diff --git a/python/src/detector.cpp b/python/src/detector.cpp
index da7a6ad91..50d81c7d8 100644
--- a/python/src/detector.cpp
+++ b/python/src/detector.cpp
@@ -1520,6 +1520,9 @@ void init_det(py::module &m) {
              (void (Detector::*)(const std::string &, const std::string &,
                                  sls::Positions)) &
                  Detector::copyDetectorServer,
+        .def("updateDetectorServer",
+             (void (Detector::*)(const std::string &, sls::Positions)) &
+                 Detector::updateDetectorServer,
         .def("updateKernel",
              (void (Detector::*)(const std::string &, sls::Positions)) &
                  Detector::updateKernel,
diff --git a/slsDetectorServers/slsDetectorServer/src/programViaNios.c b/slsDetectorServers/slsDetectorServer/src/programViaNios.c
index 5e4d18788..ba3b05521 100644
--- a/slsDetectorServers/slsDetectorServer/src/programViaNios.c
+++ b/slsDetectorServers/slsDetectorServer/src/programViaNios.c
@@ -38,10 +38,6 @@ void rebootControllerAndFPGA() {
 int eraseAndWriteToFlash(char *mess, char *checksum, char *fpgasrc,
                          uint64_t fsize) {
 
-    if (verifyChecksumFromBuffer(mess, checksum, fpgasrc, fsize) == FAIL) {
-        return FAIL;
-    }
-
     if (getDrive(mess) == FAIL) {
         return FAIL;
     }
diff --git a/slsDetectorServers/slsDetectorServer/src/slsDetectorServer_funcs.c b/slsDetectorServers/slsDetectorServer/src/slsDetectorServer_funcs.c
index 0a5c7b696..03fec5136 100644
--- a/slsDetectorServers/slsDetectorServer/src/slsDetectorServer_funcs.c
+++ b/slsDetectorServers/slsDetectorServer/src/slsDetectorServer_funcs.c
@@ -3778,12 +3778,12 @@ void program_fpga_via_blackfin(int file_des, enum PROGRAMINDEX index,
         return;
     }
 
-    // copy to flash
+    // erase and copy to flash
     ret = copyToFlash(index, messageType, totalsize, checksum, mess);
     Server_SendResult(file_des, INT32, NULL, 0);
 }
 
-int program_fpga_via_nios(int file_des, uint64_t filesize, char *checksum) {
+void program_fpga_via_nios(int file_des, uint64_t filesize, char *checksum) {
     // validate file size
     if (filesize > NIOS_MAX_APP_IMAGE_SIZE) {
         ret = FAIL;
@@ -3794,18 +3794,43 @@ int program_fpga_via_nios(int file_des, uint64_t filesize, char *checksum) {
                 (long long unsigned int)NIOS_MAX_APP_IMAGE_SIZE);
         LOG(logERROR, (mess));
     }
+    // memory allocation
+    char *src = NULL;
+    if (ret == OK) {
+        src = malloc(filesize);
+        if (src == NULL) {
+            fclose(fd);
+            struct sysinfo info;
+            sysinfo(&info);
+            sprintf(mess,
+                    "Could not allocate memory to get %s. Free "
+                    "space: %d MB\n",
+                    messageType, (int)(info.freeram / (1024 * 1024)));
+            LOG(logERROR, (mess));
+            ret = FAIL;
+        }
+    }
     Server_SendResult(file_des, INT32, NULL, 0);
     if (ret == FAIL) {
         return;
     }
 
     // receive program
-    char *src = malloc(filesize);
     if (receiveData(file_des, src, filesize, OTHER) < 0) {
         free(src);
         ret = printSocketReadError();
         return;
     }
+
+    // checksum of copied program
+    if (ret == OK) {
+        ret = verifyChecksumFromBuffer(mess, checksum, src, fsize);
+    }
+    Server_SendResult(file_des, INT32, NULL, 0);
+    if (ret == FAIL) {
+        return;
+    }
+
     // erase and program
     ret = eraseAndWriteToFlash(mess, checksum, src, filesize);
     Server_SendResult(file_des, INT32, NULL, 0);
diff --git a/slsDetectorSoftware/include/sls/Detector.h b/slsDetectorSoftware/include/sls/Detector.h
index 43866df54..eb670f387 100644
--- a/slsDetectorSoftware/include/sls/Detector.h
+++ b/slsDetectorSoftware/include/sls/Detector.h
@@ -1744,14 +1744,21 @@ class Detector {
     void copyDetectorServer(const std::string &fname,
                             const std::string &hostname, Positions pos = {});
 
+    /** [Jungfrau][Eiger][Ctb][Moench][Mythen3][Gotthard2] Copies detector
+     * server via TCP (without tftp).\nMakes a symbolic link with a shorter
+     * name (without vx.x.x).\nThen, detector controller reboots (except
+     * Eiger).\n[Jungfrau][Ctb][Moench]Also changes respawn server to the
+     * link, which is effective after a reboot.
+     */
+    void updateDetectorServer(const std::string &fname, Positions pos = {});
+
     /** [Jungfrau][Ctb][Moench][Mythen3][Gotthard2] \n
-     * Advanced Command!! You could damage the detector. Please use with 
+     * Advanced Command!! You could damage the detector. Please use with
      * caution.\nUpdates the kernel image. Then, detector controller reboots
      *  with new kernel
      */
     void updateKernel(const std::string &fname, Positions pos = {});
 
