PreppComm Announces: Software update for MMX and DMX-40

Applies to all DMX-40 and MMX shipped before 3/15/23

This product is a software upgrade for a DMX or MMX to the current software release:

Firmware 27.3
Graphics 31.0

This information (firmware and graphics version numbers) is now displayed at the bottom corners of the MENU screen, and the Graphics version is no longer shown on the BOOT SPLASH screen.

This is the software update you have been waiting for! 

The following bugs have been eradicated, snuffed out, blown away, even fixed:

1) The blackout bug: this bug caused to LCD screen to stop operating after 10 minutes, thus essentially defeating the entire purpose of the 3-minute shut off of the backlight. Now, your DMX-40 or MMX will run essentially forever, and the screen will turn on for any screen activity. This includes volume changes (which change the volume setting on the screen), decoder output, the ESC key, etc. Note that the ESC key will also throw you into CTX mode, so a double ESC is required, but that also clears the current transmit speed setting. Our suggestion? See below.

You might ask why did it take me so long to find this bug? Well, I have been looking under the wrong rock. The bug was inserted unintentionally way back when the project just began, in 2017, in the graphics firmware. A command to sleep after 10 minutes. We never sent a wakeup command, because we were just turning on and off the backlight in the DMX firmware. That single line of code hid in the boot screen code where I would never look. Until now. Thank you Jesus for helping me to think of this rock to look under for this ugly bug!
The # bug: this bug replaced received Z characters with # characters. Fixed.

2) RETRY key in Typing Speed Test Not Working: Fixed

3) Execution of RPL by touching bug: some parts of a RPL microprogram would not be executed properly when executed by touching the macro from the macro screen. Corrected. Now you can execute either from the keyboard function keys or by touching a microprogram in the microprogram menu.

4) Double Quote bug: the double quote character typed during transmit, or received does not show up on the LCD screen, and the line is terminated early. This has been worked around by substituting a single quote for a double quote. This does not affect the transmission of the double quote. It is only a display issue. This is a work-around.

Other recently fixed bugs and added new features:

1) NEW KEY COMMAND: The B key now toggles the backlight. This is in addition to the automatic turn-off after 3 minutes of no screen activity and the automatic turn-on with screen activity. This is our recommended way to turn on the darkened screen.

2) Added FOUR NEW COMMANDS TO RPL to provide a counting function for support for contests:

   1. ^0 sets the variable to zero
   2. ^+ increments the variable
   3. ^- decrements the variable
   4. ^? outputs or prints the value

3) Other improvements in decoder and ESC key processing and other areas that may already be in your current MMX or DMX-40, depending on when they were shipped.

Software updates are always free. Why do I have to pay $50?

Well, there is a small matter of shipping and I do have to pay the employees to do the work of receiving, unboxing and recording, testing, disassembly, programming 3 separate processors, reassembly, testing, QA, packaging and shipping back to you. I also pay shipping back. I do need to charge for the services provided by the employees and UPS or USPS. These are "direct expenses." There is no charge for the actual software update, which represents significant effort from R&D department (me).

USA Customers:

Please ship your transceiver(s) with lid(s) to the address below. Please do not ship anything other than the transceiver/lid combo(s). We strongly recommend you ship with the lids attached to avoid damage to the LCD or LED's during shipment.

PLEASE INSURE your shipment for the FULL VALUE. The shipment remains as your responsibility up to the time we accept the transceiver. Thus, if the shipment is lost, you must seek compensation from the insurer. If we receive a damaged box, we will check to see if the transceiver is damaged. If so, we will document the damage with photos, and send them to you, along with our estimate for repair. You then must seek compensation from your insurer, as we will invoice you for the repairs, at your request.

We will fully insure your package on the return trip.

INTERNATIONAL Customers

Please disassemble your transceiver, using the step-by-step process below. Ship the front panel and LCD/switch assembly in a small box wrapped in antistatic bubblewrap or placed in an anti-static bag and wrapped with standard bubblewrap to the address below. The smaller the box, the less expensive the shipping! For HS code 8517.62.00, and in the NOTES indicate it is a warranty repair. In this way, there will be no issues in customs.

PLEASE INSURE your shipment for the FULL VALUE. The shipment remains as your responsibility up to the time we accept the transceiver. Thus, if the shipment is lost, you must seek compensation from the insurer. If we receive a damaged box, we will check to see if the transceiver is damaged. If so, we will document the damage with photos, and send them to you, along with our estimate for repair. You will have to seek compensation from your insurer, as we will invoice you for the repairs, at your request.

We will fully insure your package on the return trip.

SHIPPING TO ADDRESS:

Please use the address below for faster processing of your order:

Software Update ℅ PreppComm
130 McGhee Rd, Ste 220
Sandpoint, ID 83864

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DISASSEMBLY STEPS (INTERNATIONAL ONLY)

1. Use static precautions. Don't touch the PCB, only hold by the edges. Disconnect all wires connected to the transceiver.

2. Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the two screws from the rear panel.

3. Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the four screws at the corners of the top panel.

4. Carefully remove the electronics by tilting up on the right side, and then upwards.

5. Turn over, and locate the two power switch wires. Unplug the wires from the connector on the transceiver PCB.

6. Locate four white nylon stand-offs, or, on older DMX-40's, hex nuts, holding the transceiver PCB in place.

7. Using a nut driver, carefully remove the four stand-offs or hex nuts.

8. Locate the 10-pin connector at the rear left of the transceiver PCB that is connecting it to the front panel PCB.

9. Pull the transceiver PCB straight up carefully to disengage from the mounting posts and the connector. Rocking the PCB slightly will ensure connector separation without bending the pins.

10. Set the transceiver PCB into the bottom of the case, and cover with the lid. This is a good way to protect it while you wait for the replacement with updated software. The front panel, with power switch and LCD panel still attached, is what you are shipping to the factory for the software update.

11. Place in an anti-static bag, wrap in at least one layer of bubblewrap, and put into a strong small box for shipping. A 4" x 6" x 2" box is perfect, as long as it is made of strong cardboard, not thin cardboard. This also gives you space for the label on top, and customs forms on the bottom of the box. Finally, the shipping cost will be low due to small size and weight.

To ASSEMBLE, reverse this process.