Flashing Tags - FOTA Update

flaik has the ability with the 4G tags (introduced for the 2022/23 season) to send a firmware update remotely, over the air, while the tags are onsite at resorts. This type of update is called a Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) update and is visible to anyone observing the tag during the process. There are two different types of updates that will be outlined for your reference.

Process-

1. flaik initiates an update to the GPS tags

2. The GPS tags download the update image either on or off power as long as they have cellular connectivity. This will not interrupt any of the functionality of the tag and this part of the process is not visible to the user.

3. When that tag is (back) on the charging dock and connected to power, it can perform the update. This can be visible/audible to anyone nearby the tags and is outlined below.

Update Visible/Audible Queue-

There are two different types of firmware that run the functionality of the tags. Custom flaik firmware and modem firmware. The presentation of the FOTA for each is slightly different.

FOTA for flaik Firmware:

When we initiate a FOTA for the flaik firmware, the tag will rapidly flash a white LED for a short period of time (usually 5-25 seconds) and then power cycle. Once the tag has power cycled it will be ready to use again.

FOTA for Modem Firmware:

When we initiate a FOTA for the modem firmware, the tag will rapidly flash a yellow LED (for up to 1-2 minutes) and then power cycle. Once the tag has power cycled it will be ready to use again.

When a tag goes through the power cycle, the buzzer will sound when it turns back on. This can lead to a lot of beeping where tags are stored if we have initiated a FOTA to the full fleet. Please do not be alarmed if they are all moving through the FOTA process at once as this is normal behavior.