Skip to main content
Electronic Theatre Controls Inc

Manually Update the Cobalt Motorized Fader Wing FDUs

Manually Updating Cobalt Firmware

Firmware updates were required on Cobalt 20 and Cobalt 10 consoles with version 7.2.0 - if the firmware is not updated on all modules of these consoles, their facepanels will not operate properly.

Additionally, some components may have additional firmware updates available that improve the performance of the components. Please check to be sure that the components of your system are up to date before proceeding with the use of Cobalt Version 8.x. Follow the procedures below to update any component that is not at the appropriate version.

Current Component Firmware Versions by Console

Cobalt 10/20

Component

Firmware Version

Keyboard Master

1.1.0.9.0.0

Fader Display Unit

1.0.4.9.0.16 / 1.0.5.0.16*

Independent Master

1.0.1.9.0.5 / 1.0.2.9.0.6*

Playback Master

1.0.3.9.0.8 / 1.0.4.9.0.9*

Full Speed I/O Card (with Phone Remote)

1.4.2.9.0.5

High Speed I/O Card (without Phone Remote)

1.1.0.9.0.4 / 1.1.1.9.0.5*

 *Version Available when Updated by ETC Service Center Only

Cobalt Programming Wing

Component

Firmware Version

Programming Wing

1.1.0.9.0.0

Encoder Board

1.0.1.9.0.9 / 1.0.2.9.0.10*

Playback Master

1.0.3.9.0.8 / 1.0.4.9.0.9*

Full Speed I/O Card

1.4.2.9.0.5

High Speed I/O Card

1.1.0.9.0.4 / 1.1.1.9.0.5*

*Version Available when Updated by ETC Service Center Only

Cobalt Motorized Fader Wing

Component

Firmware Version

Fader Wing

1.0.4.9.0.21 / 1.0.5.9.0.22*

*Version Available when Updated by ETC Service Center Only

Cobalt Light Server

Component

Firmware Version

Light Server 10x2 Button

1.1.0.9.0.1

Full Speed I/O Card (with Phone Remote)

1.4.2.9.0.5

High Speed I/O Card (without Phone Remote)

1.1.0.9.0.4 / 1.1.1.9.0.5*

*Version Available when Updated by ETC Service Center Only

Congo Jr / Congo Kid / Congo Light Server

Component

Firmware Version

Facepanel

1.9

Full Speed I/O Card (with Phone Remote)

1.4.2.9.0.5

High Speed I/O Card (without Phone Remote)

1.1.0.9.0.4 / 1.1.1.9.0.5*

*Version Available when Updated by ETC Service Center Only

General Update Requirements:

You will need to have a USB keyboard and mouse attached to the Console or ETCnomad Windows Computer you are using to update components.

Note-Icon.png

Firmware updates are not available on ETCnomad Mac Computers 

It is strongly advised that when updating firmware on a console running v7.x, temporarily disable using “Bypass startup screen and start up with specific play” for the duration of the update process. This setting is located on the Backup tab in System Settings and should be set to “[None]”

Bypass Startup Screen.png

Caution-Icon.png

Only one component may be updated at a time. Attempting to update multiple components at a time may result in non-working components. 

Updating the High Speed I/O card requires a #2 Philips head screwdriver. Congo Jr consoles may also require a #1 Philips head screwdriver.

Manually Updating the Cobalt Motorized Fader Wing FDUs (Cobalt Motorized Fader Wings)

Caution-Icon.png

This is for the Fader Display Units (FDUs) built into the Motorized Fader Wings. Please follow the instructions for Cobalt Fader Display Units built in to the Cobalt 10 and 20 consoles separately.

Step 1: Exit Cobalt and power off the Motorized Fader Wing.

Step 2: Press and hold the top left master potentiometer and bottom left flash button on the Fader Display Unit as power is turned back on.

FDU Face with Labels Buttons Selected CROP.png

Step 3 (Console Users Only – Computer Users skip to Step 7):  Using the external Mouse, Select System Settings from the Welcome Screen.

V8 Settings Icon.png

Step 4 (Console Users Only – Computer Users skip to Step 7):  Press [Alt]+[F11] on the external keyboard to launch Process Explorer

Note-Icon.png

Process Explorer may start minimized on the main screen. If so, choose the restore button to view Process Explorer.

Step 5 (Console Users Only – Computer Users skip to Step 7): In Process Explorer, navigate to the File menu and choose Run…

Process Explorer File Menu.png

Step 6 (Console Users Only – Computer Users skip to Step 7):  Type explorer in the Open: field and click {OK} or press Enter.

Process Explorer Run Dialog.png

Step 7: Using the Windows Explorer window, navigate to C:\etc\nodesbin

Step 8: Right click on the following file name and choose copy

14d5.003c_Display_HS_1.0.4.9.0.21.afx.S19


Step 9: Using the Windows Explorer window, navigate to the drive labeled BOOTLOADER, right click and choose Paste to copy the firmware to the component.

Important-Icon.png

If you see more than one drive labeled BOOTLOADER, abort this update attempt and restart the console/computer. If you continue to see multiple drives labeled BOOTLOADER, contact ETC Technical Services.

Step 10: Close all open windows including Windows Explorer and Process Explorer. Click {OK} in System Settings and power off the console.

Step 11: This component is now ready for use on the next normal power up. Repeat these steps for all Fader Display Units built into the Motorized Fader Wing.

 

  • Was this article helpful?