How do I upgrade the firmware on my APC Analog KVM (part number AP5201/AP5202) or Rack LCD with integrated KVM (AP5808/AP5816)?

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I. Firmware Upgrade

*If you need to complete a Firmware Recovery, please skip to section II below.

In order to upgrade the firmware on your APC Analog KVM (AP5201/AP5202) or KVM Rack LCD (AP5808/AP5816), you must have the following:

Black DB9 Female to RJ11 cable that originally shipped with the KVM (there is no part number on the cable).
A Windows server/workstation that runs terminal emulation software, such as Hyperterminal.
A Windows server/workstation that has an available COM port.

1.) From a computer that is not part of your KVM installation, go to www.apc.com and enter the model name of your KVM switch or KVM Rack LCD for a list of available firmware upgrade packages.

2.) Choose the firmware upgrade package that you wish to install (usually the most recent) and download it. The latest version for AP5201/AP5202 ONLY is available as an attachment to this knowledgebase. AP5808/AP5816 firmware is only available via APC tech support for the time being. There is only one version currently available which ships with the unit.

3.) Use the Firmware Upgrade Cable (provided) to connect a COM port on your computer to the Firmware Upgrade Port of the KVM switch or KVM Rack LCD. Note: Cascaded stations will automatically receive the upgrade via the in-series connection (daisy chain) cables.

4.) From the KVM switch or KVM Rack LCD console, login to the OSD as the administrator and select the F4 ADM function.

5.) Scroll down to FIRMWARE UPGRADE. Press the Enter key, then press the Y key to invoke the Firmware Upgrade mode. Note: During the upgrade, the port LEDs will flash on and off.

6.) Run the downloaded firmware upgrade file by double-clicking the file icon or opening a command line and entering the full path to the file.

7.) Click Next to continue. The Firmware Upgrade Utility main screen appears. The devices capable of being upgraded are listed in the Device List panel.

8.) If the Check Firmware Version box (from the Firmware Upgrade Utility main screen) is checked, the utility compares the device’s firmware version with the upgrade files. If the device’s version is newer, the utility lets you decide whether to continue. It the box is not checked, the utility performs the upgrade directly. Click Next to perform the upgrade.

9.) After the upgrade has completed, an UPGRADE SUCCEEDED screen appears to inform you that the procedure was successful. Click Finish to close the firmware upgrade utility. If the UPGRADE SUCCEEDED screen DOES NOT appear, the upgrade failed.

II. Firmware Upgrade Recovery

There are three conditions that call for firmware upgrade recovery:

When the firmware upgrade is manually aborted.
When the mainboard firmware upgrade fails.
When the I/O firmware upgrade fails.

To perform a firmware upgrade recovery:

1.) Shut off power to the KVM switch or KVM Rack LCD. If the KVM switch or KVM Rack LCD is part of a series of stations, disconnect it from the other KVM switches.

2.) Connect the Firmware Upgrade Cable to the Firmware Upgrade Port.

3.) Slide the Firmware Upgrade Recovery Switch to the Recover position.

4.) Apply power to the KVM switch or KVM Rack LCD and repeat the upgrade procedure.

5.) Once the upgrade is successful, shut off power to the KVM switch or KVM Rack LCD. Slide the Firmware Upgrade Recovery Switch to the Normal position.

6.) If the KVM Rack LCD is part of a series of stations, reconnect it in the series.

7.) Place the power switch on the back of the KVM switch or KVM Rack LCD in the ON position to apply power.

Once complete, access the OSD again and choose F4, then Firmware Upgrade. Verify that the new firmware has been upgraded.

If you have any questions on this upgrade or recovery, please contact technical support.