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This document provides instructions for updating system firmware on Force Computers Flexor A264 and Flexor A164 Single Board Computers (SBCs), published in March 2002. It details how to update both AlphaBIOS firmware (for Windows NT) and SRM Console firmware (for Tru64 UNIX and OpenVMS operating systems).

Key information includes:

• Firmware Utility: The "Flexor A264 and Flexor A164 SBC Update Utility" is used to update firmware stored on FlashROM, supporting both AlphaBIOS and SRM Consoles.
• FlashROM Differences: The Flexor A164 SBC has a single FlashROM, meaning an update for one firmware type (AlphaBIOS or SRM) will overwrite the other. The Flexor A264, however, has an 8Mb FlashROM that can store both firmware types concurrently.

• Current Revisions (V6.2 Update):

  • Flexor A264: SRM Firmware V5.7-12, AlphaBIOS V5.70b.
  • Flexor A164: SRM Firmware V5.7-11, AlphaBIOS V5.70.
  • A significant change for both SBCs in this release is the added support for the Intel 21152 PCI to PCI bridge chip.

• Update Procedures:

  • General: Users are advised to always update system firmware before installing a new operating system.
  • Tru64 UNIX/OpenVMS: Involves powering on the system, identifying the CD-ROM device via show device, loading the update CD, setting the auto_action environment variable to HALT, booting from the CD, and then using the update -srm or update -abios commands. A power cycle is required after the update.
  • Windows NT: Requires shutting down, power cycling, accessing the AlphaBIOS Setup Menu (usually by pressing F2), and selecting the "Upgrade AlphaBIOS" option to start the utility.

• Historical Information: An appendix provides extensive historical release notes, detailing changes and updates from previous firmware versions (V6.1 down to V5.3) for the Flexor A264, A164, and the SMARTengine/Alpha 21064A PCI/ISA SBC.