860 DSP and 860 DSPi Firmware Update History
Listed below is the history of updates available for the 860 DSP Instrument Firmware. For assistance with any installation, please call tech support at 1-800-344-2412.
Note: WorkBench can download 860 DSP firmware with WorkBench updates. See your WorkBench software updates/upgrades page for download information.
April 2008
- Adds "Secure 860 Link" mode and embedded SSL certificate support.
Note: This feature requires the SSL capable firmware and a reboot after it is activated, which will take 6 minutes only on the initial boot after activation as a new 1024 bit encrypted certificate is created.
Note: If your firmware ends in ".2" then your meter is SSL equipped. - An internal instrument security feature has been added, which has the
following characteristics:
- Six digit serial number, which is entered at the factory, is not changeable, and is displayed when the instrument is powered-on. It can also be displayed in the "Info" screen by pressing the #4 soft-key which displays the unit's ID
- Asset tag (up to 31 characters), which can be entered only once using a future version of WorkBench. The tag will appear in the lower left corner of the boot-up screen, and can be displayed in the "Info" screen by pressing the #4 soft-key (Unit ID). (Examples: "Call if found: 1-800-xxx-xxxx"; "Property of cable system name")
- Allows user primary and secondary DNS entries to override DHCP acquired values.
- File date is now automatically updated when renaming files (task file normally does this when closing a work order)
- QPSK symbol rate entries can now be made down to 1 MSPS (minimum specified operating symbol rate is 2 MSPS)
- Fixed macro log file parsing issue
January 2008
- Added QAM Error Vector Spectrum - enables viewing spectrum activity (ingress or distortions, for instance) within the active QAM signal band. (This feature is enabled with the QA-1 or QA-2 option.)
- Added Trace Route Menu - enables a trace route as a natural next troubleshooting step when ping fails. (This is now a standard feature of the 860 DSPi.)
- Changed ping packet to contain Trilithic policy statement vs. random data for simpler packet identification with Ethernet sniffers.
- Updated options arrays to support hardware configuration options. This change enables TDM to read both the 860 hardware configuration and the software options.
- More flexible spectrum analyzer peak-hold user interface. The user can choose multiple lines as well as toggle the peak follower circle on and off
- Added a display of the IP address of a client connected to the TCP or WEB server of 860 in Navigation Menu. This allows the user to see the IP address of the connected WorkBench PC.
- Made improvements to TCP, WEB and UDP connection processes.
Mid-November 2007
- Re-Enabled Immediate Macro Support which was mistakenly disabled in the November 1st Release.
- Added User Numerical Entry of Spectrum Analyzer Limit Line (with minus sign (Fn) support)
November 2007
- Note: The Immediate Run Macros were mistakenly disabled in the November release and we will be posting an updated November release called Mid-November 2007 Release with the problem corrected very soon.
- Modified Task File Deleting / Manual Addition to decrease likelihood of deleting the wrong task.
- Changed all Data Logs to archive the data as soon as the Fn key is pressed. This avoids the possibility of getting a measurement update that changes the results before the user finishes typing the file name.
- Added Annex C Option to Edit Channel Plan
- Optimized RAM Usage again to free up an extra 1 Mbyte for Web Browser.
- Improved ability to adopt additional user languages with Language File Support
- Added Language File Preview to Explorer
- Changed GUI to extend maximum frequency to 1003 MHz
- Auto-correct to dates prior to Jan-01-2007 to eliminate potential for date-related errors.
- Helps avoid accidental over-writing of saved data logs, screen captures or channel plans by prompting the user with a question when a file name already exists
- Improved frequency accuracy of SSR Goto Functions
- Added User Numerical Entry of Spectrum Analyzer Reference (with minus sign (Fn) support)
September 2007
- A change to the FM Deviation measurement mode enables the user to enter a specific frequency at which to make the measurement.
- A change to the EuroDOCSIS 2A modem QAM source mode was made to enable signal generation up to 65 MHz.
- Added Dual MAC support for EuroDOCSIS modems.
- Improvements were made to Sweep Mode marker usage, file naming, and 8300 FST support.
- A change was made in which all screen captures are time-stamped.
- Enabled code-key activation of VITS measurement option.
