A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power are disclosed.
They include a source of welding-type power and at least one welding
system peripheral. Each includes a network module that has boot loader
software. A network is connected to the two network modules, and the
network has connection for updates that is capable of receiving software
updates. The network connection for updating may be on a user interface
module, disposed inside or outside of a housing of the source of
welding-type power and may include an RS232 connection. The network
modules may include application software. The peripheral may be a wire
feeder, a robot interface, or any other peripheral. A second peripheral,
with a network module and boot loader software, may also be connected to
the network. The updating can occur when the system is powered up. The
software update is obtained from a personal computer, a personal digital
assistant, or over the internet.
