General Notes 2017-03-02 Release Package

The Baler44 firmware had been updated. One of the changes updates the list of servers used in public IP discovery, which is required when accessing the Baler44's FTP server from a public IP address. Besides the Baler44, this change affects digitizer models with an embedded Baler44 (Q330S, Q330HRS, and Q330S+). The change will become important as the servers used in the previous release become unavailable.

For a detailed description of the changes, please see the Baler44 firmware section below.

General Notes 2012-10-02 Release Package

General Notes 2012-06-07 Release Package

General Notes 2012-04-25 Release Package

General Notes 2011-12-15 Release Package

General Notes 2011-08-01 Release Package

Overview - The 20110801 package is the release package culminating an extensive series of Beta releases and field tests to enhance operation, improve flexibility, and support the Q330S and the new Q330S+. This release package is strongly recommended for all users. Note that all configuration and firmware is interoperable between the Q330, Q330HR, Q330S, & Q330S+, except as noted in the table below. The support tools operate on all systems.

General Notes 2009-12-29 Release Package

Overview - The 20091229 package is the release package culminating an extensive series of Beta releases and field tests to enhance operation, improve flexibility, and support the Q330S. This release package is strongly recommended for all users. Note that all configuration and firmware is interoperable between the Q330, Q330HR, and Q330S. The same firmware and support tools operate on all systems.

General Notes 2009-07-31 Release Package

Overview - The 20090731 package is the release package culminating an extensive series of Beta releases and field tests to enhance operation, improve flexibility, and support the Q330S. This release package is strongly recommended for all users. Note that all configuration and firmware is interoperable between the Q330, Q330HR, and Q330S. The same firmware and support tools operate on all systems.

General Notes 2008-04-28 Release Package

Overview - The 20080428 package is the release package culminating an extensive series of Beta releases and field tests to enhance operation and improve flexibility. This release package is strongly recommended for all users. It is required for all users of the Q330HR. Note that all configuration and firmware is interoperable between the Q330 and Q330HR. The same firmware and support tools operate on both systems.

General Notes 2007-04-09 Release Package

Overview - The 20070409 release includes many updates. Further details are listed below under each program name.

General Notes 2006-09-28 Release Package

Overview - The 20060928 release adds minor updates to Baler14, Pecos, Willard, and mon330. Further details are listed below under each program name.

General Notes 2006-07-28 Release Package

Overview - The 20060728 release adds support for Q330s with 32MB of packet memory; BalerAdmin is now in full release, and is available for the following operating systems: Windows, Solaris, Linux, and OS X.

General Notes 2006-03-04 Release Package

Overview - The 20060304 package contains an update of the Q330 memory modules. See v1.80 of the memory modules below for details.

General Notes 2006-01-17 Release Package

Overview - The 20060117 package is the release package culminating an extensive series of Beta releases and field tests to enhance operation and improve flexibility. This release package is strongly recommended for all users. It is required for all users of the Q330HR. Note that all configuration and firmware is interoperable between the Q330 and Q330HR. The same firmware and support tools operate on both systems.

Discussion – This release note package pertains specifically ONLY to the 20060117 release. See prior release packages for further important background and notes that may not appear in any other documentation.

The document Q330-OperationGuide on the www.q330.com web site contains detailed examples of configuration and operation based on the interim release package to support the Q330HR. Effective with the 20060117, the firmware and toolset has been merged to operate identically with the Q330 and Q330HR. The discussion in that document pertains therefore to the present release package. You should consult and review the entire document to familiarize yourself with new capabilities.

General Notes 2005-02-19 Release Package

Overview - The 20050219 package is the release package culminating an extensive series of Beta releases and field tests to enhance operation and improve flexibility. This release package is now considered mandatory.

Communications over a variety of media have been given special attention, however, numerous unrelated improvements in operation and robustness have made this update suite required for all Q330 and Baler14 users.

Dialout - One of the principal update areas is to support automatic dialout using an AT-command-set DCE (modem). The new dialout functionality permits the Q330 to automatically dial a pre-determined telephone number and establish a PPP or SLIP link upon reaching one of several activation criteria, analogous to the criteria for local Baler activation: packet buffer full, elapse of a time interval, completion of a scheduled acquisition time window. Typically, the Q330 dialout function would be configured to call an generic ISP, such as, for example, Earthlink. When a PPP link is established, the Q330 will transmit a "Point of Contact" (POC) message on UDP port 2254, a registered Internet Service port, to a listener application at a pre-designated IP address. Upon receipt of the message informing the listener of the Q330’s IP address assigned by the ISP for the duration of the PPP connection, the listener may direct any application that would normally be used in conjunction with a Q330, including data acquisition, configuration-port maintenance, software reload, etc. Typical applications of dialout might include regular transmission of status information from a remote Q330 operating primarily in a "stand-alone" recording configuration with a local Baler. Another application provides a "dial backup" capability to acquire continuous data from a remote Q330 where a primary internet or satellite-based telemetry system may have failed. Allowing the remote Q330 to automatically establish and negotiate a standard PPP connection with an ISP eliminates management of unique communications hardware and software systems to provide IP-based links to remote Q330’s over POTS telephone lines.

20050219 now adds support for digital cellular modems in PPP mode. The cellular modem may dialout episodically as in the normal operation of a POTS mode, or may be configured to maintain an active connection, allowing a remote client to access the Q330 at any time. POC messages may also be configured to signal establishment of the link, and to maintain an active client database of available remotes.

Dialin - Dial-In capability using a POTS modem permits a remote client dialer application to call and establish a PPP link to the Q330 for maintenance and backup purposes, or to acquire data on demand. A standard "dial-up networking" client, such as a W2K or WXP dialer is compatible with the Q330’s dial-in function. Willard also incorporates a built-in dialer. The dial-in capability provides a reliable backup means of communication with and maintenance of the Q330. Dial-In and Dial-Out may be configured on the same line.

Baler14 Improvements - In addition to the new dialout capability, major improvements have been made and tested over a period of several months to simplify Q330-Baler interaction, and to simplify Baler address management during data retrieval operations. One new feature permits a power-cycled Baler to be activated from a new command button on the Q330’s web page, allowing access to a power-cycled Baler entirely through the HTTP interface to the Q330. The detailed changes are enumerated below.

Networking Enhancements - Several networking enhancements have been incorporated to assist where Q330’s are operated behind a NAT firewall, or where IP addresses are rationed to only a single IP per station. On behalf of a Baler, the Q330 can now perform Internet standard Network Address Port Translation (NAPT) on any of its three network interfaces (2 serial, 1 ethernet), so that a Baler may become addressable at the Q330’s IP address and a specific port number assigned by the Q330, in accordance with the table below. An Application Note IP Resource Usage will provide further information.

Q330 Base Port Number 5330 UDP

Q330 NAPT Port for control of Baler14 on Data Port 4 5344 UDP

Q330 NAPT Port for data access on Baler14 on Data Port 4 5354 TCP

The NAPT will remain active while a Baler is registered on the Q330’s data port. So for example, if a Q330 has IP address 1.2.3.4, the Baler registered with the Q330 will be accessible at address 1.2.3.4:5354. This port mapping is true independent of the Q330’s network interface on which the mapping is active, so that, for example, if the Q330 dialout function establishes a PPP connection with an ISP, and is assigned IP 4.56.7.34, the Baler’s web page will become accessible through the new IP address as 4.56.7.34:5354. The Q330’s web page will automatically display the automatically generated link to the Baler when the Baler is registered with the Q330.

To facilitate behind-firewall operation of a Q330/Baler pair, the links to a Baler displayed by the Q330’s web page may be manually set, so that the proper link addresses as seen from outside the firewall are used in the Q330’s web page. The NAPT and link display setting allow complete access and control of data retrieval from a Baler through a single IP address, whether or not behind a firewall.

Non-Registered Status – A new capability of the Q330 provides the ability of a network monitoring application to gather status from remote Q330’s without registration or transmission of waveform data packets. This new status capability is supported through an enhanced QDP "ping" capability that provides asynchronous low-latency status regarding Q330 operations without allocating packet buffer space for acquisition of status information or requiring registration. The demonstration program Mon330 illustrates this capability. A screen shot below shows an example of the information available.

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• Version 1.206 build 930 (20130528) - Source Revision 262
  • Add Deploy/Remove support in sensor configuration and sensor control command.
  • Change max length of heater on field in EP Configuration from 4 to 7 digits.
• Version 1.204 build 921 (20121002) - Source Revision 260
  • Extend Random Telegraph low-freq limit
  • Q330S+ only:
    • When clicking on channel enable checkbox call check_gains after update_gains to keep spurious sliders from appearing

• Version 1.203 build 919 (20120425) - Source Revision 258
  • Show digitizer calibration errors.  Handle CERR_SCIP.
  • Increase allowable C1_PULSE duration to 20 seconds to support length-encoded STS-2.5 remote lock/unlock commands.
  • Change default C1_PULSE duration from 2 to 3 seconds, allowing STS-2.5 HB immediate recognition of recenter command without requiring two command iterations.
  • for Q330S+ control only, web-based administration security options may be specified
  • engineering-mode changes for independent control of Q330S+ preamp gains (not user accessible)

• Version 1.199 build 906 (20111215) - Source Revision 252
  • Don't show scheduling menu item if 335.
  • Terminate clone load if wrong XML type at CRC checking phase to avoid duplicate error dialog and clearing current token configuration strings.
  • If "outer_level" is not found near the beginning of the XML file it is not valid for this system. This is done for both read and overwrite.
  • Add Q335 front-end fault message to fault code dialog.

• Version 1.197 build 901 (20110801) - Source Revision 249

• Version 1.148 build 661 (20091229) - Source Revision 166
  • Bug fixed: dial out POC form was lost in some recent release.
  • Remove expert requirement for Baler option config string display. Use "unlock" to edit.
  • Do not bother to prompt/query user that interface for balercfg has changed because this is ignored by the Baler44.
  • Disallow selecting any type of Baler on serial #1 on Q330S.
  • Deny Baler options other than serial #2 on a Q330S, only telemetry allowed.
  • Clear poc_port on ethernet.
  • Fix DSS port for clone display.
  • Handle connection reset error on socket.
  • Add EP Analog channels 2 and 3.
  • If cancel button is used when editing MAC address, don't check MAC address.
  • Add Baler44 interface option to XML. Previously the Baler44 type was lost when writing the XML during a clone.

• Version 1.141 build 624 (20090731) - Source Revision 159
  • Add user message queue polling to show last 8 user messages
  • Place EnvProc board specific values past CRC value in XML
  • Changes for Baler44/Q330S Advanced Interface forms
  • Allow EP firmware update independent of existing version if expert mode
  • Add SDI-12 Device support via EP
  • Add EP Tunnelling
  • Add write/read of XML for EP configuration
  • Add setting Environmental Processor as an advanced interface
  • If setting tokens manually changed chan/freq mapping the flag in Willard noting the change was not set. This flag was also ignored if you re-booted the Q330 without saving. You are now prompted to see if you really want to do this.
  • Replace the "Using" edit box on the registration form with up to 20 custom address:port pairs stored in the station.ini file
  • Add support for 7 fractional digits on serial serial sensor
  • Add TCP support
  • Add Baler config option string editing (CS=MED reduces cpu speed) for Baler44 if expert mode
  • Add Q330/S flag in manufacturers area. Add Baler link and Baler configuration structures to memory dialog
  • Remove write support for old configuration and token files
  • Add support for MET3
  • Don't display netserv event option for DP LCQs

• Version 1.104 build 367 (20080428) - Source Revision 115
  • Add support for setting event-only netserv.
  • Warn user when changing sensor control bitmap.
  • Add Transparent routing configuration for advanced serial and ethernet.
  • Add support for 230400 baud.
  • Handle variable rate data decimation without crashing.

• Version 1.99 build 341 (20070409) - Source Revision 110
  • Support increased main current measurement and operational limits setting to 350mA.
  • Allow operation colder than -40C
  • Fix minimum frame count when editing tokens, 1 isn't a valid value.
  • Make sure rate updated correctly when editing DP tokens.
  • Add display of netserv and dataserv status to LCQ list in a similar manner to event=0nly.
  • Support DP Statistics logical channel queue to configure logging of extensive communications performance parameters.
  • Move serial sensor 2 configuration within the CRC zone
  • Separate serial sensor XML options into 4 separate named bit fields. Not compatible with earlier Alpha versions of serial sensor support.
  • Some hints added to confusing or inscrutable form options
  • Help file updated
  • Add support for serial sensors, i.e. Paroscientific barometer (6000 series (land) or 8000 series (sea))

• Version 1.91, build 307 (20060928) Source Revision 96
  • Add option to contol Announcements to use a random source UDP port
  • Add serial port 3 routing bit in XML to support console/IrDA NAPT.
  • Save configuration strings in 330 when checking all CRC's in cloning load. In cloning edit copy data to all of the first three pages when leaving summary page. Process special page flags (announcements and crcs) when moving to that page, regardless of source page.
  • Serial sensor sampling rates changed to discrete values. Make sure opaque configuration isn't too big and that total token isn't too big once opaque configuration is tacked on.
  • Add support for non-compliant DP's, Opaque Tokens, Random POC source ports, and Serial Sensors.
  • When cloning instead of popping up messages saying a XML section is missing just gray out the option to load the appropriate section. When writing new tokens from the DP Token Editor, don't update the XML file.
  • Add buttons for the rest of the CNP options special operations.
  • For AUXAD and SMU programming only allow updating an existing XML configuration file. If a token section is missing don't close xml file anymore.
  • Data from individual clone edit pages only copied to summary if moving from that page to edit & load page, now copies whenever leaving a page.
  • When domain name lookup was added it broke connecting to the 330 using the PC's serial port since the Q330 IP address was never set, fixed.
  • Support 32MB memory boards. Generate sensible response to missing 330 serial number in station.ini file.
  • New advanced flash management added to enable updating firmware without requiring bulk erase.
  • Help File updated
  • For interface programming hide Advanced button when in broadcast configuration.
  • Instead of loading the tokens when starting just go directly to RUN state and flag the tokens as modified to force a read.
  • For clock quality display use default parameters rather than those in whatever tokens happen to be loaded.
  • Willard no longer loads token from the default DP at startup so remove setting and reading default DP.
  • Keep GPS configuration form from showing during cloning load done after cloning save.
  • Add cfghelp files
  • Many changes to handle new Section CRC tab in cloning load. This involves primarily pre-reading to determine CRC validity and being able to select which sections to load. Only copy from DP/IFC/GLOBAL tabs into summary when coming from those specific pages - avoids clearing out summary when coming from announcements or crcs.
  • Warn if using DEC10 FIR filter is selected for a channel derived from main digitizer 1hz. New firmware supports fiducial time alignment with new FIR filters for V?? and U?? data.
  • Don't show announcement dialog if clone edit dialog is active.
  • Change references to "Logical" to "Data" in Memory information form.
  • In calibration dialog fix so doesn't change starting time if it is already set far enough in advance.
  • Help split into two files, configuration, and all other.
  • In Announcements dialog and Installer command change DP to PR (POC Receiver). Add announcements tab to cloning load form.
  • All copy to clipboard for ARP, Routes, and Memory string lists. Sort ARP and Routes by last heard.
  • Change default maximum timeout to 40 seconds for vsat and 10 for others.
  • Expand hints for minimum and maximum timeouts.
  • Add configserver support. Add support for domain names to be used for accessing the 330.
  • Add writing and reading optional CDATA web page tags. Quote embedded strings.
  • Change default time format to make sure use 24 hour time. Allow NTP operation only if enabled in manufacturer's area.
  • Set date and time format for recording window pickers to use user specified format.

