Author: Justin Emge
Following up on our last post about upgrading your Arcadia® Central Station, let's dive into something a bit more intricate: preparing your Clear-Com® Eclipse® Frame for the new FreeSpeak Icon™ beltpacks. While the FreeSpeak Icon brings fantastic features like speaker mode and Bluetooth, upgrading an Eclipse frame can be a more involved process due to its modular nature and the potential for various hardware and software configurations.
The Critical First Step: Your Eclipse Firmware Report
Unlike the Arcadia, where a simple firmware check might suffice, an Eclipse frame upgrade often depends heavily on its current configuration, the types of cards you have installed and what version they are on. To accurately assess what's needed, you'll first need to generate a Firmware Report from your Eclipse frame.
To do this, you'll need to connect to your Eclipse frame using the EHX software on a connected PC. Within the EHX software, there's an option to export a detailed report of all the hardware modules, their firmware versions, and the overall system configuration. This report is crucial for the next step. We have an easy to follow guide in our Solution Finder which walks you through the process to export the Firmware Report.
Introducing the EHX Analyzer Tool
Once you have your Firmware Report, the next step is to head over to the Clear-Com Solution Finder on our website: www.clearcom.com/ehxanalyzer. This dedicated webpage hosts the EHX Analyzer tool, which is specifically designed to interpret your firmware report.
Here's how it works: you'll upload your exported Firmware Report file to the EHX Analyzer. The tool will then process this information and provide tailored recommendations based on your unique Eclipse configuration.
Understanding Your Upgrade Recommendations
The EHX Analyzer tool simplifies the upgrade path by providing one of three clear recommendations:
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Self-Upgrade Recommended: If your Eclipse frame is on a relatively recent and compatible version, the tool might indicate that you can perform the firmware upgrade yourself. This usually involves purchasing the latest EHX software and firmware files and following a step-by-step process.
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Remote Support Recommended: For slightly more complex scenarios, or if specific module upgrades are needed, the tool might suggest remote support from a Clear-Com Applications Engineer. In this case, an engineer can be given remote access to your system, and they will handle the process.
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On-Site Support Recommended: In cases where your Eclipse frame is on a very old firmware version, has significant hardware changes required, or if the system is critical and complex, the tool will recommend on-site support. An Applications Engineer will travel to your location to personally oversee the upgrade, minimizing downtime and ensuring everything is configured correctly.
In the cases where you will have an Applications Engineer provide Remote or On-Site Support, a daily service charge will be added to your quote for consideration and is not a service that we provide for free.
Beyond Firmware: Other Considerations
Even with the correct firmware, remember these additional points from our previous post:
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1.9 GHz Transceivers: The FreeSpeak Icon operates in the 1.9 GHz band. If you don't already have compatible FreeSpeak II 1.9 GHz transceivers, either E1 or IP, you'll need to also purchase them to provide coverage for your new beltpacks.
Upgrading your Clear-Com Eclipse Frame for the FreeSpeak Icon is a structured process that begins with understanding your current system's health. By utilizing the Firmware Report and the EHX Analyzer tool, you'll receive clear guidance on the best path forward, ensuring a successful and seamless integration of your new wireless intercom.
We Are Here To Help!
Upgrading your system to accommodate the new FreeSpeak Icon beltpacks is a straightforward process. By checking and updating your firmware, ensuring you have the necessary port licenses, and confirming your transceiver compatibility and capacity, you'll be ready to get your new hardware up and running in no time. If you have ANY questions or concerns about this process, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Clear-Com representative! Visit www.clearcom.com for contact information, both for our Regional Sales Managers and our Technical Support team.