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[KW7XT]

I have updated Icom firmware which is fairly easy.  I have a FT-991A which needs updating but it the process looks more daunting. Maybe I am over reacting here, but any tricks to be aware of?

Thanks

Gregg

[G8FXC]

I have updated Icom firmware which is fairly easy.  I have a FT-991A which needs updating but it the process looks more daunting. Maybe I am over reacting here, but any tricks to be aware of?

Thanks

Gregg

It is certainly more complicated with four separate processes to go through, but there is nothing particularly difficult about it - just read the instructions carefully and follow them. Unlike the Icom where you just boot the radio up with a suitable prepared SD card in it, the Yaesu is updated from a PC over a USB port and this does introduce some additional risk of failure. Manufacturers have to try to make the firmware update process resilient, but there is always a risk, however small, that an interrupted update can leave the radio unusable with a need to return it to the manufacturer for reprogramming on their service bench. Do take all possible steps to protect yourself from this - use a reliable computer with reliable cables that are not going to disconnect if they are jogged, if you are using a laptop make sure the battery is fully charged and disable any screen saver or power saver that might kick in and don't use the PC for anything else until the update is complete - you don't want some rogue video game crashing the PC at a critical moment! I tend to ask my wife to avoid turning any heavy drain electrical equipment like the dish washer on while I'm updating - the main circuit breaker tripping out at a critical moment can also spoil your day!

Martin (G8FXC)

[KW7XT]

Thanks for the tips, Martin.

Gregg

[WB2EOD]

Not as easy as ICOM or Kenwood, should be okay of you FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.
First order of business, be sure you download the correct package for your model and region
The firmware for the 991_ and the 991A are not the same. 
There are also regional variations for US, Japan, Europe and Australia
Not sure of the outcome if you get this wrong, but it probably won't be good.
You WILL loose menu settings and memory channels so jot them down or save them through software (RT-Systems is the best).
PRINT out the instructions, it's only a few pages and frees up the computer for the update task. You don't really want to be flipping between the update software and the procedure document.
I own a 991A and I've done this a few times without problems
Hope this helps
73
WB2EOD

[KN4DOZ]

 Cyber guy needs to point out to make sure the software you download is from the manufacturer site. Globally, we have been having a lot of issues with software being corrupted and offered for download.  Recently even manufacturer sites have been compromised and have distributed malicious software.  So please be careful!

Bonus points if the site offers hashes and digital signatures to verify the legitimacy of their code.