-
     /** [Jungfrau][Gotthard][CTB][Moench][Mythen3][Gotthard2] Advanced user
      * Function! */
     void rebootController(Positions pos = {});
diff --git a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/CmdProxy.cpp b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/CmdProxy.cpp
index 9f5d554cd..eca03e314 100644
--- a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/CmdProxy.cpp
+++ b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/CmdProxy.cpp
@@ -285,12 +285,14 @@ std::string CmdProxy::Versions(int action) {
             os << "\nFirmware Version: " << OutStringHex(t);
         }
         os << "\nDetector Server Version: "
-           << OutStringHex(det->getDetectorServerVersion(std::vector<int>{det_id}));
+           << OutStringHex(
+                  det->getDetectorServerVersion(std::vector<int>{det_id}));
         os << "\nDetector Server Version: "
            << OutString(det->getKernelVersion({std::vector<int>{det_id}}));
         if (det->getUseReceiverFlag().squash(true)) {
             os << "\nReceiver Version: "
-               << OutStringHex(det->getReceiverVersion(std::vector<int>{det_id}));
+               << OutStringHex(
+                      det->getReceiverVersion(std::vector<int>{det_id}));
         }
         os << std::dec << '\n';
     } else if (action == defs::PUT_ACTION) {
@@ -1432,7 +1434,9 @@ std::string CmdProxy::UDPDestinationList(int action) {
             throw sls::RuntimeError("udp_dstlist must be at module level.");
         }
         if (rx_id < 0 || rx_id >= MAX_UDP_DESTINATION) {
-            throw sls::RuntimeError(std::string("Invalid receiver index ") + std::to_string(rx_id) + std::string(" to set round robin entry."));
+            throw sls::RuntimeError(std::string("Invalid receiver index ") +
+                                    std::to_string(rx_id) +
+                                    std::string(" to set round robin entry."));
         }
         auto t = det->getDestinationUDPList(rx_id, std::vector<int>{det_id});
         os << OutString(t) << '\n';
@@ -2851,9 +2855,10 @@ std::string CmdProxy::CopyDetectorServer(int action) {
     if (action == defs::HELP_ACTION) {
         os << "[server_name (in tftp folder)] "
               "[pc_host_name]\n\t[Jungfrau][Eiger][Ctb][Moench][Mythen3]["
-              "Gotthard2] Copies detector server via tftp from pc. Ensure that "
+              "Gotthard2] Copies detector server via TFTP from pc. Ensure that "
               "server is in the pc's tftp folder. Makes a symbolic link with a "
-              "shorter name (without vx.x.x). Then, detector controller reboots (except "
+              "shorter name (without vx.x.x). Then, detector controller "
+              "reboots (except "
               "Eiger).\n\t[Jungfrau][Ctb][Moench]Also changes respawn server "
               "to the link, which is effective after a reboot."
            << '\n';
@@ -2871,12 +2876,43 @@ std::string CmdProxy::CopyDetectorServer(int action) {
     return os.str();
 }
 
+std::string CmdProxy::UpdateDetectorServer(int action) {
+    std::ostringstream os;
+    os << cmd << ' ';
+    if (action == defs::HELP_ACTION) {
+        os << "[server_name  with full "
+              "path]\n\t[Jungfrau][Eiger][Ctb][Moench][Mythen3]["
+              "Gotthard2] Copies detector server via TCP (without tftp). Makes "
+              "a symbolic link with a shorter name (without vx.x.x). Then, "
+              "detector controller reboots (except "
+              "Eiger).\n\t[Jungfrau][Ctb][Moench]Also changes respawn server "
+              "to the link, which is effective after a reboot."
+           << '\n';
+    } else if (action == defs::GET_ACTION) {
+        throw sls::RuntimeError("Cannot get");
+    } else if (action == defs::PUT_ACTION) {
+        if (args.size() != 1) {
+            WrongNumberOfParameters(1);
+        }
+        det->updateDetectorServer(args[0], std::vector<int>{det_id});
+        os << "successful\n";
+    } else {
+        throw sls::RuntimeError("Unknown action");
+    }
+    return os.str();
+}
+
 std::string CmdProxy::UpdateKernel(int action) {
     std::ostringstream os;
     os << cmd << ' ';
     if (action == defs::HELP_ACTION) {
-        os << "[kernel_name with full path]\n\t[Jungfrau][Ctb][Moench][Mythen3]["
-              "Gotthard2] Advanced Command!! You could damage the detector. Please use" "with caution.\n\tUpdates the kernel image. Then, detector controller " "reboots with new kernel."
+        os << "[kernel_name with full "
+              "path]\n\t[Jungfrau][Ctb][Moench][Mythen3]["
+              "Gotthard2] Advanced Command!! You could damage the detector. "
+              "Please use"
+              "with caution.\n\tUpdates the kernel image. Then, detector "
+              "controller "
+              "reboots with new kernel."
            << '\n';
     } else if (action == defs::GET_ACTION) {
         throw sls::RuntimeError("Cannot get");
diff --git a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/CmdProxy.h b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/CmdProxy.h
index c52020afa..2501e2e27 100644
--- a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/CmdProxy.h
+++ b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/CmdProxy.h
@@ -1059,6 +1059,7 @@ class CmdProxy {
         {"programfpga", &CmdProxy::ProgramFpga},
         {"resetfpga", &CmdProxy::resetfpga},
         {"copydetectorserver", &CmdProxy::CopyDetectorServer},
+        {"updatedetectorserver", &CmdProxy::UpdateDetectorServer},
         {"updatekernel", &CmdProxy::UpdateKernel},
         {"rebootcontroller", &CmdProxy::rebootcontroller},
         {"update", &CmdProxy::UpdateFirmwareAndDetectorServer},
@@ -1184,6 +1185,7 @@ class CmdProxy {
     /* Advanced */
     std::string ProgramFpga(int action);
     std::string CopyDetectorServer(int action);
+    std::string UpdateDetectorServer(int action);
     std::string UpdateKernel(int action);
     std::string UpdateFirmwareAndDetectorServer(int action);
     std::string Register(int action);
diff --git a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/Detector.cpp b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/Detector.cpp
index 7b5258df7..b02b0a398 100644
--- a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/Detector.cpp
+++ b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/Detector.cpp
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@
 #include "Module.h"
 #include "sls/Pattern.h"
 #include "sls/container_utils.h"
+#include "sls/file_utils.h"
 #include "sls/logger.h"
 #include "sls/sls_detector_defs.h"
 #include "sls/versionAPI.h"
@@ -2133,6 +2134,7 @@ void Detector::setAdditionalJsonParameter(const std::string &key,
 // Advanced
 