• Version 1.81 build 200 (20060304, 20060117) - Source Revision 53
  • Version now visible from the File|Properties dialog.
  • Mandatory for support of 20050219 release package and higher.
  • Willard 1.81 or higher is mandatory to configure 1.79 or higher Q330 firmware. Highly recommended for reliable configuration “cloning” operations.
  • Unified, one-step CRC-verified XML configuration combining Q330 global parameter set, all token sets, and web page.
  • Browser-based help pages
  • The running configuration in the Q330 can be labeled with user definable text “tags” that are readable in the web page display, and Willard forms
  • Willard will no longer prompt to save the configuration if the “special inputs” are selected in the “Global Configuration”
  • 250 mA now selected as default maximum operating current for all Q330’s. This is an important parameter for Q330HR’s, which will not operate correctly when set below this value.
  • Support for configuration of the Q330HR 16-bit A/D board added.
  • Baler activation criteria are now automatically adjusted between 5-90% to prevent inadvertent misconfiguration of Baler flush threshold.
  • Minimum operating voltage threshold clipped at 9.0V instead of previous minimum 7.50V, which could cause a high-current fault condition in certain circumstances.
  • Registration timeout extended to 3 minutes to allow for registration across links with large RTT, such as VSAT
  • Bugs in cloning dialog fixed that could cause Willard to abort the operation.
  • Default “Standard” Data Port window size set to 8 packets
  • Support to configure new “base-96” encoding in conjunction with Q330 firmware 1.79 or greater.
  • Support for capability in new Q330 firmware (1.79 or higher) that allows specification of the Baler flush threshold as a percentage of the selected packet buffer. Extensive backward-compatible logic to support prior firmware versions.
  • Allow cloning to a blank Q330
  • Will annunciate automatic memory resizing following packet memory defect detection in a Q330 with firmware v1.79 or higher.
  • Allow setting in the "Global Configuration" of web page security settings. See the 20050820 document for initial import of the new web page.
  • Allow selection of new 10s-aligned FIR-derived sampling of V?? and U?? data streams in token editor, in conjunction with Baler14 v1.85, Pecos v1.30

• Version 1.56 (20050219)
  • Many infrequently used option settings protected, available only in “expert” mode.
  • Expert mode available at run time through check box setting
  • XML file permission checked for exclusive access during updates.
  • Full dial-in and dial-out configuration support
  • Built-in PPP dialer for management of remote Q330 via POTS dial modem
  • Quickview vertical “zoom” capability
  • Mandatory for support of 20050219 release package and higher.

• Version 1.53 Alpha
  • Support beyond COM4
  • Fix Command Cancel button
  • Fix writing zero parameters to console.ini on registration abort.
  • Allow status interval max of 10s only
  • New Baler control command dialog, takes into account present connection status
  • Improve Quickview scaling for all display types. Delete “Freeze” option
  • Add experimental built-in dialer functions. Enabled with “-d” command line option, which will be deleted in a future release.

• Version 1.51 Alpha
  • Interface|Advanced form now supports dialin & dialout. Willard 1.51 or higher is necessary to configure 1.63 or higher Q330 firmware.
  • Many mouseover hints added to forms to explain parameter settings
  • Will always present a “Register” button if de-registered from the Q330. Previously some conditions could cause the need to exit and restart Willard if de-registered.
  • Will allow loading new security-management web page tags into the Q330.
  • Parameter default load buttons added to the Interface|Advance and Data Port forms to allow establishment of reasonable initial defaults in the absence of standard configuration template files.
  • Dialin & Dialout username and passwords are now separate.
  • XML tags for <user> and <pass> split to <user_isp>,<user_330>,<pass_isp>, and <pass_330>
  • Various error conditions are trapped into explanatory dialog boxes.
  • The Interface|Advanced parameters are re-read following a Q330 reboot to prevent stale information in the on-screen forms.

• Version 1.48 Alpha
  • Quickview now re-sizable, and selectable 10,30,60,120s duration. AVG & RMS trace values may be displayed in mV with automatic preamp gain scaling.
  • Data Recording Token editor tree view will now show if a channel’s data output is turned off, or if event-only recording is selected.
  • Some minor form label changes.

• Version 1.47 Alpha
  • Some more obscure administrative commands moved to the "expert" mode menus, so that typical operations have a simplified user interface
  • If the main Willard form is left up and a re-registration is performed after the 10-minute timeout, the Data Recording form will not be presented until tokens have been read, preventing a blank form from appearing. This may occur if the Data Recording menu is requested immediately after registration, and the Q330 is connected via a long-latency link.
  • The dialout PPP trace will not be presented if tokens are being read.
  • The dialout PPP trace will post a message indicating the name and required location of the q330_symXX module needed to display modem communications if the module is not found.
  • The Announcement data structure is now saved to XML files, and may be loaded.
  • XML file name extension no longer overwritten if filename typed into dialog box for saving tokens

• Version 1.45 Alpha
  • XML file generation fixed for embedded &,<.
  • XML file name extension no longer overwritten if filename typed into dialog box.

• Version 1.44 Alpha
  • Dialout password is masked in the Interface|Advanced form.
  • A new option for saving XML files includes a checkbox to include the dialout password in the saved XML file. If present, a dialout password will be read from the XML file. If not present, the dialout password will be nulled when reading an XML file, and must be re-entered manually. This is a security measure to allow a user not to have clear-text copies of ISP passwords present on computers with copies of XML files.
  • A bug fixed which caused Willard to crash when saving an XML file if a Q330 Data Port is disabled by setting the packet buffer allocation to 0%. Willard will write 50% for flush threshold if data port is disabled.
  • Various form labels are updated
  • The user message pop-up box now defaults to OFF, and may be turned on from HELP menu.
  • Adds setting of routed packets timeout in advanced serial interface. This is the timeout in seconds for which a dialout link will be kept open following inactivity of packets routed through the interface to an attached Baler.
  • Add support for $ID$, $BE$, and $EN$ web page tags to enable the new web page that displays links to a Baler only when the Baler is registered with the Q330.
  • Close QuickView window when de-registered.
  • Cosmetic change to advanced interface Baler power control forms to change labels to "Power Cycled" and "Continuous" instead of "Opto" and "None".
  • Add prompt to erase Acquisition Schedules after loading new config or modules if scheduling is enabled.
  • Fixed serial advanced interface to show the dial-in IP suggestion caption when it should.

• Version 1.43 Alpha
  • Update to handle the $PT$ web page tag for dynamic IP address assignment.

• Version 1.42 Alpha
  • Advanced serial interface updated for dial-in/dial-out programming.
  • Announcements programming changed to include ignore checkbox and resume time.
  • Station Manager update button added to allow changing station description.
  • Baler commands can now only be sent to interfaces that are programmed for Baler use.
  • Added dialer commands.
  • PPP Trace log display added to Baler/dialer status.

• Version 1.41 (20040723)

  Corrects a potential serious problem introduced in 1.40c, which first incorporated XML configuration files in addition to binary mode. The problem occurred when a "compact XML" file, which contains only non-zero fields and may not necessarily contain the actual required Q330 configuration records, is loaded in the "Q330 Configuration" form. In this case, Willard defined all fields not explicitly defined in the "compact XML" file to be zero, causing zeros to be loaded into ALL the 330's configuration records. The 330 becomes unbootable, and must be returned to the factory for repair.

  This situation could arise if, for example, a token was saved as XML, then loaded not into the "Data Recording" form, but into the Configuration form. In this case, there is no "configuration" data present in the XML file being loaded. Prior to the introduction of XML, it was not possible for an internally-inconsistent or incomplete ".cfg" or ".tok" file to be generated, because these files were not subject to user editing.

  Willard 1.41 will save XML data only in verbose form to guarantee that all configuration data are present. Furthermore, it will check that configuration records being loaded are in fact present in the XML file. Users should, however, be very careful if XML configuration files are hand-edited or machine generated. The possibility remains that an invalid configuration file may cause a 330 to be unbootable.

  A future Willard release will incorporate a method to validate the presence of required XML fields and their content, using a "field/data validation dictionary" contained within the XML file itself, and signed with an MD5. This will prevent the possibility of loading an XML file that may contain insufficient or invalid records.

  When loading the XML file, Willard will test for the presence of each of the 13 possible sections in the "configuration" data, corresponding to the check boxes in the configuration dialog box. When it encounters a checked box for which there is no corresponding record in the XML file, it will abort the load. Any records changed up to that point, however, will remain changed, and will be committed to EEPROM if you do a save. So if a cfg load is aborted, it's a good idea not to save, as the resulting configuration may have had some structures updated and not others.

• Version 1.40c (20040701)
  • Display of the AVAIL acceptance Baler status.
  • Support for AUXAD board.
  • Read/write of configuration and tokens in XML. Backward compatible ".cfg" and ".tok" files can be read, or written, based on setup information supplied in the station manager.
  • All four data port configurations displayed as a tabbed panel.
  • "Change Data Port" panel now required only to data port for token editing.
  • Baler and dialout configuration moved from the main menu to an "Advanced" button on the interface tabbed panel.
  • The full configuration menu is always displayed.
  • Terminology changed to be consistent with V2 protocols, including changing references to "Recording Windows" to "Schedules".
  • Status menus are now toggle on/off.
  • "Special Functions" radio button omitted except in "expert" mode.
  • When setting authentication codes there is a checkbox next to each one. If checked, then the authentication code is stored in auth.ini, else it is removed from auth.ini. This applies to initial configuration in addition to normal mode.
  • When deleting a station, the authentication codes for configuration and special function ports are deleted from auth.ini.
  • If you create a new station, and there is already an entry for a Socorro station of the same name, you will be asked if you want to use those values for defaults. This makes it easy to convert Socorro stations to Willard stations without having to re-type station-related information.
  • Q330 interface address only visible on "unit poll" form if non-broadcast IP address used.
  • Serial port parameters on "unit poll" form only visible if using serial port.
  • Blanked out serial port settings on registration panel with winsock selected.
  • New "console" button added to the "station selection" form, to allow connecting on console interface without prior "station related" data structure setup previously requiring use of the Socorro station manager. Use of Socorro is no longer required to communicate using Willard.
  • By putting a -c on the command line, you enter console mode. You are prompted to select the serial port (or infrared) used on the PC to connect to the Q330's console port. It will determine the serial number of the Q330, if there is no station (normal or dataless) entry for that Q330 you can create a dataless entry, but you don't have to. After determining the serial number for the Q330 it will register with the Q330. This mode is useful for someone in the field to just walk up to a Q330 and connect without having to configure anything. Defaults are stored in console.ini.
  • Console mode selection can be bypassed using the "-c" command line option.
  • Always prompt for the creation of an "underscoreless" directory for Willard's, ignoring the presence or non-presence of Socorro and its directory structures, which are used only for local data recording. The station manager can create and delete (including the directory) "dataless" stations. Dataless stations do not have a _n after the station name, such as OGIE instead of OGIE_1. Socorro and Cimarron will ignore dataless stations.
  • A new "initial configuration" write-only mode can install factory default configuration files over a nonexistent or invalid configuration. Putting a -c=<directoryname> on the command enters initial configuration mode. This is designed to help bring up a never-configured Q330 or to just start from scratch with new configuration. After it gets the physical programming from the Q330 you are shown the standard form to make changes. After it stores that back into the Q330 it will re-register with the Q330 and bring up a dialog to select your configuration file, token files (not yet used), and web page. Now you will be shown the contents of each data structure, as read from the configuration file so you can make any changes required. The "tab order" is set on the form so just entering a carriage return accepts the settings as they are. After the automatic mass-recenter form you will be asked if you want to write the structures to the Q330. If you hit Yes then all the structures will be written to the Q330, the web page will be written, the structures will be written to EEPROM, and the Q330 re-booted. For data ports used for a Baler, it will generate a random authentication code, this will prevent people stealing Baler data while the Baler is powered down, unless of course you actually write the code down and use it.

• Version 1.35
  • Show Baler connected status. New Baler control options. Add warning about resetting Baler flush percentage if packet memory percentage is changed for a data port. 500ms worth of $FF bytes sent to IR dongle at beginning to charge up capacitor in adaptor kluge.

• Version 1.29
  • Change default date and time formats to use ISO8601 format instead of the current windows setup.

• Version 1.28
  • If get a timeout from a ping, clear the command queue and notify the user. Send the ping to the port (config or special functions) that is selected.

• Version 1.27
  • Added Q330 interface selection to polling form, this is required to know what IP address to use for non-broadcast packets. Moved Ping button from station selection form to registration form since Ping needs to know what interface to use now, rather than using the last saved configuration. Don't hang on exit if the directory for the station.ini file doesn't exist.