- Corrected user entry problems in VSB Menu.
April 2007
- April 19th Firmware fixed a bug in the new CSO/CTB and Line Viewer algorithms Released April 4, 2007.
- Added Advanced CSO / CTB in-channel functionality (enables in-service testing when used with a 3rd party Line Blanker). This is available free to all users of 860 DSP and 860 DSPi that currently have Power Pack. This mode currently only works with NTSC channels.
- Line Viewer Utility has been added. This is feature that can be used to verify the line blanking is available free to all users of 860 DSP and 860 DSPi that currently have Power Pack. This mode currently only works with NTSC channels.
- 8 VSB and 16 VSB functionality added. This optional feature is key code activated and allows the operator to connect an off air antenna to the 860 DSP SLM input port and read level, MER, BER, and view constellation and equalizer tap information on 8 VSB and 16 VSB channels.
- Improved Macro Result Display was added. This better aligned and formatted the macro results data for quicker user analysis. All tests are now more consistent in their presentation of the data.
- Improved VoIP Test Result Display was added. This better aligned and formatted the VoIP Test results data for quicker user analysis.
- Channel Plan names are now stored with the Macro Results for post processing by Workbench.
- Video / Audio Delta calculation was using an absolute value function to check for minimum and maximum V/A delta. This has been removed so that Audio carriers above video carriers are considered failures in the limit analysis.
February 2007
- QAM Source Mode is now available and is a standard feature on shipped units starting in March 2007. See Trilithic Sales concerning upgrading earlier meters.
- Unsolicited Grant Service Mode is now available and is a standard feature on shipped units starting in March 2007. See Trilithic Sales concerning upgrading earlier meters.
- "Channel Plan Selection" and "Macro Log File Selection" utilize a new pop-up menu that allows any number of files to be selected. The old channel plan limit of nine is no longer in effect (flash drive space is the only limitation).
- Screen captures can now be linked to work orders (task files) within TDM or CSG.
- Open work orders (task files) are displayed and selectable from most recent to oldest
- Macro data logs are now time-stamped at each step for improved parsing and sorting (especially if some macro steps are skipped due to a subscriber not having a particular service, or there are cable modem login issues).
- Minor Digital Video Board Equalizer Bug Fixed
January 2007
- Channel Plan Selection is improved for easier access to user defined channel plans and simpler transition to and from channel plans that include sweep points.
November 2006
- Added Part Number display to Information Screen
- Incorporated latest Enhanced Digital Video Board Driver (IL-X)
October 2006
- Improved battery life.
- Updated QAM algorithm to improve MER measurement
- Updated temperature sensor driver
- Updated contrast driver
- Updated back light driver
- Updated browser
- Added Task Manager Menu which can be activated with WorkBench
- Added support for DOCSIS 1.1 modems to tune to non-standard digital center frequencies
- Added Upstream Equalizer Coefficient Display in CMStat menu if the 860 DSPi is equipped with a DOCSIS 2.0 modem.
September 2006
- Added a feature to the Sweep Menu that allows users to toggle the sweep mode from Sweepless to SpeedSweep, which uses injected forward sweep signals.
- Improved Annex A BER measurement accuracy.
- Improved Audio Level Measurements for Pal plans.
- Improved Overload detection mechanism.
- The Signal Processor now performs more averaging on each sample (4 to 8 times more) in level, scan, tilt, and sweep menus which provides extra measurement stability, and slows the update rate. To get roughly the same measurement update speed as pre-July 2006 firmware, in setup decrease averaging by 4. The Signal Processor algorithms were optimized to support the new SpeedSweep functionality.
July 2006
- Remote Control Function now supports Firefox 1.5.0.4, Internet Explorer 6, and Internet Explorer 7 Beta
- Starting with this firmware release, you can upgrade either your 870 MHz or 1000 MHz meters (860 DSP and 860 DSPi) with the same firmware and algorithms.
- Forward SpeedSweep System (8300 FST) is now supported
June 2006
- Completed compliance with 3rd party OSS task usage feature
- Added Mini-QAM data log macro step
- Allowed enhanced digital video board support for meters that have the hardware.
