Copyright: Copyright © Kohler Generator Division, 2000-2001


Welcome

Welcome to Program Loader, Kohler's application software download program.

What is Program Loader?

Program Loader is an application download program.  It runs from a PC (the host) connected to an appropriately programmed microprocessor (the target).  The application to be downloaded is easily loaded into Program Loader then transferred via a serial communication line to the target processor.  Program Loader will permit a field service engineer to upgrade, repair, or add additional applications to many different types of Kohler microprocessor controlled equipment.


Getting Started

Select a Comm Port

From the main screen, select the communication port using the drop down box.  The program supports ports COM1 through COM16, but most computers will only use the first four.  Contact your system administrator for help determining which port you should used for downloading.

Select an Application File

There are several ways to select the file containing the application.   You can select File, then Open… from the main screen's menu.  You can also press the Browse button.  Both of these choices will bring up a Windows™ dialog box that you can use to select the appropriate file.  The program will also remember the last four files you opened.  One of these can be chosen by clicking file name under the File menu.  Lastly, you can simply type the path and file name of the application in the Application Data File text box on the main screen.  Be sure to press enter after typing the name as this will activate the Run button on the bottom right corner of the screen.

Start the Upload

Once a communication port and application file has been selected, press the Run button.  The program will perform its memory initialization and prompt you to reset the target processor.  This will restart the processor and start the software that must be running on the target in order to download data.  After the target establishes communication with the host, you will have one last chance to abort the procedure.  A warning dialog box will appear on the screen.  Answering 'No' will abort the upload, pressing 'Yes' will begin erasing the targets boards memory and uploading records.

Notice that resetting the target board will cause the application to begin running and communicating with the host immediately.  It is important that the serial cable between the host and target is in place and the host is running before resetting the microprocessor.

Quitting Program Loader

To quit program loader, make sure no data is being downloaded, then you can either select File, then press Exit from the main screen's menu.  You can also close the main screen by clicking the close window button in the upper right corner of the main program screen.


Error Code Summary

Although Program Loader has been designed to be easy to use and robust, an occasional error may occur.  Some errors can be easily corrected, while others may require extensive factory assistance.

2000 	Unable to Open Application File

2001 	Unable to Open Command File

2002 	Unable to Determine Command File Name

2003 	Unable to Get Target ID

2004 	Unable to Establish Comms with Target

2005 	Application Not Designed for this Target Board

2006 	Maximum Number of Resends Requested

2007 	Flash Chip Programming Error


Unable To Open Application File
Unable To Open Application File (Error 2000)

The program is not able to open the application file you have asked to upload to the target.  Make sure the file exists and the path displayed in the Application Data File box is correct.  Also, verify that no other applications have the file locked or open.

See Also


Unable to Open Command File
Unable to Open Command File (Error 2001)

The program is not able to open the command file associated with the selected application file.  Make sure the file exists in the same directory as the application file and that it has the same name except with a 'cmd' extension.

See Also


Unable to Determine Command File Name
Unable to Determine Command File Name (Error 2002)

The program was unable determine the name of the command file.  The name of the command file is determined from the name of the application file.  Both of these files are provided by the factory and should not be modified or renamed.  Make sure the name of the command file is the same as the application file except for the extension.

See Also


Unable to Get Target ID
Unable to Get Target ID (Error 2003)

The program is not able to determine the target ID number the loaded application file is designed to program.   The most likely cause is a corrupted command file.

Try first to resave the factory provided command file in the same directory as the application file.  Then retry uploading the new application to the target board.  If this does not work, contact the factory.

See Also


Unable to Establish Comms
Unable to Establish Comms with Target (Error 2004)

The program was unable to establish communications with the target board.

This error may be caused a loose serial cable between the host computer and the target board or not using a null modem cable to connect the two.  Also, make sure you have selected the correct serial port number when running Program Loader.

See Also


Application Not Designed for this Target Board
Application Not Designed for this Target Board (Error 2005)

The application you are attempting to upload is not designed for this target board.  For example, you have attempted to program a genset controller with a program designed to run a transfer switch.  Verify the application you have entered in the Application Data File field on the programs main screen is correct.

See Also


Maximum Number of Resends Requested
Maximum Number of Resends Requested (Error 2006)

The target board has request that the same data record be resent more than the maximum allowed number of times.  This type of error indicates a poor communication link between the host computer and target.   A different, preferably shorter, RS-232 cable may solve this problem.  Try replacing the cable and rerunning the application.

See Also


Flash Chip Programming Error
Flash Chip Programming Error (Error 2007)

An error has occurred while attempting to program the memory chip on the target board.  Attempt to rerun the upload.  If the error occurs again, contact the factory.

See Also