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• Release Version 1.146 (20120607, 20121002) – Memory modules version 126 – Source Revision 126
  • Increase byte mem wait states from 4 to 5 for Cypress RAM chips.
• Release Version 1.145 (20120425) – Memory modules version 125 – Source Revision 125
  • Harden Q330 against C1_PULSE command (e.g. calibrate, center) received while a previous one is still in progress.  This will now return an error code CERR_SCIP, and the command will be ignored.
  • Copy calerr_map into upper byte of global status status input field. This makes it possible for companion Willard release to annunicate digitizer calibration error status.

• Release Version 1.142 (20110801) – Memory modules version 124 – Source Revision 122
  • Add analog mother board power cycle if counts on any channel exceed 13.5 million counts for an hour.
  • If get a GPS message timeout then update status to indicate the loss.

• Release Version 1.137 (20091229) – Memory modules version 122 – Source Revision 118
  • If get a data queue overflow generate a resync instead of rebooting.
  • In tcp "POST" parameter handling, start looking near end of request buffer to limit maximum time required and avert crash.
  • Fix typo in ep_scfg so will save to EEPROM if EP on serial 2 is changed.
  • Adjustments to heuristically determine Paroscientific model. Starting ID (not PI) after failed OI.
  • Bug fixed resulting is POC's not transmitted when configured on ethernet if ethernet is not the active interface.
  • For Q330S the TRIG input is used for all 3 window functions and will wake sleeping unit.
  • Detection of a hung memory operation changed to avoid possible false triggering due to sampling error.
  • Clean up starting web-page reload from EEPROM.
  • Only return EP channel delays in response to C2_RQEPD that are configured for the requesting data port.

• Release Version 1.131 (20090731) – Memory modules version 119 – Source Revision 108
  • Add user message queue polling to show last 8 user messages.
  • Don't process >= $FC$ tags in webserver if skipping text due to being offline.
  • Leave webserver filltcp loop early if spinning through linput text (like when everyone is offline) without filling a packet. Looping too long causes loss of data and re-boot.
  • Add EnvProc reset bit handling for C1_CTRL.
  • Force reasonable values for Q330S configuration.
  • Add SDI-12 devicesupport via EP.
  • Conditionalize out the check for DIP switch enabling C1_ERASE to prevent denial of remote software update.
  • Block POC's on non-comm interfaces.
  • Change EP communications to 115200 baud.
  • Add EP Tunnelling.
  • Add 10 minute communications timeout before resetting EP. Reset EP for 3 seconds during Q330 boot.
  • Add Environmental Processor support.
  • For non-MET3 serial sensors determine whether firmware is V3 or V4+ before reading calibration constants.
  • Change 100Base-T poll interval to 50s for manual power up Baler44.
  • Increase priority for serial sensor handling to reduce sampling jitter.
  • Add support for simultaneous sampling in Paro V4 firmware. Limit status to 6 digits past decimal point to avoid crashing DPs.
  • Add support for 7 fractional digits on serial serial sensor. Extend 100Base-T probing from 1.2 to 2.0 seconds.
  • Add support for Baler configuration structure.
  • Add support for MET3.

• Release Version 1.105 (20080428) – Memory modules version 106 – Source Revision 76
  • Add automatic reset of auto mass recenter counters at 12:00AM Monday to re-enable automatic centering when retry counter may have been exhausted.
  • Calculate auto mass recenter sensor bitmap rather than using bitmap in recenter configuration, eliminating use of stale sensor type selection that may be inconsistent with currently selected sensor.
  • Add support for 230400 baud.

• Release Version 1.103 (20070409) – Memory modules version 105

  Mandatory for prior and current production Q330’s and Q330HR’s.

  • Prevent corruption of selected frequency and channel caused by serial interface buffer overrun. May have effected any SLIP serial telemetry link, including connection to a Baler
  • Increased stopband suppression in digital filters is supported at source level pending field testing. Not currently released.
  • The allowed range of digitizer offset and gain measured during power-up self calibration is expanded and adjusted to better match the actual statistical population of Q330’s and Q330HR’s. In previous versions, if an offset was found to lie outside the expected range during self-calibration, the measured gain adjustment would not be applied, potentially causing a gain error up to 5% as default values are assumed. Such a scenario is extremely rare. New firmware applies offset and gain adjustments during self calibration independently.
  • Synchronize 100Base-T ethernet test to 10 seconds after powering up Baler. When a fast Ethernet switch is used between the Q330 and Baler, enables detection of the Baler. Previous versions might time out during the Q330/Baler initial dialog if a 100BT network detection was delayed because of the 100s polling interval for 100BT networks not being synchronized to Baler turn on.
  • Support new Q330HR hardware with capability of measurement of increased power supply main current. Will allow setting Q330HR to default value of 350mA.
  • Blockettes pertaining to configuration changes are now handled independently per data port. Previously all data ports received notification of a configuration change on any other data port.

• Version 1.98 Beta – Memory modules version 100
  • Generate AuxAD and serial sensor configuration blockettes when a data DP registers or when configuration is changed via special functions port.
  • Add support for new class of “Serial Sensors.” At present, support of serially-interfaced Paroscientific pressure measurement products is supported. Pressure and internal temperature sensor may be acquired with selected resolution and units at rates between 0.01 and 1sps. Sampling is synchronous with the Q330’s GPS-locked timebase.

• Version 1.89 (20060728) – Memory modules version 94
  • On dialout, e.g. cell-phone, interfaces, if max dialing attempts at negotiation exceed limit, re-initialize the device.
  • Block auto mass recentering during calibration.
  • Add handling of POC random source port.
  • Support NAPT on console/IrDA port, .e.g. to permit PalmDP or other console-connected application to communicate with a Baler.
  • Add code for turning on and off packet memory backup power to support new 32Mb controllable memory board.
  • Support 32MB packet memory board.
  • Adds "advanced flash management". This allows firmware to be updated when flash memory is full without bulk erase, permitting a bootable flash image to always remain during remote updates.
  • Update default GPS parameters.
  • use project wide compilation options in pll, utcp, and various.
  • Properly calculate packet retransmission time.
  • Unconditionally process beginning of new GPS day independent of good reception. Previously rare circumstances could result in day passage detection being delayed.

• Version 1.80 (20060304) - Memory modules version 87
  • Use correct Round-Trip Time estimate and prevent packet dribble when grouping enabled.
  • Instead of a fixed restoration window use window size + 28, clipped at 128, in order to guarantee contiguous or overlapping data on ragged reconnect regardless of window size.
  • Retry the calibrator ID, AMB Serial number, and EEPROM read commands at boot time.
  • Don't allow NTP operation unless enabled in manufacturer's area.

• Version 1.79 (20060117) - Memory modules version 87
  • Highly recommended update for all Q330 users.
  • GPS coldstart power-down interval extended from 30s to 2min
  • Update packet buffer percent usage unconditionally to provide accurate VFP channel
  • Align sampling of state of health information, such as mass positions, on 10s boundaries
  • Store Baler flush thresholds as a percentage, not an absolute value.
  • Automatically detect and re-size usable packet memory upon detection of a R/W CRC error in packet memory.
  • Support embedded control options in the web page, eliminating the need for separate web pages depending upon the security model.
  • AMB power supply adjustment loop deadband modified tor Q330HR
  • Extend interbyte wait for AMB calibrator communications.
  • Add 26-bit support for Q330HR, selectable at manufacture time
  • Add AUXAD board support
  • Save slave processor crash code and parameters to NV packet memory
  • Add support in web page for embedded configuration and token text tags.
  • Correct web page vulnerability to internet port-80 worms

• Version 1.71 (20050219) - Memory modules version 80
  • Mandatory update for all Q330 users.
  • Improve timing accuracy. In typical power-cycled operation of the GPS with good RF reception, the update will halve time variance. In most cases, this variance is on the order of 10’s of microseconds RMS, and any effect of the change will not be noticed. In certain special cases, however, if the user is applying any post processing to improve time accuracy during periods of no GPS reception, the update will substantially improve accuracy. In addition, in other special applications where a GPS time reference is not used, and where there may be accumulation of potentially large time errors between accurate time benchmarks, the update improves handling of “wraps” of clock phase around multiples of 0.5s.
  • Usage of the “throttle” parameter in a data acknowledge packet on a serial interface will now be ignored. It was previously possible to inadvertently restrict bandwidth on a multi-session serially interfaced device, such as a cell modem.
  • Updates to retain PalmDP compatibility. Certain Alpha versions did not operate with PalmDP.
  • In order to accommodate the new Q330HR, the “reference” value contained in the Manufacturer’s Area will now be used as the expected number of counts during application of the internal reference voltage loopback. Previously, a hard-coded value was used corresponding to the value for a standard Q330.
  • Create a new internal data port to handle all non-registered commands, such as C1_PING, in order to prevent all possible interface confusion. Various obscure potential scenarios that could induce a crash during multiple simultaneous accesses on multiple communications interfaces have been eliminated.
  • For diagnostic purposes, the Q330 can now log a numeric “crash code” that can document the source of the last detected error condition causing a watchdog reboot. The new mechanism will store the crash code into location $7F of the clock chip RAM, except for a code 5 (slave processor error) because it needs the slave processor to store the code. The stored code is reset to zero using the CNP Options commands menu with address 255, any option value. A parameter error (255 is the CNP broadcast address) will be returned but location $7F will be cleared. The crash codes are:
    1. Data Overflow
    2. Out of Memory
    3. Packet Memory CRC Error
    4. Bad Structure
    5. Slave Processor
    6. Packet Size

• Version 1.65 Alpha
  • Correct another potential interface confusion during simultaneous operations on multiple interfaces. An attempt to perform an operation on a logical port now in use by another client will now be returned a “port in use” error, regardless of the interface. A C1_PING (non-registered status) request will be honored regardless of registration status on any logical port.

• Version 1.64 Alpha
  • Correct potential interface confusion during IP broadcast operations, including Baler announcement and serial number polling operations that could cause a disconnection of dial interfaces.
  • Do not write POC packets to a dialin interface.
  • De-register all users on dialin interfaces.
  • Clear UART buffers on DCD drop.
  • Fix TCP window advertisement to take into account multi-segment request buffer and amount left in that buffer.

• Version 1.63 Alpha
  • Dialin capability added.
  • Cellular dialout may now be configured to attempt to maintain the link up independent of the usual dialout trigger conditions by setting the “min off” time to zero.
  • POC messages on a dialout may now be disabled by setting either the IP to 0, or disabling all three of the dialout criteria (scheduled window complete, buffer fill percent, minimum interval).
  • POC messages will resume on a link sustained by Baler or Willard usage at a time 5 minutes after the current setting of the “routed packets timeout”. POC-driven acquisition on a PPP link will therefore take place at an interval of roughly the “routed packets timeout” plus about 1-2 minutes.
  • The user message queue counter will now rollover correctly.
  • UDP packets with zero checksum will now be accepted, and flagged.
  • The Web page will accept 4 new configuration tags to set the desired level of security in the web page. The new settings allow a web page to be constructed that does not require entry of the Q330 S/N & Authorization code to effect action. New $Cx$ tag in webpage to set web page configuration options:
    • $C0$ = Authentication required for both Baler power and link (default).
    • $C1$ = Authentication required for Baler link only.
    • $C2$ = Authentication required for Baler power only.
    • $C3$ = Not required for either Baler power or link.
  • Several new web pages are added for various levels of security, referring to whether the web-page embedded commands to turn on the Baler or set the on-line link require furnishing of the Q330 S/N and Authorization Code. The "secure" versions require entry. The "high security" version does not place the S/N in the returned web page as a convenient prompt, requiring that a user know the S/N in advance. The web pages are:
    • Q330_pointer_page_baleronly_highsec_041020
    • Q330_pointer_page_baleronly_linksetsec_041020
    • Q330_pointer_page_baleronly_nosec_041020
    • Q330_pointer_page_baleronly_sec_041020
  • Dialin & Dialout username and passwords are now separated in the Interface|Advanced structures: user_isp, user_330, pass_isp, and pass_330
  • The Web server skips a redundant TCP ACK during the MD5 Baler turn-on authentication dialog.

• Version 1.62 Alpha
  • Registration on Control Port (e.g. Willard) will hold up a dialout link.
  • POC messages will resume after 5 minutes to the selected data port on a dialout link held up by Baler or Willard usage.
  • Dialout “timeout” counter will not be reset until at least 75% of the packet buffer at the time of automatic dialout is successfully transferred, in order to prevent continuous dialout attempts possible on a marginal link.

• Version 1.60 Alpha
  • Dial out support attempts to detect an abrupt communications termination, such as loss of DCD or CTS, and will attempt to initialize the modem as soon as possible rather than waiting for the automatic interval.

• Version 1.59 Alpha
  • Dial out support enhanced to support digital cell technology. Modem INIT string not sent during dial function. Automatic re-initialization will now be based on the dialout interval/dialout retries.
  • Keep PPP link active if registration has not occurred on any interface for the period specified by the "Routed Packet" timeout.
  • Continuously attempt to re-initialize a non-responsive dialout modem.

• Version 1.58 Alpha
  • Baler power up web page message changed to indicate that power up is a request.
  • Baler will now ignore lockout state for manual command
  • For dialing clear lockout status for manual commands and auto-answer.
  • Keep line up as long as there is a DP registered using this interface, or if NAPT is being used with this interface being used by the responses within the timeout period, or if the timeout for the specified DP to register has not yet expired.
  • Fix generation of Baler power web page.
  • Changes the maximum number of simultaneous connections on webserver from one to three.
  • Modem carrier wait changed from three to one minutes.
  • Allow multiple AT commands in modem initialization string, separated by semicolons. For instance "atz;ats0=1".
  • Enable DTR while doing an initialization only of modem.
  • Add web page tags $ID$ (tagid), $BE$ (begin of block to leave out if offline), and $EN$ (end of that block)
  • Use registration status instead of web advertisement to show online/offline status (for Mountainair/Antelope)
  • Disabled Dial-in pending protocol revisions

• Version 1.57 Alpha
  • Priority order of displayed Baler links is:
    • manual override
    • dynamic ISP-assigned address
    • normal 330 assignment
  • NAPT implemented for Baler.
  • New $PT$ tag for Q330 web page (requires new Willard to load) is the same as $L4$ tag except that it takes into account NAPT if the request comes from a different interface than the Baler is connected to.

