself. Refines the box to work better with the upcoming 2.0 controller software. Might enable the 4th axis port.

I just guess. Next Wave has been busy lately. New Ready2Rout. Diamond Plate Sharks. Virtual Zero and other improvements in the controller update. Etc..

McBuster
Posts: 185
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 8:02 am

Re: Firmware Update?

Post by McBuster »

With all the new product NWA is releasing, and for the Controller, the new Features and Virtual Zero plus the newly expanded Interface, it may be wise to wait until v2.01 is released.

It is indeed interesting, was not the Mako released a year ago for a few months, much like the Diamond presently? With some extras included that may or may not have been at no charge?

If so, all those who purchased the HD 2.0's this past year must pay $150 for an update? Even if someone purchased an HD 2.0 unit a week ago?

Even tho, in reality, there was not any real additional monies paid for the DIamond nor Mako to justify the free update?

Curious, simply curious ...
Jon ...
Woodbury Mn

jeb2cav
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Re: Firmware Update?

Post by jeb2cav »

The Mako and now Diamond were sold as a package. The package included a router, some other stuff, and the Shark Control Panel 2.0. If you purchased a Mako or a Diamond, your purchase included the SCP 2.0 (the new one with the virtual table).

If you didn't purchase a Mako or a Diamond, then the SCP 2.0 is a separate purchase - just like the touch plate, touch probe, more clamps, and world peace (not sure if Rockler carries that though). It is an option, not an update.

None of the other Shark models, including HD1.0 and 2.0 were sold with the SCP 2.x - they were sold with the standard SCP.

You can contact Rockler's marketing folks and commodity/product manager for the theory behind the packaging and sales effort.

You don't have to purchase the SCP 2.0 - it is an option - not an update. NWA will continue to maintain and update the 'free' SCP as well. It just won't have some of the features that the SCP 2.0 one has (like the difference between VCarve and Aspire, on a smaller scale).

jeb2cav
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Re: Firmware Update?

Post by jeb2cav »

On the firmware update - NWA has run into a handful of SCP issues with Win 8 users on specific brands of computers. They found the problem and posted this firmware update to their downloads page to facilitate getting it to the affected customers.

The text on the Downloads page - Win 8 Download @Nextwaveautomation Tech support instructions - is somewhat cryptic and unclear to someone checking out the downloads page to see if anything changed. There is no need to apply this firmware update without consulting NWA support at this time. There is no firmware 'improvements' per se, beyond addressing the specific problem in a handful of low end Win 8 boxes from a certain manufacturer. While a tested firmware version will be fielded with future updates of the SCP 1.x and upcoming release of the SCP 2.x, you do not need to install this.

So - if you haven't been in contact with NWA support, and your computer is 'working' with the SCP and your Shark Control Box, there is no need to install this firmware update.

If you've already installed it, no problems are anticipated - but it hasn't been tested extensively. If you do experience a problem after installing it, go to the Firmware Updater in your SCP programs folder, and run that. This will take you 'back' to the previous firmware.

jgrove255
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2012 3:42 am

Re: Firmware Update?

Post by jgrove255 »

Thanks for the info Joe! I wondered if it was a one-off tech issue or something similar to what 4DThinker suggested in accommodating the upcoming features.

Speaking of features and all these upgrades, it would be nice if Next Wave would incorporate a circle center/edge finder via the touch probe or some conductive means - something similar to what mach3 and others offer. That would certainly, in conjunction with the touch plate, be a helpful tool in setting up work pieces!

Kind regards,
James

GullyFoyle
Posts: 74
Joined: Sat Apr 20, 2013 12:04 pm

Re: Firmware Update?

Post by GullyFoyle »

I wonder how many people fail to install with Administrator rights?
Failure to do results in some serious blockage and failures on other software.

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