Appload

Appload is Opticon's Windows based application that primarily performs firmware loading on many of Opticon's devices. It also provides a RS232 terminal window, date/time setting functions, the ability to transmit files in plain ASCII and NetO formats as well as software version retrieval.

Download

Download the latest version of Appload here. Inside the zip file is an installer. Simply run this installer and answer the questions posed. When the installer is complete the Appload program will launch automatically.

Note: On Windows 7 you may receive a popup message at some time in the future that asks whether the Appload program was installed successfully. Simply answer yes and you should not see this warning again.

General Use

Appload will only communicate with a device via RS232 protocols. This means your device must either be RS232 native (usually with a 9 pin connector to the PC) or be in USB-VCP mode. The majority of Opticon's USB device can operate in either HID (Human Interface Device) or VCP (Virtual COM Port) mode. USB-VCP mode does require USB drivers in all cases. See the USB Drivers page for details and download instructions.

Selecting Your Device

As mentioned above Appload will only communicate with a device via RS232. This also means that you must tell Appload the COM port where your device is connected. To select your device navigate to 'Settings' > 'Port' and choose your device from the list provided. If your device is a 9-pin RS232 connector this is likely always set to COM 1. If your device is USB then Windows decides what COM number is assigned. Keep in mind that this COM number may change, especially if you plug the device into a different USB port on the PC. Appload will remember which port you select after it has been closed and reopened so it may not always be necessary to manually select te device each time.

Setting the IrDA Adpater/Cradle type

Some of Opticon's devices come with a communications cradle that uses infrared to communicate with the device (like a TV remote). To change this setting navigate to 'Settings' > 'IrDA Adapter/Cradle type' and choose the necessary cradle type from the list provided. See the product page for your specific product to know which option to select.

Setting Date and Time

Once Appload is properly configured for your device (see Selecting Your Device and Setting the IrDA Adapter/Crdle type for details) it is possible to set the date and time to match the PC you are using. Note that not all devices are capable of storing the date and time. To perform this function simply select 'Utilities' > 'Send time' from the Appload menu.

Getting Software Version

Once Appload is properly configured for your device (see Selecting Your Device and Setting the IrDA Adapter/Crdle type for details) it is possible to determine the firmware running on many of Opticon's devices. To perform this function simply select 'Utilities' > 'Show software versions' from the Appload menu. The information will be displayed in a popup window with two lines. The top line is the main firmware version (called the OS on some products). The second line is what is known as the Bootloader. This is low level firmware that in most cases can be safely ignored.

RS232 Terminal

Appload provides a built in terminal window for sending and receiving RS232 data from the screen to any COM port. Once Appload is properly configured for your device (see Selecting Your Device and Setting the IrDA Adapter/Crdle type for details) you can easily transmit and receive any RS232 data (ASCII-128 character set only). Recommended settings follow:

• 'Settings' > 'Format' > 'ASCII'
• 'Settings' > 'Local echo' > 'On'

You must also have the appropriate Baudrate and set for your device or communication will either simply fail or result in useless jargon on the screen. The other RS232 settings (such as Data Bits, Stop Bits and Parity) and by default set to the same defaults all Opticon products use so it is unlikely you will need to change these settings.