 void Detector::programFPGA(const std::string &fname, Positions pos) {
+    LOG(logINFO) << "Updating Firmware...";
     std::vector<char> buffer = pimpl->readProgrammingFile(fname);
     pimpl->Parallel(&Module::programFPGA, pos, buffer);
     rebootController(pos);
@@ -2144,14 +2146,25 @@ void Detector::resetFPGA(Positions pos) {
 
 void Detector::copyDetectorServer(const std::string &fname,
                                   const std::string &hostname, Positions pos) {
+    LOG(logINFO) << "Updating Detector Server (via tftp)...";
     pimpl->Parallel(&Module::copyDetectorServer, pos, fname, hostname);
     if (getDetectorType().squash() != defs::EIGER) {
         rebootController(pos);
     }
 }
 
+void Detector::updateDetectorServer(const std::string &fname, Positions pos) {
+    LOG(logINFO) << "Updating Detector Server...";
+    std::vector<char> buffer = readBinaryFile(fname, "Update Detector Server");
+    pimpl->Parallel(&Module::updateDetectorServer, pos, buffer);
+    if (getDetectorType().squash() != defs::EIGER) {
+        rebootController(pos);
+    }
+}
+
 void Detector::updateKernel(const std::string &fname, Positions pos) {
-    std::vector<char> buffer = pimpl->readKernelFile(fname);
+    LOG(logINFO) << "Updating Kernel...";
+    std::vector<char> buffer = readBinaryFile(fname, "Update Kernel");
     pimpl->Parallel(&Module::updateKernel, pos, buffer);
     rebootController(pos);
 }
@@ -2164,6 +2177,7 @@ void Detector::updateFirmwareAndServer(const std::string &sname,
                                        const std::string &hostname,
                                        const std::string &fname,
                                        Positions pos) {
+    LOG(logINFO) << "Updating Firmware and Detector Server...";
     pimpl->Parallel(&Module::copyDetectorServer, pos, sname, hostname);
     programFPGA(fname, pos);
 }
diff --git a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/DetectorImpl.cpp b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/DetectorImpl.cpp
index c3f123530..deb0546a3 100644
--- a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/DetectorImpl.cpp
+++ b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/DetectorImpl.cpp
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@
 
 #include "sls/ToString.h"
 #include "sls/container_utils.h"
+#include "sls/file_utils.h"
 #include "sls/network_utils.h"
 #include "sls/string_utils.h"
 
@@ -1361,91 +1362,10 @@ std::vector<char> DetectorImpl::readProgrammingFile(const std::string &fname) {
     }
     LOG(logINFOBLUE) << "File has been converted to " << destfname;
 
