Wire-Lists#18: Everything You Need To Know About Firmware Updates: Part 3

Social Media WireLists18 300pxIn the previous two Wired Lists, we discussed what Firmware Updates are, where to find them, and the software programs needed to install them. In this week's List, the final one in our Firmware series, we'll talk about updates for specific models. There is not a "one size fits all" approach for these models, and you'll need to dive a bit deeper, depending on your specific situation. Look at the serial number plate or label on your device to exactly determine the Lectrosonics model number, then use the following to determine the appropriate firmware load that you need.

HHa

The HHa Firmware page is here

As you can see, there are four different firmware loads available on the page. The HHa, HHa/E01, HHa/E06 and HHa/X
models require different firmware loads:

 

  • HHa - Version 6.x firmware for the HHa is for use only in new product shipped after October 13, 2018 to US customers. These bear new FCC ID numbers (DBZHHAA1A and DBZHHAB1A), which indicate conformance to the ETSI standard now in effect for wireless microphone transmitters in the United States and Canada. The "Nu Hybrid" compatibility mode replaces the old "400" mode used in previous versions of the product.
  • HHa/E01 - This is the current firmware for the product version marketed in the European Union
  • HHa/E06 - This is the current firmware for the product version marketed in Australia
  • HHa/X - This is the current firmware for the product version shipped prior to October 13, 2018 to US and Canadian customers. Note that this firmware is appropriate for the HHa/X product which is available for certain export markets.

These are zip files. After downloading extract the file into a temporary folder. Use the USB Firmware Updater program to update firmware.

HMa

The HMa Firmware page is here

As you can see, there are three different firmware loads available on the page. The HMa, HMa/E01 and HMa/E06 models require different firmware loads:

  • HMa - Version 6.x firmware for the HHa is for use only in new product shipped after October 13, 2018 to US customers.
    These bear new FCC ID numbers (DBZHMAA1A and DBZHMAB1A), which indicate conformance to the ETSI
    standard now in effect for wireless microphone transmitters in the United States and Canada. The "Nu Hybrid"
    compatibility mode replaces the old "400" mode used in previous versions of the product.
  • HMa/E01 - This is the current firmware for the product version marketed in the European Union
  • HMa/E06 - This is the current firmware for the product version marketed in Australia

These are zip files. After downloading extract the file into a temporary folder. Use the USB Firmware Updater program to update firmware.

L-Series (current versions)

The current L-Series Firmware page is here.

As you can see, there are different firmware loads available on the page. The LR, LT, LT/E01 models require different firmware loads:

  • LR - This is the current firmware for all versions of the LR receiver.
  • LT - Version 6.x firmware for the LT is for use only in new product shipped after October 13, 2018 to US customers.
    These will bear new FCC ID numbers (DBZLTA1A and DBZLTB1A), which indicate conformance to the ETSI standard now in effect for wireless microphone transmitters in the United States and Canada. The "Nu Hybrid" compatibility mode replaces the old "400" mode used in previous versions of the product.
  • LT/E01 - Here, we find two different firmware loads for the product marketed in the European Union.
    - Version 1.x firmware. Use this file if your transmitter is currently running on Version 1.xx firmware. To check this, cycle power on your device and observe the firmware version displayed on the boot-up "splash screen."
    - Version 2.x firmware. Use this file if your transmitter is currently running on Version 2.xx firmware. To check this, cycle power on your device and observe the firmware version displayed on the boot-up "splash screen."

Special note for those using older LT transmitters:

  • There is a special firmware page or older LT transmitters, which originally shipped with V1.x firmware. Update these with the version 7.x firmware, found on this page. Note that this applies only to LT transmitters marketed in the US and Canada, not the LT/E01.

These are zip files. After downloading extract the file into a temporary folder. Use the USB Firmware Updater program to update firmware.

Duet System (M2T and M2R)

  • The Firmware page for M2 Duet System products is here.
  • Firmware updates for Duet products are bundled into a single file. Use our Wireless Designer program to update Duet products from the Duet firmware update file; it will automatically choose the necessary components. Instructions to update your Duet products with Wireless Designer are here
  • There are now two firmware choices offering either unencrypted digital transmission (the original mode) or AES-256 encrypted digital transmission (the "-Xî variation). The original unencrypted mode firmware is the version 2.x series, and the new encrypted mode firmware is the version 3.x series. If encrypted mode firmware is installed into M2T or M2R units, they are identified in Wireless Designer as M2T-X and M2R-X to indicate that they are operating in encrypted transmission mode.
  • When updating firmware in the M2T or M2R, the Wireless Designer Firmware Update wizard offers a choice between encrypted and unencrypted operation and automatically installs the correct firmware version. You may switch back and forth between them at will; but note that units running 2.x series firmware (unencrypted) and 3.x series firmware (encrypted) are not interoperable. In a Duet system, all M2T and M2R units use either all 2.x or all 3.x series firmware. DCHT versions 1.10 and higher work with M2R receivers using either 2.x or 3.x firmware, while DCHT versions 1.05 and lower work only with M2R receivers using 2.x firmware.

