1	Version history for V4 embossers
The version history for the firmware in the V4 embossers is from version 1.3.3. 
2	 Firmware upgrade
If your current version in the embosser is 1.1.x 
you need to have new SD cards from Index. The reason for this is that we have change the internal file system on the SD cards in version 1.2.1 and higher. See: Firmware upgrade via SD card
If your firmware is 1.2.x or higher you should follow the instruction on page: Firmware upgrade
3	 What’s new in firmware

3.1	What's new in 1.5.2
3.1.1	 Improved flashing procedure
Significantly improved stability of image flashing procedure. Flashing of image is now verified and reattempted (up to 10 times) in the case of failure(s). This will avoid most problems that have been experienced with regards to failed image flashings.
Progress reporting (via speech) during image flashing has been added. Embosser will now say how far flashing has proceeded. Speech feedback reporting progress, is provided for key presses and at regular intervals. The time interval between speech feedback can be set via the keyboard. 
3.1.2	Improved USB connection
Using the new Index Braille Windows driver 7, the USB connection now supports 2-way communication. It is now possible to query the printer via USB to find out current layout settings. E.g., Lines per page, characters per line, paper size, … . 
3.1.3	Deactivation of ink for Braille and Print
It is now possible to deactivate Ink entirely and only print braille pages with the Braille and Print. This mode can be set from the MENU and by use of a “command”-file. The ink module will remain parked, while ink is deactivated.
3.1.4	New keyboard adjustment functions
New keyboard functions for adjustment of "paper feed step length" and "distance from wall" have been added. Also, we have added a new printout (accessible from the keyboard) to aid with debug of difficult alignment problems. If you are an authorized service technician you can contact Index Support at support@indexbraille.com for a description of how these keyboard functions work.

3.1.5	Support for Millimeter A4 tractor paper for Basic-D
Basic-D now supports A4 tractor with millimeter dimensions (~210mm x ~297mm). The paper format is identified by the embosser as “A4-tractor 35-3”. The postfix “35-3” signifies that the hole pattern repeats itself every third page and that there are a total of 35 holes on these three pages. This convention allows for unambiguous handling of tractor millimeter paper, since it exactly determines the size of each paper.  
3.1.6	Miscellaneous updates
•	The Bottom offset for Braille Box is now by default set to 0.0.  
•	The Georgian braille table has been updated.

3.2 What's new in 1.5
3.2.1 New linux image
We have upgraded the linux kernel to version 3.2.43. This is to support 4 GB SD card. The start sequence for the new linux has been improved and we have added the possibility to activate a service mode before the SD card is mounted. During the startup of this new linux kernel we have added a tone signal to indicate a special position in the startup sequence. 
3.2.2 Service mode during startup of Linux
We have added the possibility to activate a service mode before the SD card is mounted. This service mode is for service technicians that support the embosser. If you are an authorized service technician you can contact Index Support at support@indexbraille.com for a description of this new service mode. 
3.2.2 Synthetic speech interface in Linux kernel
We have also added a synthetic speech interface to the Linux kernel and therefore the embosser can report error messages before the SD is mounted. This synthetic speech is in English and cannot be localized. 
3.2.3 Automatic restore of the SD card
If the SD card is crashed and not possible to mount the embosser will start a sequence for restoring the SD card from Index web-site. It is also possible to startup the embosser without any SD card. In this case the embosser will wait until a SD card is mounted to the Embosser. The embosser will then start to restore the SD card from Index Braille website. IMPORTANT NOTICE is that a network connection with DHCP and internet connection is required for this function to work.

3.3 What's new in 1.4
3.3.1 New user interface
We have improved the user interface in version 1.4. We have added information about settings for line per page and characters per line when changing settings that affect this values, for example 
3.3.2 Braille page number / Volume handling
We have added braille page number and volume handling
3.3.3 Synthetic speech
We have improved the user interface in version 1.4. We have added more information about settings for line per page 
3.3.4 New embossing principle
One of the main changes in 1.4.1 is how the embosser internally handles the embossing of dots. We have change the principle for embossing of dots from row orientated to be page orientated.