-    // loading dst file to memory
-    // FILE *fp = fopen("/tmp/SLS_DET_MCB.tzgmUT", "r");
-    FILE *fp = fopen(destfname, "r");
-    if (fp == nullptr) {
-        throw RuntimeError("Program FPGA: Could not open rawbin file");
-    }
-    if (fseek(fp, 0, SEEK_END) != 0) {
-        throw RuntimeError("Program FPGA: Seek error in rawbin file");
-    }
-    size_t filesize = ftell(fp);
-    if (filesize <= 0) {
-        throw RuntimeError("Program FPGA: Could not get length of rawbin file");
-    }
-    rewind(fp);
-
-    std::vector<char> buffer(filesize, 0);
-    if (fread(buffer.data(), sizeof(char), filesize, fp) != filesize) {
-        throw RuntimeError("Program FPGA: Could not read rawbin file");
-    }
-
-    if (fclose(fp) != 0) {
-        throw RuntimeError(
-            "Program FPGA: Could not close destination file after converting");
-    }
-
-    unlink(destfname); // delete temporary file
-    LOG(logDEBUG1) << "Read file into memory";
-    return buffer;
-}
-
-std::vector<char> DetectorImpl::readKernelFile(const std::string &fname) {
-    // validate type of file
-    switch (shm()->detType) {
-    case JUNGFRAU:
-    case CHIPTESTBOARD:
-    case MOENCH:
-        if (fname.find(".lzma") == std::string::npos) {
-            throw RuntimeError("Kernel image file must be a lzma file.");
-        }
-        break;
-    case MYTHEN3:
-    case GOTTHARD2:
-        if (fname.find(".bin") == std::string::npos) {
-            throw RuntimeError("Kernel image file must be an bin file.");
-        }
-        break;
-    default:
-        throw RuntimeError("Programming kernel image via the package is not "
-                           "implemented for this detector");
-    }
-
-    LOG(logINFO) << "Updating Kernel...";
-    LOG(logDEBUG1) << "Programming kernel image with file name:" << fname;
-
-    // check if it exists
-    struct stat st;
-    if (stat(fname.c_str(), &st) != 0) {
-        throw RuntimeError("Program kernel: file does not exist");
-    }
-
-    FILE *fp = fopen(fname.c_str(), "rb");
-    if (fp == nullptr) {
-        throw RuntimeError("Program kernel: Could not open file: " + fname);
-    }
-
-    // get file size to print progress
-    if (fseek(fp, 0, SEEK_END) != 0) {
-        throw RuntimeError("Program kernel: Seek error in src file");
-    }
-    size_t filesize = ftell(fp);
-    if (filesize <= 0) {
-        throw RuntimeError("Program kernel: Could not get length of file");
-    }
-    rewind(fp);
-
-    std::vector<char> buffer(filesize, 0);
-    if (fread(buffer.data(), sizeof(char), filesize, fp) != filesize) {
-        throw RuntimeError("Program kernel: Could not read file");
-    }
-
-    if (fclose(fp) != 0) {
-        throw RuntimeError("Program kernel: Could not close file");
-    }
-
-    LOG(logDEBUG1) << "Read file into memory";
+    // load converted file to memory
+    std::vector<char> buffer = readBinaryFile(destfname, "Program FPGA");
+    // delete temporary
+    unlink(destfname);
     return buffer;
 }
 
diff --git a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/DetectorImpl.h b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/DetectorImpl.h
index c82d7a178..c51f80251 100644
--- a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/DetectorImpl.h
+++ b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/DetectorImpl.h
@@ -291,15 +291,6 @@ class DetectorImpl : public virtual slsDetectorDefs {
      */
     std::vector<char> readProgrammingFile(const std::string &fname);
 
-    /**
-     * Read file into memory
-     * [Jungfrau][Ctb][Moench] from lzma file
-     * [Mythen3][Gotthard2] from bin file
-     * @param fname name of file
-     * @returns binary of the program
-     */
-    std::vector<char> readKernelFile(const std::string &fname);
-
     sls::Result<int> getNumberofUDPInterfaces(Positions pos) const;
     void setNumberofUDPInterfaces(int n, Positions pos);
     sls::Result<int> getDefaultDac(defs::dacIndex index,
diff --git a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/Module.cpp b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/Module.cpp
index 93913bb85..444f24848 100644
--- a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/Module.cpp
+++ b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/Module.cpp
@@ -2487,14 +2487,14 @@ void Module::programFPGA(std::vector<char> buffer) {
     case JUNGFRAU:
     case CHIPTESTBOARD:
     case MOENCH:
-        programFPGAviaBlackfin(buffer);
+        sendProgram(true, buffer, F_PROGRAM_FPGA, "Update Firmware");
         break;
     case MYTHEN3:
     case GOTTHARD2:
-        programFPGAviaNios(buffer);
+        sendProgram(false, buffer, F_PROGRAM_FPGA, "Update Firmware");
         break;
     default:
-        throw RuntimeError("Programming FPGA via the package is not "
+        throw RuntimeError("Updating Firmware via the package is not "
                            "implemented for this detector");
     }
 }
@@ -2523,16 +2523,35 @@ void Module::copyDetectorServer(const std::string &fname,
                  << "): detector server copied";
 }
 
+void Module::updateDetectorServer(std::vector<char> buffer) {
+    switch (shm()->detType) {
+    case JUNGFRAU:
+    case CHIPTESTBOARD:
+    case MOENCH:
+        sendProgram(true, buffer, F_UPDATE_DETECTOR_SERVER,
+                    "Update Detector Server (no tftp)");
+        break;
+    case MYTHEN3:
+    case GOTTHARD2:
+        sendProgram(false, buffer, F_UPDATE_DETECTOR_SERVER,
+                    "Update Detector Server (no tftp)");
+        break;
+    default:
+        throw RuntimeError("Updating Kernel via the package is not implemented "
+                           "for this detector");
+    }
+}
+
 void Module::updateKernel(std::vector<char> buffer) {
     switch (shm()->detType) {
     case JUNGFRAU:
     case CHIPTESTBOARD:
     case MOENCH:
-        updateKernelviaBlackfin(buffer);
+        sendProgram(true, buffer, F_UPDATE_KERNEL, "Update Kernel");
         break;
     case MYTHEN3:
     case GOTTHARD2:
-        updateKernelviaNios(buffer);
+        sendProgram(false, buffer, F_UPDATE_KERNEL, "Update Kernel");
         break;
     default:
         throw RuntimeError("Updating Kernel via the package is not implemented "
@@ -3443,16 +3462,19 @@ sls_detector_module Module::readSettingsFile(const std::string &fname,
     return myMod;
 }
 
