Sierra Wireless EM7565 -- Flashing | Updating Firmware

[JimHelms]

UPDATED: 07-17-2019

Unless you have a very earlier versions of the EM7565, there is no need to update firmware in a particular order to get to the latest. In other words, use the latest version available and flash the modem twice with that firmware.

I have also changed the link below to the EM7565 Firmware. You will notice there are several versions (i.e., GN1, GN2...). The higher the number, the newer the firmware (GN3 is newer than GN1).


Flashing the firmware on the Sierra Wireless EM7565 can be a bit finicky. This is especially true for the non-production modems (i.e., engineering | personal evaluation samples).

I have used the method below on numerous modems with no issues. With that said, I offer no guarantee it will work for yours. In other words, use at your own risk.

Note: You cannot downgrade the firmware to a previous (older) version firmware. And, you cannot upgrade to the latest version without first flashing (and re-flashing) the older version firmware. Therefore, AirVantage cannot be used at the time of this writing to update the firmware on the EM75xx modules.

In order to flash the EM7565, a USB to M.2 adapter is required to connect the modem to a PC.

These are the steps when using a Windows PC.

1. Download and install the latest Sierra Wireless drivers for Windows: GenericDriverSetup_4836.exe

2. Reboot the PC after the drivers have installed.

3. Plug in the USB to M.2 adapter with the EM7565.

4. Flash the EM7565 using the 9999999_9907259_SWI9X50C_01.05.01.00_00_GENERIC_001.028_000.exe

Note: If the EM7565 has already been updated to a newer version, re-flash using the newer version.

5. You will most likely see that there are errors. Flash a second time using the same firmware (above).

6. Next, upgrade the firmware using the 9999999_9907259_SWI9X50C_01.07.02.00_00_GENERIC_002.004_000.exe

7. Once completed, flash a second time using the same firmware.

Done!

Once updated, I would recommend promptly removing the modem from the Windows machine unless that is the device it will be used on or further programming is required. Windows, being the control freak it is, can change the composition the modem if it is allowed to manage it.

The drivers and firmware above can be downloaded from HERE.

[Need4Speed]

I have Em7565 on a mini PCI-E to M.2 adapter to work with my wg3526. Is it possible to take my Em7565 already mounted on mini PCI-E to M.2 adapter and plug it straight into this USB to mini PCI-E adapter to upgrade the firmware?

[JimHelms]

Hmm... I see no reason why it would not work, though I would go with a USB to M.2 adapter to play it safe.

[intelfx]

UPDATED: 07-17-2019

Unless you have a very earlier versions of the EM7565, there is no need to update firmware in a particular order to get to the latest. In other words, use the latest version available and flash the modem twice with that firmware.

Greetings.
It would appear I just bought one of those "older" EM7565 modules. Its firmware version is 00.05.03.00 (which is Release 4 according to the CRN):

Code: Select all

ati
Manufacturer: Sierra Wireless, Incorporated
Model: EM7565-9
Revision: SWI9X50C_00.05.03.00 33c5ad jenkins 2017/08/04 02:36:25
IMEI: 001027009999999
IMEI SV:  1
FSN: XK734687280106
+GCAP: +CGSM


OK

Upgrading this module to any available firmware (01.07.02.00 to 01.09.04.00, i. e. Releases 11 to 13) indeed appears to fail both via Windows FDT, official Linux SDK and Linux libqmi.

4. Flash the EM7565 using the 9999999_9907259_SWI9X50C_01.05.01.00_00_GENERIC_001.028_000.exe

Note: If the EM7565 has already been updated to a newer version, re-flash using the newer version.

5. You will most likely see that there are errors. Flash a second time using the same firmware (above).

6. Next, upgrade the firmware using the 9999999_9907259_SWI9X50C_01.07.02.00_00_GENERIC_002.004_000.exe

7. Once completed, flash a second time using the same firmware.

Just like written here, CRN says that I should upgrade the module to 01.05.03.00 (Release 9) and only then to the latest one (twice), although you mention 01.05.01.00 (Release 8) instead of Release 9. However I could not find neither Release 8 nor Release 9 firmware anywhere on the Internet.

Could you please reupload the 01.05.03.00 (or 01.05.01.00 like you describe) generic firmware somewhere, or point to where it could be found?

[JimHelms]

Could you please reupload the 01.05.03.00 (or 01.05.01.00 like you describe) generic firmware somewhere, or point to where it could be found?

Try the GN0_ build.

[intelfx]

Try the GN0_ build.

Thanks! That worked. I was just able to upgrade my module all the way to the latest firmware.

[JimHelms]

Thanks! That worked. I was just able to upgrade my module all the way to the latest firmware.

Nicely done.

[tambutso]

I don't want to hijack this thread, I thought my concern were pretty similar, and I don't want to clutter the forum with similar posts.

If I plan on using an EM7565, likely harvested from old laptops, on T-Mobile network, will it be sufficient to have this modem just flashed to Generic firmware and install into one of those ZBT GoldenOrb compatible routers and let that device do the rest of the work?

Specific questions I have in mind:
(1) will I need to program the APN into the modem? I have used Quectel EP06-A, I never have to do this.
(2)Do I need to program bands to make CA work with T-Mobile network? Again, I never need to do anything with my EP06-A.

EP06-A is mini PCI-e, while EM7565 is M.2 Key B. Is there really a difference on how they work as modems? Or is it just the format that differs?

[JimHelms]

I don't want to hijack this thread, I thought my concern were pretty similar, and I don't want to clutter the forum with similar posts.

If I plan on using an EM7565, likely harvested from old laptops, on T-Mobile network, will it be sufficient to have this modem just flashed to Generic firmware and install into one of those ZBT GoldenOrb compatible routers and let that device do the rest of the work?

Good question. It is very possible the modems are vendor branded, which use a different PID/VID that would need to be changed. Then flash the modem with the Generic firmware and it should work.

Yes, GoldenOrb can do most of the work after the above is completed.

Specific questions I have in mind:
(1) will I need to program the APN into the modem? I have used Quectel EP06-A, I never have to do this.

No, the APN must only be entered in the Modem Profile APN. A reboot is often required for it to take effect.

(2)Do I need to program bands to make CA work with T-Mobile network? Again, I never need to do anything with my EP06-A.

No, in fact I recommend not programming bands or group of bands until the router is up and running. Only then should one tweak the bands to eliminate a band that the modem likes to camp out on, that is often congested.

EP06-A is mini PCI-e, while EM7565 is M.2 Key B. Is there really a difference on how they work as modems? Or is it just the format that differs?

There is not much difference from a user perspective as long as the router firmware has support for that modem.

[tambutso]

As always, thanks for your valuable answers Jim!