How-to update TEC Controller Firmware

General Information

Basically, it is important to know: Meerstetter Engineering offers two different types of software for TEC Controllers:

  • The TEC Configuration Software for TEC Controllers with firmware version ≥ 6.00 (default)
  • The TEC Service Software for TEC Controllers with firmware version ≤ 5.10 (legacy)
The general terms for the two software are ‘Meerstetter TEC Controller software’ or ‘TEC Controller software’.

With the free of charge Meerstetter TEC Controller software, Meerstetter Engineering provides a corresponding firmware version. This article explains how to update the firmware on the TEC Controller using the software.

TEC Controller Firmware Version Compatibility

TEC Controller software and the TEC Controller firmware are strongly related. Only when a TEC Controller software and a TEC Controller firmware with a matching version number are used the full functionality can be guaranteed.
However, it is usually possible to connect to an old TEC Controller firmware with a new TEC Controller software version and vice versa. Functionality will be limited, but firmware updates are possible.

Matching Version Numbers

All our publicized software have a version number similar to this: "vX.YZ". It is important that at least X and Y is matching with the firmware of the TEC Controller. Z may be different. For example:

TEC Controller Software Version Compatible Firmware Versions
3.11 3.10 - 3.19
5.00 5.00 - 5.09
5.01 5.00 - 5.09

Your Matching Firmware Update Process

Based on the two software strains and with the limitations mentioned above, we offer the following firmware update instructions:

Firmware Update Instruction TEC Configuration Software (FW ≥ v6.00)

Download the latest firmware (contained in the MSI software package) from our website and update Meerstetter TEC Controllers using the TEC Configuration Software following these steps:

  • Install the software package on your PC.
  • Read the TEC Controller Software Release Notes to learn about the firmware changes and any important notices.
  • Backup the current configuration. This is important because the current configuration may get lost during the update process.
  • In the main window click on "Device" -> "Firmware Update" located in the menu bar.
  • Click on "Select *.hex File" and choose the new .hex file.
  • Click on "Start Update Firmware".
  • The TEC Controller will reboot once the update has completed.
  • You can check the firmware version in the "System" window.
  • If necessary, re-import the previously exported configuration file by using the import function (Menue "File")
  • Fill in any missing parameter values into new parameter fields (if applicable).
  • Check whether all parameter settings still match your expectations. Consult the TEC Software Release Notes as well as the TEC Controller Communication Protocol documents to learn what parameters have been changed.

Upgrade Firmware From A Version Below 6.00

With the release of firmware v6.00 the default software to configure our TEC Controllers from a Microsoft Windows operating system was switched from the previous TEC Service Software to the new TEC Configuration Software. This breaking change also means that to upgrade from a firmware version below v6.00 to a version equal to or higher than v6.00 it is necessary to pay attention to a few key points depending on the current firmware version running on the TEC Controller. Please read the respective conditions in the table below.

Attention: Downgrading the firmware from v6.00 to an older version is only possible with the assistance of a Meerstetter Engineering employee!

Current Firmware Version Upgrade Conditions
Lower than v5.00 Direct upgrade is not possible, the device needs to be sent to Meerstetter Engineering for the upgrade. Please contact us if you would like to upgrade your device.
Equal to v5.00
or v5.01		 First update to firmware v5.10 by following the steps of the Firmware Update Instruction TEC Service Software.
Afterwards, follow the upgrade steps below to upgrade the firmware from v5.10 to v6.00.
Equal to v5.10 Upgrade the firmware to v6.0x with the TEC Configuration Software v6.0x by following the steps in the Firmware Update Instructions TEC Configuration Software.

Firmware Update Instructions TEC Service Software (FW ≤ v5.10)

Please follow the following steps to update the firmware of a TEC Controller with the TEC Service Software (FW ≤ v5.10):

  • Download the needed software package from our Download-Section and install it on your PC.
  • Read the TEC Controller Software Release Notes to learn about the firmware changes and any important notices.
  • Backup the current configuration. This is important because it is possible (although unlikely) that the current configuration will be lost during the update.
  • In the tab "Maintenance" of the TEC Service Software locate the "Device Boot Loader" section.
  • If the .msi installation package has been used, the correct firmware .hex file should already be selected. Otherwise, click on the "Browse" button and choose the new .hex file.
  • Click on the "Update" button to start the update process.
  • The TEC Controller will reboot once the update has completed.
  • You can check the firmware version in the tab "Monitor".
  • If necessary, re-import the previously exported configuration .ini file.
  • Fill in any missing parameter values into new parameter fields (if required).

Troubleshooting

Firmware Update Error: Unspecified Error (Flags: 0x8)

Problem Description

Most often this error will appear when the user tries to update their TEC Controller with a firmware that uses the new encryption mechanism, which was introduced with version 5.00. This happens because the TEC Controller does not have a required cryptographic key installed to be able to install the firmware. For example, any update attempt from a firmware version below 5.00 to a version equal or higher to 5.00 will result in this error being thrown by the TEC Service Software during the firmware update attempt.

Solution

  • To be able to install the latest firmware version on the device, a cryptographic key needs to be first installed on the device itself. This can only be done by Meerstetter Engineering in-house.
    You can choose to send your device back to Meerstetter Engineering to perform the installation of the key and the update of the controller.
    To send your device back to Meerstetter Engineering, please contact the Meerstetter Engineering support team directly via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., to receive the necessary RMA information for your return.
  • If you do not require your device to be on the latest firmware version, you can download an older version of the TEC Service Software that is still compatible with the firmware version your device is currently on from the Customer Center > Downloads > Software > Archived Software > TEC-Family Software Packages section on our website.
    Please contact us if you require an older version of the TEC Service Software that is not available on our website.
  • We can update your device remotely up to the latest version of the firmware before the new encryption was introduced, which is v4.20. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to distribute the firmware files for any firmware older than v5.00, which is why we need to perform the update to an older firmware ourselves.
    If you want to arrange a time and date for such a remote update of your device(s), please contact the Meerstetter Engineering support team via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..