Firmware Upgrade — Texecom Premier Elite
Purpose
This document covers how to upgrade the firmware on a Texecom Premier Elite control panel — via Wintex (local USB connection), via the SmartCom module (remote over-the-air), and what to check before and after the upgrade.
Keeping firmware current is important: upgrades fix bugs, improve stability, and sometimes add new features. It is part of the annual maintenance procedure.
Why Firmware Matters
Texecom regularly releases firmware updates for the Premier Elite range. Updates can include:
- Bug fixes (false alarms, communication faults, edge-case behaviour)
- SmartCom / Premier Elite Connect compatibility improvements
- EN50131 compliance improvements
- New zone type behaviour or programming features
An engineer should not upgrade firmware speculatively on a working system without reason — but any system on a service call reporting unexplained behaviour should have its firmware version checked against the current Texecom release.
Before You Upgrade
- Note the current firmware version —
Menu → Information → About. Record this in the job notes. - Check what the new firmware changes — Texecom publishes release notes. If a known issue relates to the customer's complaint, the upgrade is justified.
- Inform the customer — the panel will reboot during the upgrade. The system will be temporarily off-set.
- Ensure power is stable — do not upgrade during a mains power fault or with a low standby battery. A power failure mid-upgrade can corrupt firmware.
- Confirm your engineer code is in the panel — the upgrade preserves user data, but good practice is to confirm access before starting.
- Have Wintex open with the panel configuration — so you can verify settings are intact after the upgrade.
Method 1 — Upgrade via Wintex (Local USB Connection)
This is the most reliable method and should be used for all on-site upgrades.
Requirements
- Wintex software installed on your laptop (available from the Texecom engineer portal)
- USB cable (the Texecom interface cable)
- Engineer access to the panel
Process
- Connect the Texecom USB cable from the panel's USB port to your laptop
- Open Wintex → Connect to Panel (USB)
- In Wintex:
Panel → Upgrade Firmware - Wintex will check the current panel firmware and compare to the version available
- If an update is available, select it and click Upgrade
- Wintex uploads the firmware to the panel — this takes 2–5 minutes
- The panel reboots automatically
- Reconnect in Wintex after reboot and confirm the new firmware version under
Information → About
After upgrade
- Confirm zones and programming are intact
- Test the system — walk test all zones
- Confirm SmartCom/ComIP is reconnecting (if fitted)
- Confirm the Premier Elite Connect app is working on the customer's phone
Method 2 — Upgrade via SmartCom (Remote Over-the-Air)
If the panel has a SmartCom module fitted and is connected to the Texecom Cloud, firmware can be pushed remotely via the Texecom engineer portal.
Use this method for remote maintenance visits or when attending site is not possible.
Process
- Log into the Texecom partner portal (texe.com/cloud)
- Find the customer's device by serial number or site name
- Navigate to
Device → Firmware - If an update is available, it will be listed with the version number
- Click Update — the SmartCom module downloads and applies the update
- The panel will reboot — the customer's app may briefly show the system as offline
- Confirm online status after reboot
Always warn the customer before pushing a remote firmware update — the panel will reboot and they may see a brief notification or offline message.
Firmware Version — Where to Find It
On the panel keypad:
Menu → Information → About
In Wintex:
Panel → Panel Information shows firmware version once connected.
In the Texecom partner portal: Device overview shows the current firmware version for cloud-connected panels.
Common Issues
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Wintex won't connect to panel | Check USB cable; confirm correct COM port in Wintex settings; try a different USB port on the laptop |
| Upgrade fails mid-process | Check mains power; try a different USB cable; do not disconnect — wait and see if Wintex retries |
| Panel won't reboot after upgrade | Wait 5 minutes; if no recovery, the panel may need a factory restore — contact Texecom tech support |
| SmartCom offline after upgrade | Give it 5 minutes to reconnect; if not, check panel network settings |
| Customer app shows offline after upgrade | Normal during reboot — should reconnect within 5 minutes |