Change from Cyclone PRO and Cyclone MAX to new models

If you have old models of the Cyclone from PEmicro, we offer you a suitable exchange program.

Migration from the old Cyclone PRO and Cyclone MAX models to the new Cyclone LC Universal or Cyclone FX Universal is extremely easy. The Universal programmers are available to replace PRO and MAX and are much more powerful than the previous models. Here you can find out what to look out for when changing.

PEmicro offers a trade-in program for older Cyclones. If you have a Cyclone MAX or Cyclone PRO, you can exchange it for a discount for our current generation of Cyclone programmers. Please see our Cyclone Trade-In Program page for more information.

 
1.) Hardware, configuration and programming images

Programming images that work with the current Cyclone PRO and Cyclone MAX programmers are directly supported by the Universal Programmers. Old images may need to be run through a command line converter utility before loading them onto the Universal Programmers.
- The Universal Programmers support the same power modes, although the exact jumper configuration may be different (we provide a table to convert the PRO / MAX jumper settings to Universal Jumper settings).
- The same debug connectors are available, but they are marked differently.
- The Compact Flash connector has been replaced by an SD card connector.
- The AUX button is now a virtual button on the Universal touchscreen.

2.) Automated control software

- Old versions of the Automated Control SDK DLL may need to be updated to the latest version to support the Cyclone Universal Programmers. The latest version supports the same API as previous versions. Therefore the DLL should be a replacement for older versions. (The latest SDK also supports a newer, more powerful API for newer developments).
- The executable command line file "sap_launch" has been replaced by the executable command line file "CycloneControlConsole.exe". The new utility is a more powerful version of the previous launch utility, and the command line options are simple but different.

3.) Debug Software Integration (Codewarrior, KDS, etc.)

- There is a lot of debug software that the Cyclone can use as a debug test for debugging. New versions of most debuggers support the Universal Programmers equivalent as PRO and MAX.

Compatibility of programming images and conversions

Images created with newer versions of the Cyclone PRO / MAX software can run on the Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX programmers without modification. Newer versions of the Image Creation Utility settings and scripts are used to generate a programming image within the image itself. The settings used to create an image can therefore be re-imported into the Image Creation Utility, for example, if the user wants to see what power settings are used in an image. Also, a programming image can be regenerated if the user has all the necessary data files.
Programming images created with older versions of the Cyclone PRO / MAX software may need to be converted to a new format version to work with the Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX programmers. The conversion is required to update the image to a more secure CRC version.

Caution: The Cyclone Image Management Utility is obsolete and has been replaced by the Image Control User Interface.

If the SAP image is generated with older versions of the Cyclone PRO / MAX software, the Cyclone Image Management Utility displays the following message:

The Cyclone Control GUI displays the following message:

In the software folder Cyclone LC & Cyclone FX there is a command line program called SAP_CONVERT_CONSOLE.EXE that converts old SAP images into a new format. The data in an image is safe during the conversion. In the Windows address bar, enter cmd to call a command prompt with the current working directory defined in the Cyclone LC or Cyclone FX folder.

Enter sap_convert_console.exe "path_to_old_sap_file.sap" "name_of_new_sap_file.sap" to perform the conversion.
The dialog box will display "Success" if the conversion process was completed without errors. Note: Programming images stored on CompactFlash cards cannot be retrieved directly and transferred to SDHC cards. The user must save them in the Cyclone control GUI or console using the original SAP images.

Debug port assignments, jumper settings

The cyclone port that a user would access when using a particular device may have a different name for the next generation cyclones. For example, someone using ColdFire V2 / 3/4 devices would have used port C on the Cyclone MAX, but on the next generation Cyclones they would use port D.

Below is an assignment of the ports on the older cyclones to ports on the next generation cyclones.

The table below lists the new settings for each new power management type.

Instructions for configuring the additional key function

Like the Cyclone PRO and Cyclone MAX, the Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX can be configured to assign various functions to the AUX key, such as power switching, starting a scan, and other functions. The AUX key has been moved to the screen of the new Cyclones.

Press Menu -> Configure Cyclone -> Configure AUX button.

Touch the function you want to assign to the AUX button.

The AUX button is displayed on the HOME screen next to the MENU button.

External Memory Card (SD) memory

The Cyclone Pro and Cyclone Max have a CompactFlash expansion slot. When activated, CompactFlash cards can be used to store additional SAP images. The new Cyclone LC and Cyclone FX programmers have an SDHC port instead of a CompactFlash port. Similar to Compact Flash, a license is required to unlock the SDHC on the Cyclone LC, while this license is included in the Cyclone FX.

Note: Programming images stored on CompactFlash cards cannot be directly received and transferred to SDHC cards. The user must store them in the Cyclone Control GUI or Console using the original SAP images.

Conclusion

PE Micro's goal in developing new models was to make them as compatible as possible with older Cyclone models such as Cyclone PRO or Cyclone Max.

If you need further advice or information, please contact us by phone or e-mail. We are happy to advise you!