Firmware updates FAQ (2024)

Alicat regularly develops new firmware so users can get the most out of our newest electronics packages. The most current firmware version for most products (laminar DP flow and pressure instruments) is 10v.

In this article, we answer common questions about these firmware updates.

• Jump to 9v firmware updates
• Jump to 8v firmware updates
• Jump to 7v firmware updates
• For 6v and older devices, please contact Alicat
• For CODA and BASIS instrumentation, please contact Alicat

10v firmware updates

A new firmware version (10v) is being released on new Alicat devices. Most devices shipped after March 2022 have 10v firmware.

Most Alicat devices will ship with 10v firmware as of March, 15^th2022.

Exceptions(not 10v):

• Class 1 Division 2area instruments (-X part numbers)
• OEM devices (BC,EPC, andEPCD-Series)
• CODA Coriolis controllers and meters (KandKC-Series)
• FP-25

New changes allow for faster response times and add popular features on all 10v devices. Check below to find what changes are coming to Alicat devices and the menu structure. Please see the operating manual for more details.

• Two totalizers can now be manually activated on devices.
  • To access the totalizer, press MENU > SETUP > Sensor > Totalizer.
• The totalizer has also been updated from previous versions.
  • Totalizer can now be configured to have up to 10 digits.
    • Depending on the device, there can be up to 9 digits before the decimal point.
  • Totalizer redesign also offers options to display info similar to the main screen or display data more focused on a variety of flow readings.
  • Totalizer batching can be found under MENU > CONTROL.
  • Totalizer pulse is now independent of the other totalizers.
• The “Main Screen” menu has been relabeled as “Data Screens.” To access press MENU > SETUP > Display > Data Screens.
  • New Data Screen options include Min/Max Screen.
  • Min/max screen adds a display to the main screen that shows the maximum and minimum of the desired value since the last reset.
  • The live screen is a new feature that can be used to customize which of the screens is displayed first by default.

Most devices shipped between June 2021 and March 2022 have 9v firmware.

Exceptions (not 9v):

• OEM devices (BC,EPC, andEPCD-Series)
• Class 1 Division 2area instruments (-X part numbers)
• CODA Coriolis controllers and meters (KC,KM,KCO, andKMO-Series)
• FP-25

It depends. Devices with 8v firmware can be updated to 9v, but older hardware is incompatible with 9v firmware.

• Devices ordered with RS-232 or RS-485 will have both Alicat’s standard ASCII and Modbus RTU available, without the need for special firmware. The firmware will automatically detect which protocol to use based on the commands sent. Additional Modbus settings are available under MENU > SETUP > (RS-232 Serial or RS-485 Serial).
• A new INFO button allows easy access to the details of a gas mixture created inComposer™. To view, press MENU > SETUP > Active Gas > COMPOSER Mixes. Then select the mixture of interest by name.
• The main screen has new configuration options, available in MENU > SETUP > DISPLAY > Main Screen.
  • Choose whether a button press does either of the following:
    • Displays the value in the center of the screen.
    • Opens a menu to change engineering units and other settings.
  • Display the valve drive percentage above the center value (controllers only).

Menu changes (mostly same as 7v)

Most devices shipped between September 2019 and June 2021 have 8v firmware. Some devices shipped between January 2019 and September 2019 also have 8v firmware.

Exception:

• Class 1 Division 2area instruments (-X part numbers)

The change in hardware has allowed for more resolution and additional features in 8v that were previously unavailable. Please see your new operating manual for more details.

• The improved resolution allows for more significant digits on both the display and serial data frame for some variables. The SENSOR SETUP menu now includes the ability to turn these additional digits on or off to match any non-Alicat programs that depend on the number of digits in the serial data frame.
• Allmonochrome displaysnow have the option to power up with the backlight on. This can be found in the DISP SETUP menu.
• Controllers have many new features in the CONTROL SETUP menu:
  • Enabledsetpoint rampingwith a customized ramp rate to smoothly increase and decrease to a given setpoint.
  • Adjust deadbandaround a setpoint for those rare instances when adding deadband will help save expensive gases.
  • When controlling pressure with a mass flow controller, you can enable a maximum allowed flow rate. This is particularly helpful forWhisper mass flow controllersas it helps protect the sensitive differential pressure sensor from unforeseen changes in upstream or downstream pressure.

Most devices shipped between June 2021 May 2017 have 7v firmware.

Exception:

• No-change customers

Alicat’s 7v firmware update is compatible with most Alicat instruments that have serial numbers of 135,000 or higher. Some instruments with serial numbers between 80,000 and 135,000 may also be compatible with 7v.

Upon request, we can update your firmware to 7v during your instrument’s nextannual recalibrationat no charge. Alternatively, we can update instruments outside of the recalibration process for a firmware update bench fee of $80 (USD).

Below, you will find a listing of changes to the menu structure. Please see your new operating manual for more details.

• A new BASIC CONFIG menu allows easy access to GAS SELECT, DEVICE UNITS and STP/NTP options. The GAS menu option also displays the currently selected gas.
• A new TARES menu gives you access to flow and pressure tares, plus AUTO TARE.
• A new ABOUT menu collects DEVICE INFO, DEVICE STATE and MFG INFO in one place.
• The contents of the old MISC, MISC1 and MISC2 menus can now be accessed via the ADV SETUP menu, with the exception of STP/NTP, which is now in BASIC CONFIG.

Menu changes