Vocera V5000 Release Notes

Version 5.0.2

Updated: April 23, 2021

Supported Versions of Vocera Voice Server and Messaging Server

Before installing this firmware, ensure that the following Vocera products are installed:

For evaluation purposes, it may be possible to use this firmware with Vocera Voice Server only, but the feature set is greatly reduced. Consult with your Vocera representative before undertaking such a deployment.

Prerequisites

Perform the following prerequisites before performing the installation instructions for the Vocera version 5.0.2 Firmware release.

Configure Vocera Smartbadge Using the Standalone BPE

Configure Vocera Smartbadge using the Standalone version of Badge Properties Editor (BPE) 5.3.1 or later, to reflect the 5.0.2 Firmware Release. If you do not have the standalone version of BPE, contact Vocera Customer support or open a case in the Support Portal.

Update Smartbadge Properties

The BPE is installed on both the configuration computer and the Vocera Voice Server computer. If you are performing initial badge configuration, use the Badge Properties Editor on the configuration computer.

To update the Smartbadge properties, perform the following tasks:

  1. Locate and double-click the Vocera BPE Launcher icon on the desktop to login for the first time. For subsequent logins, access the Vocera BPE Launcher using the URL, http://127.0.0.1:8011/#!/, where 127.0.0.1 is the localhost, and 8011 is the Voice Server IP port for BPE.

    The Badge Properties Editor appears.

  2. Select Badges>V5000.

    The V5000 Smartbadge Properties Editor opens.

For specific instructions on how to configure your badge using BPE, refer to Vocera Device Configuration Guide.

Smartbadge Properties

Following are the properties required for the Badge Property Editor:

Mandatory Settings

Wireless Settings

Wireless settings are dependent on the configuration settings of your environment.

Custom Settings

There are few settings to control specific functions that can be applied through the Customer Settings fields. For information on the custom setting appropriate for your environment, contact Vocera Technical Support.

Installing Vocera 5.0.2 Firmware

This section includes installation instructions for the Vocera version 5.0.2 Firmware release. This release applies to Vocera Smartbadge only.

Download the 5.0.2 Vocera Firmware installer V5000_FWR_Update_5.0.2.163.exe by following the instructions included in the email you received from Vocera Customer Support.

Installing 5.0.2 Firmware on Smartbadge from a Standalone Vocera Server

To install Firmware on Smartbadge from a standalone Vocera Server, perform the following tasks:

  1. Shut down the standalone server:
    1. In the Vocera Control Panel, choose Run>Shutdown.

      A confirmation dialog box appears.

    2. Click OK.

      The dialog box closes. Subsequently, the Control Panel also closes.

  2. Install Firmware on the standalone server:
    1. Click V5000_FWR_Update_5.0.2.163.exe at the location you have downloaded the installer to launch it.
    2. Follow the instructions on the installation pane workflow and select Yes to start the Vocera Services when prompted.

Result: The Firmware is automatically downloaded to the Smartbadge after the Smartbadge reconnects to the Vocera Server.

Installing 5.0.2 Firmware on Smartbadge in a Vocera cluster

In a cluster environment, you must install the following:

  1. Firmware on the Standby Server
  2. An active server
This workflow is designed to reduce the downtime in your environment and update your Smartbadge quickly.

To install firmware on Smartbadge in a Vocera cluster, perform the following tasks:

  1. Shut down the Standby server:
    1. Choose Run >Shutdown, in the Vocera Control Panel.

      A confirmation dialog box appears.

    2. Click OK.

      The dialog box closes. Subsequently, the Control Panel also closes.

  2. Install on the Standby server:
    1. Click V5000_FWR_Update_5.0.2.163.exe at the location you have downloaded the installer to launch it.
    2. Follow the instructions on the installation pane workflow and when prompted select Yes to start the Vocera Services.
    3. Allow the remote restore to finish so that the server returns to standby status.
    Note: Do not proceed to the next step until the Standby server switches to standby state.
    Note: When the Standby server becomes active, and the Smartbadge connect to it, the firmware is automatically updated on the Smartbadge.
  3. Shut down the Active server:
    1. Choose Run>Shutdown, in the Vocera Control Panel.

      A failover on the Active server initiated to make it inactive and causes the Standby server to change to active state.

  4. Perform the following tasks on the inactive server (that you shut down):
    1. Click V5000_FWR_Update_5.0.2.163.exe at the location you have downloaded the installer to launch it.
    2. Follow the instructions on the installation pane workflow and when prompted select Yes to start the Vocera Services.
    3. Allow the remote restore to finish so that the server returns to standby status.
Note: Vocera recommends that you reboot the Vocera Voice Server to remove the temporary font files that exist inside the firmware folders. The temporary font files can cause different master hash values between VS cluster nodes to start infinite update loops.

Uninstalling 5.0.2 Firmware

To uninstall 5.0.2 firmware, perform the following tasks:

  1. Click V5000_FWR_Update_5.0.2.163.exe at the location you have downloaded the installer to launch it.
  2. Follow the instructions on the installation pane work flow and when prompted select Yes to start the Vocera Services.
  3. Allow the remote restore to finish.

    Firmwares from both active and standby servers are uninstalled.

What's New

This section summarizes the new features in the Vocera Smartbadge 5.0.2 release.

What's New in 5.0.2

This section summarizes the new features in the Vocera Smartbadge 5.0.2 release.

The Vocera Smartbadge redefines healthcare communication by combining smartphone usability with hands-free freedom. Vocera Smartbadge represents a new category of wearable communication devices that enable clinician agility and accelerate patient care.

Key Features

What's Fixed, Enhanced, or Improved

The following list contains fixes and improvements done in this firmware release and the V5000 product.

Release Fixes

Release 5.0.2.163

Release 5.0.1.87

Release 5.0.0.76

Release 5.0.0.73

Known Issues

The following section lists the known issues in this firmware release and the V5000 Smartbadge product.

Known Issues in 5.0.2

As part of the resistance to dust and water ingress, the removable battery is a snug fit when initially deployed with the Smartbadge. When removing the battery after sliding the latch to the red position, it is recommended to apply a little pressure in the direction of the USB-C socket to ease the removal of the battery.

The following list provides information about known product issues in the 5.0.2 firmware and the Vocera Smartbadge:

Release 5.0.2.163

Release 5.0.1.87

Release 5.0.0.73