EQUALINK    

 

Equalink Support

This software requires an Equalizer board to function!

 
NOTICE! DISTRIBUTION OR HOSTING OF ANY SOFTWARE
CONTAINED ON THIS SITE IS A COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT!

You are welcome to link to these files, but please do not host them.  We make periodic improvements
to our software and firmware.  Only the very latest versions should be available to our customers.

 

2nd Generation Equalink software is now in beta testing!

 

 

Overview

The Equalink cable must be plugged into the RS232 port.  This is also known as the serial port.  The Equalink uses a DB9 serial connector.  Some computers may have a DB25 serial port, in which case a DB25 to DB9 adapter must be used.  If your computer does not have a serial port at all, you will need to use a USB to serial converter cable.  These are readily available, with an average cost of about $15.  Plug the Equalink into your computer, using the proper adapter if necessary.

The Equalink software must be first installed on your computer.  Installation instructions are below.

Before the Equalizer board in your marker can communicate with the Equalink, it must first be told to look for the cable.  To do this, you will need to put the marker into "computer programming mode".  This must be done every time you connect the Equalink cable to the Equalizer board in your marker.  Instructions for doing that are below. 

 

 

Installing the Equalink software

Each marker currently has its own Equalink software.  When v2.0 of the Equalink software is released, a single software package will handle all Equalizer boards.

The Equalink software requires Windows 98 or later.  To install the Equalink software, download the appropriate software installer below and run the installer by double-clicking on its icon.  Hint: hold the SHIFT key while clicking the link or using the right mouse button when clicking the link and save the file to your desktop so that it is easy to find.

Follow the installer instructions to install the software on your computer.  Once it has been installed, you can delete the downloaded file.  Double-click on the Equalink icon to start the Equalink software.  NOTE:  If you receive a Windows error message about a missing or non-registered DLL "MSSTDFMT.DLL", then go to our help page by clicking here.

If you receive a Windows error message: Component 'MSCOMM32.OCX' or one of its dependencies not correctly registered: a file is missing or invalid, then you are missing the Visual Basic 6.0 SP5 Runtime support software.  This software is required for serial communications with the Equalink (and anything else that uses serial).  Click here to download the necessary installer.  Once downloaded, double-click on the file to start the installation process.  After installing, you may have to restart your computer.

 

 

Putting your Equalizer board in computer programming mode

To put your Equalizer board in computer programming mode, first make sure the marker is switched off. Now, pull and hold the trigger while turning on the marker. The LED will light up.  Do NOT release the trigger until the LED turns off. Once the LED turns off, the Equalizer board is now in computer programming (Equalink) mode. You can now start the Equalink software or click on "Find Equalizer" to locate the Equalizer board. When the Equalizer has connected to the computer, the LED on your marker will switch from off to GREEN.

While updating either the EEPROM or PROGRAM MEMORY, the LED on your marker will blink as data is communicated back and forth between the Equalizer and your computer.

The Equalink software requires a valid COM port. COM ports 1 through 4 are supported. USB <> RS232 serial converters will work fine with the Equalink if your computer does not already have a DB9 type of serial interface.

 

Updating the firmware

To update your board's firmware, put the Equalizer in computer programming mode (explained above). Once the Equalizer board is found by the Equalink software, you will be able to click on Update Software. Clicking on this button will bring up a file requestor window. Each marker has its own folder, so open the folder for your marker type by clicking on it.  Now, select the update file and click the OPEN button. If the firmware upgrade matches your marker type, you will see a new window appear and the firmware will be updated. DO NOT DISTURB the update process! 

 

 

Intimidator

NOTE: Equalizer boards for the Intimidator that are v2.0 or earlier MUST be returned to Wicked Air Sportz for a free hardware upgrade. These boards will NOT work with the Equalink due to defective microprocessors!

Intimidator Equalink software - setup2.exe (Contents include v1.1/v2.7 software below)

This is the current interim Equalink software for the Intimidator. This software allows upgrading as well as altering EEPROM settings for the various functions.

After downloading the setup2.exe, run the application and follow the on-screen instructions. Once you have installed all of the Equalink software, the actual "equalink.exe" file may generate an error. If so, it is likely due to the fact that you are missing part of Microsoft's Visual Basic service packs. You can download that by clicking here. Install the service packs only if an error occurs.

