As a project targeting global coverage, uRADMonitor was designed with all the important features right from the start: the units are plug and play, the network settings are automated via DHCP, the location is estimated automatically based on IP and so turning the unit on is enough to have a new node on the map, measuring radiation automatically while the data is displayed on the server as charts.

But like with everything else, continuous effort is being made to make uRADMonitor even better. Some of these improvements are on the server side and are applied transparently, and others are targeting the electronics and the embedded code running on the units themselves. We call this code firmware, a term coined in embedded engineering.

To update the firmware, the new code must be downloaded to the uRADMonitor unit. Currently this is possible only by wires – connecting the uRADMonitor to a computer (via a programmer and a cable) . Future versions might provide OTA (Over the air) firmware upgrades, to compensate for the inconvenience of un-mounting the detector, opening its case and having all the programming toolchain in place. But as said, the units are functioning perfectly with the stock firmware, and upgrading the firmware is optional for those willing to undertake the extra effort.

Preparing the upgrade

You will need the following:

  • usbAsp or compatible AVR programmer configured for 3.3V. These are available on many online stores, including Ebay or Amazon. If you still can’t find it, do a search for usbAsp or Avr Programmer. Using usbAsp with Windows requires an additional driver, available here. MacOS and Linux will recognise the device out of the box.
  • the new firmware compiled for your own uRADMonitor unit. It comes as a small .hex file. Send us a mail to get it, and don’t forget to include your uRADMonitor Device ID.
  • the toolchain, used to read the firmware .hex file and send it over the programmer to download it into your unit. The toolchain of choice is the avrdude, available here. There are several website offering compiled versions that you can use. Here is one for Windows, one for Unix and one for MacOS. Follow the instructions to install the software tools for your platform

    • Programmer (usbASP) 3.3V Voltage Check

    To verify that you usbASP is using the correct voltage, use a Voltmeter to measure the voltage between the VCC and GND leads connecting to the flat wire cable. It should read at 3.3v.
    uradmonitor_usbasp_3.3V
    Some usbASP devices are marked: “R5 5V/3V3 SEL” There is a resister making a connection for 5V. To change to 3.3V, use a pair of diagonal pliers and break the connection. After making the change, again measure the voltage between the VCC and GND leads connecting to the flat wire cable and verify it now reads 3.3V.

    Upgrading the firmware

    Having the usbAsp AVR Programmer connected to your computer (on Windows you’ll also need the driver) and the avrdude software installed, you are ready to go. Connect the programmer to the uRADMonitor PCB as shown in the pictures below. Make sure to match the header pins correctly, using the diagram attached.
    Note: the Red Stripe in your cable may not be installed in the same manner as the sample picture.
    uradmonitor_upgrading_firmware_1
    uradmonitor_upgrading_firmware_2
    When the connection is successful, a red LED on the uRADMonitor PCB, located underneath the raised board will light. Open a terminal and type the following command:

    avrdude -p atmega328p -c usbasp -U flash:w:uradmonitor.hex:i

    If everything is properly configured, you will see a text-mode animation showing a progress indicator. Wait for the download to finish, it shouldn’t take more than a few seconds.
    upgrading_firmware_console_1
    The download shows a confirmation message when done.
    upgrading_firmware_console_2
    When complete, your unit will go online with the new firmware.

    Why upgrade?

    As said, constant progress is being made. All units produced starting with Jan 2015 have firmware version 108 or newer. This firmware allows users to connect to the uRADMonitor units directly, by opening their LAN IPs in the web browsers. Besides sending data to the central server, these new uRADMonitor units also open the HTTP port 80 to the LAN, and using a small embedded webserver, they are able to serve measurements and data directly. This features is useful for those interested in home automation, offering a convenient, direct way of accessing the data, but it also guarantees functionality beyond the server dependancy (should anything wrong happen to the server or the communication to it, the uRADMonitor units are still accessible via LAN).
    This new functionality is provided simply by changing the firmware (no hardware modifications are required). So those of you interested in the upgrade, contact us directly, or over the forum.