ZR6_US_v2.01

Niles ZR-6 Build Package v2.01

Download Software

Release Notes

Utility Software User Guide

 

IMPORTANT—Plase read the entire document before downloading

Feature summary for this software release:

  • Five legacy sources may now be used when an iPod is not connected.
  • IR mapping discrepancies on the TS-Pro touch screen have been resolved
  • DC output protection on the ZR-6 has been improved.

See Release Notes Section 3.0 for more details.

1.0    OVERVIEW

 

1.1    File Name: setup zr6 v2.01.exe 
1.2    Version: 2.01 
1.3    Date Published: 25 September 2009
1.4    Language: English 
1.5    Download Size: 30MB 
1.6    Estimated Download Time: Approximately 60 minutes @ 56K, approximately 6 minutes @
          DSL/Cable speeds 
1.7   The ZR-6 Software Build Package 2.01 download includes:

  • ZR-6 Utility Software                         v2.41
  • ZR-6 Chassis Firmware                  v3.26
  • TS-Pro Touchscreen Firmware      v0.67
  • Solo-6MD Keypad Firmware           v2.07
  • Solo-6IR Keypad Firmware             v2.02
  • Read Me File                                      v2.01c
  • Help File                                              v2.01c
  • Troubleshooting File                         v2.01c

NOTE: All devices in the system must be updated to the versions listed above to ensure proper operation.

IMPORTANT NOTE Prior to updating the ZR-6's firmware, it is recommended that you DOCUMENT (WRITE DOWN) ANY EXISTING CONFIGURATION DATA (I.E., SOURCE NAMES, TUNER PRESETS, ZONE LINKING, PAGING, ETC,) previously programmed in ZR-6 chassis. See section 5.1 for more details.

 

2.0    SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

 

2.1    Supported Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows® XP (Home and Professional) and Windows Vista®
          (32-bit)
2.2    Required Software: Microsoft® .Net Framework 2.0 or later (the installer software will install .Net Framework 2.0 if not found).
2.3    Disk Space Required: 30MB
2.4    RAM Required: 512MB
2.5    COM Port: Serial Port or USB (Requires USB to Serial (DB-9) Adapter see section 5.3 for more details)

3.0     RELEASE NOTES

3.1 The following outlines key enhancements in ZR-6 Build Package v2.01

3.1.1 ZR-6 Chassis Firmware v3.26
3.1.1.1 Improves monitoring and protection against DC output to speakers 
3.1.1.2 Resolves IR code mapping discrepancies

3.1.2 ZR-6 Utility Software v2.41

3.1.2.1 Improves communication with ZR-6 and user interfaces

3.1.3 Solo-6IR Firmware v2.02

3.1.3.1 Improves ZR-6 communication when using a ZR-KE with a TS-Pro
             Touchscreen

3.1.4 Solo-6MD Firmware v2.07

3.1.4.1 Enables use of 5 legacy sources in a single system 
3.1.4.2 Resolves issue where numeric screen (123...) was not accessible on
              some devices

3.1.5 TS-Pro Firmware v0.67

3.1.5.1 Enables use of 5 legacy sources in a single system 
3.1.5.2 Resolves IR code mapping discrepancies 
3.1.5.3 Resolves timer conflicts with custom images and menus 

4.0    INSTRUCTIONS

 

4.1    Click the Download button on this page to start the download

 

4.1.1    Do one fo the following:

 

4.1.1.1.    To save the download to your computer, click Save
4.1.1.2     To cancel the installation, click Cancel

4.1.2    After successfully installing the program, an icon will appear on your desktop. Double-click this icon to launch the application.

 

5.0     IMPORTANT. READ THE FOLLOWING INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS CAREFULLY.

 

5.1     Document Existing Configuration Data Prior to Updating Firmware

 

5.1.1    Prior to updating the ZR-6's firmware, we recommend you should DOCUMENT (WRITEDOWN) ANY EXISTING CONFIGURATION DATA (I.E., SOURCE NAMES, TUNER 
             PRESETS, ZONE LINKING, PAGING, ETC.) previously programmed into the ZR-6 chassis.

             NOTE: It is recommended that within the ZR-6 Utility Software you save (all) configuration data prior to Updating the firmware.

5.2    Microsoft .Net Framework 2.0 or later must be installed

 

5.2.1    Microsoft .Net Framework 2.0 or later must be actively installed on your computer in order to install ZR-6 Utility Software. If not found the installation software will install it. 
             NOTE: Later versions of .Net Framework require significatly more disk space and 
             download time.

5.3    Compatible USB to Serial (DB-9) Adapters

 

5.3.1    If your computer is not equipped with a Serial (DB-9) connecter, It is highly recommended that you use one of the following USB to Serial (DB-9) adapters that have 
             been tested by Niles

 

             IMPORTANT A USB to Serial (DB-9) adapter is a "device" and requires that its 
             respective driver be properly installed on your computer. Follow the manufacturer's
             instructions for installation.