-void Module::programFPGAviaBlackfin(std::vector<char> buffer) {
-    // send program from memory to detector
+void Module::sendProgram(bool blackfin, std::vector<char> buffer,
+                         const int functionEnum,
+                         const std::string &functionType) {
     LOG(logINFO) << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname
-                 << "): Sending programming binary (from pof)";
+                 << "): Sending " << functionType;
+
+    // send fnum and filesize
     auto client = DetectorSocket(shm()->hostname, shm()->controlPort);
-    client.Send(F_PROGRAM_FPGA);
+    client.Send(functionEnum);
     uint64_t filesize = buffer.size();
     client.Send(filesize);
 
-    // checksum
+    // send checksum
     std::string checksum = sls::md5_calculate_checksum(buffer.data(), filesize);
     LOG(logDEBUG1) << "Checksum:" << checksum;
     char cChecksum[MAX_STR_LENGTH];
@@ -3460,39 +3482,42 @@ void Module::programFPGAviaBlackfin(std::vector<char> buffer) {
     strcpy(cChecksum, checksum.c_str());
     client.Send(cChecksum);
 
-    //  opening file fail
+    // validate memory allocation etc in detector
     if (client.Receive<int>() == FAIL) {
-        std::cout << '\n';
         std::ostringstream os;
         os << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")"
            << " returned error: " << client.readErrorMessage();
         throw DetectorError(os.str());
     }
 
-    // sending program in parts
-    uint64_t unitprogramsize = 0;
-    int currentPointer = 0;
-    while (filesize > 0) {
-        unitprogramsize = MAX_BLACKFIN_PROGRAM_SIZE;
-        if (unitprogramsize > filesize) {
-            unitprogramsize = filesize;
-        }
-        LOG(logDEBUG) << "unitprogramsize:" << unitprogramsize
-                      << "\t filesize:" << filesize;
+    // send program
+    if (blackfin) {
+        uint64_t unitprogramsize = 0;
+        int currentPointer = 0;
+        while (filesize > 0) {
+            unitprogramsize = MAX_BLACKFIN_PROGRAM_SIZE;
+            if (unitprogramsize > filesize) {
+                unitprogramsize = filesize;
+            }
+            LOG(logDEBUG) << "unitprogramsize:" << unitprogramsize
+                          << "\t filesize:" << filesize;
 
-        client.Send(&buffer[currentPointer], unitprogramsize);
-        if (client.Receive<int>() == FAIL) {
-            std::cout << '\n';
-            std::ostringstream os;
-            os << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")"
-               << " returned error: " << client.readErrorMessage();
-            throw DetectorError(os.str());
+            client.Send(&buffer[currentPointer], unitprogramsize);
+            if (client.Receive<int>() == FAIL) {
+                std::cout << '\n';
+                std::ostringstream os;
+                os << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")"
+                   << " returned error: " << client.readErrorMessage();
+                throw DetectorError(os.str());
+            }
+            filesize -= unitprogramsize;
+            currentPointer += unitprogramsize;
         }
-        filesize -= unitprogramsize;
-        currentPointer += unitprogramsize;
+    } else {
+        client.Send(buffer);
     }
 
-    // checksum
+    // tmp checksum verified in detector
     if (client.Receive<int>() == FAIL) {
         std::ostringstream os;
         os << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")"
@@ -3502,50 +3527,22 @@ void Module::programFPGAviaBlackfin(std::vector<char> buffer) {
     LOG(logINFO) << "Checksum verified for module " << moduleIndex << " ("
                  << shm()->hostname << ")";
 
-    // simulating erasing flash
-    {
-        LOG(logINFO) << "(Simulating) Erasing Flash for module " << moduleIndex
-                     << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")";
-        printf("%d%%\r", 0);
-        std::cout << std::flush;
-        // erasing takes 65 seconds, printing here (otherwise need threads
-        // in server-unnecessary)
-        const int ERASE_TIME = 65;
-        int count = ERASE_TIME + 1;
-        while (count > 0) {
-            std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::seconds(1));
-            --count;
-            printf("%d%%\r",
-                   static_cast<int>(
-                       (static_cast<double>(ERASE_TIME - count) / ERASE_TIME) *
-                       100));
-            std::cout << std::flush;
+    // simulating erasing and writing to
+    if (functionEnum == F_PROGRAM_FPGA) {
+        if (blackfin) {
+            simulatingActivityinDetector("Erasing Flash",
+                                         BLACKFIN_ERASE_FLASH_TIME);
+            simulatingActivityinDetector("Writing to Flash",
+                                         BLACKFIN_WRITE_TO_FLASH_TIME);
+        } else {
+            simulatingActivityinDetector("Erasing Flash",
+                                         NIOS_ERASE_FLASH_TIME);
+            simulatingActivityinDetector("Writing to Flash",
+                                         NIOS_WRITE_TO_FLASH_TIME);
         }
-        printf("\n");
-    }
-
-    // simulating writing to flash
-    {
-        LOG(logINFO) << "(Simulating) Writing to Flash for module "
-                     << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")";
-        printf("%d%%\r", 0);
-        std::cout << std::flush;
-        // writing takes 30 seconds, printing here (otherwise need threads
-        // in server-unnecessary)
-        const int ERASE_TIME = 30;
-        int count = ERASE_TIME + 1;
-        while (count > 0) {
-            std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::seconds(1));
-            --count;
-            printf("%d%%\r",
-                   static_cast<int>(
-                       (static_cast<double>(ERASE_TIME - count) / ERASE_TIME) *
-                       100));
-            std::cout << std::flush;
-        }
-        printf("\n");
     }
 
