Firmware Compatibility for NexBot Vision 222-011 Teach Pendant

Related Products

Tools Required

• USB flash drive (FAT32 formatted)

Article

This document provides critical information regarding the firmware compatibility between the NexBot Vision 222-011 Teach Pendant and NexBot robot controller software (NexOS). To ensure system stability, full feature availability, and prevent operational errors, it is essential that the teach pendant firmware version is compatible with the controller's software version. An incompatibility can lead to connection failures, unresponsive UI elements, or unexpected system behavior.

Affected Products

• Primary Component: NXB-GEN-222-011 - NexBot Vision 222-011 Teach Pendant with 10.1-inch Display
• Related Robot Series:
• NexBot R-20 (Articulated)
• NexBot R-50 (Articulated)
• NexBot C-5 (Collaborative)
• NexBot C-10 (Collaborative)

Background

NexBot Robotics periodically releases software updates for its robot controllers to introduce new features, improve performance, and address security vulnerabilities. These updates often require a corresponding firmware update for connected peripherals, including the NXB-GEN-222-011 Teach Pendant. The pendant's firmware contains the necessary drivers, UI assets, and communication protocols to interact correctly with the controller's operating system.

Operating a system with mismatched versions may result in:

• Inability for the pendant to establish a connection with the controller.
• Missing or non-functional buttons and menus within the user interface.
• Erratic jogging or program execution behavior.
• Display of incorrect system status or error messages.

Compatibility Matrix

Before updating your controller software or replacing a teach pendant, consult the following table to ensure compatibility. Always use a pendant firmware version that is explicitly validated for your controller's NexOS version.

| Controller Software Version | Required Pendant Firmware Version | Key Notes | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | NexOS 4.2.x | 1.6.0 or higher | Required for new collaborative safety features and enhanced diagnostic tools. | | NexOS 4.1.x | 1.5.0 to 1.5.8 | Minimum version required for full NexBot C-10 series support. | | NexOS 4.0.x | 1.4.2 to 1.4.8 | Introduces advanced Cartesian jogging modes and UI improvements. | | NexOS 3.5.x | 1.3.5 to 1.3.9 | General stability and performance improvements. | | Below NexOS 3.5.x | Not Recommended | These legacy versions have limited functionality. Contact support before updating. |

How to Verify Current Versions

1. To check the Teach Pendant Firmware Version:

• Power on the robot controller and wait for the teach pendant to initialize.
• On the main screen, tap the 'System' or 'Settings' icon.
• Navigate to the 'About' or 'System Information' section.
• The firmware version will be listed as 'Pendant FW Version' or similar.

2. To check the Controller Software Version:

• Follow the same steps as above on the teach pendant.
• In the 'About' or 'System Information' section, the controller software version will be listed as 'NexOS Version' or 'Controller Software'.

Firmware Update Procedure

If you determine an update is necessary, follow the general procedure below. For detailed, version-specific instructions, always refer to the release notes accompanying the firmware file.

Prerequisites:

• A USB flash drive formatted to FAT32.
• The correct firmware update file downloaded from the NexBot Robotics support portal.
• A complete backup of all robot programs and system configuration.

Steps:

1. Download: Download the required firmware package for the NXB-GEN-222-011 from the official support portal.
2. Prepare USB: Copy the firmware file to the root directory of the FAT32-formatted USB flash drive.
3. Connect: Safely connect the USB drive to the USB port on the side of the teach pendant or on the controller cabinet (refer to your system's manual for the correct port).
4. Initiate Update: Navigate to 'System' > 'Maintenance' > 'Software Update'.
5. Select Source: Choose 'USB Device' as the source and select the correct firmware file.
6. Confirm: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm and begin the update process. The pendant may reboot several times. DO NOT power off the controller or disconnect the pendant during this process.
7. Verify: Once the update is complete and the system has restarted, verify the new firmware version using the steps outlined in the 'How to Verify Current Versions' section.

Recommendations

• Always review this compatibility matrix before performing any software or firmware updates.
• When upgrading your controller's NexOS, plan to update the teach pendant firmware at the same time.
• If you encounter any issues after an update, contact NexBot Robotics technical support immediately and provide both the controller and pendant version numbers.

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