- Added Cable Velocity Factor to QAM Data Log Macros
- Optimized the DSP pause routines to improve speed.
- New Test Point Compensation Menu
- Information Menu Option Viewing and Selection was changed due to the increasing number of options.
- Edit Channel Plan Menu was changed to now support USE, SKIP, and PULSE channels
April 2006
- Fixed a possible 'Out of Memory' problem when upgrading firmware
- Added Cable Velocity Factor to QAM Data Log Macros
- Fixed minor bug if you press enter before the meter completely boots up, the first menu entered does not work.
- Formal CI-4 Support (10 / 100 Ethernet Card) and High Speed Throughput Tests
March 2006
- Added Mini-QAM data log macro step to allow all digital channels to log MER and BER in a Macro Step.
- Allowed enhanced digital video board support for meters that have the hardware even if you don’t have the Full QAM Option
February 2006
- The user is now able to change test point compensation through a function key item while in a measurement mode.
- A “firmware pop-up box” with detailed firmware information has been added, which automatically pops up when the user updates the firmware.
- To eliminate confusion the Comm Setup description for the “network startup method” has been changed to be more intuitive from “Network Auto Off” field to “Network Startup Method.” There was a setup setting called Auto Off, in which the user set the number of seconds that the unit would wait with no key presses before shutting down the cable modem and network while the unit was in the navigation mode. If the user set this field to zero seconds, it would also start the network automatically on 860 Boot Up. It now simply says Start Network on Start Up or Start Network by User Prompt with a fixed 60 second timeout.
December 2005 Release
- Optimized timing to all IC's on the main data bus
- Added Source mode protection by not enabling the Rf transmitter until the user selects it vs. menu entry
- Added Total Power Display to Scan Menu
- Allow Test Point Compensation to be 0.0 dB
- Add Spectrum Analyzer Auto Range Select
- Enhanced Digital Video Board is now QAM Default
- VoIP CODEC cannot be set to invalid type any longer
- If you view a location while saving a data log and don't change anything, the 860 used to change the location name to CUSTOM, now it leaves it alone.
- Allowed Web Data Logs to Set Pass/Fail Flag in Data Log Header and correct their output format so that Workbench can digest them.
- Added real Alert and Confirm to JavaScript in Browser V2.4.8
- Added Preliminary Support for CI-4
- Added Support for Cable Modem Dual MAC feature
September 2005 Release
- Improved battery life.
- Updated QAM algorithm to improve MER measurement
- Updated temperature sensor driver
- Updated contrast driver
- Updated back light driver
- Updated browser
- Added Task Manager Menu which can be activated with WorkBench
- Added support for DOCSIS 1.1 modems to tune to non-standard digital center frequencies
- Added Upstream Equalizer Coefficient Display in CMStat menu if the 860 DSPi is equipped with a DOCSIS 2.0 modem.
June 2005 Release
- Adds new spectrum analyzer with varying Dwell and Averaging. Also includes new MIN and MAX hold features which can be used with any detector mode. This is a major new feature that equips the 860 DSPi to capture TDMA traffic and short transients six to fifty times more effectively than any spectrum analyzer or competing field instrument. An ideal complement to the transient capture capabilities of the Guardian II return path monitoring system, allowing detection and troubleshooting of VoIP, impacting impulse noise all the way from NOC to the subscriber.
- Allows HUM Macro to use any of the HUM parameters (50/60, 100/120, or <1kHz). Now the user can select between three Hum tests, using 50/60 Hz to detect power grounding problems, 100/120 Hz for diagnosing power supply problems, or <1 kHz to troubleshoot low frequency noise.
- Adds Notepad support for PNG, JPG, GIF, etc when using Browser Version of Notepad
- Adds a *.BMP viewer option for viewing screen captures in *.BMP format. These enhancements add even more power to the 860 DSPi's Notepad and Browser capabilities, allowing the technician to download and view a full range of image formats.
- Adds 9580 SSR and RSVP ability to offset sweep transmit levels if using the new 9581 SST R4's Input Range update. Added TDM Task File Support for all data logs and all macro logs and in setup. Optimizes operations when communicating with Trilithic's new TDM software. Effectively a "data post office," TDM provides an efficient communications hub for communications of 860 DSPi setup changes, data record transfers, e-mail, work orders and diagnostic information from Trilithic applications and those of partnered companies.
