Hi, Does anyone know how to update the ublox modem Firmware of a Boron LTE?
Cheers
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Usually Particle would supply an NCP update binary to be flashed via CLI.
This way Particle can make sure the ublox firmware is compatible with the device OS.
Can this be circumvented by the AT commands?
Cellular.command(10000, “AT+UFWUPD=3\r\n”);
Followed by
Cellular.command(10000, “AT+UFWINSTALL\r\n”);
and run the risk it will work withe the OS?
I’d defer to @rickkas7 for that 
It’s theoretically possible to use AT+UFWUPD to do FOAT (firmware update over AT). You’d need a custom system firmware build that’s able to do Xmodem and lock out all other modem activities for the duration of the upload. The files are large, many megabytes, and I’m not sure you can download those images from the public u-blox web site. Since the update files are so large, you’ll probably want to store them on a SD card or similar.
Also AT+UFWINSTALL takes around 20 minutes to execute, so you’ll need a custom build that locks out all other activities so that doesn’t get interrupted.
In practice, we’ve never gotten FOAT to work, so I wouldn’t really recommend trying it. Doing updates over the u-blox USB interface usually works. That is easy if you’ve wired it up on the E series, much harder on the Boron. There are test pads on the bottom for it.
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Sounds like the u-blox USB interface is the go then. Do you mean test pads on the Boron board itself? I had a look at the pin outs and there is no mention what is what. Any chance of pointing me in the right direction to find them. I have 40 Borons that may need the modem updated… 
@rickkas7 @ScruffR it appears Particle is about 2 versions behind on the SARA-R410M-02B firmware version=L0.0.00.00.05.06 [Feb 03 2018 13:00:41] modem firmware. If I am unable to update the firmware myself, when do you think this firmware update will be process and updated by particle?. Here is the link to the u-blox document outlining the firmware and its long list of fixes - https://www.u-blox.com/sites/default/files/SARA-R410M-02B-01_PCN_(UBX-19024506).pdf
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Straight from ublox - https://www.u-blox.com/sites/default/files/SARA-R410M-02B-01_PCN_(UBX-19024506).pdf
@picsil Here is the second version of the Ublox modem firmware flasher (only for Boron LTE). You will need to mill the PCB.
Parts list as follows.
1 x 1 x 40 Pin 11mm Stackable Header Socket (or similar) LINK
1 x Pogo Pins Needle Head (10 pack) - P75-B1 LINK
1 x USB lead (4 wire)
You can download the PCB DXF file here - LINK (https://www.dropbox.com/s/2elbtvgxqn7ab34/Ublox%20Jig.v2_IN.dxf?dl=0)
It is very simple. Solder the header pins in place. Solder the Pogo pins in place. You may need to adjust the pogo pins to they are touching the pads correctly and then solder them.
You will need to have the Ublox Easyflash software and the latest SARA-R410M-02B-01 Firmware which is L0.0.00.00.05.08
I have not actually tested this version but it is based off my first version that worked well. This is just an easier one to make.
Hi everyone,
The latest firmware version (L0.0.00.00.05.08 / App version 02.04 [Mai 20 2019]) contains many improvements, such as new MNO profiles and many more. I wanted to try out the new features and therefore created my own firmware programmer for the Boron ublox SARA-R410M-02B modem.
The programmer can be built with either USB jack or USB cable, depending on which fits best your needs.
You can find the details of the build and programming process here https://github.com/ericbieri/particle-boron-ublox-fw-programmer
I’m also sharing the design on OSH-Park Boron-ublox-FW-Programmer
Feedback is always welcome!
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That looks great! I’m going to try this out. I just ordered a few boards from OSHPark and will grab some of the USB connectors on my next Mouser order. The one you used looks pretty good and I need to find a replacement for the ones I currently used.
off topic: Anyone want to buy a nearly full reel of crappy SMT micro USB connectors that slip and slide all over the place during reflow? I’ll make you a great deal on them. 
Design looks familiar…
Hi
hope you all are keeping well.
I have been searching all over the internet for a USB FW programmer for the SARA R4 module.glad to see you guys have been working on it already.
i had a question thou, i am busy with the SARA-R412M-02B module but i need to program the FW updates. using easy flash looks likes the quickest and easiest way.
can you tell me if this will work, can i directly connect to the VUSB_DET, USB_D+, USB_D- and GND to a USB cable and link it to my PC with the correct drivers installed, will that allow me to flash using easyflash over USB ?
also, can you advise me what is the best way to mount the module on pogo pins to perform the FW update ? i was thinking about finding a socket that could house the module then passing the pogo pins from under and then latching the module down against the pogo pins.
Regards
Ridi
Hi, That’s what the header sockets do. You just push the boron into the PCB, plug in a USB and you are good to go.
All the new Borons come with the new modem FW and I stopped flashing the ones I had as some would flash fine, others were hit and miss and a few got bricked. Also I have only done the R410 so I can not advice on the R412 but assume it would be the same.
Cheers
Ric
Hi,
thanks for getting back to me so quick. thing is i dont have the Boron, i just have the R412 modules themselves.
we developed a little tracking device and are busy with production of our tracking device but have learnt that the V09 FW has issues with enabling LTE Bands 28 which we need. so i am trying to process the V10 upgrade directly to the module before setting them down during our production line. unfortunately our PCB boards were not designed with the USB pins accessible so we are unable to program directly to the module. i am trying to setup a jig to program the modules themselves before they are soldered to our PCBs.
if we use the FOAT or FOTA methods they are very long winded and requires additional steps to flash the device. the EasyFlash utility seems to be the quickest and easiest method to program the modules.
So i have been searching for a jig that can enable us to attach the module and upgrade without soldering. then i can simply return them to the production line for processing.
here is a screenshot of the pinout on R412M, i marked up the USB Pin-outs for the R412M.
