From time to time, device manufacturers release new versions of the software which runs on your tracking device tracker (called firmware) to fix bugs or add new features.

It is important that you keep your RockAIR's firmware up to date to ensure that you get the most out of your device. TracPlus will notify you via email if we determine that your firmware is out of date and needs updating. If you receive such a notification email, you should endeavor to upgrade your firmware as soon as practical.

The upgrade process is straightforward but can take some time. If the upgrade is interrupted or fails, there is a chance that the device stops working and may need to be returned to TracPlus or the manufacturer. As such, upgrades should be done when not under significant operational time pressure.

Before you start, you should ensure that the RockAIR (and the smartphone if you are using one) should be at a minimum of 40% battery. This is to avoid the firmware update failing partway through the process and "bricking" the RockAIR.

The latest firmware version for a RockAIR is v03.08.14 (please find the release notes at the end of this article).

How to Update the Firmware on a RockAIR / RockDASH:

There are three alternative methods that you can use to update the firmware on your RockAIR.

Option 1: Wireless Update with iOS device on TracPlus Connect.

Updating via a smartphone does not require the RockAIR to be removed from the aircraft. Ensure your smartphone has Internet access via Wifi or Mobile Data, and that Bluetooth is turned on when updating.

1. Download and install the TracPlus Connect app from the app store.
2. Connect to your RockAIR device via Bluetooth. If this is your first time connecting to the RockAIR you will require the unlock pin 1 2 3 4.
3. Select Firmware Update in the My Device menu.
4. Select Update in the top right corner.

If there is a firmware update available, the RockAIR will start downloading it through your phone's internet connection. This may take up to 15 minutes to complete. During this time, your smartphone screen must remain turned on and near the RockAIR with the TP Connect app running. If needed you can change the screen timeout settings to 30 minutes

Once the download is completed, the RockAIR will restart and begin installing the new firmware. This will take several minutes. Once the upgrade is complete, the device will restart itself.

Option 2: Using a PC and USB cable

You can also update the firmware on your RockAIR by connecting it to a laptop or desktop computer with a USB cable:

1. On the RockAIR, press and hold the yellow Monitor and blue Mark buttons. All six LEDs will turn on.
2. Press the blue Mark button once. The yellow LEDs will flash in a distinctive inner/outer pattern.
3. Connect the RockAIR to your PC using a USB cable. The RockAIR will appear as a
   mounted drive.
4. Download the file linked at the end of this article to your desktop computer.
5. Copy the file onto the mounted drive.
6. To disconnect, eject the mounted drive, and disconnect the USB cable.
7. Both the power and Bluetooth LEDs will flash to indicate the firmware is being updated.
8. All six LEDs will then flash as the device restarts with the new firmware.
9. Restart the device for normal use.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the blue LED flashes after the upgrade, the RockAIR has entered a self-test mode and will require a soft reset to continue operation. To do a soft reset, press and hold the green button until all six LED's flash (i.e. +-8 seconds).

Option 3: Using a PC and an SD Card Reader

You can also update the firmware on your RockAIR by removing the SD card from it, and connecting to to a laptop or desktop computer with a SD Card Reader:

1. Ensure the RockAIR is turned off.
2. Remove the flexible silicon sleeve from the front of the RockAIR.
3. Remove the SD card from the slot next to the green button by pressing the SD card in slightly. Note the orientation of the card as you remove it.
4. Insert the SD card into a compatible SD Card reader connected to your desktop computer. The SD Card will appear as a mounted drive.
5. Download the file linked at the end of this article to your desktop computer.
6. Copy the file onto the mounted drive.
7. To disconnect, eject the mounted drive, and remove the SD card from the SD Card reader.
8. Reinsert the SD card reader into the RockAIR in the same orientation as you removed it.
9. Install the flexible silicon sleeve onto the front of the RockAIR.
10. Power on the RockAIR.
11. Both the power and Bluetooth LEDs will flash to indicate the firmware is being updated. 
12. All six LEDs will then flash as the device restarts with the new firmware and the BLUE led light will solely flash slowly. Please wait for about 10mins during this process after which all six LEDs will then flash as the device restarts with the new firmware.
    
    If the device doesn't restart within 10mins. Please hold the green button till all the LED lights flash to reboot the unit.
    
    
13. Restart the device for normal use.
14. If you do not get the power and Bluetooth LEDs flashing, try a soft reset by pressing the green button for 10 seconds, also see the notes below for other LED behaviours

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the blue light is flashing by itself please wait for about 10mins (until the device has steady green light)

If there is an alternating blue and green light please wait 10-15 mins .

If the blue LED flashes with a green light after the upgrade, the RockAIR has entered a self-test mode and will require a soft reset (hold down the power button for ~12 seconds) to continue the operation.

After upgrading, the tracker’s settings should be retained.  However, if your RockAIR does not operate as expected after updating the firmware, please contact TracPlus.

NOTE: If you have updated the firmware inside, take the device outside to ensure that a GPS fix is obtained, this so that it can then shutdown correctly. If this is not done after an update, the device may take a while to shutdown.

You may need to retry a firmware update attempt or try an alternative method if the firmware version does not change after attempting an update. If you continue to have difficulties, you should contact TracPlus.

Our support team can be contacted via Online Chat, by emailing support@tracplus.com or by calling +64 (3) 477 8656.

Note: Please CLICK on the file to download them ----- DO NOT RIGHT-CLICK to save.