- Last Tilt View setting saved on power down. Another enhancement to the efficiency of 860 DSPi operation.
- Bug Fix. Fixes lock up in Audio Mode in Depth of Mod Menu when encountering CW carriers in a channel plan
May 2005 Release:
- Improves lockup and MER measurement accuracy.
April 2005 Release:
- Added Return Auto Search for Link Frequency mode. (Requires SST-9581 R4 Headend Unit)
- Fixed Browser History.Back() JavaScript call
- Fixed Browser Offline Cache Bug
- Increased Browser Timeout to 60 seconds
- Added Ping Menu Favorite Pop Up
- Added Scan Disk function under Information Menu
- Changed the way the disk space is calculated
- Fixed 64 QAM lock problem which appeared in V5.3.1.1 and V5.3.2.1
March 2005 Release:
- Enhanced Source Mode Menu with new sweeping functions and new loop back mode.
- Changed VoIP Functions with no User Impact, Just Cleaner Code.
- Changed all server address defaults because Trilithic changed ISP?s
- Added Insert / Delete Channels from Channel Plan Edit Menu.
- Changed Modem Debug key from Enter to Fn while cable modem is logging on.
- Added Auto Range to QAM Level Menu under function key pop up.
- Changed the modem Rf Calibration code to use a curve vs. hard coded 2 dB for upstream launch level.
- Allowed Spectrum Analyzer to now go down to 4 MHz.
- Allowed Info menu to Power Up / Down the modem in order to check its version without being logged on.
- Fixed multiple JavaScript timer bugs, fixed secure cookies, fixed very large HTML table drawing, fixed offline viewing of web pages, and a couple other small Browser bugs.
- Added Normalized SSR Mode.
- Enhanced the Spectrum Max Limit Line with full span support and beeping on threshold break.
- Added Enhanced Digital Video Board Support (IL-1 Option).
December 2004 Release:
- Added Auto Discovery. Workbench V1.1 can now automatically detect all 860 DSP, 860 DSPi, and 860 DSPh on its network.
- Added more details in Modem Login if you press enter while the modem logs on for Troubleshooting Purposes.
- Changed the Modulation Types for QAM. You now only have each modulation (4, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 in Both Annex A and Annex B).
- Added New VoIP Test menu. (Requires Server Side Software)
- Added Browser Keys of 0 SPACE ( ) [ ] ^ / @ $ ! # , + - * & ` % : ; < > ~ ' ? =
- Added Spectrum Tune Markers by Channel mode.
- Added SSR Auto Mode Node retention when you switch from Return Sweep to Return Compare.
- Added Fixed Type Font selection to Legacy Notepad Application.
- Added Optional Switching of Notepad from Legacy Application to New Notepad using Web Browser. This lets you create more complex notes in both .txt file format as well as .html file format. The application automatically searches the drive for .html and .txt files and displays them in a selectable list.
- Added Euro Modem Support (Requires Euro Docsis Internal Modem).
- Enhanced the DHCP/GATEWAY/DNS operation. The unit now smartly decides whether to use the operator entered gateway.
- CSG Work Order System Compatible (Requires Web Browser Option)
September 2004 Release:
- Corrected several Bugs with the Web Browser Java Script engine
- Incorporated the latest version of SSL
- FM Deviation should allow tuning to audio channel as long as an audio frequency is defined. Scrambled channels were not used properly.
- Enhanced Memory Management Functions. (Released 4 MBytes of RAM)
- Increased the Sweep References storage capability from 3 to 8 traces
- If Depth of Modulation is Greater then or equal to 99.9% say 100%
- Added PING menu VOIP fields as well as VOIP Setup Menu and Ping VOIP Macro settings.
- Added DOCSIS 2.0 Support (Requires new Hardware)
- Added Video and Audio level information when a V/A Delta limit fails in a scan macro.
- Added 1/2 second delay after resetting modems. If you set the processor clock speed to 1x, some V1.1 modems can't spoof.