DCHT (Camera Hop System)

At the time of this writing, firmware updates for the DCHT transmitter are included in the Duet System firmware update file. Use our Wireless Designer program to update Duet products from the Duet firmware update file; it will automatically choose the necessary components. Instructions to update your Duet products with Wireless Designer are here.

SMWB

The Firmware page for SMWB transmitter series is here. On this page, you'll see a number of firmware update files for the following SMWB models.

  • SMWB, SMDWB (version 6.xx or version 7.xx)
  • SMWB/E07, SMDWB/E07 (version 1.xx or version 2.xx)
  • SMWB/E01, SMDWB/E01 (version 1.xx or version 2.xx)
  • SMWB/X, SMDWB/X (version 1.xx or version 2.xx)

It's easy to select the correct file for your transmitter. For example, if your transmitter is running version 6.xx firmware already, then select the version 6.xx update file. To check the version, cycle power on your device and observe the firmware version displayed on the boot-up "splash screen.î

Version 6.xx and 7.xx firmware for the SMWB and SMDWB is for use only in new product shipped after October 13, 2018 to US customers. These will bear new FCC ID numbers (DBZSMDWBA1A and DBZSMDWBB1A). These ID numbers indicate conformance to the ETSI standard now in effect for wireless microphone transmitters in the United States and Canada. The "Nu Hybrid" compatibility mode replaces the old "400" mode used in previous versions of the product.

The SMWB models do not have a USB port for firmware updates. Instead, the firmware is delivered to the unit via SD card. Download the Zip file from the firmware page and copy it onto an SD card for installation.

Special note regarding the transition to newer firmware versions with iXML header support:

When upgrading from older firmware versions without iXML support to newer firmware versions with iXML header
support, a bootloader update is required first. This applies if upgrading to the following firmware versions from older
firmware:

  • SMWB, SMDWB v6.52
  • SMWB/E07, SMDWB/E07 v1.50
  • SMWB/E01, SMDWB/E01 v1.50
  • SMWB/X, SMDWB/X v1.50

Instructions for updating the bootloader are found on the firmware update page. Don't hesitate to call our Factory Service
Department if you have any questions about bootloader updates.

SSM

The SSM Firmware page is here (link to: https://www.lectrosonics.com/Support/category/77-firmware.html)

As you can see, there are five different firmware loads available on the page. The SSM, SSM/E01, SSM/E02, SSM/E06 and SSM/X models require different firmware loads:

  • SSM - Version 6.x firmware for the HHa is for use only in new product shipped after October 13, 2018 to US customers.
    These bear new FCC ID numbers (DBZSSMA1A and DBZSSMB1A), which indicate conformance to the ETSI standard now in effect for wireless microphone transmitters in the United States and Canada. The "Nu Hybrid" compatibility mode replaces the old "400" mode used in previous versions of the product.
  • SSM/E01 - This is the current firmware for the product version marketed in the European Union
  • SSM/E02 - This is the current firmware for the product version marketed in Japan
  • SSM/E06 - This is the current firmware for the product version marketed in Australia
  • SSMM/X - This is the current firmware for the product version shipped prior to October 13, 2018 to US and Canadian customers. Note that this firmware is appropriate for the HHa/X product which is available for certain export markets.

These are zip files. After downloading extract the file into a temporary folder. Use the USB Firmware Updater program to update firmware.

Venue 2

The Firmware page for Venue 2 is here.

Use our Wireless Designer program to update Venue 2 from the Venue 2 firmware update file; it will automatically choose the necessary components. Instructions to update your Venue 2 receiver with Wireless Designer are here.


We hope that this series helped alleviate some of the confusion around firmware updates. If you prefer visual guides, we offer videos on firmware updates for most of our products on our YouTube channel. Our Facebook group is also a wealth of information. And remember, you can always call the factory. Detailed instructions for updating firmware in all of our products can be found in our product manuals, which are designed to be both informative and easy-to-understand. We update them frequently and upload changes to the website product page.