How to update your wiTECH 2 MicroPod: VCI firmware, wiTECH 2 software, and wireless setup
Step-by-step guide to updating the MicroPod through the VCI Utility, running the wiTECH 2 software update from the Settings gear icon, configuring the wireless network so the MicroPod and laptop share the same Wi-Fi, and recovering a MicroPod that has been idle and won't reconnect.
Updating your MicroPod for wiTECH 2 and not sure whether you need to update the firmware, the wiTECH 2 software, or both? The full update is a three-step process - firmware via the VCI Utility, software via wiTECH 2 Settings, and matching the MicroPod and laptop to the same wireless network. Here's the procedure, plus how to recover a MicroPod that's been idle long enough to fall off the server.
Step 1: Check MicroPod status and run the VCI firmware update
Connect the MicroPod to your computer using the USB cable and check the indicator light before proceeding. - Connect the MicroPod to the computer via USB cable. - Observe the indicator light on the MicroPod. - If the light is orange, open the VCI Utility and complete the firmware update. Launch the VCI Utility from the desktop or Start menu. Follow all on-screen prompts to completion. - The VCI Utility window must remain open during the update. - Once complete, the indicator light should change from orange. Confirm the update finished successfully. Important: The VCI Utility window must remain open until the update is fully complete. Closing it before completion may corrupt the MicroPod firmware and require hardware recovery.
Step 2: Log in to wiTECH 2 and run the software update
After the VCI Utility firmware update is complete, log in to wiTECH 2 and run the next software update from the application settings. - Open a browser and navigate to the wiTECH 2 website. - Log in with your wiTECH 2 credentials. - Click the Gear icon in the application toolbar to open Settings. - Run the next available software update as prompted. - After the update completes, click the Gear icon on the right side of the screen to confirm settings and finalize the update.
Step 3: Configure the wireless network
The MicroPod must be on the same wireless network as the computer. Configure network settings on both devices before use. - On the MicroPod, join the desired wireless network through the network configuration menu. - On the computer, verify that it is connected to the same wireless network as the MicroPod. - Confirm both devices share the same network before attempting to use wiTECH 2 wirelessly. For the full Wi-Fi setup procedure on the MicroPod 2 (MDP) or Wireless Smart Pod (WSP), see our article on connecting the MDP or WSP to Wi-Fi using wiTECH 2.0.
Troubleshooting: MicroPod not used in a while
If the MicroPod has not been used for an extended period, it may become isolated on the server and fail to connect. In this case, the pod must be reconfigured. Symptoms: - MicroPod fails to connect to wiTECH 2. - Device not recognized on the network even when previously configured. - wiTECH 2 cannot locate or communicate with the pod.
Resolution:
- Repeat the full procedure above, starting from Step 1.
- Re-run the VCI Utility update and re-enter wireless network credentials on the pod.
- If the problem persists, contact AE Solutions or your wiTECH support provider for server-side reconnection assistance.
If you need help completing a MicroPod firmware or wiTECH 2 software update, recovering a MicroPod that has fallen off the server after extended downtime, or setting up the wireless network so the pod and laptop share the same Wi-Fi, contact AETools at https://aetools.us or call us directly.