download firmware only 1 time

[pinias]

Hello guys,

I wonder if there is a way to download a firmware to a controller or display only 1 time.  In other words if I give the firmware to a customer I would like he can download it only one time.

it should not be posible to get it downloaded again. 

I know there are some ways to tie the firmware for a specific controller part number but as I understand it as long as the part number matches it will be posible to reflash it, that is what I want to avoid

Does anyone have tried it?

I appreciate any feedback on this

Regards

Antonio

[spittet]

Can I ask what is the outcome if the customer download it more than one time? What are the drawbacks?

[pinias]

spittet,

there are different reasons:

1.- oil industry financial crisis: companies want to minimize costs, they develop only 1 prototype in 1 year but may be next year they can built another 2 or 3, so they do not want to pay too much for firmware development becuase it is just 1 machine. Budget is limited.

as a developer I undertand that but if I am not able to personally download the firmware I will have to provide it to the customer so next time they develop a new equipment they may not contact me for the new flashing of controller or display. I know you can sign agreements but that will also increase the cost and after all if the equipment goes offshore you will never know about it.
alos if the management is changed it becomes more tricky.

so an easy way to countermeasure it is making it downloable only 1 time.

in this way I can reduce my cost because I know next time they need it they will have to contact me and I can chargue some royalty or so.

2.- as a freelance I want to do that

those are my basic reasons,

I aprecciate any help on that

Regards

[dlewis]

Besides part number, you can constrain it by controller serial number.

Goto the Project Manager Tab, Output,*.lhx
You should see in the Inspector "Target serial number"

[pinias]

Dlewis,

That is a good suggestion, that could work

Thanks