Current Equalink software: v1.1 - click here. *REQUIRED* FOR FIRMWARE V2.1 and later!

Current Firmware version: 2.8 (click here to download)

Beta Firmware version: n/a

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ALL NEW NPPL/PSP/NXL FIRING MODE UPDATE

 V2.9 BOOTLOADER UPDATE - PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU KILL YOUR BOARD!

Please note that this upgrade DOES NOT support LCD or menu buttons.  You will have to make changes to the settings using the trigger programming (which is universal for all Equalizer boards).  When you turn on your Equalizer board with v2.9b, you WILL see black blocks across the LCD display.  This is NORMAL!

V2.9b of the firmware requires a bootloader upgrade.  When v2.0 of the Equalink software is released, one final bootloader upgrade (for all markers) will be required to add LiveFire(tm) support.

Download the latest file - click here.   This is a ZIP archive that must be decompressed to your EQUALINK folder.  The contents of the archive are:

Equalink.exe - v1.9 of the Equalink software (NEW AS OF 08/08/05)
Boot_v29.eqd - latest bootloader update for the Intimidator
Intimidator_v29b.eqd - latest firmware for the Intimidator (NEW AS OF 08/08/05 - fixes problem with marker ID being PIMP)

You MUST use the latest version of the Equalink software (v1.8) contained in this archive!

The file "Boot_v29.eqd" must be sent to the marker WITHOUT ANY INTERRUPTION! If there is an interruption you will be sending your board back to us for replacement!

STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR UPGRADING TO V2.9b FIRMWARE:

Unarc the "intimidator29b.zip" file to a location where you can find the individual files.  It recommended that you place the file EQUALINK.EXE in the EQUALINK folder, and the files BOOT_V29.EQD and INTIMIDATOR_V29b.EQD in the EQUALINK/INTIMIDATOR folder.  You can place these files on your desktop if you wish.

  1. With the marker turned off, plug the Equalink connector into the Equalizer's Equalink port.

  2. Put the Equalizer board into computer programming mode by pulling and HOLDING the trigger while switching on the power.  DO NOT RELEASE THE TRIGGER UNTIL THE LED TURNS OFF!

  3. Run the EQUALINK.EXE program by double-clicking on its icon.  The Equalizer board should automatically be found and the current firmware information displayed.  If this does not occur, check your connections!  NOTE: If you receive a message about the EEPROM being corrupted, ignore it... this will not cause any problems with the firmware update!

  4. Click on the UPDATE FIRMWARE button.  A file requestor will appear.  Select the file "Boot_V29.eqd" and click the requestor's OPEN button.

  5. A dialog box will appear and show the progress as the firmware is being updated.  DO NOT disturb this process or you will have to return your board to us for a complete reprogram.

  6. When the firmware has been uploaded, the dialog box will disappear.

  7. Turn off your marker, but do not disconnect the Equalink.

  8. Wait 5 seconds.

  9. Pull and HOLD the trigger while switching on the power.  DO NOT RELEASE THE TRIGGER UNTIL THE LED TURNS OFF!

  10. The bootloader code has now been upgraded, and we are ready to upgrade the firmware.

  11. Click on the UPDATE FIRMWARE button.  A file requestor will appear.  Select the file "Intimidator_V29b.eqd" and click the requestor's OPEN button.  IF YOU RECEIVE AN ERROR MESSAGE STATING THAT THE UPDATE IS NOT FOR THIS TYPE OF MARKER, GO TO THE PULL DOWN MENU AND SELECT (MAKE CHECKED) THE OPTION "IGNORE MARKER ID" AND REPEAT STEP 11.

  12. A dialog box will appear and show the progress as the firmware is being updated.  DO NOT disturb this process.  If you do, simply restart at step #7.

  13. When the firmware has been uploaded, the dialog box will disappear.

  14. Click on the RESET TO DEFAULTS button.  The EEPROM has now been reset to the defaults necessary for the new firmware.

  15. Click on the UPLOAD SETTINGS button.  This transfers the EEPROM settings and saves them.

  16. Turn off your marker, and disconnect the Equalink.

NOTE: After updating the firmware, you must RESET the EEPROM or unpredictable results will occur!  This can be done as stated above, or by using the trigger programming RESET feature.

Download the usage manual for the PMI Pimp by clicking here.  The features and usage are the same for the Intimidator version.