- Added Modem 2dB Upstream and Downstream Calibration Factors
- Stopped Dropping Network after Ping and Throughput Macro Steps
- Added Period Entry to Web Browser Entry
- Added Animated Gifs
- Improved Euro Docsis QAM Demodulation
- Improved Carrier to Noise Measurements
June 2004 Release:
- Changed the DHCP retry Algorithm. It now repeats three times with three retries each. Repeat Three Times [t = 0, t = 4, t = 8 (Three Attempts)
- Network Timeout changed to 6 minutes from 5 minutes
- Added Setup Lockout feature. Simply add a "/L" to the end of the company name using Workbench and the meter's user cannot alter any setup menus except modem login menu.
- Changed HTTP Authentication Window in Browser to be a smaller window so that it fits on our screen
May 2004 Release:
- Throughput Display graph could only handle a maximum of a 20 Megabyte file and now has been tested with a 120 Megabyte file.
- Added support for DOCSIS 1.1 Cable Modems (Requires Factory Hardware Upgrade)
- Added Bit Error Rate Analysis Menu (Requires DOCSIS 1.1 Modem)
- Enhanced all Macro Reporting Display. The Auto test Results Menu now shows why a test failed in detail.
- Added CI-3 support (Cable Modem routed to PC). (Requires New CI-3 Option Board)
- Allowed Minimum Packet Delay in Ping Menu and Macro to be 10 msec (VOIP Test Request)
- Added Distance to Fault on Spectrum Menu
- Fixed Black Screen issue when accessing out of bound memory
February 2004 Release:
- Fixed several timing related bugs in SSR mode. Also fixed Peak Hold Mode Resets in SSR mode.
- Added support for both White LED back lights and CCFL back lights
- Limit Channel Plan averaging to 32 times for Learn Channel Plan mode to prevent time overruns while learning large channel plans.
December 2003 Release:
- The QAM Equalizer Tap distance and time calculations were incorrect for modulations other than DOCSIS QAM 64.
- If the network connection was severed and restarted, the internal UDP server would not reset. This server is unused at ths time but is provided for future expansion.
- Added enhanced data flash load leveling. This will help distribute flash data more evenly across the flash chip.
- Added several remote commands for 3rd party partners to control the internal signal processor
- The communications port is now powered up when the serial cable is inserted and powered down when the cable is removed to save battery life.
- A customers TFTP server was sending out trailing zeros on the option acknowledge which was tripping up the throughput menu. Now, trailing NULL's are ignored.
- Only Display Package Version on the sign on screen if the package version is valid
- Added 115200 baud rate for quicker firmware updates.
- Improved C/N measurement
November 2003 Release:
- If you attempt a DHCP on the Ethernet (RJ-45) port and it fails, the unit would allow you to enter the network menus with an invalid IP address of 0.0.0.0, which it no longer does.
- Added Web Connectivity Test to Installer Tab. The user can now remove the main web browser icon and only allow the user to surf to a specific web connectivity site http://my860.com/confirm/
- Changed minimum RSVP Ingress Samples to 8 from 4.
- Do Not Display Sweep Reference Trace File Names for files that do not exist on the drive.
- Thicken Sweep Reference Line when using Reference.
- Sweep Markers should be in dB when using Reference.
- Added SPOOF pop up menus if PROMPT is selected in Cable Modem Setup Menu.
- Added Test Point Compensation to SETUP/MEASUREMENT, Level, QAM, Tilt, Scan, Spectrum, C/N, and CSO/CTB menu.
- Ping menu should open the cable modem port whether or not Cable Modem Info is selected when the user presses F4.
- Added new Cable Modem Statistic Menu.
- The CSO/CTB menu could get confused as a carrier is removed. This caused a lower than desired carrier level reading.
- Added leakage Macro Step.
October 2003 Release:
- Added Web Browser Support for Basic HTTP Client Authentication. This is a type of password protected login sequence used by some web sites. The site that triggered the feature request is the Road Runner Service Site.
- Added Web Browser Support for automatically naming data logs and allowing these data logs to be transferred to a server by the FTP protocol using a button on a web site. Basically, the customer would setup a web page on there system with a base data log file name, FTP server name, FTP path, FTP user name, FTP password, and special Input button. When this page is first viewed, the base data log name is grabbed and used until the operator overrides this name. Now, if the operator goes back to the viewed web page, he can transfer all data logs that begin with that user name to a FTP server.