+    // update verified
     if (client.Receive<int>() == FAIL) {
         std::ostringstream os;
         os << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")"
@@ -3553,190 +3550,26 @@ void Module::programFPGAviaBlackfin(std::vector<char> buffer) {
         throw DetectorError(os.str());
     }
     LOG(logINFO) << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname
-                 << "): FPGA programmed successfully";
+                 << "): " << functionType << " udpated successfully";
 }
 
-void Module::programFPGAviaNios(std::vector<char> buffer) {
-    LOG(logINFO) << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname
-                 << "): Sending programming binary (from rbf)";
-
-    auto client = DetectorSocket(shm()->hostname, shm()->controlPort);
-    client.Send(F_PROGRAM_FPGA);
-    uint64_t filesize = buffer.size();
-    client.Send(filesize);
-
-    // checksum
-    std::string checksum = sls::md5_calculate_checksum(buffer.data(), filesize);
-    LOG(logDEBUG1) << "Checksum:" << checksum;
-    char cChecksum[MAX_STR_LENGTH];
-    memset(cChecksum, 0, MAX_STR_LENGTH);
-    strcpy(cChecksum, checksum.c_str());
-    client.Send(cChecksum);
-
-    // validate file size before sending program
-    if (client.Receive<int>() == FAIL) {
-        std::ostringstream os;
-        os << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")"
-           << " returned error: " << client.readErrorMessage();
-        throw DetectorError(os.str());
-    }
-    client.Send(buffer);
-
-    // simulating erasing flash
-    {
-        LOG(logINFO) << "(Simulating) Erasing Flash for module " << moduleIndex
-                     << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")";
-        printf("%d%%\r", 0);
+void Module::simulatingActivityinDetector(const std::string &functionType,
+                                          const int timeRequired) {
+    LOG(logINFO) << "(Simulating) " << functionType << " for module "
+                 << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")";
+    printf("%d%%\r", 0);
+    std::cout << std::flush;
+    const int ERASE_TIME = timeRequired;
+    int count = ERASE_TIME + 1;
+    while (count > 0) {
+        std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::seconds(1));
+        --count;
+        printf(
+            "%d%%\r",
+            static_cast<int>(
+                (static_cast<double>(ERASE_TIME - count) / ERASE_TIME) * 100));
         std::cout << std::flush;
-        // erasing takes 10 seconds, printing here (otherwise need threads
-        // in server-unnecessary)
-        const int ERASE_TIME = 10;
-        int count = ERASE_TIME + 1;
-        while (count > 0) {
-            std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::seconds(1));
-            --count;
-            printf("%d%%\r",
-                   static_cast<int>(
-                       (static_cast<double>(ERASE_TIME - count) / ERASE_TIME) *
-                       100));
-            std::cout << std::flush;
-        }
-        printf("\n");
     }
-
-    // simulating writing to flash
-    {
-        LOG(logINFO) << "(Simulating) Writing to Flash for module "
-                     << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")";
-        printf("%d%%\r", 0);
-        std::cout << std::flush;
-        // writing takes 45 seconds, printing here (otherwise need threads
-        // in server-unnecessary)
-        const int ERASE_TIME = 45;
-        int count = ERASE_TIME + 1;
-        while (count > 0) {
-            std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::seconds(1));
-            --count;
-            printf("%d%%\r",
-                   static_cast<int>(
-                       (static_cast<double>(ERASE_TIME - count) / ERASE_TIME) *
-                       100));
-            std::cout << std::flush;
-        }
-        printf("\n");
-    }
-    if (client.Receive<int>() == FAIL) {
-        std::ostringstream os;
-        os << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")"
-           << " returned error: " << client.readErrorMessage();
-        throw DetectorError(os.str());
-    }
-    LOG(logINFO) << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname
-                 << "): FPGA programmed successfully";
-}
-
-void Module::updateKernelviaBlackfin(std::vector<char> buffer) {
-    // send program from memory to detector
-    LOG(logINFO) << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname
-                 << "): Sending kernel image (.lzma)";
-    auto client = DetectorSocket(shm()->hostname, shm()->controlPort);
-    client.Send(F_PROGRAM_KERNEL);
-    uint64_t filesize = buffer.size();
-    client.Send(filesize);
-
-    // checksum
-    std::string checksum = sls::md5_calculate_checksum(buffer.data(), filesize);
-    LOG(logDEBUG1) << "Checksum:" << checksum;
-    char cChecksum[MAX_STR_LENGTH];
-    memset(cChecksum, 0, MAX_STR_LENGTH);
-    strcpy(cChecksum, checksum.c_str());
-    client.Send(cChecksum);
-
-    //  opening file fail
-    if (client.Receive<int>() == FAIL) {