• Version 1.56 Alpha
  • Special input selection will time-out 30 minutes from the last time they are set.
  • Q330 web page now supports HTTP digest authentication to turn on a Baler and to set an override for data port 4 Baler links.
  • Packing flooding will time-out 10 minutes from the last time it was set on.
  • Dial-In/Dial-Out on serial ports now support in both SLIP and PPP modes.
  • QDP Ping responses limited to 20 pings per minute per interface.
  • New QDP Ping types allow for station monitor functionality without registering.
  • QDP Ping option to limit responses to registered DP's now also allows access to any IP address listed as a "Point of Contact".
  • Setting Point of Contact timeout to zero now defeats the timeout. New resume parameter allows starting up sending Point of Contact messages a specified time after a DP de-registers. New Ignore flag allows leaving IP Address programmed.
  • The number of times the Q330 tries to adjust the AMB voltage during startup is limited so that defective AMB doesn't keep Q330 from booting.
  • Q330 now checks that the slave parameter (operating limits) parameters are within defined limits before accepting, since bizarre parameters can keep the Q330 from running.
  • QAPCHP calibration checking for type 2 QAPCHP's now uses an expected offset of -170000 counts.
  • Retries for sliding window limited to actual window size.
  • Added $SN$ tag that represents the Q330's serial number.

• Version 1.54 Alpha
  • Q330_fcfg.mod is fixed to avoid having the "Connected" Baler status go away when there is another DP on another data port.
  • If the Q330 has not been able to connect with a Baler it will reset the timeout counter after 8 hours as before. But when it does so it will set an internal flag to allow it to connect to a Baler advertising the AVAIL status.
  • Add SMU load alert blockettes and status.

• 4 June 2004 (system software version 1.53) (20040723) - Memory modules version 66.x
  • Routing efficiency improvements for packets routed through the Q330's serial interface to a serially-connected Baler. Will now issue proxy arp on the ethernet interface for a serially-connected and routed Baler
  • Packet sequencing improvements for WLAN's.

• 25 February 2003 (system software version 1.50) - Memory modules version 63.0
  • Correct day rollover problem introduced in 1.48 in SeaScan mode
  • Improve routing efficiency between serial and ethernet interfaces.

• 7 January 2003 - (system software version 1.48) - Memory modules version 62.0
  • Fixed bug in Scheduled Function operation
  • Fixed bug causing possible forward time jumps of an integer number of days, followed by correction at passage of the next following UTC midnight. Could occur in periods of weak and intermittent GPS reception.

• 5 December 2002 (system software version 1.46) - Memory modules version 60.2
  • The timer that automatically clears a Baler "timeout" condition every eight hours is corrected. Prior to 1.46, it was possible to physically connect a Baler to the Q330, and not record data if the Q330 had accumulated a maximum number of "timeouts", typically 11 using default parameter settings.
    • The time of "Last Power Up" in the Baler status is now the time of the last successful Baler de-registration, which will guarantee a display of the time at which a successful Baler registration period concludes.
    • The Q330 will reject a "Baler power control" timer setting of zero, which could cause the Q330 not to enable Baler power.

• 27 September 2002 (system software version 1.44) - Memory modules version 59.1
  • Remove double buffering of last good timemark for correct GPS status display.

• September 2002 (system software version 1.43) - Memory modules version 59.0
  • Add second parameter to GPS blockette showing reason for Coldstart.

• September 2002 (system software version 1.42) - Memory modules version 58.8
  • When in CSP_INT or CSP_WAIT, check GPS time against internal clock to see if it reasonable before moving to CSP_RUN, if not, try a coldstart. In CSP_RUN check for large movements, if found, try a coldstart. Limit the number of coldstarts before just accepting the GPS.
  • Add GPS Antenna overcurrent shutdown.
  • When restoring the window, set the window to contain 2 seconds of data, or a maximum of 32 packets.

• 6 September 2002 (system software version 1.41)
  • Clear "on/off time" if there are no satellites in view and the engine is on
  • Preserve stat_gps.last_good when clearing status.

• (system software version 1.40)
  • Start of GPS coldstart updates. Add timeout detection for Seascan messages.

• 8 June 2002 (system software version 1.39) - Memory modules version 58.5
  • If a memory operation times out, clear the status for the data port that initiated it. Allow reading main data memory even if a EEPROM operation is in progress. Don't delay EEPROM operations due to interface throttling.
  • When a DP disconnects clear the throttle flag. If turning off a Baler using a command then skip lockout period.

• 4 June 2002 (system software version 1.38) - Memory modules version 58.x
  • Fix problem with command responses clobbering data being sent on serial ports.

• 29 May 2002 (system software version 1.37) - Memory modules version 58.0
  • Try QAPCHP calibration three times, if still fails then set gain to nominal value. New options added to C2_SBPWR flag and access timeout word. Scrap pending Quickview response when a C2_BRDY is received. Spare word in logical port status converted to flag word containing various Baler related flags. Increase number of $FF bytes sent at beginning of IRDA transmission from 10 to 20 to meet 10ms worst-case IRDA turnaround spec.

• 25 April 2002 (system software version 1.32) - Memory modules version 56.x
  • Fix crash when changing special inputs.

• 25 March 2002 (system software version 1.31) - Memory modules version 56.0
  • Version 1.29 introduced a bug where data packets from the Q330 would have the wrong UDP source port, fixed.

• 21 March 2002 (system software version 1.30) - Memory modules version 55.1
  • Fix Ethernet receive handling when bombarded by broadcast packets and add priority ageing to Authentication thread.

• 19 February 2002 (system software version 1.29) - Memory modules version 55.0
  • Don't change the operating base port until reboot.

• 12 February 2002 (system software version 1.28) - Memory modules version 54.0
  • Fix analog power shutdown or other strange behavior when a DP registers. Behavior would depend on what order memory modules were found in the Q330 and has been there since version 1.18.

• 11 February 2002 (system software version 1.27) - Memory modules version 53.0
  • Better sharing of interface bandwidth between logical data ports.
  • Increment interface checksum error count if QDP CRC doesn't match. Ethernet "packet-page" access made indivisible.

• 5 February 2002 (system software version 1.25) - Memory modules version 51.0
  • Default Baler addresses set for Baler/Dialout configuration. Default interface IP addresses fixed to agree with documentation. Baler power control can now be dynamically changed while running on both serial and ethernet ports. Ignore C2_BRDY packets received on interfaces not used for Balers. Return parameter error for C2_SBPWR if received for non-Baler interface. Reset Baler timeout if shuts down normally. Reset Baler timeout every 8 hours. Set all main digitizer data output to a value of "86" if power-on time exceeds maximum running time allowed. Ignore full duplex ethernet option.

• 29 January 2002 (system software version 1.24) - Memory modules version 50.x
  • Clear out GPS ID fields before adding Seascan Model number in case GPS Engine ID's were there before. Don't clear Coldstart timer when GPS engine is power cycled off.

• 20 January 2002 (system software version 1.23) - Memory modules version 50.0
  • Don't use changed MAC address for ARP until next reboot. Add support for C2_RQMD5 and C2_MD5 commands (RFC5). Set bit 2 of flags in C2_BACK if Baler commands are enabled.

• 7 January 2002 (system software version 1.21) - Memory modules version 49.0
  • Change method of re-loading authentication codes and scheduling MD5 code.
  • Change default base port from 5000 to 5330.

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• Version 0.138.593 (20121002) - Source Revision 71 (Lib330 Source Revision 106)
  • Increase maximum number of stations to 32
  • Don't preload more than the maximum number of stations
  • Disable Add Station button if at maximum number of stations
  • Add LIBMSG_DEBUG to report any unknown errors returned from Q330
• Version 0.136.588 (20120425, 20111215) - Source Revision 68 (Lib330 Source Revision 104)
  • Better handle high sample rate data where one second of data spans multiple packets.
  • Implement PGA gain and low voltage input configuration bits into unused "flags" byte in MSEED Data Extension Blockette

• Version 0.135.585 (20110801) - Source Revision 67

• Version 0.116.519 (20091229) - Source Revision 52
  • Provide descriptions for EP analog channels 2 and 3.
  • Add display of Pecos2 version on config tab.
  • Serial sensor status was continuously erased by faulty column detection.
  • Auxad was always made visible by set_group_color.
  • Add DSS Support.
  • In DSS report secs since Q330 reboot, not dss server.
  • Fix recursive mutex locking in verify_mapping.
  • Fix "Structure Not Valid" message.
  • Harden EP delay processing.
  • Remove DSS Started message, the socket open message is enough to convey this information.
  • Known Bug: if a partial station configuration is built with the [comlink] parameter "filemax=0", pecos2 may loop indefinitely and require kill using the task manager.

• Version 0.112.505 (20090731) - Source Revision 48
  • Handle weblink data transfer abort.
  • Unlock station pointer in check_circular before calling lib_msg_add to prevent deadlock.
  • Add SDI-12 device support on EP.
  • Add support for recording EP packets.
  • Update weblink continuity file on disk every 10 minutes.
  • Add support for 7 fractional digits on serial sensor display.
  • Add TCP Support.
  • Add support for MET3.

• Version 0.83.409 (20080601)
  • Previous version did not correctly record "DP Statistics" channels.

• Version 0.82.407 (20080428) – Source Revision 19
  • Fix weblink handling for calibration abort records.
  • Implement timeout for webserver connections.
  • Add support for 230400 baud.
  • Change maximum disk usage to 256GB per station.

• Alpha Version 0.75 build 386 – Source Revision 13
  • Entirely new application based on lib330 multi-threaded platform-independent library
  • Supports multiple stations through tabbed on-screen interface.
  • Dynamic IP addressing and POC management
  • Communications statistics suite
  • HTTP and Netserv (LISS) access
  • Station database backward compatible with Pecos

• Version 1.47 build 510 (20080428) – Source Revision 58
  • Version bump due to Baler shared code updates.

• Version 1.40 build 414 (20070409) – Source Revision 56
  • Do not overwrite record if time gap.
  • After reading the continuity file mark it so it cannot be used more than once.
  • Add handling of serial sensor, i.e. Paroscientific.

• Version 1.35 build 381 (20060928) – Source Revision 51
  • Help file updated
  • When domain name lookup was added it broke connecting to the 330 using the PC's serial port since the Q330 IP address was never set, fixed.
  • If don't have a valid IP address don't put up a messagebox in case it is in an automatic retry state.
  • Make sure that a new domain name lookup is done when re-registering due to a timeout, 330's address may have changed.
  • First pass at configserver support.
  • Add -pi=usec command line option to slow down network polling.
  • When creating new station set default to continuity on.

• Version 1.30 build 298 (20060304, 20060117) - Source Revision 33
  • New application.
  • Implements identical functionality as Baler in Windows environment, including pre-allocation of fixed data files to avoid disk fragmentation, and circular re-use of data files
  • Contains built-in HTTP server implementing Baler-like retrieval and weblink functions
  • May operate as HTTP server only when not connected to Q330
  • Supports LISS/netserv connections with white listing
  • HTML help
  • Supports base96 encoding option
  • Supports arbitrary length window with overlap resolution at reconnection
  • Numerous bug fixes

Socorro Data Processor - Release History:

• The final release of the Socorro data processor program was Version 1.28 (archived release notes). Socorro has been retired, replaced with a much more capable new application called Pecos. The Pecos program implements identical functionality as the Baler, and should be used for Windows-based recording.

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• Version 3.115 build 556 (20120425, 20121002) – Source Revision 103
  • Problem fixed wherein certain blockette-rich MSEED records may cause Cimmaron to hang indefinitely while indexing
• Version 3.115 build 555 (20111215) – Source Revision 102
  • When scanning token files take into account an hour match rather than looking at the same record over and over.

• Version 3.114 build 552 (20110801) – Source Revision 101

• Version 3.103 build 1278 (20091229) – Source Revision 95
  • Correct locking inability to find OCF tokens into a global flag.
  • Add knowledge of tokens for 2nd and 3rd EP analog channels.

• Version 3.102 build 1275 (20090731) – Source Revision 93
  • Change for bandpass filtering large offset data, like pressure.
  • Add Natural unit conversions for EP.
  • Add naming support for initial EP data streams.
  • Add MET3 values.

• Version 3.97 build 1266 (20080428) – Source Revision 87
  • Add flag to add_record to allow duplicate time entries for event and calibration records.
  • When switching scan directions for tokens start with hour 0 instead of 1 to avoid missing the obvious configuration emitted at the beginning of a day.
  • Use a CRC for messages when indexing to separate different records with the same (to the second resolution) starting times.
  • Add null line to weblink requests for standards compliance.
  • Detect two records in a row with zeroed headers as an artificial end of file.

• Version 3.91 build 1240 (20070409) – Source Revision 81
  • Add option to control whether plots are extended to full plotwidth (previous program versions), or clipped at the integrally adjusted right edge, which is usually the cursor after zooming. Allows much more nearly WYSIWYG printing since the same information is included in screen and prints, although aspect ratio still changes.
  • Fixed crashes when multiple plot windows open.
  • Prevent non-data dialogs from interfering with plot hour selection.
  • Fix indexing of MSEED records that contain 0 samples. Previously these were discarded, but they may contain ACE or OCF data.
  • Overlay traces button added to plot form.
  • Displayed dataset file names clipped @ 30 char in display form.
  • New program icon. Smaller del/inv buttons to squeeze more onto panel.
  • Handling of correct on-screen timing if gaps invalidate assumption of uniform sampling.
  • ASL files generated with correct header times if selected data follow displayed time gaps.
  • Time gap markers are now always displayed regardless of show Event picks setting.
  • If show Event picks and Show Record Time both enabled, will display markers where records with time overlaps as the color for non-aligned traces.
  • Emit "upsampling" and "ASL warning" messages if " Show Record Time " checked.
  • Delay repaint after resize to avoid numerous spurious plot recalculations.
  • Enable global abort button during plot calculation. Helpful when upsampling low-rate data.
  • IIR filter preload is now dynamically calculated based on required impulse response decay.
  • Extend number of IIR filters to maximum of 32.
  • Write ASL-format header line to separate file when “omit” option selected.
  • Handle indexing of records like can be received from IRIS BUD having 0 samples.
  • Automatically upsample data sampled at lower rates to IIR filter design rate. Results in all displayed traces of data at sample rate at and below the filter design rate to be filtered correctly at the filter’s true specified response corners.
  • Entirely new IIR filter file including filters with design rates of 1, 40, 100, and 200 sps.
  • Properly pre-load filter accumulator to zero or value depending on filter type (low or band/highpass) to greatly reduce filter transient.
  • Add option to overlay all traces on one panel for engineering analysis of timing and response. Add cursor limits button to plot form
  • According to MSEED standard, stop decompressing at number of samples in header. Some MSEED generators may clip the number of samples in the record by adjusting the number of samples indicated in the header.
  • Numerous changes to handle automatic and group selection of many mseed files and datasets, including string pattern matching and counters. Can now effectively handle thousands of channels and hundreds of stations.
  • Sorting improvements and fixes.
  • Print setup called from plot.
  • Better indexing of duplicate/extended mseed records.
  • Handle single-record mseed input file.
  • Fix crash when closing plot dialog and returning to hour selection.
  • Abort added to mseed file search and automatic indexing.
  • Add trace sort by epicentral distance (earthquake epicenter specified on hour selection dialog) using optional database of station locations in file “station-database.csv” located in Cimarron’s home directory. Sample database containing 14430 stations included in distribution.

