Elite 1.3 Firmware Update

If you have already installed the driver and know which COM Port the Elite is using, you may skip straight to Step 5. If you experience problems performing the update please consult our Trouble Shooting Tips.

Step 1. Downloading the update

Elite v1.3 Firmware Update (391 KB)

1. Download the above Zip file and save it to your desktop.
2. Extract the Zip file and save the contents to a folder named "elite" on your desktop. (You may need to download file decompression software, such as WinZip or StuffIt, to open the .ZIP file.)

The update contains 6 files/folders.

• Bootloader_1_0_0_37 - Firmware Data Folder
• Bootloader.application - Firmware Data
• Bootloader_1_0_0_37.application - Firmware Data
• "Device Manager XP and NT" - Shortcut to Device Manger for discovering which COM Port to use (Windows XP and NT Only)
• "R8214 Elite 95 NT XP Driver" - The Elite driver
• "R8214 Elite Vista Driver" - The Elite Vista driver
• "Setup" - The Elite Firmware Update

Step 2. Connecting the controller

PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE ELITE UNIT IS POWERED OFF BEFORE CONNECTING THE USB CABLE

1. Connect the R8214 Hornby Elite directly to the PC using the USB cable (Do NOT use a USB hub)
2. Hold down the STOP button on the Elite unit, and plug in the power supply to power on the Elite.
3. The green LED will illuminate, and the PC will detect it has new hardware.
4. You may now release the STOP button.

Step 3. Installing the driver

1. Windows will ask you if you would like to search online for software. Select the option labelled "No, not this time" and click Next.
   
2. On the next screen choose the option "Install from a list of specific location (Advanced)" and click Next.
   
3. Select the first option "Search for the best driver in these locations". Ensure the option "Search removable media (floppy, CD ROM...) is unticked and ensure the box labelled "Include this location in the search" is ticked. Click the Browse button and navigate to the folder where you saved the firmware and driver. Select this folder and click OK. Click Next to install the driver.
   

The installation may warn you that the software has not passed Windows Logo Testing with Windows XP. Click Continue Anyway to proceed.

The Driver is now installed.

For Non-XP Users!

You can open Device Manager by double-clicking on the System icon in Control Panel, and choose the Device Manager tab. It is also accessible by right-clicking on My Computer, selecting Properties, and selecting the Device Manager tab.

Step 4. Detecting which port to use

1. In order to update the Elite firmware you must know which Communications Port the Elite is using. Double Click the "Device Manager XP and NT" file included with the driver and firmware that you downloaded and saved to your desktop (for non-Windows XP users please see right).
2. Scroll down the list until you see "Ports (COM & LPT)" and click the '+' symbol to expand the menu. (View Screenshot)
3. Look for an item labelled "R8214 Hornby Elite" in the list. Make a note of the "COM" port number. e.g COM3
4. You can now close this window.

Step 5. Performing the update

1. Double click the Setup software icon to begin the update process.
2. Click Next

1. Use the dropdown box to select the correct COM Port as determined in Step 4.

1. Click Download to begin the update.

The Elite may take several minutes to update. During this time do not under any circumstances disconnect the Elite from the PC or the Power supply as will cause the firmware to become corrupted.

When the update is complete the unit will restart and be ready to use!

Troubleshooting

Before the update process can begin the software displays the message "Error in open port".
Ensure that the Elite is connected directly to a USB port on the PC, and not via a USB hub. If it is already connected directly to a USB port, try connecting the USB cable into an alternative USB port on the PC.

At the end of the Firmware update the software displays "Update Fail" and the Elite unit will not operate.
Ensure that the Elite is connected directly to a USB port on the PC, and not via a USB hub. If it is already connected directly to a USB port, try connecting the USB cable into an alternative USB port on the PC, or lowering the "Bits Per Second" by opening the COM Ports Properties in the Device Manager and going to the Port Settings tab.

The Firmware Update will not run due to the error "You cannot start application Bootloader from this location because it is already installed from a different location"

The previous version of Bootloader will need to be uninstalled before the update can be run. On your computer, click Start > Settings > Control Panel. Open the Add or Remove Programs window and scroll down the list to find "Bootloader". Click Change/Remove and then follow the on screen instructions. Once Bootloader is removed, you will be able to run the update.

For more advice and support please contact Hornby Customer Care

ELITE FIRMWARE VERSION 1.3 RELEASE NOTES

The ELITE units with firmware release 1.3 have two modes of operation - “Standard” and “Classic.” After updating the ELITE you will notice that during start up the word “Standard” will be displayed on the LCD screen. This is the default mode of operation.

Mode Definitions

“Standard” mode:

This is the default mode of the ELITE unit and will be briefly seen on the LCD screen during the start up sequence.

The ELITE fully supports the Railroad TrainController application.

“Classic” mode:

Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to switch to the “Classic” mode in order for the ELITE to operate effectively with older versions of the Hornby R8215 decoder. The “Classic” mode incorporates features that have been built into the firmware to accommodate possible factors that may lead to decoder resets when powering up the ELITE.

The “Classic” mode also amends the Point address mapping malfunction when the SELECT v1.1 is connected and used as a “Walkabout.” This only applies to the v1.1 as the v1.0 SELECT unit does not exhibit any Point address mapping issues.

This mode does not fully support the Railroad Train controller application.

Selecting the desired mode:

The ELITE mode of operation is selected in the UNIT menu as follows:

1. Press the “Menu” button and rotate Control 1 until the word “UNIT” is displayed. Press Control 1 to confirm.
2. Rotate Control 1 until the word “Mode” is displayed and then press to confirm.
3. The current mode of operation is now shown. Gradually rotating Control 1 will toggle the display between “Classic” and “Standard.
4. When the display shows the desired mode ( “Classic” or “Standard”) press Control 1 to confirm.
5. Press the “Menu” button to exit to normal operation.

Instruction Manual amendment:

Please be aware that the “Railcom” selection function is now no longer present in the menu as this operation is now enabled automatically when v1.2 and v1.3 firmware are programmed in the Elite.