What is a Mint System File (MSX)?

Firmware has previously been distributed as .OUT, .HEX and .CHX files.  With MintMT, there are several components to a controller or drive including firmware, release information, WorkBench compiler, comms firmware and FPGA code.  To avoid potential mismatches of these components, a Mint System File (.MSX file) packages all these components up into one file.

In order to use a Mint System File, it must be installed into the WorkBench.  There are two ways of doing this:

Manual

Go to www.SupportMe.net/harmonicdrive or look on the Harmonic Drive CD-ROM (No. 900110.xx / xx stands for actual version) for the Mint System file you want to install.  Mint System files have .MSX file extensions.  Once you have downloaded the Mint System file, run WorkBench v5 and select 'Install System File...' from the 'Tools' menu. If you are using an early version of WorkBench v5, you may need to upgrade to a later version to get this option.  

This extracts the components from the Mint System and places them in the WorkBench v5 installation folder.  It will also register any compiler components.  

To download firmware to the controller, select 'Download Firmware...' from the 'Tools' menu.  This will display a firmware selection dialog showing the various installed Mint System files for your controller type. 

Once a version has been selected, release information may be viewed using the 'View ReadMe' button or the firmware can be downloaded to the controller or drive using the 'Download to Controller' button.  Depending on the version of WorkBench v5, this may download just the firmware component or additional comms firmware or FPGA components as well.  All components can be individually downloaded from the 'Advanced' tab.

ActiveX

You can install Mint System files and download firmware from a host application using the MintMT ActiveX control.  Use the DoInstallMintSystemFile and DoUpdateFirmware methods.