RTCU MX2 Series Firmware V1.21

We are today releasing MX2i Series Firmware Version 1.21,
with the following news and improvements:

Enhancements:

•  Full support for SBAS (WAAS and EGNOS) for improved GPS position accuracy.
•  Support for new GPS mode=4 in gpsFix(), to indicate an SBAS corrected position.
•  gpsNMEA().
   New function to forward NMEA verbs (RMC,VTG,GGA,GSA) to the VPL application
•  Intelligent filtering and handling of completely wrong GPS positions
   received in rare cases from the GPS receiver.
•  Very fast boot-up!
   The MX2i unit now boots instantly with flashing of the system LED immediately after boot.
•  sockGetTCPIPParm().
   New function to read back the TCP/IP parameters set by sockSetTCPIPParm().
•  sockGetGWParm().
   New function to read back the Gateway parameters set by sockSetGWParm().
•  sockSetGWParm() and sockGetGWParm include support for GPRS Gateway Encryption key.
•  Support for RS485 on the MX2i ECO+ unit.
•  fsFileMove(). Now file-system function to move a file.
•  Several smaller improvements in the FAT32 file-system implementation,
   including improved power management.
•   + other minor Enhancements.

Bug Fixes:

•  gsmPowerLP(OFF) blocked all further use of gsmPower(). 
•  Sometimes a terminated voice call blocked further voice calls and
   SMS messages for up to several hours.
•  In rare cases gsmConnected() returned TRUE at the same time as
   gmsGetCurrentProvider() returned 0.
•  System LED for GSM status did not turn ON during an active CSD session.
•  pmWaitEvent() did not return an error code, if GSM is ON, and no
   GSM event was selected.
•  pmSetSpeed() accepted low speed, even though the GSM module was not
   operating in low-power mode.
•  PPP negotiation with PAP username authentication sometimes failed.
•  gsmHangup() with an active GPRS session, but no voice active,
   could momentarily close GPRS.
•  Calling btOpen() without Bluetooth module could hang.
•  btHsOpen() could return a timeout, despite of a successful connection.
•  Bluetooth user LED was turned ON, when btHSOpen was called.
•  serClose() flushed all data in the outgoing transmit FIFO resulting in data-loss.
•  File creation was not correctly updated, but worked as a file modified time.
•   + other minor Bug Fixes.

Please download this new version from www.logicio.com

RTCU IDE version 4.90 has been released with the following list of improvements:


General Enhancements:

•  Support for an indefinite number of include (.INC) and VPL (.VPL) files in a project!
•  Completely new compact and future proof (XML based) project format.
   Not backward compatible, but a back-up of the current project is automatically created.
•  Editor foldings are now saved as part of the project and automatically
   restored at project re-load!
•  Great improvements in the stability and speed of a remote connection
   over CSD / GPRS Gateway.
•  Improved performance on dual-core CPU based PC's
•  Find/Replace editor function now selectively searches within folded blocks.
•  Find/Replace editor function automatically remembers the last 10 strings used.
•  Unit password clear feature using a key generated by Logic IO.
•  Datalogger window remembers any user resize of columns.
•  Full support for earlier keyboard shortcuts, such as CTRL-F2 for toggling a bookmark.
•  + smaller number of enhancements

Please download it from www.logicio.com
 

Complete Deployment Package for using the Logic IO GPRS Gateway. Package includes a complete example showing how to develop applications that utilizes the Logic IO GPRS Gateway. Example consists of a RTCU Application and a PC application developed in Microsoft Visual Studio 2005.
Package includes a library, VSMSGW.DLL, that makes communication through the GPRS Gateway from a PC application very easy. Also read the included documentation here

The news in V1.20 includes:
Uses Visual Studio 2005, encryption/compression support, and Send/Receive GPRS Packet support.

Please download it from www.logicio.com

New Products

RMA Procedures

For customers sending repairs directly to us we have earlier released our new web based RMA system. The goal is to make the repair process more efficient and faster by the use of a web-based form, where all relevant information can be submitted to us as easy as possible.

At the same time we are simplifying the repair options and are now for example offering a fixed price for repairs outside warranty.

Please visit our Support/RMA page for additional information

...under development

We are currently working on two major new products.

RTCU DX4 Series.

On the hardware side we are working on the successor for the RTCU D4, called the RTCU DX4 Series. The RTCU DX4 will be based on the same X32-architecture as the MX2i Series and will include a long list of new features.


The current specification for the DX4 are as follows:

•  Based on the X32-architecture with same processor, Flash, Dataflash, FRAM etc.
•  CAN bus.
•  1-Wire bus.
•  USB ready. (slave).
•  RS485 as a standard feature.
•  MODBUS protocol support (Slave / Master)
•  Expandable I/O concept with external I/O modules.
•  8 Digital inputs, 8 digital outputs, 4 analog inputs and 4 analog outputs.
•  Analog inputs with support for 0..10V and 4..20 mA.
•  On-board battery charger with optional battery pack.
•  Graphical LCD display with 8 keys (UP,DOWN,LEFT,RIGHT,DEL,SEL,ESC and OK)
•  On-board SD-CARD reader with full FAT support.
•  Prepared for M2M chip solution instead of a traditional SIM-card.
•  Two-part pluggable connectors.

The first member of the RTCU DX4 Series is expected to be released just before Christmas!

Project "Semeru"

Semeru is the name of tallest mountain on the Island Java. It is also one of the most active volcanos in the region.

Semeru is also the codename for the development of Java support for the X32-generation of RTCU devices.
Java will be introduced as an alternative to VPL and the two languages will both be fully supported in the future.
 

This is the short list of features included in Project "Semeru":

•  Java support for the X32-generation of RTCU devices.
   This currently includes the MX2i Series and the coming DX4 Series.
•  Complete RTCU IDE Integration.
   Project can be compiled for VPL or Java.
•  Common VPL / Java API.
   The current and future API will be equally available in both languages.
•  Most standard Java libraries supported.
•  Floating Point Support.
•  Full Simulator Support
•  Full featured Source Code Debugger.
   With breakpoint, single-step, inspect variable, stack-track, multithreading, etc.
•  Remote debugging over CSD or over the GPRS Gateway.

This Java implementation is fully maintained and implemented by Logic IO, and therefore the integration into the "RTCU Concept" are expected to be close to perfect.
The Java VM (Virtual Machine) itself will operate under the full control of the RTCU Firmware (just as the VPL VM), contrary to some simpler Java implementations which runs inside the GSM engine itself. The RTCU approach ensures the best possible, most flexible and futureproof solution for our customers for years to come.