 

 

Viking/Excalibur

Viking/Excalibur Equalink software - setup1.exe (Contents include v1.4 Equalink/v1.4 firmware)

This is the current finalized Equalink software. This software allows upgrading as well as altering EEPROM settings for the various functions.

After downloading the setup1.exe, run the application and follow the on-screen instructions. Once you have installed all of the Equalink software, the actual "equalink.exe" file may generate an error. If so, it is likely due to the fact that you are missing part of Microsoft's Visual Basic service packs. You can download that by clicking here. Install the service packs only if an error occurs.

If you have already downloaded the setup1.exe and installed all of the Equalink software, you can download newer updates by clicking on the links below:

Current Equalink software: v1.4 - click here. *REQUIRED* FOR FIRMWARE V1.3 and later!

Current Bootloader version: v1.3 - click here.

Current Firmware version: v1.6 - click here. Adds 4ms extended dwell pulse for the first shot (only) to fix AKA's pneumatic FSDO problem with both the Viking and Excalibur.  No other changes from v1.5 were made.
 

 V1.3 BOOTLOADER UPDATE - PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU KILL YOUR BOARD!

If you already have v1.3 or later of the Equalizer firmware, DO NOT install the bootloader update!

V1.3 and later of the firmware upgrade requires that the boot loader code be altered. This is the code located at the top of program memory that handles the upgrades. Normally, this code will never change as it is a "fail safe" setup in case you were to accidentally turn off the marker in the middle of an upgrade. The file "Boot_v13.eqd" (inside of the "akaboot13.zip" archive) needs to be sent to the marker WITHOUT ANY INTERRUPTION! If there is an interruption you will be sending your board back to us for replacement!

Install the Boot_v13.eqd upgrade just like you would any other upgrade. Once you have updated the Equalizer with the Boot_v20.eqd file, turn off the marker and wait 5 seconds.  Now, pull and hold the trigger and turn the marker on WITHOUT releasing the trigger (this puts it back in computer programming mode).  Wait until the LED turns off.   Now, you can update the board using the latest firmware shown above.

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ALL NEW NPPL/PSP/NXL FIRING MODE UPDATE FOR VIKING ONLY!

 V2.0 BOOTLOADER UPDATE - PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU KILL YOUR BOARD!

V2.0 of the firmware requires a bootloader upgrade.  When v2.0 of the Equalink software is released, one final bootloader upgrade (for all markers) will be required to add LiveFire(tm) support.

Download the latest file - click here.   This is a ZIP archive that must be decompressed to your EQUALINK folder.  The contents of the archive are:

Equalink.exe - v1.8 of the Equalink software
Boot_v20.eqd - latest bootloader update for the Viking
Viking_v20.eqd - latest firmware for the Viking

You MUST use the latest version of the Equalink software (v1.8) contained in this archive!

The file "Boot_v20.eqd" must be sent to the marker WITHOUT ANY INTERRUPTION! If there is an interruption you will be sending your board back to us for replacement!  This bootloader is for the VIKING only.  It is NOT compatible at all with the Excalibur.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR UPGRADING TO V2.0 FIRMWARE:

Unarc the "viking20.zip" file to a location where you can find the individual files.  It recommended that you place the file EQUALINK.EXE in the EQUALINK folder, and the files BOOT_V20.EQD and VIKING_V20.EQD in the EQUALINK/AKA folder.  You can place these files on your desktop if you wish.

  1. With the marker turned off, plug the Equalink connector into the Equalizer's Equalink port.

  2. Put the Equalizer board into computer programming mode by pulling and HOLDING the trigger while switching on the power.  DO NOT RELEASE THE TRIGGER UNTIL THE LED TURNS OFF!

  3. Run the EQUALINK.EXE program by double-clicking on its icon.  The Equalizer board should automatically be found and the current firmware information displayed.  If this does not occur, check your connections!

  4. Click on the UPDATE FIRMWARE button.  A file requestor will appear.  Select the file "Boot_V20.eqd" and click the requestor's OPEN button.

  5. A dialog box will appear and show the progress as the firmware is being updated.  DO NOT disturb this process or you will have to return your board to us for a complete reprogram.

