To update an MX, MBX, or TLX family instrument, you will need to update both the
instrument firmware and the LCD screen firmware (which runs on the screen). Both
of these updates must be done while the instrument is in "update mode."

First, install the instrument firmware:

1.  Turn the instrument off, if it is not already off. Connect it to your PC
    using a USB A/B cable. Turn the instrument on while holding down the standby
    button on the front panel, and continue to hold down the button for ten
    seconds. The standby button should start to glow, slowly fading back and
    forth between green and amber. This signals that the instrument is in update
    mode and is ready to receive software updates. The LCD screen should turn on
    and display the Thorlabs logo. See page 1 of the included file, "Updating
    the MX Family Firmware.pdf."

2.  Run the Thorlabs Firmware Update Utility. Follow the instructions on the
    screen to open the .srec file, which contains the application firmware, and
    install it. Make sure to follow all the on-screen instructions and finish by
    using the "Restart" button, or the firmware installation will not be
    completed. The instrument should restart and the standby button should
    display a steady amber color. See page 2 of the included file, "Updating the
    MX Family Firmware.pdf."

Next, install the LCD screen firmware:

1.  Turn the instrument off. Turn it back on again, again holding down the
    standby button for ten seconds. You should again see the standby button
    fading back and forth between green and amber, and the LCD screen should
    again display the Thorlabs logo. See pages 3-5 of the included file,
    "Updating the MX Family Firmware.pdf."

2.  Install the GEMProgrammer application on your computer by running the
    GEMProgrammer Installer program. This will install GEMProgrammer, which is
    used to update the LCD screen firmware.

3.  Run the GEMProgrammer application you have installed. It will take some time
    to start up.

4.  Choose the "Open..." command from the File menu and select the .pdb file,
    which contains the firmware for the LCD screen. GEMProgrammer should show
    some messages indicating that it is loading the file, and display a message
    indicating it is ready to program the flash.

5.  Use the "Program Flash" button in the lower right corner of the
    GEMProgrammer window to send the firmware to the LCD screen. This will take
    several minutes.

        NOTE: If the programming fails, it is probably because GEMProgrammer is
        not using the right COM port to communicate with the LCD screen.
        Select the "USB/RS232" command from the Settings menu. Select "USB" as
        the Comm Type. You should see a port show up in the list of ports. If
        you don't see a port, wait a moment and press the Refresh button. It may
        take a moment or two for your PC to install the driver for the LCD
        screen and show it as an available COM port. If it does not show up
        after a minute or so, double-check your USB cable connection, try
        repeating step 4, and look for the port again.

6.  When the LCD firmware update is complete, the screen will show a series of
    calibration targets. Use a soft object such as a pencil eraser to touch each
    of the targets. This calibrates the touch screen.

7.  You will need to turn the instrument off and on again one more time. The
    instrument should restart and the standby button should display a steady
    amber color. Press the standby button and the instrument should wake up and
    display its home page. On the home page, press the MENU button on the right
    side, then touch SYSTEM INFORMATION.

8.  Verify that the reported Firmware Revision and Interface Revision match the
    versions you just installed. On some units, the Bootloader Revision may show
    "N/A" (not available). This is because prior to bootloader version 1.6, the
    bootloader did not have the ability to report its version number to the
    firmware.

        NOTE: If you encounter difficulty, please contact Thorlabs Technical
        Support at 1-973-300-3000.