-        std::cout << '\n';
-        std::ostringstream os;
-        os << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")"
-           << " returned error: " << client.readErrorMessage();
-        throw DetectorError(os.str());
-    }
-
-    // sending program in parts
-    uint64_t unitprogramsize = 0;
-    int currentPointer = 0;
-    while (filesize > 0) {
-        unitprogramsize = MAX_BLACKFIN_PROGRAM_SIZE;
-        if (unitprogramsize > filesize) {
-            unitprogramsize = filesize;
-        }
-        LOG(logDEBUG) << "unitprogramsize:" << unitprogramsize
-                      << "\t filesize:" << filesize;
-
-        client.Send(&buffer[currentPointer], unitprogramsize);
-        if (client.Receive<int>() == FAIL) {
-            std::cout << '\n';
-            std::ostringstream os;
-            os << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")"
-               << " returned error: " << client.readErrorMessage();
-            throw DetectorError(os.str());
-        }
-        filesize -= unitprogramsize;
-        currentPointer += unitprogramsize;
-    }
-
-    // checksum
-    if (client.Receive<int>() == FAIL) {
-        std::ostringstream os;
-        os << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")"
-           << " returned error: " << client.readErrorMessage();
-        throw DetectorError(os.str());
-    }
-    LOG(logINFO) << "Checksum verified for module " << moduleIndex << " ("
-                 << shm()->hostname << ")";
-
-    if (client.Receive<int>() == FAIL) {
-        std::ostringstream os;
-        os << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")"
-           << " returned error: " << client.readErrorMessage();
-        throw DetectorError(os.str());
-    }
-    LOG(logINFO) << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname
-                 << "): Kernel udpated successfully";
-}
-
-void Module::updateKernelviaNios(std::vector<char> buffer) {
-    LOG(logINFO) << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname
-                 << "): Sending kernel image (from rbf)";
-
-    auto client = DetectorSocket(shm()->hostname, shm()->controlPort);
-    client.Send(F_PROGRAM_FPGA);
-    uint64_t filesize = buffer.size();
-    client.Send(filesize);
-
-    // checksum
-    std::string checksum = sls::md5_calculate_checksum(buffer.data(), filesize);
-    LOG(logDEBUG1) << "Checksum:" << checksum;
-    char cChecksum[MAX_STR_LENGTH];
-    memset(cChecksum, 0, MAX_STR_LENGTH);
-    strcpy(cChecksum, checksum.c_str());
-    client.Send(cChecksum);
-
-    // validate file size before sending program
-    if (client.Receive<int>() == FAIL) {
-        std::ostringstream os;
-        os << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")"
-           << " returned error: " << client.readErrorMessage();
-        throw DetectorError(os.str());
-    }
-    client.Send(buffer);
-
-    if (client.Receive<int>() == FAIL) {
-        std::ostringstream os;
-        os << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname << ")"
-           << " returned error: " << client.readErrorMessage();
-        throw DetectorError(os.str());
-    }
-    LOG(logINFO) << "Module " << moduleIndex << " (" << shm()->hostname
-                 << "): Kernel updated successfully";
+    printf("\n");
 }
 } // namespace sls
diff --git a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/Module.h b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/Module.h
index d81e880fc..00c4cf115 100644
--- a/slsDetectorSoftware/src/Module.h
+++ b/slsDetectorSoftware/src/Module.h
@@ -541,6 +541,7 @@ class Module : public virtual slsDetectorDefs {
     void resetFPGA();
     void copyDetectorServer(const std::string &fname,
                             const std::string &hostname);
+    void updateDetectorServer(std::vector<char> buffer);
     void updateKernel(std::vector<char> buffer);
     void rebootController();
     uint32_t readRegister(uint32_t addr) const;
@@ -747,13 +748,17 @@ class Module : public virtual slsDetectorDefs {
     std::string getTrimbitFilename(detectorSettings settings, int e_eV);
     sls_detector_module readSettingsFile(const std::string &fname,
                                          bool trimbits = true);
-    void programFPGAviaBlackfin(std::vector<char> buffer);
-    void programFPGAviaNios(std::vector<char> buffer);
-    void updateKernelviaBlackfin(std::vector<char> buffer);
-    void updateKernelviaNios(std::vector<char> buffer);
+    void sendProgram(bool blackfin, std::vector<char> buffer,
+                     const int functionEnum, const std::string &functionType);
+    void simulatingActivityinDetector(const std::string &functionType,
+                                      const int timeRequired);
 
     const int moduleIndex;
     mutable sls::SharedMemory<sharedModule> shm{0, 0};
+    static const int BLACKFIN_ERASE_FLASH_TIME = 65;
+    static const int BLACKFIN_WRITE_TO_FLASH_TIME = 30;
+    static const int NIOS_ERASE_FLASH_TIME = 10;
+    static const int NIOS_WRITE_TO_FLASH_TIME = 45;
 };
 
