Scalextric Sport Digital Console

Firmware Updates for C7042

Before you can upgrade your powerbase, you need to download and install the firmware update tool (v1.4) from here.

The firmware update tool is a Microsoft Windows application that requires a minimum of .net v3.5 installed on your machine. If you are using SSDC, then you will already have this installed.

Next, connect your powerbase to your PC with your serial/USB cable and start the firmware update tool.

Select COM Port (the same one that you use for SSDC)
Select Hex File and browse to the firmware file that you have just downloaded
Turn on Powerbase with the top button pressed (shown in the photo below). This makes it ready to accept a new firmware
Press Program (you have plenty of time, about 15 seconds or so)

Starting the powerbase in upgrade mode

If all is ok you will see status information scrolling in the bottom window, and the LEDs on the powerbase will cycle up and down. The status will then stop scrolling and show "Done".

Unplug the power from the powerbase, and then plug the power in again. If you connect the powerbase display you will see the new build number on the display at startup.

Troubleshooting

There are known issues when using certain powerbase to USB cables. Should the firmware tool report an error there is no need to worry. Your powerbase will still have the original firmware loaded. If your powerbase to USB cable is made of two parts (i.e. powerbase to serial + serial to USB), you should be able to separate the two cable parts and then connect the serial connector to a PC serial port. This approach is likely to be more successful.

Download the firmware

Now that you have read the instructions, here are the firmware files:

v0.85	Download	The latest official version of the C7042 powerbase firmware from Hornby, which resolves problems caused by certain lighting conditions.
v1.04	Download	Defects fixed: Fixes lap counting and timing issues experienced with the v0.85 New Features: Provides a new menu option (Platform->Beep) which allows you to turn the powerbase crossing beep on and off Extends power settings for cars to include 17%, 20%, 25% and 33% Enables the switching to analog mode when the display is not connected (hold left+up+right buttons and press Start 5 times) Allows analog cars to run in different directions for each lane Enables menu options that allow handset lane change button to toggle or temporarily reverse analog car direction Enables use of SNC protocol within analog mode to allow both reporting of lap times and computer control of cars Changes the analog menu option "GEAr" to "dir'n"
v1.05	Withdrawn	This version has a defect which means that laps are not always counted correctly New Features: Support for AUX packet format used by InCar-Pro chip for light control Lap timing only uses the ID sensor when in digital mode
v1.06	Download	Defects fixed: Fixes lap counting issue experienced with v1.05
v1.07	Download	Defects fixed: Analog lane change preferences loaded on system boot Beep mode preferences saved in EEPROM Analog direction menus improved New Features: Support for Car ID and digital/analog mode switch commands in SNC protocol
v1.08	Withdrawn	This version has a defect which means that the lap tower does not display menus correctly Defects fixed: Lap timing problem with standard chips caused by AUX data Numerous performance improvements New Features: AUX transmission is switchable in SNC protocol Serial transmission uses DMA to free processor
v1.09	Download	Defects fixed: Lap timing problem with standard chips caused by AUX data Lap timing more consistent for faster cars and cars using ID6 New Features: AUX transmission is switchable in SNC protocol

Final Note: No Warranty

This firmware and firmware loading utility ("SOFTWARE") is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but without any warranty. It is provided "as-is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the SOFTWARE is with you. Should the SOFTWARE prove defective, you assume the cost of all necessary servicing, repair or correction.

In no event, unless required by applicable law, will the author be liable to you for damages, including any general, special, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the SOFTWARE (including but not limited to loss of data, data being rendered inaccurate, equipment failure or losses sustained by you or third parties or a failure of the SOFTWARE to operate with any other programs), even if the author has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Downloading the SOFTWARE implies an unconditional acceptance of these terms by you.