HomeGrid - Setting Up the USB Drive + Skybox For Firmware Update

This guide is designed for setting up a USB Drive to update HomeGrid's Stack'd Series via a Skybox (model HG-SB01) interface. The information and procedures contained in this guide may not apply to previous or future firmware releases. This guide will cover the following:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What Type of Drive is Needed
• Formatting the USB Drive
• Setting Up the USB Drive with the Correct Files
• Updating the Skybox with the USB Drive

Note: This currently can only be done using a Windows-based computer. 

What Type of Drive is Needed

1. To perform the update, you will need a flash drive that has the following specifications.
   • The flash drive must be 32GB or Less
   • The flash drive must be formatted to FAT32

Formatting the Drive

1. Insert the USB drive into a USB port on the Laptop.
   
   
2. Open the 'File Explorer' program.
   
   
   
3. Click on 'This PC' from the navigation bar on the left.
   1. Under the 'Devices and drives' section, right-click on the USB Drive and Select the 'Format' Option.
      
      
4. Use the 'File System' drop-down menu and select 'FAT32'
   1. Should 'FAT32' not be displayed, this USB drive will be incompatible and an alternative will need to be procured.
      
      
5. In the 'Allocation Unit Size' drop-down menu, use the default selection
6. In the 'Volume Label' field, confirm a drive name that will appear in the File Explorer. (i.e., 'HomeGrid USB Drive')
   
   
7. Under the 'Format options' section, select the 'Quick Format' option
8. Click the 'Start' Button
9. Click the 'OK' Button
10. Once formatting is complete, the USB Drive will be ready to load the firmware onto.

Setting Up the USB Drive with the Firmware Files

The latest firmware is available at homegridenergy.com/downloads, or via email by contacting HomeGrid Support.

1. Under ‘Support Center’, select ‘Latest Firmware’. 
   • Note: A Windows computer is required for all HomeGrid-related software and file management of firmware files. (Mac OS systems currently not supported) 
     
     
2. After downloading the ‘Latest Firmware’ folder, extract the folder to allow the contents to be accessible.
   1. Once the folder is opened, you will see two folders:
      
      
      
   2. Open the 'Stack'd Series' Folder, you will now see the 5 needed firmware files:
      
      
      
   3. Transfer all 5 of these files onto the blank USB Drive
      
      
   4. Confirm that the USB drive ONLY has these 5 .bin files on it and that the files are located at the root of the drive (they are not inside any folders)

Updating the Skybox with the USB Drive

1. Connect Power to the Skybox Interface
   1. Connect power to the Skybox interface using the 'Auxillary Power' port on the BMS Controller with the included power cable in your Skybox Kit. You may need to remove the cover on the 'Auxillary Power' port if inaccessible.
      • The port is labeled 'Hall Current' on older BMS versions (it is always the middle port)
      • Note: If the Skybox is already connected to an existing system, DISCONNECT the two data COM cables (RS232 & COM) to isolate the Skybox. Only leave the power cable (green connectors on each end) connected. 
        
         
        
2. Clear the Skybox Interface of Preexisting Firmware
   1. Clear the Skybox of any outdated or unknown preloaded firmware by pressing and holding the black button, labeled 'Button', for about 15 seconds. 
      • Older firmware should give off 1 beep during that time frame (occuring ~5 second into the hold)
      • Newer firmware should give off 2 beeps during that time frame (the first occuring ~5 seconds and the second occuring around ~10 seconds)
        
        
3. Insert USB Drive
   1. Once the Skybox has been cleared, insert the USB Drive that you prepared after following the instructions in the previous section
   2. You should hear a beep, followed by a blinking blue LED on the Skybox Interface
      • This process will continue for 2-3 minutes, do not interrupt
        
      • During this process you may notice the Skybox's Blue LED blink rapidly or temporarily stop blinking
        • This is normal and can be ignored
      • The firmware is uploaded to the Skybox when the light goes solid blue
        
        
4. Verify Firmware Uploaded to Skybox Interface Successfully
   1. The firmware does not always fully load on the first attempt. To verify this, remove the USB Drive and reinsert it
      • If the firmware uploaded successfully the first time, you will hear 3 beeps upon reinsertion, followed by a solid blue light
      • If a file was missed the first time, the blue light will begin blinking again
        
   2. Repeat this process until you hear the 3 beeps and see an immediate solid blue light
      
      
5. Remove the USB Drive
   
   
6. Remove Power to the Skybox Interface
   1. Disconnect Power to the Skybox Interface by detatching the power cable from the Skybox to the BMS

For assistance, contact HomeGrid Support at +1 725-373-5350 (Weekdays 6 AM - 4 PM PST) or email support@lithionbattery.com.