- Added Web Browser Support for better offline browsing. The offline cache information is simplified and organized better.
- Added Web Browser Support for better password entry. You can view the currently typed character until you
click to the next character. All other characters are displayed as '*'.
"c"
"*A"
"**b"
"***L"
"****e"
"*****" - Added Support for Remote Control of an 860 DSP port mapped through a router with an unroutable 10.?.?.? or 192.?.?.? network address. This can save IP addresses if many 860 DSP's are used or simply as a security measure.
- Added Support for Remote Control of an 860 DSP on any port. This allows you to change the default web server port of 80 to any other number such as 8080. This can hide an 860 DSP for security measures or allow an 860 DSP to be remote control through a customers cable modem which has port 80 block on many cable systems.
- Added Support for Remote Control of an 860 DSP to automatically update the screen. This is very helpful in training and especially nice in spectrum analyzer mode. This currently only works on Internet Explorer and not on Netscape Navigator. It has also not been tested on AOL.
- The firmware revision of the internal cable modem is now visible on the cable modem information tab on the information menu.
- The USB revision of the internal USB chip is now visible on the communication tab on the information menu.
- The Network Setup and Modem Setup menus have been slightly adjusted for clarity.
- Customer PC MAC spoofing has been added (requires device reboot) so that a customers modem can be tested in all cases.
- Added an Emergency Reboot option. Hold down the ON/OFF key at the same time as the Fn key for at least three seconds. The user will here a quick beep and the unit should reboot shortly after. Since the 860 DSP allows a customer to browse any web site, any image, or any document of any size, there is the possibility of a lock up or very lengthy download period. Should this happen, the user can essentially force an immediate reboot. If the user causes a reboot in this fashion, all recently changed setup menu settings will be lost.
- Fixed several navigation and refresh problems in the QAM menu.
May 2003 Release:
- Enhanced DHCP functionality. The unit will now retrieve gateways, subnet masks, and domain name server addresses during a DHCP request.
- Forward Sweep was modified to use digital channels as part of the sweep reference and normalization without converting the digital signal definition to three analog points. This reduces the bounce in the digital points. Note: Your old sweep references will not match up to new scans and will have to be retaken.
- The RSVP mode auto detects the node to retrieve Ingress from all of the time. When the sweep carriers stop sweeping, this calculation was incorrect. The unit now latches the node number only when the sweep carriers are valid.
- The SSR transmit level would increment if the node was incremented and the SSR transmit level would decrement if the node was decremented. This has been corrected.
- Additional Serial Data Flash protection has been added to help reduce the chance of a corrupted file. Includes not saving files if the unit is in an emergency low battery power down sequence.
January 2003 Release:
- New Information Menu with greater clarity and more details
- FM Deviation Menu now standard in all meters
- New Screen Capture Format Option (Compressed Bitmaps)
Increases the number of screen captures by 3X - Enhanced PING Menu
Better Statistics (Min, Max, Avg Tx / Rx Time)
Variable number of Packets used (10 to 1000)
Domain Name System Support (Primary and Secondary DNS Entries Allowed)
Ping Data Logs Saved and Supported by WorkBench - Level Mode Delta Computation corrected. Could be off by 0.1 dB
- Added new Warning on Low Battery to all Menus
- MAC / OUI Address auto correction.
Units shipped with OUI = 00-27-7C are auto corrected to OUI = 00-02-7C - Quicker Splash screen on Startup to accommodate larger firmware in the future
October 2002 Release:
- New Setup Menus with Friendlier Navigation
- New Mode FM Deviation Added
- Enahanced File System with Auto Flash Refresh in Background
- Progressively Scale Number of Displayed QAM Symbols depending on Zoom Level
- Increased Maximum Number of SLM Averages from 128 to 1024
- Embedded Web Server and CI-1 Ethernet Option Incorporated
- Changed the Low Disk Space Alert to also Beep
- Corrected Memory Leak in File System when more than 128 files are stored
- Improved QAM Performance
- Improved C/N Performance
