Daktronics

MDLS not reporting correctly to the VFC controller

Potential Symptoms

  • MDLS peripherals reporting incorrectly or failed.

Environment

  • Transportation
  • Vanguard
  • VFC controller
  • MDLS (Multi Directional Light Sensor)

Cause

  • Firmware update to the MDLS that the VFC couldn't recognize.

Resolution

Note: MDLS needs to be set to address 2 on the rotary dial. Might need to open it to check this.

  1. Update the VFC firmware.
  2. The VFC controller has 2 boards inside of it. The DMP (Player image) & the VIP (Video Processor). 
  3. Link to download firmware.
  4. Select Transportation > Firmware > VFC-DMP505x
  5. Save vip-distro_xxx.xx.xx-bxxx_armel_main.deb
  6. Select Latest VFC.
  7. Save dmp.offline_x.x.x.x.x_amd64.deb.

​​​There are two methods on how to upload firmware listed below:

Method 1: Updating remotely through the webpage interface page.

  1. DMP:
  2. Open an internet browser to log into the DMP board of the VFC controller.
  3. Type the controllers IP address.
  4. You will be prompted to enter the password in the popup window.
  5. Select Firmware from the Dashboard.
  6. Select Update and browse to the DMP file example: dmp.offline_x.x.x.x_i386.deb.
  7. Click on the open button.
  8. Wait for it to finish 100%.
  9.  VIP:
  10. Open an internet browser to log into the VIP board of the VFC controller.
  11. Type the controllers IP address.
  12. You will be prompted to enter the password in the popup window.
  13. Select Firmware from the Dashboard.
  14. Select Update and browse to the VIP file example: vip-distro_xxxx.xx.xx-xxxxx.deb.
  15. Click on the open button.
  16. Wait for it to finish 100%.

Method 2: Updating locally with a USB memory stick.

  1. Download the firmware to your USB memory stick.
  2. Insert the memory stick into J3 on the back of the VFC. (Kingston brand is preferred. other brands might not work).
  3. Log into the VFC.
  4. To update the DMP do the following from the controllers menu screen:
  5. Select Shared
  6. Select Update
  7. Select VFC
  8. Select dmp.offline_x.x.x.x_i386.deb
  9. Select Confirm
  10. Wait for it to finish 100%
  11. To update the VIP do the following from the controllers menu screen:
  12. Select Shared
  13. Select Update
  14. Select Display
  15. Select  vip-distro_xxx.xx.xxxxxxx.deb
  16. Select Confirm
  17. Wait for it to finish 100%

KB ID: 000024170

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