Updating C-Pen firmware

The C-Pen Reader 3 updates itself over Wi-Fi. The Reader 2 and Exam Reader 2 update by USB: you copy an update file onto the pen from a computer, then start the update on the pen. Updates can't be undone, so check the current version first and follow each step in order. Plan for 5 to 20 minutes per update.

Where to find the latest version

C-Pen publishes the latest firmware and release notes for each model on its support site. Always check there before updating:

• Reader 3 firmware and release notes
• Reader 2 firmware
• Exam Reader 2 firmware

Before any update

• Check the current version: Settings > System Information > Version.
• Charge the pen. The Reader 3 needs more than 50% battery.
• Use a data cable, not a charge-only cable.
• Don't update in the week before exams. Update early and test the pen afterwards.

Reader 3: update over Wi-Fi

1. Connect the pen to Wi-Fi (see connecting to school Wi-Fi).
2. Check the date and time are correct. Updates can fail if they're wrong.
3. Go to Settings > System Settings > Software upgrade.
4. Confirm the update and wait for the pen to restart.

If Wi-Fi isn't available, update by USB instead. Turn Wi-Fi off, connect the pen in U-Disk mode, copy the update file across, eject the drive, then go to Settings > System Settings > Software update and confirm.

Reader 2: update by USB

Reader 2 updates are incremental. You must install each version in order, starting from the one after your current version.

1. Download and unzip the update file from C-Pen's Reader 2 firmware page.
2. Connect the pen by USB. When Keyboard, U-disk, Charge appears, choose U-disk.
3. Copy the .BIN file onto the pen's drive, then eject it and unplug the cable.
4. On the pen, go to Settings > System Settings > Software upgrade, select Yes and confirm.
5. Wait for the update to finish.

Some updates come as two files that must go in order. Follow the order on C-Pen's page exactly. Installing them the wrong way round can permanently damage the pen.

Exam Reader 2: update by USB

Exam Reader 2 updates are full updates, so you can go straight to the latest version. Some versions need a bridge update installed first. C-Pen's page says when.

1. Download the update, and any bridge update it needs, from C-Pen's Exam Reader 2 firmware page.
2. Connect the pen by USB. Go to Settings > System Information > Version and press Menu to open U-disk mode.
3. Copy the update file (or the bridge file first, if needed) onto the pen, then eject it and unplug the cable.
4. Press OK three times quickly to start the update. Select Yes and press OK.
5. When the pen restarts, restart it manually once more.
6. If there was a bridge update, repeat steps 2 to 5 with the main update files.
7. Check the new version under Settings > System Information > Version.

After updating, check that UI lock is set the way you need it for exams (see Exam Mode setup).

If an update fails

Charge the pen, try a reset, then run the update again (see resetting a C-Pen). If it still fails, contact Assistive Tech support.

Frequently asked questions