5.3.1.1.1   Dynex, Model# DX-UBDB9

  •   Best Buy SKU#: 7135664

5.3.1.1.2   Gigaware, Model# 26-949

  •   Radio Shack SKU#: 26-949

5.3.1.1.3   IOGear, Model# G-UC232A

  •   Tiger Direct SKU#: A225-1031
  •   Amazon SKU#: GUC232A

5.3.1.1.4   USB to Serial Adapters utilizing Prolific® chipset have been tested

            NOTE: For added convenience, you can utilize a Male-to-Female, DB-9-to-DB-9 extension cable. This cable must be a pin-to-pin, straight-through cable.

6.0    TROUBLESHOOTING

 

6.1    Please review sections 2.0 and 5.0 and make any necessary adjustments

 

6.2    USB to Serial (DB-9) adapter Not Found or Error message

 

6.2.1    If the USB to Serial (DB-9) Adapter cannot be found or you encounter an error message, please retry the USB adapter in the next available USB port. Continue trying different ports until the computer recognizes the USB adapter. Microsoft Windows will launch a window titled "Add Hardware Wizard" when it recognizes the USB adapter. Then, follow the instructions in the Wizard. NOTE: The USB adapter  should be plugged directly into the computer and not indirectly through a hub or docking station.

 

6.2.2    If the USB to DB-9 Adapter still cannot be found or you encounter an error message, 
             please do the following:

 

6.2.2.1    For Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems do the following:

 

6.2.2.1.1    Navigate to Control Panel and select System.
6.2.2.1.2    In the Systems Properties window select Hardware
6.2.2.1.3    Under the Hardware Tab select Device Manager
6.2.2.1.4    In the Device Manager select Ports. If you see a yellow "question mark" or red "X" you have a conflict in your ports or USB section. The conflict(s)
                    must be resolved to proceed with installation. 

6.3    Not Able to Communicate with ZR-6

 

6.3.1    If you are having problems establishing communication with the ZR-6, and you’ve confirmed that the USB port functions properly, please do the following.

 

6.3.1.1    Power Off the ZR-6, wait 5 seconds, then Power On the ZR-6. Wait until a tuner station appears in the LCD display to ensure that the ZR-6 initiallizes completely before proceeding. If the unit is still not communicating, proceed to the next step.

 

6.3.1.2    Click the Advanced button. Select each COM port manually in the COM Port selection drop down list. IMPORTANT: Before each attempt, Power Off the ZR-6, wait 5 seconds, then Power On the ZR-6. Wait until a tuner station appears in the LCD display to ensure that the ZR-6 initializes  completely before proceeding.

 

6.3.1.3    If there are several COM ports displayed you may be able to narrow down which COM port is assigned to the USB adapter by navigating to Device Manager and reviewing COM port list.

 

6.3.2    If you still cannot communicate with the ZR-6 chassis, you may need to adjust the buffer size on the COM Port being utilized to perform the firmware update. IMPORTANT: After adjusting the setting, Power Off the ZR-6, wait 5 seconds,  then Power On the ZR-6. Wait at least 10 seconds, then Power On to ensure that  the ZR-6 initializes completely before proceeding.

 

6.3.2.1    For Windows XP operating systems do the following:

 

6.3.2.1.1    Navigate to Control Panel and select System
6.3.2.1.2    In the Systems Properties window select Hardware 
6.3.2.1.3    Under the Hardware Tab select Device Manager 
6.3.2.1.4    In the Device Manager select Ports and double-click
                    on the port that is being used for the firmware update 
6.3.2.1.5    In the Communications Port Properties window select
                    Port Settings 
6.3.2.1.6    Under the Port Settings tab select Advanced 
6.3.2.1.7    Under Advanced Settings locate the "Buffer Size"
                    section 
6.3.2.1.8    Set the buffer size adjustment to the Lowest setting 
6.3.2.1.9    If necessary, follow additional instructions provided by
                    USB adapter manufacturer for correcting performance
                    and response problems.

6.3.2.2    For Windows Vista operating systems do the following:

 

6.3.2.2.1    Navigate to Control Panel and select 
                    System & Maintenance
6.3.2.2.2    In the Systems & Maintenance page select System 
6.3.2.2.3    In the System page select Device Manager 
6.3.2.2.4    In the Device Manager select Ports and double-click
                    on the port that is being used for the firmware update 
6.3.2.2.5    In the Communications Port Properties window select
                    Port Settings
6.3.2.2.6    Under the Port Settings tab select Advanced 
6.3.2.2.7    Under Advanced Settings locate the "Buffer Size" 
                    section
6.3.2.2.8    Set the buffer size adjustment to the Lowest setting 
6.3.2.2.9    If necessary, follow additional instructions provided
                    by USB adapter manufacturer for correcting
                    performance and response problems 

6.4    COM Port Not Available or is Being Used By Another Application

 

6.4.1    If you are having problems establishing communication with the ZR-6, and 
             you've confirmed that the USB port is functioning properly, please do the following.

 

6.4.1.1    Click the Advanced button. Select each COM port manually in the COM 
                Port selection drop down list. IMPORTANT: Before each attempt, Power 
                Off the ZR-6, wait 5 seconds, then Power On the ZR-6. Wait until a tuner 
                station appears in the LCD display to ensure that the ZR-6 initializes 
                completely before proceeding.

 

6.4.1.2    If there are several COM ports displayed you may be able to 
                 narrow down which COM port is assigned to the USB adapter 
                 by navigating to Device Manager and reviewing COM port list.