• Version 2.45 build 712 Alpha – Source Revision 64
  • Limit backwards scan of tokens in weblink mode, which may otherwise loop indefinitely.
  • Add handling of DP Statistics Tokens
  • Fix crash caused by numeric underflow during filter operation in some circumstances
  • Add definitons for serial sensor, i.e. Paroscientific pressure sensor, data.

• Version 2.40 build 685 (20060928) – Source Revision 57
  • ASL ascii output files will now generate correct usec-resolution time stamps of actual samples, not cursor position.
  • All ASL files will use user-selected filename, not just the first file written.
  • Extensive dataset indexing changes for group selection limited to 64 mseed files.
  • Checklist box used for dataset selection. various attempts to inform/detect excessive use of processing and virtual memory when large datasets are attempted to be plotted.
  • Many form/font/hint changes.
  • Seed name added to per-trace plot delete button.
  • Hour selection form will take sps <1 into account.
  • Help Page updated.
  • For download miniseed file and weblink selection dialogs add button to turn on Baler, independent of button to “get DP from Q330”. Support for retrieval of data by Cimarron from Baler using this method is deprecated.
  • Handle skipping “V” volume header. Accept Mini-Seed data with Q and R record types

• Version 2.36 build 391 (20060304, 20060117) - Source Revision 39
  • Entirely new Cimarron, features three operating modes:
    • New capability to index an arbitrary MSEED file and plot without “splitting”. Index files are non-volatile, allowing repetitive scanning of data files to be avoided.
    • Near real time “weblink” capability in conjunction with supporting Baler or Pecos application
    • Backward compatible Socorro data file display
  • No longer requires wget helper application and associated .dll’s to support built-in retrieval function.
  • Now allows creation of data “Libraries” comprising selected index files (datasets).
  • Multiple index files comprising a “dataset” may be selected, allowing multiple stations to be simultaneously displayed.
  • Multiple input MSEED files may be simultaneously packaged in an index file. Overlaps are resolved at index time.
  • Time gaps are annunciated with a vertical bar in the on-screen display
  • Event detections are annunciated with a vertical bar in the on-screen display
  • Inaccurate time is displayed with a modified waveform color to allow immediate recognition of invalid data
  • Color scheme may be programmed
  • HTML help
  • Message files may be scanned and favorite “find” phrases may be saved.
  • Channel descriptions may be displayed on screen
  • FIR filter scaling and preamp gain may be automatically removed and displayed on screen when OCF channel present
  • Selected MSEED data may be exported from “hour” selection dialog. Overlap resolution is handled during export
  • Memory estimate in “hour” selection dialog gives color coded notice of likelihood of exceeding reasonable VM usage.
  • Numerous bug fixes causing display crashes
  • Known problems: when IIR filters are used on a data stream containing all zero data, the program may crash. Workaround: deselect any all-zero data streams prior to filtering

• Version 1.08 (20050219, 20040723)
  • Obey the "LOGMAX" parameter in station.ini to permit overriding the default 250K log file size when splitting 4K records.
  • Prevent crash when trying to read data frames past end of input record. now correctly just reports that the number of samples does not agree with header.
  • When setting the Baler retrieve address manually, using the "Set" button on the get and import dialog, it didn't enable the "download" button.

• Version 1.04
  • Fix crash when no default printer is available on the system.

• Version 1.03
  • Cancel data decompression if one of the data streams changes sample rate.

• Version 1.02
  • Fix display of data containing negative time gaps.
  • Increase "filter preload" so longer filters (such as GS21) work correctly.
  • On main window form change "Select All" from a sometimes time-consuming marking of all lines to a "checked" menu item.
  • Add button on "Get and import Baler file" dialog to manually set Baler address and port, for instance, when Baler is running in vacuum mode.

• Version 1.01
  • Fix spastic window behavior when used on a system configured to use "Large Fonts".

• Version 1.00
  • Move configuration of ASL specifications from Socorro to Cimarron. Only process ASL specifications when they are needed.
  • Add popup menu option to opaque blockette hour/stream selection to set DP token source.
  • On the plot window add display of pixel spacing, show time (and dT) with 3-6 decimal places depending on if they are significant.
  • Shift data on a per-pixel basis to better align non-aligned data.
  • Show when a trace is non-aligned (beyond 0.1 pixel time) and by how much.
  • If already at zoom level 1, ignore a request to go to zoom level 1.
  • Fix various floating point and memory exceptions in plots.
  • Add option to show trace description instead of just sampling frequency if there are configuration opaque blockettes available.
  • Add help pages to main program and plot window.
  • Add conversion of downloaded MShear 4K SEED records, both continuous and event.
  • On log and blockette listing forms change "Select All" from a sometimes time-consuming marking of all lines to a "checked" menu item.
  • Add menu item to copy further messages displayed on the main form to a file called "cimarron.log" in the station directory.

• Release Package 20120425 - Source Revision 162

• Release Package 20111215 - Source Revision 159

• Release Package 20110801 - Source Revision 158

• Release Packages 20090521, 20090731, 20091229 - Source Revision 120

• Release Package 20080428 - Source Revision 95
  • Improve use of configserver information when building station list instead of waiting for detailed station request.

• Alpha Release post 20070409 - Source Revision 89
  • Delay purging continuity file until the first second of data is received just in case the Baler crashes before then.

• Release Package 20070409 - Source Revision 88
  • If setup to rewrite the last record but nothing has been appended due to a time gap,cancel the overwrite operation.
  • After reading the continuity file mark it as purged. Affects Baler & Pecos
  • Handle COM10 and higher bug in Windows.
  • Add handling of DP Statistics tokens. Processed by Pecos2, but not Pecos

• Release Package 20060928 - Source Revision 76
  • Change gap_threshold and firfixing_gain to single precision so XML conversions work. Affects Willard. Previous version may have incorrectly written or read values of 0 for the values of gap_threshold and gain on FIR-derived channels in XML configuration files.
  • Add handling for non-compliant DP's and opaque token.
  • xmlsup modified to allow a client to pre-read sections in able to determine if the crc is valid. No longer prompts user to terminate a read if the crc is invalid since this determination should have been done ahead of time.
  • If continuity can't be restored then read the last record of each data file to calculate a guess of where the DP left off. This allows reporting a gap time.
  • Sort ARP and Routing table by last heard time. Add copying contents of string grids in ARP and routing tables to clipboard as CSV.
  • Allow getting parameters from configserver. Use centralized getip function.
  • Allow domain names to be used to access the 330.
  • Add handling of CDATA tags
  • Change to make sure uses 24 hour time for XML timestamp

• Release Package 20060117 - Source Revision 35

• Release Package 20111215, 20120425 - Source Revision 104

• Release Package 20110801 - Source Revision 103

• Release Package 20091201 (20091229) - Source Revision 85

• Release Package 20090625 (20090731) - Source Revision 71

• Release Package 20080428 - Source Revision 46
  • Add opt_compat handling for event-only flag.
  • Fix gap detection, both those coming from Q330 and those between 512 byte records when creating archival records.
  • Don't reset records_written at 999999, use modulus to set seed record number from 1 to 999999.
  • Add support for event only netserv.
  • Adjust first_data_byte in archive seed header when data gets moved to make room for more blockettes.
  • Fix record length for CNP Block data.
  • Add automatic flush of message log if no additions within 2 minutes.
  • Automatically generate LOG messages even if no thread continuity or not in thread continuity.
  • Add additional information to message for C2_BACK command.
  • Fix tagging of timing archival records.
  • Add records per channel messages if verbose logging enabled.
  • Add 230400 baud.

• Version 20121002
  • These updates contain the latest factory default parameter settings for all platforms.
• Version 20111103 (v12)
  • S+ web page updated to v0.36, and incorporated into S+ XML files

• Version 20110801

• Version 20091229 (v08)
  • These updates contain the latest factory default parameter settings for the Q330, Q330S, and Q330HR, including support for the Baler44

• Version 20090731 (v07)
  • These updates contain the latest factory default parameter settings for the Q330, Q330S, and Q330HR and were generated with the current Willard and system modules

• Version 20070409
  • These updates contain the latest factory default parameter settings for the Q330 and Q330HR

• Version 20090915 - for Q330S only (20090731)
  • Removed some functionality on DP4 portion of page as data retrieval for the embedded Baler44 is accomplished via the media/WAN port

• Version 20050614 - for Q330 & Q330HR only (20090731, 20080428, 20070409, 20060928, 20060304, 20060117) - Release Notes:
  • New unified web page supports all security models.
  • May be embedded in XML configuration file using current Willard and Q330 modules.
  • See Q330-OperationGuide for migration/import example

• Version 20041020 - See discussion in Q330 Memory Modules 1.63 update for 4 new versions of the web page implementing various levels of security.

• Version 20040813 - Pointer page displays Q330 Tag ID, and uses $BE and $EN directives to display link to a Baler only if registered.

• Version 20040728 - Pointer page (for Baler only).

Top

• Release 3.2 for Q330M+ Firmware
• Incremental patch release for the Q330M+ Linux system since Update 3.1.
• Update 3.1 must be installed prior to installing this point-release update.
• For production assistance only
• - No Direct customer impact

• Release 3.3 for Q330M+ Firmware
• Incremental patch release for the Q330M+ Linux system since Update 3.1.
• Update 3.1 must be installed prior to installing this point-release update.
• Fix an error in the deb installer when there are no packages to install.
• Fix missing files required by new authenticator module.

• Release 20200816 for B44 & Q330S+,
• (including firmware bundle consisting of CP v157, FE v96, BE v116, WS v48)
• Q330S+ only: no changes to the bundled digitizer firmware
• updates the list of servers used in public IP discovery, which is required when accessing the Baler44's FTP server from a public IP address; besides the Baler44, this change affects digitizer models with an embedded Baler44 (Q330S, Q330HRS, and Q330S+); the change will become important as the servers used in the previous release become unavailable
• improve management of large USB media when operating in power-cycled mode – see discussion below.
• updates the list of servers used in public IP discovery, which is required when accessing the Baler44's FTP server from a public IP address; besides the Baler44, this change affects digitizer models with an embedded Baler44 (Q330S, Q330HRS, and Q330S+); the change will become important as the servers used in the previous release become unavailable
• improve management of large USB media when operating in power-cycled mode – see discussion below.

Background

A combination of factors aggravated by large (64G) capacity USB drives that can contain many files, when operating in power-cycled mode, may cause data loss.

At every B44 power up, the B44 keeps an ever-growing record of each power-up by writing a file in the “/cont” directory on the active USB drive. The “cont” directory contains no data – the directory is used for administrative/tracking purposes. When operating at higher sample rates (e.g. 100sps and above) and 6 channels, cycled mode can create many thousands of files, because of many power cycles/day. On large (64G) media, this can result in so many files overall on the USB media that the B44 is unable to manage the file system before timeouts that were sized to smaller drives may cause the B44 to shut down without completing a cycled data dump. In tests with current production USB media, upon reaching about 4600 files in the /cont directory, data gaps begin to appear in recorded data caused by the scenario described – the file operations take too long to complete before the power cycle times out and the B44 shuts down. Calculations suggest that in a 4-channel, 100sps power-cycled mode, this situation would be reached in around 15 months actual deployment.

The 20200816 software release manages the /cont differently than previous software versions. Every 100 reboots of the B44, the files written into the /cont directory will be archived (“packed”) into a single .tgz file, effectively reducing the number of files there by 99%. In addition, installation of the software over an earlier version, will force the one-time creation of new, empty directories into which files are written. This firmware can therefore be installed on a system even if it has already reached the condition described where data gaps have begun to appear.

Note that a feature in all versions of B44 (previous and 20200816 release) software that limits the number of files in data directories is effective only if the Q330 is configured to dump at least 4MB of data per power cycle. This is achieved with an assignment of, say 70% of an 8MB Q330’s buffer to dump at 80% full.  0.7 * 0.8 * 8MB = 4.48 MB. A Q330 with a 32MB buffer easily meets the minimum-dump criterion. You should review your configuration to be sure that data dumps normally exceed 4MB per power cycle. If less than this amount of data is dumped per cycle, the limitation on files per directory is not triggered, potentially causing a scenario similar to the one described above for the “/cont” directory, where too many files cannot be processed by the B44 in time allotted, and gaps occur.

New parameters accepted by release 20200816

Release 20200816 accepts two new options as files in the root directory of the USB media. These options are ignored by previous software versions, and are hence backward/forward compatible. Generally, the management of these new options is automatic at the time of installation of Release 20200816, and the user need not be concerned.

mediaoptions
option to set the number of reboots of the B44 per archive operation on the “/cont” directory as described above. Normally this file is not present, but may be used to control the “packing” process on the “/cont” directory.
The file may contain a single integer (text) value

Value: < 0

do *NOT* pack files in the “/cont” directory
do *NOT* force one-time recreation of root directory structure at time of installation of Release 20200816.

Value:   0

do *NOT* pack files in the “/cont” directory
allow one-time recreation of root directory structure at time of installation of Release 20200816.

