This article reviews not only how and why to perform updates for the HCL software and the total station firmware, but also how and why to perform updates for the tablet's drivers and Windows updates.
Note: It is recommended that updates are performed when connected to a Wi-Fi network. SIM networks may not support performing updates due to high-data volumes.
Performing Updates for HCL and Firmware:
Best Practice prior to performing HCL Software Updates:
As a best practice, it is recommended that you quickly save back-up versions of your files prior to performing updates. To do this, simply navigate to your project folder on the file explorer and copy + paste the folder to another location of your choice. This way, all projects have a manual back-up you can rely on.
This manual back-up process is generally recommended for any critical project files, and can easily be done within the tablet:
Navigate to "Documents" > "Hilti Project":
Long press or right click the folder and say "copy":
Find a separate location on the tablet (such as the desktop) and press "paste":
This can be your quick back-up process going forward to maintain peace of mind regarding your data. For example, backing up can be done prior to updates, after performing layout work, or when files may need to be completely transferred to other devices.
Peace of Mind: HCL Automatically Checks for Updates when Online
- Checks for newer HCL software versions.
- Checks for newer PLT 400 firmware versions.
- Checks for user manual updates.
- The newest available version of HCL is downloaded and installed on the tablet.
- The newest user manual is downloaded to the tablet.
- The latest PLT 400 firmware package is downloaded to the tablet.
- The firmware package is stored locally on the tablet.
- The next time you connect to the PLT 400 via Wi-Fi, HCL prompts you to install the firmware update on the tool.
- Once installed, the tool will be running the newest available firmware version.
Note: Once the firmware package has been downloaded and stored locally on the tablet, an internet connection is no longer required to complete the firmware installation. Simply reconnect to the PLT 400 via Wi-Fi and run the firmware update when prompted.
Helpful Notes to Remember about automatic updates:
- Whenever a software update is installed, HCL will also automatically check whether newer firmware updates are available. If a newer firmware version is found, HCL will download the firmware package to the tablet during the software update process.
- Downloading firmware and installing firmware are two separate steps. The firmware package must first be downloaded to the tablet (step 1), and then installed on the PLT 400 (step 2). The firmware version on the tool does not change until the firmware package has been successfully installed on the PLT 400 head unit.
- If your tablet is using a Hilti-issued internal SIM card (a Swisscom SIM), firmware and software update downloads may be blocked to prevent excessive data usage. If an update cannot be downloaded, please connect the tablet to a Wi-Fi network or use your own SIM card with an active data plan.
- If you are a PLT 300 user looking for firmware update information, please see this information. PLT 300 firmware updates are not part of the automatic firmware update process described above.
Software and Firmware Update How-To Information
Before updating software or firmware: We recommend that you ensure "auto connect" is turned off in settings under "tool and connection" to make sure your tablet can retain connection to the Wi-Fi source you are using to run your updates, rather than connecting to your head unit. You can always turn this back on once updates are complete:
Software Update Demo
Firmware Update Demo
Manual Update Process: Settings → System Info → Check for Update
Software and Firmware updates can easily be checked on a regular basis. Simply go to the settings gear (1), press “System Info” (2), and press “Check for Update” (3) for the respective update you would like to do.
What is the difference between software vs. firmware?
The software is the program that is used to run the tool. Updating the software for the controller will make sure that the tablet has the latest features and updates for running the total station. You can see the release notes for the update you have installed by clicking the “change log” link next to the software version number displayed.
The firmware is the internal software that controls the hardware of the head unit itself – your tablet initiates the firmware install, but the head unit internal software is what is being updated.
Firmware updates are not frequent (likely maximum once per year), while software updates can be as often as once a quarter.
How does the update process differ between software vs. firmware?
Software Update:
Updating the software simply requires to have an internet connection before pressing “check for update.” The install will also prompt a tablet restart after it is completed.
Firmware Update (PLT 400):
Updating the firmware requires:
1. Clicking "Check for Update" while your tablet is connected to the internet.
Note: You will get an error message if you are not connected to the internet (1) and if the firmware file on the tablet is already up to date, you will get notified (2). If the firmware version on the tablet is up to date, you will still need to connect the tool to ensure the tool itself has received that firmware version.
2. Click "OK" when prompted to download, and wait until the download is complete.
Note: Once the firmware is downloaded, you still need to make sure the firmware gets installed to the head unit.
3. Once completed, you will be prompted to send the update to the tool (1).
If you are not yet connected to the tool, you can press "cancel," and simply run the firmware update once you reconnect to the tool later (2).
Note: Pressing cancel will not delete the firmware file you downloaded from the server. The firmware will still be ready to install on the tool when you re-connect it. Re-connecting to the tool after the firmware update is downloaded is the same as you would normally connect to the tool.
4. Give the tool time to complete the firmware update (1).
You will be prompted when the firmware update is completed (2)
5. Restart the tool and re-connect as normal.
Do not turn off your tablet or your total station during this process, and remember that you need at least 50% of battery charge on both the tablet and the tool to complete a firmware update.
Firmware Update Information for PLT 300
PLT 300 firmware updates are extremely rare. If you are using a PLT 300, you can assume the firmware is already up to date. In the rare case that an update is required, a specialist will proactively contact you.
As of 2026, the latest firmware versions (depending on the production date) are 1.1.28 and 1.1.33. Both are considered fully up to date.
Windows and Panasonic Update Information
Run Windows Updates
As the below screens indicate, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update >Check for Updates. While on Wi-Fi, run these updates, restart the PC when prompted, and repeat the process until all the updates are installed.
Note: Windows updates will be rare after the initial setup, but it is wise to check whenever time permits. There may be critical driver updates that ensure the tool, tablet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi are all functioning properly together.
Run Panasonic PC Hub Updates
Now open the Panasonic PC Hub:
Navigate to System Updates > Check for Updates, and "select all," then "install:"
These system updates verify the Panasonic-specific drivers and software are up to date for the tablet itself. These also could be critical to ensure the tool, tablet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi are all functioning properly together.
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