 } // namespace sls
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/slsSupportLib/include/sls/file_utils.h b/slsSupportLib/include/sls/file_utils.h
index cc427a88f..3e0cb3923 100644
--- a/slsSupportLib/include/sls/file_utils.h
+++ b/slsSupportLib/include/sls/file_utils.h
@@ -8,43 +8,34 @@
 #include <fstream>
 #include <string>
 
-/** (used by multi and sls)
- * reads a short int raw data file
- * @param infile input file stream
+/**
  * @param data array of data values
  * @param nch number of channels
  * @param offset start channel value
- * @returns OK or FAIL if it could not read the file or data=NULL
  */
 int readDataFile(std::ifstream &infile, short int *data, int nch,
                  int offset = 0);
 
-/** (used by multi and sls)
- * reads a short int rawdata file
- * @param fname name of the file to be read
+/**
  * @param data array of data value
  * @param nch number of channels
- * @returns OK or FAIL if it could not read the file or data=NULL
  */
 int readDataFile(std::string fname, short int *data, int nch);
 
-/** (used by multi and sls)
- * writes a short int raw data file
- * @param outfile output file stream
+std::vector<char> readBinaryFile(const std::string &fname,
+                                 const std::string &errorPrefix);
+
+/**
  * @param nch number of channels
  * @param data array of data values
  * @param offset start channel number
- * @returns OK or FAIL if it could not write the file or data=NULL
  */
 int writeDataFile(std::ofstream &outfile, int nch, short int *data,
                   int offset = 0);
 
-/** (used by multi and sls)
- * writes a short int raw data file
- * @param fname of the file to be written
+/**
  * @param nch number of channels
  * @param data array of data values
- * @returns OK or FAIL if it could not write the file or data=NULL
  */
 int writeDataFile(std::string fname, int nch, short int *data);
 
diff --git a/slsSupportLib/include/sls/sls_detector_funcs.h b/slsSupportLib/include/sls/sls_detector_funcs.h
index 160669f25..8606c5f40 100755
--- a/slsSupportLib/include/sls/sls_detector_funcs.h
+++ b/slsSupportLib/include/sls/sls_detector_funcs.h
@@ -254,7 +254,8 @@ enum detFuncs {
     F_GET_READOUT_SPEED,
     F_SET_READOUT_SPEED,
     F_GET_KERNEL_VERSION,
-    F_PROGRAM_KERNEL,
+    F_UPDATE_KERNEL,
+    F_UPDATE_DETECTOR_SERVER,
 
     NUM_DET_FUNCTIONS,
     RECEIVER_ENUM_START = 256, /**< detector function should not exceed this
@@ -611,7 +612,7 @@ const char* getFunctionNameFromEnum(enum detFuncs func) {
     case F_GET_READOUT_SPEED:               return "F_GET_READOUT_SPEED";
     case F_SET_READOUT_SPEED:               return "F_SET_READOUT_SPEED";
     case F_GET_KERNEL_VERSION:              return "F_GET_KERNEL_VERSION";
-    case F_PROGRAM_KERNEL:                  return "F_PROGRAM_KERNEL";
+    case F_UPDATE_DETECTOR_SERVER:          return "F_UPDATE_DETECTOR_SERVER";
 
     case NUM_DET_FUNCTIONS:              	return "NUM_DET_FUNCTIONS";
     case RECEIVER_ENUM_START:				return "RECEIVER_ENUM_START";
diff --git a/slsSupportLib/src/file_utils.cpp b/slsSupportLib/src/file_utils.cpp
index 9c58c5dcf..652e0749a 100644
--- a/slsSupportLib/src/file_utils.cpp
+++ b/slsSupportLib/src/file_utils.cpp
@@ -53,6 +53,48 @@ int readDataFile(std::string fname, short int *data, int nch) {
     return iline;
 }
 
+std::vector<char> readBinaryFile(const std::string &fname,
+                                 const std::string &errorPrefix) {
+    // check if it exists
+    struct stat st;
+    if (stat(fname.c_str(), &st) != 0) {
+        throw sls::RuntimeError(errorPrefix +
+                                std::string(": file does not exist"));
+    }
+
+    FILE *fp = fopen(fname.c_str(), "rb");
+    if (fp == nullptr) {
+        throw sls::RuntimeError(errorPrefix +
+                                std::string(": Could not open file: ") + fname);
+    }
+
+    // get file size to print progress
+    if (fseek(fp, 0, SEEK_END) != 0) {
+        throw sls::RuntimeError(errorPrefix +
+                                std::string(": Seek error in src file"));
+    }
+    size_t filesize = ftell(fp);
+    if (filesize <= 0) {
+        throw sls::RuntimeError(errorPrefix +
+                                std::string(": Could not get length of file"));
+    }
+    rewind(fp);
+
+    std::vector<char> buffer(filesize, 0);
+    if (fread(buffer.data(), sizeof(char), filesize, fp) != filesize) {
+        throw sls::RuntimeError(errorPrefix +
+                                std::string(": Could not read file"));
+    }
+
+    if (fclose(fp) != 0) {
+        throw sls::RuntimeError(errorPrefix +
+                                std::string(": Could not close file"));
+    }
+
+    LOG(logDEBUG1) << "Read file into memory";
+    return buffer;
+}
+
 int writeDataFile(std::ofstream &outfile, int nch, short int *data,
                   int offset) {
     if (data == nullptr)