Value:   N >0  (N = 100 as assumed as default if mediaoptions is not present)

pack files in the “/cont” directory every N reboots of the B44.
allow one-time recreation of root directory structure at time of installation of Release 20200816.

format_prevent
Used in all versions of B44 software to prevent a format operation on a drive containing data. If the file is present, a “format” operation cannot be done. In release 20200816, the file may contain a single integer (text) value that may be used as a flag to control recreation of directories on the media in addition the presence of the file is used to detect a software upgrade, normally forcing a re-partition         
There are 4 possible cases for the existence and content of format_prevent file:

1. unformatted media, format_prevent does not exist. treat as if empty
2. media formatted with s/w prior to 20200816: format_prevent exists and is empty
3. media formatted with 20200816 or later: format_prevent exists and contains 0, do nothing special on B44 boot
4. media formatted with 20200816 or later: format_prevent exists and contains 1, will force a recreation of directories on B44 boot

• update list of known IP address servers
• Q330S+ only:
  • ws330 improvements
  • new S+ FIR filters to align 1000sps on 1ms bound, and improve 250sps bandwidth
  • shut down #2 FE when channels 4, 5, & 6 are disabled, to save 80mW
  • changing frequency selections were not always updated without rebooting - problem corrected
  • compensate timing by 200us for highV / lowV RC delay

• Release 20111125 (includes firmware bundle used with the Q330S+ only, consisting of CP v150, FE v90, BE v115, WS v43)
  • an IP netmask ("NETM=") and gateway ("GATE=") override may be specified in the cfg string
  • USB media cluster sizes are now clipped at a MINIMUM 16K, and maximum 65K, depending on  total capacity. New media >16G capacity MUST BE FORMATTED USING THIS NEW FIRMWARE RELEASE.
  • "files=2000" cfg string option is now the default. This will limit the number of files to 2000 per directory  and is required for media > 16G
  • an error was corrected that could have resulted in a mount attempt on a non-powered drive, creating a spurious detection of a media error.
  • the media indexer that provides summary file lists in the web page is inhibited if format mode is in operation. Previous versions that support web-page indexing could have corrupted media during the format operation.
  • the webstats page will be updated in an abbreviated form when recording has stopped for any reason. Previous versions could
    have left a stale page when not recording.
  • a lib330 internal change to better handle high sample rate data where one second of date spans multiple packets.
  • Changes applicable to the Q330S+ only:
    • Quickview buffer doubled
    • Internal packet transfer efficiency and robustness improved to support high sample rates and avoid spurious internal reboots.
    • Changing preamp gain possible without rebooting (resync only)
    • Internal A/D DMA management
    • beta web server released on baseport+62 (S+ web page updated to version 0.36, and incorporated into the latest S+ XML files, to support these changes)
    • Implement PGA gain and low voltage input configuration bits into unused "flags" byte in MSEED Data Extension Blockette

• Release 20110801B (includes firmware bundle used with the Q330S+ only)
  • improve reliability of USB media management and reduce spurious media errors -- increase the time after USB power up to mount attempt from 4s to 7s; there is evidence that some media, particularly when two are installed, may require more time to negotiate with the LINUX kernel USB drivers after power up; this change reduces spurious media errors and resulting media switch; the additional delay on media power up may cause traffic-initiated connections to timeout on the client side and require a retry when first opening a connection to a Baler where the media is woken from the powered down state
  • better support large USB media that may contain thousands of files -- a new Baler configuration string option has been added; the "files=nnnn" parameter allows the user to specify a quota of the maximum number of files created in the data, sdata, recover, or wfdisc directories on USB media; when "nnnn" is set to non-zero, upon reaching the target number of files in any of these directories, the existing directories are renamed with a tag representing the current date, and a new set of empty directories are created; the motivation for limiting the number of files is potentially excessively long waits to list the contents of USB directories containing > 2000-3000 files; the times may exceed the timeout of TCP connections to the web or ftp server, causing directory contents to be incompletely listed, and require multiple attempts to list media contents before media is powered down; FTP connections are particularly vulnerable to timeouts, since a "DIR" results in no link activity for minutes, and may result in exceeding the TCP timeout before any contents of the remote directory on the Baler are received; the default value "nnnn" is zero, which disables the automatic quota system; this may change in future software revisions; a recommended value is files=2000
    • allow directories to be quota'd with a maximum number of files to improve http and ftp server file access
    • generate complete listings of all files on both USB media for quick access
    • increase TCP connection inactivity to 2 minutes
  • when searching for the oldest file to remove in circular mode, first find the oldest directory in the media root that might have been created automatically by the directory quota specified by the "files=nnnn" Baler configuration string option
  • if a directory has been emptied of files in circular mode, the directory will be deleted; note that the /cont directory is not renamed, or purged of files; because a file is written in the /cont directory on every power up, in cycled mode it is therefore in principle possible for /cont to contain several thousand files on a large capacity media, and with extended run times or high data rates resulting in frequent cycling
  • "recovered" directories, which may be created as a result of hitting the file quota, will remain in the media root; this approach avoids recursion of recover/other.../recover/other... directories when repeated recoveries, or partitionings, occur; the /cont directory will not be recreated on a quota-driven partitioning
  • added automatic indexing of the all files on both USB media to compressed (.gz) file lists that appear as hyperlinks in the stats.html page; indexing will be done 2.5 minutes after a media election (on both media) and whenever a file is written on the active media; for example, a typical set of listing files may appear as:
    • list.active.admin.gz
    • list.active.cont.gz
    • list.active.data-20110630141001.gz
    • list.active.data.gz
    • list.active.gz
    • list.active.recover-20110630141001.gz
    • list.active.recover.gz
    • list.active.sdata-20110630141001.gz
    • list.active.sdata.gz
    • list.active.wfdisc-20110630141001.gz
    • list.active.wfdisc.gz
    • list.reserve.gz

    Each listing file contains a path-relative exhaustive list of all files in the named directory; for example, files names listed in the "list.active.data.gz" file will appear as data/QT-0060_4-20110704032124; to form a complete URL to retrieve this file, a preamble appropriate for the http or ftp server would be added

  • changed TCP connection timeout to 2 minutes
  • changed cycled-mode Baler connection timeout based on activity to 180s so that Baler stays pinned up as long as TCP connection
  • reduction of default maximum CPU speed to improve reliability -- evidence gathered from field operations indicates that ~10% of Balers may experience occasional uncommanded reboots and loss of data containing in RAM buffers when run at the default HIGH speed (200MHz), but not at MED speed (42MHz), which is used for minimum power consumption in continuous mode where high CPU bandwidth is not required; running the CPU at slightly reduced clock speed of 177MHz (vs. 200MHz) provides nearly undiminished processing capability, while substantially improving reliability; the new default maximum (HIGH) speed is 177MHz; operating of the Q330S+ is not recommended below 177MHz
  • improved security
  • added "up" hyperlink to stats web page
  • exit status LED blink capacity loop on Baler state change; important for very large media (e.g. 128Gb)
  • tcp_forwarder fixed long-standing minor bug in "connect" function
  • allow the number of deleted files in circular mode to be > 20; a more aggressive recovery is often needed
  • reboot after 486 days run time to prevent 497day jiffy counter overflow
  • prevent a condition observed in some rare conditions where a DHCP server was found active on the Baler although the stored configuration indicated an explicit static IP
  • yearly update of IP servers
  • show messages on shutdown showing a summary of records generated per channel
  • prevent a premature shutdown in certain cases before writing the sdata and md5 files
  • prevents a Baler programmed in cycled mode from a premature shutdown if connection with the 330 is temporarily lost
  • prevent updating Baler clock if time from Q330 is before 2010/08/09
  • make Baler voltage thresholds dependent on whether running on Q330S+, if so, we know that we have 1.66F storage capacitance, whereas the general case is written for the worst case of 1.33F
  • expand webpage record count fields
  • correct a bogus status display such as:
    • MEDIA site 2 crc=0x14da RESERVE state: ACTIVE capacity=15288.500Mb free=35.826%
    • MEDIA site 2 crc=0x4339 RESERVE state: READONLY capacity=15288.500Mb free=99.999%
  • add detailed media information including vendor's serial numbers in the web page

• Release 20091229
  • Update public ip wget's. As of 2009-12-29 all 18 possible servers are accessible.
  • Assertion of the ACOK bit into Q330 will "pin up" Baler44 in continuous mode.
  • Display a power fault (but continue to operate) if voltage > 18. This is a fault condition that may be either an actual high voltage, or a spurious value because of bad calibration constants.
  • Web page display of ISPARE2 status fixed.
  • TCP forwarder converted to non-blocking operation, including the "connect" operation. No case of a blocked tcp forwarder has been observed, but a finite probability existed of a network failure during an accept operation could have caused a block.
  • Terminate web server worker processes when a connection is prematurely closed. Previously zombie web processes could consume large amounts of resources servicing a closed external connection.
  • All server processes (http, ftp, ssh) are now monitored by the watchdog system and a request for a graceful shutdown will be issued if any server terminates.
  • Progress through the UDP forwarding thread will be watched as a watchdog criterion. Blocking of the UDP forwarder for any reason will cause a graceful shutdown request. All UDP I/O now non-blocking.
  • If a graceful shutdown request (no data gaps) fails to complete within 1 minute, a forcible shutdown will be initiated.
  • md5sum timing extended to allow completion at 42MHz (cs=med) speed. Previously it was possible for some md5's not to be written to media before timeout.
  • Testing of prior firmware versions has shown that in some cases inadequate energy reserve exists in the worst case in the event of power loss at minimum operating voltages (e.g. from a nearly-discharged battery) feeding the Baler44 to enable a graceful shutdown required to prevent media corruption (and possible consequent loss of all recorded data). Because the energy stored in "super capacitors" depends on the voltage, the energy is proportional to the voltage present at the B44 when power falls below the programmed minimum (VPWRLOW) allowed operating voltage. In addition, the ability to start up and begin recording is a higher programmed value (VPWRGOOD). This hysteresis is required to prevent oscillation when the power source is at the point of exhaustion and may exhibit a high source resistance. For recording to begin, voltage at the B44 must be at least VPWRGOOD. Because of the minimum energy storage requirement for a graceful shutdown, VPWRGOOD is therefore a function of VPWRLOW. Rather than increase the operating voltage thresholds of the Baler44, the sequence of operations during shutdown has been optimized to conserve as much energy as possible to guarantee sufficient energy reserve. Major changes are powering down the ethernet immediately upon detection of a low-voltage condition without waiting for de-registration from the Q330, and parallelism and prioritization of tasks required at shutdown. Continuity of recorded data (even if the connection to the Q330 is over ethernet) is managed by the Baler44, despite immediate power-down of the Baler44's ethernet interface. While in many cases an actual power loss would occur only when power to the Q330 is also lost (and hence maintenance of continuity is not required), cycling the power to the Baler44 alone is an allowed means of controlling duty-cycle limited recording, and so the Baler44 must therefore manage data continuity even in the case of power loss to the Baler44 when operating at VPWRLOW, the worst case for energy storage. The present firmware manages this case. The operating thresholds are:
    • VPWRLOW 10.0
    • VPWRGOOD 10.4
    Note that the voltage is measured at the supercap storage bank, after several potential diode drops (~0.3V) in the power path reaching the B44. The lower of the reported "upsvolts" or "primaryvolts" must be above VPWRGOOD for startup. "upsvolts" includes one diode drop internal to the B44. Additional diode drops are possible outside the B44 depending on station topology:
    • powering the Baler44 using a QNET-QNET-80 cable from the Q330.
    • an external "CLIM" (current-limiting board)
    In most cases, there will be at least two diode drops (plus general resistance drops) between the battery and the Baler44. The minimum "on" battery voltage will therefore be ~ VPWRGOOD + 0.6V, or 11.0V. This is matched to the typical on-voltage of the Q330.
  • Firmware update will not be checked if power is less than VPWRGOOD.
  • Bug fixed in partitioning and formatting that was introduced in version 20090702. Only host0 was formatted, causing two-media formats to fail. The bug may also have caused cases to fail where mulitple hosts per media are recognized, such as, possibly, U3 media that contain multiple hard partitions.
  • Bug fixed resulting in sometimes switch to/from powercycled/continuous not detected apparently when EP is used.
  • DSS support included.
  • Baler cfg option added to Baler config option string "AUTH=U,P" or "AUTH=P" to specify user-defined Baler login info within the Q330 configuration. The passwd may be clear text, or specified as an encrypted string. If only the first parameter is specified, this is interpreted at the password, while a default user name is assumed. If both parameters are specified, the username and password can be specified.
  • Circular file deletion mode option added. When circular mode is enabled, recording will remain on a single media, and the other will be used only for failover. Two circular modes are possible: all files (data,wfdisc,sdata,md5) will be deleted, or another mode in which sdata will remain. In all cases, the cont directory will remain, taking up negligble space. Files in the recover directory resulting from media fsck recoveries are not included in the circular operation (and may be in a risky area of the file system). Circular operation is activated by "CIRC=DATA,XX,RR" or "CIRC=SDATA,XX,RR" in the Baler cfg option string. XX is optional target free threshold. RR is optional max number of files removed per operation (aggressivity). Soft circular mode ("DATA", not "SDATA") results in migration toward nothing in /data and everything in /sdata, until the media is full, whereupon it will switch.
  • lib330 update to avoid recursive mutex deadlock potential, that may be responsible for Baler44 crash during access to tokens from multiple data ports.
  • Bug fixed in logbalerinfo that displayed minfo[0] and minfo[1] statically, that may in some cases cause swapping of the displayed media status.

• Release 20090707A
  • Cache up to 9M of mseed file in RAM for later write attempt. This may improve the likelihood of handling media switch without data loss. Note that continuity is still lost, but data will be preserved. Not all files (sdata,wfdisc,md5) will be cached.
  • Send Baler info user messages at 12hr intervals that report media status and time of last successful, verified media write.
  • Add SCSI test unit ready to clear unit attention condition at power up on some media
  • Add writing md5sum file of all data files in "recover" directory
  • Improve security erase during formatting
  • Remove send_allow() that might delay powering down defective media
  • Add periodic display of media status for logging media usage over time
  • Change power low logic to be patient to allow charging if external voltage is present; this is added to permit longer boot-up/charge times with larger capacitors (1.66F) and current limiting ~250mA
  • Add checking and display in web page of Backup battery in RTC
  • Support EP and show EP status in web page
  • Add lcq & detector status to web page
  • VPWRGOOD changed to 10.7 VDC
  • Added Willard-settable balecfg option string to allow selection of reduced CPU speed
  • Show balecfg option string in web page
  • Fix media info display for reservemedia not being checked at mount time
  • Add CRC to media status printing to enable remote identification of which media is in use
  • Public IP servers updated
  • Better detection that target is media installed, without forcing a media election
  • Correct MSEED blockette count in the ACE channel and start-of-data offset in waveform channels containing event detections

• Release 20080825A – Initial Release

• Release 2.26 – Source Revision 94
  • Add capability of decimating a Paro channel.
  • Add support for Environmental Processor.
  • Add support for MET3.

