Updating the VP3300 and VP8300 Kernel from 1.01 to 1.10

Owned by Chris Barton
Last updated: Oct 27, 2022

Overview

VP3300 and VP8300 kernel version 1.10 reconfigures the internal file storage system offer more storage space for applications. However, to accomplish this, the kernel update must optimize existing storage space, requiring users to back-up information such as keys, contact/contactless configurations, and similar information. 

Note: If the existing device configuration data exceeds the newly-configured storage space, the update will delete everything in that new storage space. Instead, the firmware update will load the default v1.10 device configuration. 

The newly-configured storage space can store around 16 sets of groups and 40 sets of CAPKs, but the actual number of stored settings depends on the settings' actual length. 

Updating the VP3300 and VP8300 Kernel

Update VP3300 and VP8300 kernel versions via the firmware update process. Users must perform two firmware updates complete the optimization: to v1.05, which handles the file system optimization, and v1.10, in which users can re-load their configurations. The diagram below covers four major steps:

  1. The v1.05 firmware update process creates a data backup for the application program area data and creates a temporary storage area for the file system.
  2. The firmware update reconfigures the device's file system to create a smaller file system storage area.
  3. The firmware update moves the file system from the temporary storage area to the new file system area.
  4. The v1.10 firmware update reconfigures the application program area, increasing the available storage space, and moves the application program data to the new space.

After completing the process, users can re-load their application data.


Before You Begin

Before you begin, make sure you have done the following:

  1. Reach out to the ID TECH Support Team to receive the v1.05 and v1.10 VP3300 and VP8300 firmware updates. Download the ZIP files and extract them to your computer.
  2. Download and install the latest USDK Demo app from the ID TECH Knowledge Base (if you cannot access the link, please contact support).
  3. Make sure the target VP3300 or VP8300 device is in USB-HID mode.

Updating VP3300 and VP8300 Firmware to v1.05

The steps below describe the process for updating the VP3300 and VP8300 firmware to v1.05 via the Universal SDK Demo.

  1. Connect the VP3300 or VP8300 to your PC via USB or serial port.
  2. Open the USDK Demo app from the Windows Start menu.
  3. Under Firmware, select Update Firmware/Kernels, then click Execute Command.
  4. Navigate to and select the v1.05 firmware file you downloaded earlier and click Open.
  5. The device reboots and enters the bootloader, at which point the USDK Demo app begins updating the device.
  6. When the firmware update completes, the device reboots again and the USDK Demo app prints Firmware Update Successful in the Results

When the v1.05 update completes, all four LEDs on the front of the VP3300 or VP8300 flash on and off. This behavior is normal and indicates you can perform the update to v1.10.

Updating VP3300 and VP8300 Firmware to v1.10

After updating to v1.05, repeat the steps above with the v1.10 firmware update.  When the update to v1.10 is complete, use the 04-09 (Load Default Configuration) command to initialise the firmware in the reader.