This change in principle makes it possible to add new advanced embossing features. It also improves the embossing of different Braille cell sizes in the Braille box, for example it is now possible to emboss Jumbo Braille 3.2 mm in Braille box.
3.4  What's new in 1.3
3.4.1 New user interface
We have improved the user interface in version 1.3. If you upgrade from 1.2.x you need to download and install a new speech interface for your locals. Follow the instructions: Local speech upgrade
3.4.2 Selecting braille layout
The V4 embossers have five different braille layout settings that can be easily changed.  From version 1.3.3 this selection is activated by pressing the UP or DOWN key. In previous versions the selection was made in the menu Braille settings 
3.4.3 Echo lines per page and characters per line
In version 1.3.6 we have added double key function for HELP + MENU. This key combination speech out lines per page and characters per line. These settings are of course for the selected layout. Which layout that is selected and the paper size in that layout is said if only the HELP key is pressed.  
3.4.4 Searching the reference point for embosser head
 In version 1.3.7 we have added functionality to use a sensor when searching for the reference point for the embosser head. There needs to be a modification on the embosser head for the Everest-D and a new sensor needs to be installed in Basic-D.
In the Braille box a small board needs to be installed to support this new functionality. 
3.4.5 Stand by position in Basic-D
From version 1.3.14 Basic-D have two stand by positions. Stand by position is where the embosser feeds the tear off paper edge after printing a document. The first stand-by position is out side the rollers on the back side. The second stand by position is used when the Basic-D is placed in the cabinet. The second stand by position is below the shelf inside the cabinet. Toggle between the two different stand by positions by pressing FEED+ON.

4	 Corrected bugs / new functions

4.1	Correct bugs in 1.5.2 from 1.5.1 (as of 1.5.2 build numbers are no longer used)
DESCRIPTION	
An initial fix for a problem that could cause embossers to halt and say “error 801” has been implemented.	
Fixed a problem that could cause “distance from wall”-settings to be lost.	
An initial fix for a problem that could cause very big print-outs to loose a Carriage return/line feed has been implemented.	
Fixed properties for paper size 11.5 x 11.0 for tray (Braille Box)	
Fixed the version used for the usb printer-driver (how it's parsed) and increased the length of the version field in the properties table.	

4.2	Correct bugs in 1.5.1 from 1.4.2
Build	DESCRIPTION	
66	Added support for reset from distributors directory .	
66	Added a moon font to the font directory.	
66	Added support to adjust the step distance for the embossing head.	
65	Changed load orientation from portrait to landscape for paper size 11.5x11 inches in Braille box.	
64	Fixed a problem in the menu for selection of paper size. If the current paper size didn’t exist in the listing of available papers the embosser “crashed”.	
63	Added possibility to adjust the alignment for ewach individual embossing head in Braille box.	
63	Corrected a problems with the Repeat and copy function if it was used after a reboot of the embosser.	

4.3	Correct bugs in 1.4.2 from 1.4.1
Build	DESCRIPTION	
57	Added a new graphics interface that is more easy to use than the image graphic mode. The new graphic mode is a kind of bitmap graphics where every dot position is defined by x- and y-position inside a graphics area. We have attached a description and an example file for this new graphic mode.	
57	Added two new duplex format for Basic-D. Single sided sideway Z-folding and Double sided Z-folding. 	
57	Fixed some issue with the image graphic and 2.0 mm graphics that was discovered for the software Tactile view graphics.	
57	For Basic-D the selection of  tear of position is moved from key combination FEED+ON to the menu system. In the  menu for System / Braille block position there is a new item for setting the tear off position. We have also added a new setting for turning off the  feed to any position. 	
57	Fixed a lot of issues for the Braille and print embosser for American Thermoform	
57	Improved the handling of ESC-D sequences	
57	Changed definition for paper size 11.5”x11”	
57	Fixed some issues for the internal production test on Index Braille	
58 / 59	Added ESC-C parameter CI ( Clean interval) and SI ( Service interval) for Braille and print	
60	Fix for missing step adjustment for BrailleBox. Was not moved when introducing floating page handling.
Added handling for "trailing lines" for BrailleBox. Print areas where not all printing heads need to be active for Braillebox are not printed either by master ( and possibly slave). Previously this was printed by slave2.
Added ESC-C for pfStepAdjustment. Default value ~0.0005. Max = 0.005 (5000), Min = -0.005 (-5000).	
61	Removed Duplex in the menu for Braille and print
Removed landscape option for paper size A4, A3 and Letter for Braille and Print	

4.4	Corrected bugs in 1.4.1

BUG	DESCRIPTION	
	Release 1.4.1 is a new major release with a lot of improvements and added functionality. 

