How do I update an existing charger (firmware 4.x or lower) to a 5.x firmware version or higher with the ACE Service Installer?
Overview
This step-by-step guide will help you with updating old firmware (<5.0) to a newer version on a charger on Alfen's NG-Platform.
Important:
When updating a charging station to a 5.x firmware version from a 4.x or older version, a password will be installed on the charging station. If your chosen password is not saved properly, there is a risk that the charging station will become ‘bricked’. The only remaining solution in that case is the replacement of the controller board, which comes at a cost. Please make sure to store the password securely.
Important:
When updating a charging station to a 5.x firmware version from a 4.x or older version, a password will be installed on the charging station. If your chosen password is not saved properly, there is a risk that the charging station will become ‘bricked’. The only remaining solution in that case is the replacement of the controller board, which comes at a cost. Please make sure to store the password securely.
- Make sure you are using the ACE Service Installer program with version 3.5.1 or higher.
Update your current version or download the application from alfen.com/downloads.
- Open the ACE Service Installer and make sure you download the most recent firmware version. This will be requested via a pop-up when starting up the application.
- The connected charging station(s) will now appear, after which you will arrive at the ‘General’ page.
Click on the ‘Upload firmware’ button.
- In the pop-up that now appears, select the 5.x firmware version (or higher) that you want to use and click on ‘Start upload’.
Earlier locally saved firmware versions can be selected by clicking the '…' button.
Please note!
Depending on the current firmware version of the charging station you should choose the ‘A’ or the ‘B’ version of the firmware file.
If the current firmware version is 4.12 or lower, you should use the ‘A’ version.
When the current version is 4.14 or higher you should use the ‘B’ version.
From firmware version 7.x and higher, only 'B' version is available.
Please see ‘What is the difference between firmware files with encryption key A or B?’ for more information. - Another pop-up appears, in which you are requested to enter a password into the charging station. This is mandatory.
Enter a password (that meets the required conditions) and click on ‘Ok’.
The firmware download will now start.
Please note!
Make sure the password is saved properly.
The charging might become ‘bricked’ if the password is lost and no options for recovery are available besides a controller board swap (at a cost).
Please write the password down and store it at the end-user.
- After the firmware has been downloaded successfully, a pop-up appears where you are asked to enter the password to login.
You can leave the User level on ‘Owner’ and enter the password you have just created.
- If you intend to use the ACE Service Installer program for a longer period of time, you can make sure the password is remembered for up to 24 hours.
It is recommended to check this box, because it makes sure you do not have to enter the password again after every configuration change or reboot.
Then click on ‘Ok’.
- You have now successfully updated the firmware to the 5.x version and are able to start the configuration of the charging station.