Do I need to upgrade the firmware in my gateways and locks?

The answer is YES. When new firmware becomes available for either the Alarm Lock Networx gateways or locks, you should upgrade. There are many reasons why but the most important is to keep the products up to date with the latest features.

When we create new versions of the DL Windows software, the Networx locks and gateways may have new features available such as remote lockdown. We also have new products such as the Generation 2 gateways and expanders that, if the locks have old firmware, may not work properly with these new items.

To see what version of firmware is installed in your gateways or locks, open DL Windows and then open "Gateway Config". The gateways will be listed and the current firmware version installed will be displayed. To find the installed firmware version of the locks, open the "Gateway lock table" and each lock assigned to that gateway will display the current firmware version.

Now go to the Alarm Lock software website, here, and compare your model of gateways and locks firmware with the most current. Now download the latest version of firmware and upload the firmware to the gateways or locks. NOTE: You may need to perform a full upload of the programming once the firmware is upgraded. It is recommended to do this even if explicit instructions don't indicate that you must.

Here is a list of the some of the latest versions of firmware:

AL-IME, AL-IM80211, AL-IMPOE, AL-IMPOEP gateways - 3.95

PDL6100 - 55.s

DL6100 - 56.k

PDL6500 - 57.i

Networx Panel - 64.t

Networx DK/PDK keypad - 65.e

PDL6200 - 67.k

ETPDLN - 61.l

ArchiTech N90 - 85.a

ArchiTech N95 - 83.l  NOTE: This version may cause the lock to work in reverse. Check with your local rep to determine if you need to replace the lock body. Click here to find your local factory representative.

 

Andy Phelps, CRL

Alarm Lock National Training Manager

 

Comments

[Roger]

Thanks Andy for your valuable information.Your knowledge sharing post is very effective to prevent external hazards.I must appreciate your sharing on"firmware update".This concept has changed my perceptions. I was simply stumped on choosing the process on the firmware updating.Even tried differently process but failed. I found your article more security experiences in this sector and help to get the creative juices flowing.
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[Regina Gomez Aldea]

Hi Andy,
I'm trying to update our firmware on our locks. Currently, the one I am working on is ETPDLN 61.h to latest 61.l. Problem is that when I try to do this, I experience a communication failure at the lock and at bottom of screen it will say "trying complete update." Do I need to unlink/link this lock on the gateway and have it discovered again? I'm unable to get this lock to communicate. Luckily it's not a very heavily used door but I'm afraid this will happen on other more heavily used doors with ETPDLN lock.

[Andy Phelps, CRL]

Before you unlink and try to discover again, make sure that the lock is functioning. If the lock did not complete the update of the firmware, it may not default as there would be no firmware in the lock.
Try to resend the firmware to the lock again and it may complete the second time.

[Regina Gomez Aldea]

Thanks for your reply, Andy. I tried to resend the firmware to the lock again. Still communication failure notice. At the physical lock, the lock appears to be functioning as normal. I'm going to try to plug/unplug the gateway router to see if that gives it a helpful reset. If that doesn't help, I will go to unlinking the lock and put it to discover the lock. Any other insight?

Thank you.