• Release 2.20 – Source Revision 89
  • Automatic disk check disabled by default. Previously upgrade to Version 2.19 could cause a Baler containing disk with damaged file structure integrity not to connect to the Q330 or baleaddr. The manual disk check function of version 2.20 in "learn mode" should be used after upgrading to 2.20 to make sure that disk structure is intact.
  • Version 2.20 will perform a hardware memory test at boot time, and prevent a Baler with a hardware memory defect from connecting with the Q330 or baleaddr. In such a case, a Baler upgraded to 2.20 may subsequently fail to communicate and require return for factory repair.

• Release 2.19 – Source Revision 88
  • Don't wrap record sequence number at 999999, fixing spurious disable of event-only recording after some time. Fix gap detection code to detect 1 second gaps.
  • Clear next_blockette field. Occasionally a spurious next-blockette pointer may have been written.
  • Due to new continuation mechanism support for old 2004 leap year correction removed. Add continuity support for resuming downloads.
  • Clear out first 512 bytes of the next two data records every time a data file is written.
  • Add memory and disk check in non-learn mode.
  • Add inspect and repair using chkdsk in disk manager menu.

• Release 2.11 Alpha – Source Revision 79
  • Delay purging continuity file until the first second of data is received just in case the Baler crashes before then.

• Release 2.10 (20070409) - Source Revision 79 – Mandatory to prevent data loss
  • Do not overwrite records on disk if a time gap occurs.
  • After reading continuity file mark so it cannot be used more than once. Corrects certain time reversals that may accompany a lost Baler cycle.
  • Correct change of 2005-12-22 that broke loopback test reception.
  • For files.htm listing force updates to show progress.
  • Fix scanning for earliest time in some searches.
  • Version 2.00 - new method of handling circular files. Corrects potential corruption of Baler index database on a Baler with full media and more than ~350 files comprising a single stream. Balers with data on them should not be reverted to a prior version if 2.xx has run on them.
  • Allow fixidx.htm to handle 512 byte data records.
  • Fix availability listing of 512-byte records.
  • Fix day of week generation for Pecos webserver time.
  • Fix AuxAD configuration blockette size
  • Annunciate digitizer calibration results, status of channel enable, gain and preamp settings,whether there is a packet memory fault.

• Release 1.94 (20060928) – Source Revision 58
  • Fix size of AUXAD configuration blockette
  • Add serial sensor, i.e. Paroscientific, configuration blockettes.
  • Change gap_threshold and firfixing_gain to single precision for consistency with Pecos.
  • Add station name to registration signon. one line usr msg then contains s/w version, tagid, station code, and date.
  • For timing and messages fix error in retrieval when spanning multiple index files.
  • Annunciate TIME JUMP in timing and msg log only if no accompanying SEQUENCE GAP
  • When parsing retrieve seed name lists 7 characters are needed to handle names like ~??-B??
  • Critical operating parameters moved from baler.ini to drives.ini at cleaning time to prevent run-time user corruption when new baler.ini uploaded.
  • Clear total data files so web page shows 0% used after wipe.
  • Fixed typo "logthesh" changed to "logthresh"
  • If get C2_VACK make sure not in non-Baler mode anymore.
  • Various changes to support “non-Baler”, i.e. “embedded DP” mode. Shorten polling interval to 20 seconds for Baler and 10 seconds for non-Baler mode. Add setting of router (to 330) ip address in chooser. Always use C1_DSRV for non-Baler mode and C2_BOFF for Baler mode. Change default maxtime from 6 to 10. If sending an ethernet packet to the 330 and there is a non-zero router ip address, use the mac address for the router instead of for the 330. Add 'ROUTEIP' to list of valid [q330] entries.
  • Allow Baler to handle base-96 encoding. After initial polling in non-Baler mode for a vacuum, move to registration.
  • If continuity can't be restored then read the last record of each data file to calculate a guess of where the DP left off. This allows reporting a gap time.
  • Make ACK timeout relative to the first data packet of the group received, not retriggerable.
  • Allow a better clock quality to replace a lower quality when updated an existing mseed record.
  • In learn mode add setting Q330 serial number in non-Baler mode and setting TAG ID.

• Version 1.87 (20060304, 20060117) – Source Revision 28
  • New common code base with Pecos application
  • Root code base verified for leap-second handling at PASSCAL instrument center
  • Allow selection of 10s-aligned FIR-derived sampling of V?? and U?? data streams in token editor, in conjunction with Willard 1.81 build 200.
  • Supports new access mechanisms, including multi-threaded LISS/netserv TCP service, and real-time display service through new protocol called “weblink” in conjunction with Cimarron 2.36 build 391.
  • OCF format generation corrected per Opaque Blockette Bulletin application note
  • Improved on-disk efficiency of low-rate streams achieved through append-mode access to data records
  • Flush partially-built MSEED records to disk at event termination
  • Improve drive power management timeouts
  • Detect any potential leap-year adjustment required in MSEED data delivery
  • MSEED sequence padded with spaces
  • TCP stack supports multiple connections
  • Supports arbitrary length window with overlap resolution at reconnection
  • State machine corrected premature issuance of DT_OPEN on busy or error-prone network
  • Index cache error causing capacity reduction introduced in 1.85 fixed.

• Version 1.62 (20050219)
  • Extensive TCP error management enhancements to implement robust retransmission and retry, including RFC2988 and RFC2582 New Reno. This update is mandatory for reliable data recovery over remote communications links.
  • Logging of TCP activity added through new LOGINDEX.HTM page.
  • Throughput enhancements to optimize parallel offloads of multiple Balers on a local LAN.
  • Correct writing of OCF channel for documentation of Q330 internal configuration in the MSEED data stream. An Application Note Opaque Blockette Bulletin provides further information.

• Version 1.53 Alpha
  • Prevent a TCP RST received on an inactive socket from closing the active data transfer socket. Previous operation may cause data transfer operations to fail with some browsers or other HTTP requesters.

• Version 1.52 Alpha
  • Previously, in vacuum mode, the Baler would remain powered for up to 24 hrs regardless of access activity. Therefore if the Baler is installed with a Q330, but started in vacuum mode, and the user did not shut down the Baler when data access was finished, the Baler would not record data until its 24hr timer expired. An Access timeout has now been added in vaccum mode that will shut down the Baler after 1hr of inactivity.
  • The web server will now acknowledge any “GET” operation immediately, rather than waiting until data are cached for transmission. Some devices with “TCP spoofing” may timeout without the immediate acknowledgement. The additional TCP ACK’s do not affect other operations.
  • 1.52 corrects a bug that may arise when the Baler is used to connect with the Q330 via the serial interface. The initial VPREF C2_BRDY now unconditionally takes place on the Ethernet interface. Version 1.52 corrects a source version slip affecting versions 1.48-RC2 through 1.50, and restores correct operation of this feature first added in 1.46-RC2.

• Version 1.50 Alpha
  • Access timeout was previously set to 300s when continuity was restored, preventing a Baler cycle shorter than this interval. Baler cycles are now not restricted, and will typically cycle in about 120s. This corrects a change made in Baler version 1.45.

• Version 1.49 Alpha
  • No changes – release version updated.

• Version 1.48 RC2 Alpha
  • Limit web bytes per second for routed connections. This is NAPT related. If the Baler is connected to the Q330 using ethernet, and the Baler web throttle is too high, or disabled, and you route Baler web data through the Q330, packets would be dropped at a rate to be useless. The new Baler codes artificially limits the web bytes per second to 40000 to avoid overloading the ethernet receive buffer in the Q330, which is sized to handle little bitty ACK packets most of the time.
  • Fix timeout of closed connections.
  • Fixed handling of HTTP "POST" action to handle packets coming in weird orders.
  • If for some reason the Baler didn't shutdown when the Q330 reset, it didn't send the Q330 a new webserver advertisement after re-registering.

• Version 1.46-RC2 Alpha
  • If the last connection to the Q330 was not on ethernet an extra phase is added. In this phase VPREF is broadcast on ethernet for four seconds, after which the Baler goes to serial interface and baud it last used.

• Changes since version 1.45
  • Polling cycle changed to two or three phases. If the Baler has not reached maxretries without connecting to a Q330 then only the first two cycles are used. The cycles (each 4 seconds long) are:
    • Send VPREF instead of the Q330 serial number, this allows a vacuum to have preference.
    • Send the Q330 serial number (or zero if there is none).
    • Send AVAIL instead of the Q330 serial number, this allows a Q330 that has gone into AVAIL acceptance phase to respond.
  • The Baler will no longer continue to cycle through interfaces/bauds until the DMU shuts it down. After completely looping it will shut itself down and display error code 8. For instance, if in baler.ini the baud rates are limited to 57600 and 115200, but the last time the Baler connected it was on ethernet the polling cycle will look like: ethernet, 115200, 57600, ethernet.
  • If multiple Q330's respond to the Baler broadcast it will not bond to any of them.
  • If a Baler is bonded to the wrong Q330 this bond can be cleared either by the usual method of going into "learn" mode or the new attention button method. To use this method:
    • Push the attention button until the LED lights orange (red and green).
    • After getting the connected indication (mostly green with brief flash off), push the button to shut off the Baler. Do not use the serial connection!
    • Again, repeat the above to steps, after the second time the Baler should flash green every second to indicate it no longer is bonded to a Q330.
    • Do a normal push of the button to power up the Baler, it should now connect to the Q330, if not, then use the normal "learn" mode to try to debug further.
  • The Baler will now "Ping" the Q330 during registration and de-registration to provide a further visual aid (the Q330 will force three front panel lights on for 5 seconds when it gets a ping).
  • During a wipe operation any spurious entries in Baler.ini and station.ini are removed.
  • If a new baler.ini file is sent to the Baler during a wipe operation values used to allocate disk space are checked for sanity, and invalid values replaced with defaults.

• 4 June 2004 - Version 1.45
  • Adds disk drive model number and firmware revision to Baler information web page and Baler related information written to message log.
  • "rawfiles.htm" web page added for diagnostic purposes.
  • TCP retransmission and sliding window re-written to better handle diverse transmission paths, including routing through Q330 via serial.
  • If Index "holding" file is present when connecting to a Q330, shutdown and flash rapid red error indicator.
  • Add "retbuffers" to baler.ini file to override default retrieve buffers value of 2000.
  • Change retrieve buffer allocation to avoid large slowdown in download speed when retrieving a large number of different data streams in one transfer.
  • Generates correct HTTP Content-Length header for >2GB retrievals.
  • Adds support for AuxAD blockettes.
  • Changes disk "spin-up" handling to explicitly spin up the drive and then check for actual directory access rather than relying on the disk's automatic spinup-on-command mechanism. Makes sure disk has been spun down for at least 3 seconds before spinning up again.
  • New reload method. Backward compatible with prior reload program. Requires new reload program to obtain 5:1 upload improvement in "express" mode.
  • New menu items in config mode to run ethernet loopback tests.
  • Will now send a special "vacuum preference" code for the Q330 S/N during the first 5s of the C2_BRDY broadcast to allow a "vacuum" application to connect even while 330's are present.
  • Add display of the "C:\TAG.ID" file (if it exists) to the Baler information web page. Balers shipped after 2004/05/20 will have a factory-installed TAGID matching the front panel overlay.

• 11 March 2004 - Version 1.42
  • Correct seed times in files downloaded using the "retrieve.htm" page.
  • Correct seed times in files downloaded from "files.htm" page.
  • Change blank or NUL station name to tag id. Change blank or NUL network to "XX".
  • Correct reload problem introduced in 1.40-RC3.

• 5 March 2004 - Version 1.40-RC4
  • Web server and reload through serial port, requires yet-to-be-released Q330 changes to do proxy arp.
  • Webserver advertisement is checked every 10 seconds for correctness (serial versus ethernet) and if it has changed, 330 is updated.
  • Reload retry timer changed from 5 to 4.7 seconds. Reload timeout changed from 60 to 120 seconds.
  • Reload failure on missed ACK should be fixed.
  • Baler ready announcement interval changed from 1.0 to 0.8 seconds.
  • Make sure there is a free data file for each LCQ that has not yet been written to a file, such as LCQs added after the disk is full.
  • Default value for maximum records on retrieve web page is blank, indicating no limit.
  • Ability to use Baler commands (from a baleaddr type program) over the serial port.
  • Adds partitioning and quick format of hard/flash drives. Useful range of 64MB to 8GB. Can use larger drives, but will only make use of the first 8GB. If the drive is already setup by disk manager to use more partitions it will detect this and warn you.
  • Add "intface.htm" web page for Baler ethernet and serial statistics. This information is also saved into the continuity file so that it accumulates. Totals can be cleared using button on web page.
  • Putting "loopback=1" into baler.ini will do loopback tests on serial port, with the results reported on the "intface.htm" web page.
  • Adds disk cleaning from configuration menu, either by itself as an option, or automatically after doing a partition & format.
  • Once a Baler has connected to a Q330 that information is placed in the C2_BRDY packet, just in case the connection times out and the Baler starts sending those packets again.
  • All web page titles now start with "PB14".
  • Fix TCP hangup if browser probes a file from the "files.htm" page using the "HEAD" method.
  • Allow non-zero DSS and Dataserv tokens to be read and ignored.
  • Fix SEED header date for dates after February 29, 2004.
  • Common version for Desktop and Field models.

