New versions of the firmware for the Orbit Writer are released from time to time, containing improvements, bug fixes and new features. This section describes the procedure for updating the Orbit Writer firmware.

The Orbit Writer cab be upgraded using a Windows PC and a USB cable.

The USB upgrade method requires a Windows PC and it is simple and quick.
There are two parts to either upgrade procedure: 
1.	Download the firmware package
2.	Upgrade the Orbit Writer

Download firmware package

To download a Firmware Upgrade Package for the Orbit Writer:
1.	Go to the Orbit Research Support webpage (http://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-writer-support/)
2.	For the most current version, select Download Most Recent Firmware. (http://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-writer-support/orbit-writer-firmware-download/). Alternatively, to download an older firmware version, select Download previous firmware release versions, and select the Upgrade Package of your choice. (http://www.orbitresearch.com/old-software-releases-archive/)
3.	Select Orbit Writer - Bluetooth - Firmware Upgrade Package vB0.00.00.XXrYY.
4.	Save the zip file to your PC.

When the download is complete, follow these steps:

1.	Open the folder on your computer where the firmware zip file was downloaded. This is usually your Downloads folder.
2.	Right click on the file and choose "Extract all" OR select the file by arrowing to it, pressing the application key and choosing "Extract all" from the Context menu.
3.	Follow the dialog steps to extract the zip file to a folder of your choice.

When finished, your chosen folder should contain a folder named after the version of the release, for example, OrbitWriter_XX.XX.XX. Make a note of the location of this folder for use in the next section of this document.

For information about bugs, fixes, and additions to the software, see the latest version's Release Notes on the Orbit Writer Firmware. Download the webpage at http://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-writer-support/orbit-writer-firmware-download//


The following is required to perform the upgrade to the Orbit Writer with a PC:
1.	Orbit Writer unit
2.	Standard-A to Micro-B USB cable
3.	A PC running Windows XP or later
4.	The Orbit Writer Upgrade Utility file found in the Orbit Writer folder (see Download firmware package).
5.	Orbit Writer Release Bin file found in the Orbit Writer folder (see Download firmware package).

To upgrade the firmware, follow these steps:
1.	Make sure the Orbit Writer is turned off.
2.	Connect the Orbit Writer to the PC using the USB cable.
3.	In the Release folder on your PC, run the Orbit Writer Firmware Upgrade Utility. If you receive an error message, see Troubleshooting section. Assuming no errors, the program displays the message, “Note: Connect the device to the PC and put into upgrade mode. To enter, Firmware Upgrade Mode, press and hold the 'Up' key + 'Dot 5' key. Then press and release the 'Dot 8' key. The other keys can be released after this” in the message field.
4.	Press and hold Up + Dot 5, then press Dot 8. The utility shows the message “Orbit Writer is connected” in the device status field. It shows the message “Do you want to upgrade the device?” in the message field at the bottom of the dialog. 
5.	Release Dot 8 first, then release the Up and Dot 5. This switches the Orbit Writer to Upgrade mode. You should hear a tone on your PC.
6.	The utility shows the device serial number and the software version of the device at the top right corner of the window. If the serial number is blank, repeat steps 4 and 5.
7.	Activate the Browse button found in the dialog.
8.	Browse and select the firmware bin file from your PC. The file is in the folder you unzipped previously.
9.	Once the file is selected, the dialog shows the software version of the selected file.
10.	Activate the Upgrade button.
11.	The utility starts upgrading the device.
12.	Do not unplug the cable. Wait for the message “Device upgrade has been completed” on the upgrade utility or until the Orbit Writer reboots and shuts down.
13.	The Orbit Writer is upgraded. Turn on the Orbit Writer to start using the device.