  6. When the firmware has been upgraded, the dialog box will disappear.

  7. Turn off your marker, but do not disconnect the Equalink.

  8. Wait 5 seconds.

  9. Pull and HOLD the trigger while switching on the power.  DO NOT RELEASE THE TRIGGER UNTIL THE LED TURNS OFF!

  10. The bootloader code has now been upgraded, and we are ready to upgrade the firmware.

  11. Click on the UPDATE FIRMWARE button.  A file requestor will appear.  Select the file "Viking_V20.eqd" and click the requestor's OPEN button.

  12. A dialog box will appear and show the progress as the firmware is being updated.  DO NOT disturb this process.  If you do, simply restart at step #7.

  13. When the firmware has been upgraded, the dialog box will disappear.

  14. Click on the RESET TO DEFAULTS button.  The EEPROM has now been reset to the defaults necessary for the new firmware.

  15. Click on the UPLOAD SETTINGS button.  This transfers the EEPROM settings and saves them.

  16. Turn off your marker, and disconnect the Equalink.

NOTE: After updating the firmware, you must RESET the EEPROM or unpredictable results will occur!  This can be done as stated above, or by using the trigger programming RESET feature.

Download the usage manual for the PMI Pimp by clicking here.  The features and usage are the same for the Viking version.

 

 

Impulse

Impulse Equalink software - setup3.exe
 

This is the current interim Equalink software for the Impulse. This software allows upgrading as well as altering EEPROM settings for the various functions.

After downloading the setup3.exe, run the application and follow the on-screen instructions. Once you have installed all of the Equalink software, the actual "equalink.exe" file may generate an error. If so, it is likely due to the fact that you are missing part of Microsoft's Visual Basic service packs. You can download that by clicking here. Install the service packs only if an error occurs.

Note: After using the Equalink, you must disconnect the 9 volt battery to turn off the marker.

Required Equalink software: v1.7 - click here (included with setup3.exe)

Current Firmware version: 2.4 - click here (included with setup3.exe)

Firmware features: selectable semi-auto, PSP ramping, and NXL full auto

 

 

PMI Pimp Kit

PMI Pimp Kit Equalink software - setup3.exe

This is the current interim Equalink software for the PMI Pimp Kit. This software allows upgrading as well as altering EEPROM settings for the various functions.

After downloading the setup3.exe, run the application and follow the on-screen instructions. Once you have installed all of the Equalink software, the actual "equalink.exe" file may generate an error. If so, it is likely due to the fact that you are missing part of Microsoft's Visual Basic service packs. You can download that by clicking here. Install the service packs only if an error occurs.

Required Equalink software: v1.7 - click here (included with setup3.exe)

Current Firmware version: 1.2 (included with setup3.exe)

Firmware features: selectable semi-auto, PSP ramping, and NXL full auto

 

 

System-X NME

System-X NME Equalink software - setup3.exe

This is the current interim Equalink software for the System-X NME. This software allows upgrading as well as altering EEPROM settings for the various functions.

After downloading the setup3.exe, run the application and follow the on-screen instructions. Once you have installed all of the Equalink software, the actual "equalink.exe" file may generate an error. If so, it is likely due to the fact that you are missing part of Microsoft's Visual Basic service packs. You can download that by clicking here. Install the service packs only if an error occurs.

Note: After using the Equalink, you must disconnect the 9 volt battery to turn off the marker.

Required Equalink software: v1.7 - click here (included with setup3.exe)

Current Firmware version: 2.0 (included with setup3.exe)

Firmware features: selectable semi-auto, PSP ramping, and NXL full auto

 

 

AlienPB Interceptor

Alien Paintball Interceptor Equalink software - setup3.exe

This is the current interim Equalink software for the AlienPB Interceptor. This software allows upgrading as well as altering EEPROM settings for the various functions.

After downloading the setup3.exe, run the application and follow the on-screen instructions. Once you have installed all of the Equalink software, the actual "equalink.exe" file may generate an error. If so, it is likely due to the fact that you are missing part of Microsoft's Visual Basic service packs. You can download that by clicking here. Install the service packs only if an error occurs.

Note: After using the Equalink, you must disconnect the 9 volt battery to turn off the marker.

Required Equalink software: v1.7 - click here (included with setup3.exe)

Current Firmware version: 2.0 (included with setup3.exe)

Firmware features: selectable semi-auto, PSP ramping, and NXL full auto