[Misc] When (not) to update firmware?

[mrwho]

Although I've been working with Ricoh machines for 4 years now, I still have some habits from the time I used to work with Konica (back when it was a great brand before getting mixed with Minolta - sorry, Minolta fans, but that's just how I feel).

One thing that was usual when working with Konica was to upgrade the firmware every time a new version came up whenever I was fixing an upgradeable machine, since the new firmware could fix whatever I was looking for.

It also was customary to update machines already installed at new customers before a maintenance agreement was made for us to take care of the machine.

Now, with Ricoh, we still have that habit, but I'm not sure if it is the best course of action with these machines. We just had an MPC6501 at a new customer that had its finisher die after we tried to update the firmware. Besides that we had some occurrences like this one before. As the machines were all in working order before we touched them, I'm beginning to feel that we should probably change our ways and update the firmware only when major reasons arise.

All this ranting just to make one question: How do you usually treat firmware updates? Do it everytime you get the chance? Use it sparingly?

[rthonpm]

Re: When (not) to update firmware?

I generally use the change log of the update(s) to determine whether I will install it. It's one thing if the change is for machines with Hungarian as the primary display language generating SC 819 codes, it's another if it resolves an issue with SMB scanning or colour process control. The problem now is that most newer models are really NetBSD computers disguised as copiers so a lot more issues that were once SP adjustments are now resolved by firmware so the lines are getting blurred more and more. The good thing with this is that with a more extensible base, more problems can be resolved with firmware but the opposite also applies: more problems can be put in with it too.

I also learned from a bunch of techs who went back to the analogue days so I always do one module at a time. I may be at the machine for an extra five to ten minutes depending on how long it takes the machine to boot up, install the update, reboot, do the next update, etc; but at least I know I've got a little more leeway.

[zed255]

Re: When (not) to update firmware?

I only do firmware when I expect it to help me with specific issues, or If it begins to look like a situation where I need to escalate support. Otherwise, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. One of the issues is semiconductor supply. Ricoh changes vendor mid-stream or after the fact for spare boards. We find then that some machines are bricked by an update because the update was written only for one version of the hardware.

[DAG COPIERS & COMPUTERS]

Re: When (not) to update firmware?

I employ ''Let the sleeping dog lie'' approach when it comes to firmware upgrade. In college days, one of my lecturers in Electronics,(on the topic of Oscillations), cautioned us 'never to ever adjust' a potentiometer\ variable resistor or inductor coil without any 'cause'. There could be some deviations in values of the preset parameters...yes, but never 'destabilize' these values if they are within 'Tolerable' limits, unless it becomes critical enough to affect the general performance of the circuit/equipment. The lesson? You may create more problem than you bargain for. In short, I only do firmware upgrade when it is really necessary, not because a newer version of the firmware has been released.

[Zeldaman]

Re: When (not) to update firmware?

Hi there!
I agree, never change arunning system! Only updating if there's aproblem with new software at the customer
Greetings...

[CableGuy]

Re: When (not) to update firmware?

We use the same approach, 'If it ain't broke, stay the hell away from it'. Usually when you contact tech support the first thing they ask is, is the
firmware up to date, most of the time we've taken this step before phoning. And usually it hasn't made a blind bit of difference.

Completely off the topic of copiers, I did a firmware update on my TC Helicon vocal processor because the looper wouldn't work out of the box. It's the only time I actually seen a firmware update have a visible effect on a piece of equipment.

So they can have their uses, but best leave them unless you really need to do them

[mikadonovan]

Re: When (not) to update firmware?

In college days, one of my lecturers in Electronics,(on the topic of Oscillations), cautioned us 'never to ever adjust' a potentiometer\ variable resistor or inductor coil without any 'cause'.

I worked on old tech like that in the service, and it applied to what you're talking about. However, I update the firmware on EVERY machine before it hits the field, and as necessary once installed. I firmly believe I have dodged some bullets by doing this, and I've never had a problem introduced by a firmware update. This kind of attention to detail has served me well over the years.

[tcs04]

Re: When (not) to update firmware?

Used to update quite frequently...... until MY-RICOH!!!!

[mrwho]

Re: When (not) to update firmware?

Used to update quite frequently...... until MY-RICOH!!!!

I've come to enjoy My-Ricoh - I believe it makes it easier to get the latest firmware.

[blackcat4866]

Re: When (not) to update firmware?

On Sharp a routine firmware upgrade was frequently about to be a down machine. I avoided firmware upgrades whenever possible.

On Kyocera Mita and Konica Minolta I do firmware upgrades when I'm at the machine, but would never make a special trip. I've had relatively few firmware failures. I attribute my success to:
1) Using the smallest CF card or USB stick that can hold the files.
2) I prefer to use the CF card over USB when both options are available.
3) I do the whole upgrade, not just the "Turbo" version.
4) I stand in front of the machine the entire time blocking access to the switch and power plug, and disconnect the network cable.

I remember one occasion when I was about 2/3 of the way through upgrading a Saturn when an enduser walks up, sees the black screen, steps around me and reaches for the power switch. I grabbed his arm, and asked
Me: "What are you doing?!"
Enduser: "That's what we always do when there's a message on the screen ... "
Me: "How about reading the message on the screen (Firmware Upgrade)? If I'd have let you, this machine would be a really effective doorstop, right now."
=^..^=

[Iowatech]

Re: When (not) to update firmware?

RTTGen111104a.pdf
I don't know if this will work, but if it does it might show why Ricoh firmware upgrades need to be taken with a bit of care for the time being.
If it doesn't work, here's the cliff notes version as I understand it: thanks to the recent earthquake/tidal wave disaster in Japan, Ricoh had to find some new sources for the processors that control the machines. The firmware for those processors is very different than the standard firmware, and as such firmware upgrades should be avoided if the installed firmware version starts with an "A".

[Tricky]

Re: When (not) to update firmware?

I killed a new machine when the power was lost during a firmware update, still the manufacturer took it back as doa.
A few white lies go a long way.


No more information available to protect the guilty.

[knightfall]

Re: When (not) to update firmware?

I would only update firmware if it would resolve the copier problem, I use to update them when they come out but often it would require a new hard drive.

[FMC]

Re: When (not) to update firmware?

If it aint broke, don't fix it!!!!

[Ollie1981]

Definitely if it ain't broke don't fix it. Had a recent example where I updated firmware on a machine (engine firmware corrected on error code issue) and was a "good boy" and installed all the latest available firmware, but then had to roll the scanner and NIB fw back when SMB scanning stopped working.