• 11 August 2003 - Version 1.38
  • Fixed occasional loss of all data in a Baler dump cycle caused by rare internal 1sps compression buffer overrun.
  • Event detector operation improved to reduce granularity previously responsible for missing some detections.
  • Event detector operation improved to preserve continuity correctly. Previously, detector operation once disabled in the token would remain disabled until the continuity file was deleted. Prior to these two changes, event-detected operation was possible only if initially selected following a Baler "wipe", and the detector could miss some detections.
  • Fixed a memory-management problem that could cause the "baler14" program to crash when an HTTP access was initiated following a program update using the "reload" utility.
  • For some web browsers, identify SEED data files as mime-type application/vnd.miniseed.
  • Improve data retrieval search algorithm for speed and accuracy.
  • Adjust pre-event buffer calculation so that the number of pre-event buffers is based on effective 512-byte MSEED records, even though the Baler records 4096-byte records on disk. This permits the same tokens to be used with the same result on Baler14 & Socorro, and allows carryover from MSHEAR configurations, that used 512-byte pre-event buffers.
  • At the termination of a Baler dump cycle, report the actual number of records written, and confirmed read back, from disk. Also take into account records generated in any flush operations.
  • In event detector reports, separate the detector name from onset report with a "-".
  • Improve file granularity for small media (<2G) such as flash and microdrive to provide index space for more channels.
  • In serial port "learn" mode, report the Baler14 version number and data port number. When clearing the Q330 serial number, clear the data port. Previously, the Baler had to be wiped to delete the data port association.

• 25 February 2003 - Version 1.30
  • Properly handle timeout and shut down in continuously-powered mode. HTTP access: search improvements to bypass retrieval of message records that may be erroneously time stamped; correct timing blockette retrieval problem; permit time range specification using dashes as separator; print total number of files in Baler information page. LOG channel recording: do not flush to disk until system time has been set within the range 2003-2050 to prevent erroneously time stamped message records acquired prior to time being set in Baler.

• 5 December 2002 - Version 1.27
  • Prior to 1.27, the master index file was written incorrectly, causing some searches for data retrieval by time to fail. The data itself has been written correctly. Version 1.27 will recognize whether the data were written with prior versions, and read each data index file explicitly during a retrieval search, rather than the master index file. Therefore 1.27 will allow recovery by time of data recorded with prior versions. After installation of 1.27, and all desired data are retrieved, Balers should be "cleaned" to write the master index in the new corrected format.
  • The message holding queue was expanded to prevent log messages in some circumstances at registration time.
  • The "waveform" icon is no longer displayed on the file access web page. This was not handled correctly by some browsers when the transmission rate from the Baler is "throttled."
  • All web pages, including the file access page, are now displayed correctly if throttling of the transfer rate is enabled.
  • The "access" timer is now reset during throttled transmissions. Previously if throttling was enabled, the Baler could power down if the access time elapsed while a throttled transmission was in progress.

• 27 September 2002 - Version 1.21
  • Log reason for GPS coldstart. Remove change in 1.20, and add logging changes in timing quality.

• 6 September 2002 - Version 1.20
  • Detect change between timing sources (e.g. GPS/Seascan) while running.

• Version 1.19
  • DEREGISTER if status timeout to prevent repetitive "port in use" errors.

• Version 1.18
  • Send user message on startup/shutdown to notify connections on all ports.
  • Add readback from disk following write of continuity file.
  • Add delay preceding and following spin down to prevent emergency head unload.

• Version 1.16
  • Spindown disk using "standby immediate" IDE command to flush write cache.

• Version 1.15
  • Add extensive logging to text message log. Avoid continuity +/-1s gap/overlap when DC_MULT sent.

• 12 June 2002 - Version 1.07
  • Fix buffer problem that caused data from other streams to be written to a file. Use separate buffer rings for data recording and data retrieval. Increase serial port priorities when using it to communicate to the Q330, slow down ethernet a bit when doing so. Use fast lockout time if the Baler was powered up manually by the Q330, or powered down manually by the Q330. Update station.ini file when have a successful connection to Q330 instead of when shutting down. When sending a single file via the webserver, close the file in between block reads.

• 1 June 2002 - Version 1.00
  • On web pages, inform user that nothing was found. Add no caching to status web page. Re-phrase percent of files used to avoid confusing Joe. Show network name on web pages. Allow some slop for determining what is a "segment" in the case of non-time-series-data. Ignore ethernet if it has an IP address of 0.0.0.0. In conjunction with Baler DMU Pic version 10 indicate when the Baler has been wiped. Support a bitmask of things to do in a vacuum situation, such as deleting old data, clearing station.ini files, etc. Add CRC to continuity file for the paranoid. In configuration mode, add support for non-Baler mode of operation. Add parameters in baler.ini to set various timeouts (see Baler14 file format document). Enhanced communication between Q330 and Baler regarding timeouts. Fix web page generation when browser "STOP" button is asserted. Various web page fixes, including handling longer than 7 character entries in retrieve page, a starting time entry of -1000000 was incorrectly processed as -100000.

• 4 May 2002 - Version 0.78
  • If continuity not enabled, delete the continuity file.

• 17 March 2002 - Version 0.77
  • Change version number field in data extension blockette flag byte to 6, 5 is the current MShear version.
  • Fix configuration blockette output.

• 14 March 2002 - Version 0.76
  • When deleting old data files (wiping Baler) ignore drive limits in baler.ini, scan from drive C to drive Z.
  • If there are less than 20 data files (probably an un-allocated hard drive) available when the C2_BACK is received from the Q330, shutdown the Baler and flash the error condition.

• 10 March 2002 - Version 0.75
  • Set MS bit of data extension blockette flag byte if the data stream is recorded during events only, bump up version number to 4 to indicate Q330 data.
  • Fix Seed header "number of following blockettes" field for Opaque Blockettes.
  • Fix problem with missing "key frame" if there is already a detection or calibration blockette when the first data frame is installed.
  • Many improvements to web server, still needs work.

• 15 February 2002 - Version 0.72 - First public release.

• 4 June 2004 - Version 1.7 - Will display TAGID if broadcast.

• 12 June 2002 - Version 1.6 - Cosmetic Changes.

• 1 June 2002 - Version 1.5 - Add options to control deleting data files, overwriting baler.ini, and clearing various fields in station.ini. Automatically set time in Baler. Restore ability to listing to a new Baler after "Shutdown" button is pushed.

• 27 January 2002 - Version 1.3 - Add time setting function.

• 16 December 2001 - Version 1.2 - Add display and filtering on Baler serial number (RFC4).

• 4 June 2004 - Version 1.10 - One Baler 1.45 or higher, will auto-negotiate a new "express" mode for file upload, improving speed 5:1 compared to previous method.

• 11 March 2004 - Version 1.04
  • Change timer so retry interval is 4.7 seconds instead of 5 seconds to stagger reload traffic with other Q330 network traffic.
  • Handle duplicate data block reception correctly over the wire and in writing to disk. Affects "get file" function only.

• 5 February 2002 - Version 1.02 - Don't allow IP address or port to be changed once socket is opened.

• 16 December 2001 - Version 1.0 - First public release.

• Version 1.1.0.79
  • Fixed "new profile"->"cancel" bug
  • Fixed problem with 'large fonts' option (which changes the windows DPI) causing some buttons to not display
  • Fixed a bug that caused some connections to not have retry patterns nor timeouts set properly, leaving the possibility for a blocking-forever socket.
  • Added failsafes to the HTTP code that sets up default retry patterns and timeouts to sockets that had none specified. These are also logged so that task specific values can be picked if needed.
  • Added new post-wipe check that checks for the existance of D:\IDX and D:\IDX\station.ini

• Version 1.1.0.78
  • Increased stationname width in RetrievalList GUI to support NN-SSSS
  • Fixed progressbar drawing to make the whole bar color properly
  • Fixed a bug that could cause gaps during retries (mostly seen in low samplerate channels) where the first record of a re-request was a few usecs before a second boundry.

• Version 1.1.0.76
  • BalerAdmin is now available without expiration dates for the following platforms: Windows, Solaris, Linux, & OS X.
  • Added configfile sanity checking. Stations with bad values in their configs will be ignored until the config becomes proper.
  • Fixed a problem with 'browse' buttons in the config panel, when the current value didn't represent a real directory
  • Fixed a problem that could result in a negative transferrate being displayed
  • Fixed labels on the Data Retrieval panel (labels weren't matching up with entries)
  • Fixed a bug that could cause two Balers to be assigned to a single Baler slot (only one's info would be displayed, resulting in a 'hidden Baler' being processed. This could happen on very fast machines with very slow displays (a multiprocessor machine running the app via a remote X connection, for example). It wouldn't happen predictably, but would happen.

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• Version 1.7 (20060304, 20060117) - Version only updated for new source management system.

• Version 1.6 - Extensive display modifications, including addition of automatic scanning display, color annunciation of a Q330 reboot with 24hrs and loss of communication. Adds Q330 temperature, voltage, and power, telemetry packets/sec, and sensor boom position to the display.

• Version 1.0 - Initial release. IP address only needed to specify to collect status from a number of Q330’s.

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• 29 May 2008 - Version 1.49
  • The goal of PalmDP 1.49 was to make PalmDP compatible with Q330com-v19 document. Some new features were added, some old features were updated to work with new Q330 firmware.
  • General: When reading/rewriting values, "spare" and "unknown" values will be preserved rather than zeroed. This should allow for safe cloning, even as new features and new Q330 variables are added in the future. This affects many of the reading and writing "cmds" in addition to cloning.
  • General: QDP Header format sequence numbers sent by the Palm software now should increment correctly during a PalmDP session with a Q330. This affects the header in most PalmDP operations.
  • Data Ports: With Q330 system software v1.77 and higher, allow sending packets encoded using Base-96.
  • Global Setup: Q330 web server port can be set, as well as "show serial number", "allow unauthenticated Baler power" and "allow unauthenticated Baler link". Status port reporting interval can be can be turned on (1Hz) or off, Aux reporting interval can be turned on (1Hz) or off.
  • Global Setup: Custom Link (which you can set yourself on the web page) is known to NOT work in PalmDP at this time.
  • Interface/Baler Config: Allow blocking of ICMP pings, TCP packets, QDP pings (from a source other than a registered DP or listed Point of Contact Address), allow routing enabled on this interface. Setting web port. Allow use of 230400 baud.
  • Interface/Baler Config: New Serial Sensor settings
  • Interface/Baler Config: Extensive new Dial in/out settings
  • Interface/Baler Config: Additional Baler options
  • Operating Limits Config: allow setting hardware limits for current, temp, etc.
  • Advanced Config: set a an option and a device address, or be able to fix some issues: clear crash codes, bad memory map, packet memory backup.
  • Baler and Dialer Commands: Clear timeouts, manual dial, hang up for serial dialer 1, 2
  • Announce Config: Entirely new announce settings page for PR1-6
  • Status: Aux Board
  • Status: Serial Sensor Board
  • Status: DynamicIP/ ARP
  • Status: Power
  • Status: Clock. Clock Quality edits
  • Doc Writer: Bug fixes

• 19 November 2007 - Version 1.47t
  • Marked as a beta release, it has been promoted to a full release.

• 8 September 2003 - Version 1.38.
  1. The user now has the option of editing/confirming IP addresses associated with the Baler(s) during the cloning process. This is attached to the "IP Addresses" choice.
  2. Serial port speeds are viewable/selectable in the "Interface/Baler Cfg" menu item, under Cmds.
  3. In the System View screen, the Clock Quality line now shows one of the following, as well as the information previously provided: (L) - Locked, (H) - Hold, (T) - Tracking, (U) - Unlocked.

• 29 April 2003 - Version 1.36 - Initial release.

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• 6 August 2003 - Version 1.0.11 - Altered the client signaling sequence for proper shutdown from netmon directive.

• 4 May 2003 - Version 1.0.9 - Corrected a link time unresolved symbol problem on Sun Solaris using Sun compilers.

• 1 May 2003 - Version 1.0.8 - Updates the blockette 1001 with the frame count and a Q330 ID (6); modified the periodic status reports; incorporates revised channel queue management; does not reset on DT_Open.

• 1 March 2003 - Version 1.0.4 - Modified channel queue handling for lower data rates; modified window handling on re-registration; changed log reports to telemetry rate over N status intervals.

• 24 October 2003 - Version 1.0.0 - First release - evaluation version.

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• Rev 19 - System software version 1.94. Changes made in this version are marked in the document.

• Rev 17 - System software version 1.78. Changes made in this version are marked in the document. Previous released version was 14. Several significant additions:
  • Base96 encoding
  • Packet memory defect management and resizing
  • Baler/Dialer flush threshold percentage specification

• Rev 15 - System software version 1.68. Changes made in this version are marked in the document.

• Rev 14 - System software version 1.57. Changes made in this version are marked in the document.

• Rev 13 - System software version 1.5x. Changes made in this version are marked in the document.

• Rev 12 - System software version 1.48. Changes made in this version are marked in the document.

• Rev 11 - System software version 1.37. Default base port changed from 5000 to 5330. Flag word added to Data Port Status. Extra flags added to Baler Status. Serial Baud Rate added to C2_SPHY and C2_POC/C2_BACK/C2_VACK. New Function bits in C2_SBPWR. New Commands and options added to C2_BCMD. C2_RQQV, C2_QV, C2_RQMD5, and C2_MD5 documentation added.

• Rev 10 - System software version 1.20. ST816_CALERR added. Change to ST32_DRIFT. Add C1_CERR code 12. Add KMI Property tag and User Tag to C1_MYSN. Add bit 11 to C1_SLOG flags. Add user tag to C1_SGLOB. Add property tag and QAPCHP serial numbers to C1_FIX. Replace 64 bit licensing info in C1_SMAN with property tag and 32 bit max. power on seconds. C1_VCO on configuration port only. Add Baler serial number to C2_BACK, C2_VACK, and C2_BRDY. Add chart showing which commands are accepted on which ports.

• Rev 9 - System software Version 1.00. Changes to blockettes 000xxxxx, 001xxxxx, 010xxxxx, and 11111010. Added blockette 11111011. Changes to C1_SPHY baud, serial flags, and ethernet flags. Additional fields in C1_SLOG. Initial PLL Flag removed from C1_SGLOB. Additional Data Structure Bitmap bits. Additional flags in C1_SMAN. Baler status added to C1_RQSTAT/C1_STAT. Changes to global status, boom position status, pll status, and ethernet status. Bits 29 and 30 added to status bitmap as notifications. Maximum main current field added to C1_SSPP. Additional definitions to C1_SSC. Changes to C2_SPHY and C2_SGPS. C2_RQSTAT and C2_STAT removed. Changes to C2_SBPWR and C2_POC. CD_ANNC, CD_RQANNC, and CD_SANNC added.

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