The main changes are how the embosser internally handles the embossing of pages. We have change the principle for embossing from row orientated to be page orientated. 
 
We recommend upgrading to this version.

4.5	 New function in 1.3.14 

TYPE	DESCRIPTION	
New function 	Added support for two different stand by positions in Basic-D.	
4.6	 Corrected bugs / new functions in 1.3.13

TYPE	DESCRIPTION	
Bug-fix	In firmware version 1.3.12 we discovered a new problem with the alignment board and the firmware to the print processor. This problem was that the print processor never received correct signals from the alignment board when it was searching for the embosser head reference point. The search for the embosser head reference point never stopped because of a missing timeout. Fix for this problem is added and a new error can occur. Error number 401 – alignment board not working. 	

4.7	 Corrected bugs / new functions in 1.3.12

TYPE	DESCRIPTION	
Bug-fix	In firmware version 1.3.11 a new bug was discovered and it was only implemented in this version. After some time or when sending a file to the embosser the embosser echo Error 200. We have made a fix for this problem. Firmware 1.3.11 was only installed in a few Braille box 	
Bug-fix	The embosser is restarting when receiving a document. This problem occurs if the document ends with double form feed characters (0x1C). We have made a fix for this problem that will handle the double form feeds in the end. 	

4.8	 Corrected bugs / new functions in 1.3.11

TYPE	DESCRIPTION	
Bug-fix	It is still problem with alignment and to find the reference point for embossing heads in Braille box. The new sensor board is not working correct. In this version the software for listening on the sensor board is adjusted.	
New function	Added function for writing embosser information to the internal web site. 	
New function	Added new handling of ESC sequences sent from applications.  The function verify that the sequence include correct parameters. This new function also verify that dependencies between parameters are fulfilled. The dependency of ESC parameter in correct sequence is removed. Now the different parameters can be sent in random order. The function reads all parameters and then apply the  settings in correct order.	

4.9	 Corrected bugs / new functions in 1.3.10

TYPE	DESCRIPTION	
Bug-fix	Problem with printing position in Basic-D after pressing FEED when paper in   standby position.  
	
Bug-fix	Problem with alignment in Braille box. Improved the calculation method for alignment in Braille box. The problem with alignment is depending on the print speed. We have added support for draft mode or high quality mode that will adjust the speed for embossing.

4.10	 Corrected bugs / new functions in 1.3.9

TYPE	DESCRIPTION	
Bug-fix	If error 202 occurred it was NOT possible to do anything but turn off the embosser. This is now fixed and the user can press OK to terminate the error condition and the embosser returns to idle state.
	
Bug-fix	If a file sent from an application to the embosser was divided into two or more files with an end of text character ( 26 / 0x1A ) the embosser didn't handled it. This is now fixed.
	
Bug-fix	Sending parameter GD ( Graphic Dot distance) in the first ESC-D sequence was NOT working. This is now fixed.
	
Bug-fix	When embossing a graphic image the setting for binding margin was ignored. This is now fixed.
	
New function	Pressing HELP in the production test routine of the embosser now echo the firmware version in the embosser and the IP address received by DHCP.
	
New function	Added parameter PJ to ESC-C for turning ON (1) or OFF (0) the sensor for checking paper jam in Basic-D. 
IMPORTANT ! - The sensor should only be turned ON if the paper jam sensor is mounted in the embosser. 
	
Removed function	Removed function for parking embossing head when power off the embosser.
	
Removed function	Removed the confirmation step when selecting layout with UP or DOWN keys. When the user press OK the new layout is selected.
	
Bug-fix	There was a problem to have different user defined paper sizes for different layouts. It's now possible to have different user defined paper sizes in each layout. The settings for  the user defined paper size is remembered if change to a standard paper size and then back to the user defined paper size.   
	
