nfcphoneman
Vendor
Is there a way to downgrade a MICS from 4.1 to 2.0? After I install the 2.0 software, the unit will not boot up.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Downgrading from 4.1 to 2.0 1
- Thread starter nfcphoneman
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- #3
Safer way is to boot up with the R4.1 software. Perform the STARTUP procedure. About 5 seconds after you see the display "Applying template", unplug the power cord. Then swap the R4.1 for the R2.0 and reapply power. The system should then come up in defaulted condition.
Brian Cox
Brian Cox
- Thread starter
- #5
nfcphoneman
Vendor
The reason to go backwards: The customer wanted a cheap upgrade from a CICS with 1.0 to a MICS. We had a used MICS w/ 2.0 software in stock. I knew the unit worked.
However, about a month ago we were upgrading another customer and installing a T1 to another MICS. I wanted to test the configuration, so I installed 6.1 software into the KSU in question. I didn't realize that it would cause a problem later.
When I went to do the cutover on Saturday, nothing worked and I didn't want to give them our backup unit. I did try shorting out the cap/battery but apparently not long enough. I was able to default everything Saturday night, in the shop.
Anyway, thanks for the help!
PS--luv2ski, I live in Florida, it's been ski season for several months!
However, about a month ago we were upgrading another customer and installing a T1 to another MICS. I wanted to test the configuration, so I installed 6.1 software into the KSU in question. I didn't realize that it would cause a problem later.
When I went to do the cutover on Saturday, nothing worked and I didn't want to give them our backup unit. I did try shorting out the cap/battery but apparently not long enough. I was able to default everything Saturday night, in the shop.
Anyway, thanks for the help!
PS--luv2ski, I live in Florida, it's been ski season for several months!
- Thread starter
- #7
Shouldn't cause problem. When you put the old software card in, system should factory default. According to everything I can find, the MICS defaults when the NVRAM is replaced. Exception to this is upgrades with new NVRAM cartridge and upgrade tool. If it doesn't default it, just do a system startup. Feature **startup after system shows time and date but not more that 15 minutes.
- Thread starter
- #10
nfcphoneman
Vendor
rhowlett, that's not how it happens. When you downgrade, at least from 4.1 to 2.0, the system will not boot up. You do not get time and date and cannot perform a startup.
NorstarWiz
Vendor
You are 100% correct NPC. The only way to downgrade is short out the capacitor. Hope all went well.
That is 100% wrong. Read my previous post. I downgrade systems using this method all the time. Much easier and safer than tearing apart the MICS to get at the memory cap.
Brian Cox
Brian Cox
NorstarWiz
Vendor
Exsmogger, It is not 100% wrong. You may have luck with your procedure, but I've never had luck that way. Plus if you are in the field and don't have 4.1 with you, what are you gonna do? I realize that capacitors store power (i'm an electrician as well a telecom tech) Maybe I sjould have stated it as 50% correct. I'm gonna try your way in my lab tomorrow to see if I get lucky this time.
Exmogger's way IS the ONLY safe way to downgrade. !!!!
Don't 'short' out any capacitor in any device. You may damage the capacitor in the process.
Exmogg's way works. I use it all the time.
Note: If you are downgrading from a fiber expansion card to no expansion card, you need to use this method as well... but if you do a back up then you can restore after the 'downgrade' of the expansion card. This works because you are using the same level software.
PhM
Don't 'short' out any capacitor in any device. You may damage the capacitor in the process.
Exmogg's way works. I use it all the time.
Note: If you are downgrading from a fiber expansion card to no expansion card, you need to use this method as well... but if you do a back up then you can restore after the 'downgrade' of the expansion card. This works because you are using the same level software.
PhM
sprucegrover
Technical User
Just my humble opinion, but there is no such thing as 100% wrong or 100% right. What works is right. Even if its only right for you and no-one else can get it to work. That said, this is what works for me. I have a MICS at home that has gone from R1T1 to R6.1XC and back several times.
As we all know, upgrades are no problem, especially if you don't want to retain programming. But downgrades were always an issue. Try this...
1. put one or two LS/DS or older style CI cards in a KSU
2. power up the system, any release. Say 4.1
3. do a startup. The system does nothing for a few minutes and the display reads' applying template'
4. just before the lcd's start to flash, you will hear the relays in the trunk cards clicking as the system finds the hardware.
5. at this point, and before the lcd's start, pull the power
6. replace the 4.1 with any lower software release, and re-apply power
7. the system boots to time & date in lower release
I'm not going to say that this is 100% correct, but it has worked for me about 25x, first try.
As far as capacitors are concerned, I've never done it, and no tech I know has ever done it
As we all know, upgrades are no problem, especially if you don't want to retain programming. But downgrades were always an issue. Try this...
1. put one or two LS/DS or older style CI cards in a KSU
2. power up the system, any release. Say 4.1
3. do a startup. The system does nothing for a few minutes and the display reads' applying template'
4. just before the lcd's start to flash, you will hear the relays in the trunk cards clicking as the system finds the hardware.
5. at this point, and before the lcd's start, pull the power
6. replace the 4.1 with any lower software release, and re-apply power
7. the system boots to time & date in lower release
I'm not going to say that this is 100% correct, but it has worked for me about 25x, first try.
As far as capacitors are concerned, I've never done it, and no tech I know has ever done it
I use Exmogger's way as well. I have done both but the shorting of the cap hasn't worked for me in the field.
It's just that cracking the whole KSU open and whatknot is a pain in the butt. It's easier to simply do a F**startup with the higher level software and while it is trying to write to the memory, "applying template", pull power and put the lower level software in or the 2 port card from a 6 port or whatever you are downgrading.
If you are downgrading you have both the higher and lower level software with you in the field so this shouldn't be a problem.
I not only do this all the time myself, we recommend this to all of our customers. Never once had a problem with it. This way they aren't voiding any possible KSU warranty they have with us by cracking open the KSU itself.
MRoberts
It's just that cracking the whole KSU open and whatknot is a pain in the butt. It's easier to simply do a F**startup with the higher level software and while it is trying to write to the memory, "applying template", pull power and put the lower level software in or the 2 port card from a 6 port or whatever you are downgrading.
If you are downgrading you have both the higher and lower level software with you in the field so this shouldn't be a problem.
I not only do this all the time myself, we recommend this to all of our customers. Never once had a problem with it. This way they aren't voiding any possible KSU warranty they have with us by cracking open the KSU itself.
MRoberts
NorstarWiz
Vendor
I tried this today and it did not work. What am I missing? My switch was at 5.0. I put in 4.1, and 2.0 and it never came up...just flashed for over an hour. Went back to 5.0 and it came up as default. Tried again with the same results. So my question is can you only do this with 4.1? It would be useful to not have to rip cabinets apart(not that it's all that difficult.)
I have a MICS on the wall in my test area that I've taken from R6.1 back to R1T1 more than once. Boot up with the R5.0, perform the STARTUP procedure, and when it gets to the point where the display reads "Applying template" wait about 5 seconds, pull the power cord, swap for the R2.0 cartridge, then reapply power. You may have to experiment a few times to find the proper timing, but it should work. Good luck.
Brian Cox
Brian Cox
NorstarWiz
Vendor
Will try again...thanx for the advice. I'll also try with the trunk card method.
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