companion 8.4.2 + battery recall
This service release for Companion 8.4 addresses a few minor issues. It also comes with an absolutely necessary battery recall.
Updating is mandatory and should not be delayed.
Note: Full documentation for 8.4 is a work in progress. Check the support site, at support.nanite-systems.com often.
Battery recall: For several reasons, all batteries currently in service must be replaced. Old batteries (purchased prior to 1 PM SLT on February 11, 2017) will not function with this version of Companion or any subsequent OS release. Your controller will simply fail to turn on. We have done this to force users to update. To get replacement batteries, see the batteries information page.
New batteries end in -X, -C, or -G. Nightfall users who have decided to stick with the one-hour fuel cell can simply get a redelivery, as these batteries are copy-mod. OC Alkaline Batteries are now 0093-24, replacing the old 0093-23+ version. If your battery does not include a part number in its name, it is obsolete.
| Product | Old part number | New part number |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Cell (62 minutes) | 13-6022-F/CM | 13-0622-G/CM62 |
| Alkaline (2 hours) | 0093-23+ | 0093-24 |
| Lithium-Ion Polymer (4 hours) | 13-0536-B | 13-0536-C |
| Metabolic Reactor (8 hours) | 13-0001-B | 13-0001-C |
| Sonofusion Reactor (24 hours) | 13-7026-T | 13-7026-X |
Changes in the new batteries include non-degrading behavior for more expensive cells (and degrading for cheaper cells), auto-positioning for all cells, new sound effects, new animations, improved insertion angle, and more. These new batteries will work in controllers running older versions of Companion.
Auto-positioning: All new batteries are designed to automatically position themselves in the controller's battery socket. To adjust this behavior, edit your battery and change the number in the description field. (If the description field is blank or says "(No description)", replace it with "-0.334", without the quotes.) This is dependent on the depth of your torso and must be configured individually for each unit. If for some reason auto-positioning doesn't work for you (e.g. your controller is not centered on your back), then you can disable it by attaching the battery to your chest and the controller to your spine, instead. Some manual adjustments will still be required.
installation instructions for Companion 8.4.2
Express route: everything below can be skipped if you received a (Redeliver) object with your controller. Simply wear it and you will automatically be given a clean copy of the newest version. If you have made changes that you'd like to keep, though, read on! DAX/3 users are strongly encouraged to get a redelivery, as it has been updated to address some issues with the lighting script and is now easier to resize. Keep in mind you will still need an updated battery.
- Check your current software version by selecting 'about' from the main menu. If it's 8.0.0 or later, you're good to go. If it's older, or you can't even find the 'about' item, contact technical support directly for further assistance. You can also use the command @about to get the same information.
- Come to a region with Xanadu support.
- Getting ready. Type the following to back up your current list of users: @keychain save
This is optional if you do not wish to preserve your current users. - Installation. Go to the following menu: manage > software. If you are running 8.2.1 or earlier, select install. If you are running 8.3.0 or later, select connect.
- Select xcentral:0.
- If you are running a version of 8.4 already, select update. (Otherwise, select install.)
- Select the Companion_8.4.2 package and upgrade or install it.
- If you do not see the update package, see alternative instructions for updating via the command line.
- Accept the notecard _System_8.4.2_info when it is offered. If you are running an Aegis that was previously running 8.2.0, there are additional instructions inside that are very important.
- Installation will take up to 2 minutes. You will receive a message saying Done. Installed 56 files total. when the process is finished.
- Turn the controller back on.
- If you do not currently have a HUD at the bottom of your screen, type @setup console. If you already use the HUD, you should have been offered an updated one during the install process.
- Finalizing. Reboot once to apply the applicable changes from the last step.
- Important note for this version only: A battery recall was issued on February 11, 2017. Older power cells will not work with the new release. See above for instructions on replacing your battery.
changes in 8.4.2
- Resolved inconsistent format in QUERY_SUBSYSTEM and response messages, creating difficulty for app creators who needed to check subsystem states.
- Battery swap-outs were still causing explosive overheating in ATOS/E. This should be resolved now. An update to ATOS/E is not required.
- Fixed devices menu reporting devices as not found or not installed.
- Added version checking for batteries. Please also ensure that you get an updated battery.
- Fixed a bug where '@color company' would cause the unit's lights to go black.
- Restored the hinge script in the XSU.