Bug-fix	Problem with an extra 'D' character if an ESC-D sequence with the GD parameter was received in the formatting stream of a document.  This extra D was embossed  before the graphic image. This is now fixed.

4.11	 Correct bugs / new functions in 1.3.8
TYPE	DESCRIPTION	
Bug-fix	After a Out of paper error in Basic-D the printing is started without loading paper. This is fixed in this version.
	
Bug-fix	Sometimes when pressing and holding OFF the embosser doesn't goes down. This should be fixed in this version.
	
New function	Production test printing is restored to be character 'l' instead of 'p' for Basic-D and Everest-D.	

4.12	 Corrected bugs / new functions in 1.3.7
TYPE	DESCRIPTION	
Bug-fix	Improved paper jam handling for the braille box. If the paper is jammed on the paper arms a paper release will be performed before paper jam error will be raised. Press 10 to release paper arms or remove paper by hand. Press OK to continue with next sheet of paper.
	
New function	Added support for parameter R1 for the ESCC sequence. Used to change the setting for the paper release level in the Braille box.
	
New function	Added support for parameter DW – distance from wall. Possible to adjust the reference position for the embossing head with sending a file with parameter DW. Parameter DW supports multiple values for the braille box.	
4.13	 Corrected bugs in 1.3.6

TYPE	DESCRIPTION	
New function	Improved paper jam handling for the braille box. If the paper is jammed on the paper arms a paper jam error will be raised. Press 10 to release paper arms or remove paper by hand. Press OK to continue with next sheet of paper.
	
New function	Added two new paper sizes for Russian market. The Russian speech interface is also updated with sentences for these new paper sizes.
	
New function	Changed time for loading of paper in Braille box. The time it will try to get paper from the paper tray is now twice as long as for previous versions.
	
Bug-fix	Fixed the problem with changing value for 'Set distance between paper edge and first braille line' in the System / Braille block position menu. In previous version the value couldn't be increased since the check for the max limit was not working correctly. 
 	
Bug-fix	There could be a problem with the Braille box waiting to start embossing after the formatting and search for reference position for the embossing head. This should have been fixed in release 1.3.6
	
Bug-fix	Fixed problem for key BACK in menu. Sometimes when pressing BACK in the menu the menu for Braille and print ( 'Clean ink head' ) was selected. This also fixes the problem with BACK key when selecting layout.  
	
4.14	 Corrected bugs in 1.3.5
TYPE	DESCRIPTION	
New function	The led for paper size in Braille box in showing the setting in current selected layout instead of the position of the paper guide in the paper tray.  
	
Bug-fix	Fixed a bug for Braille box and double sided / single sided embossing. If the setting for character per line in the braille layout was less than the setting sent with the temporary document settings (ESC-D), the Braille box was shutting down 
	
Bug-fix	Literal with prefix. If a document with literal prefix was embossed the handling of character prefix was wrong. The first capital letter was replaced by the character prefix.
 	
Bug-fix	Braille box error – Braille tray open. If the braille tray was open when a new document should start to emboss the error “Braille tray open” was activated.
 When the braille tray was closed the Braille box didn't start to emboss.  
	
Bug-fix	Network printing with Line printer daemon protocol. In previous version the embossing with the LPD protocol didn't work.  

4.15	 Corrected bugs in 1.3.4
TYPE	DESCRIPTION	
Bug-fix	If another layout file is selected in the  function with UP and/or DOWN keys the settings was NOT updated in the embosser. This problem is a problem that only exist in version 1.3.3. 
	
Bug-fix	If a user send a file with IB-Print and the file didn't include a form feed to divide the file to pages all rows was placed on one single page. This problem is a problem that only exist in version 1.3.3. 

5	
Build history
Build	Date	Description	
59	2013-03-12	Release build of 58 without directory ../etc/sysconfig for Basic-D and Everest and Braille Box. Mostly because of firmware.tar.bz2 should be up to date.	
58	2013-03-07	Special build for Braille and print including directory ../etc/sysconfig	
57	2013-03-05	First release build for 1.4.2	

6	Known issue
ISSUE	WORKAROUNDS, CLARIFICATIONS, HINTS	

		

7	Speech interface
Sentence	New value	Old value