Manually Update the High Speed I/O Card
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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.
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]”
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 High Speed I/O Card (Congo Kid)
The information in this post is provided to assist in troubleshooting. Perform work at your own risk. ENSURE ANY POWER FROM DEVICES HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED BEFORE SERVICING ANY EQUIPMENT. If you do not feel comfortable performing the work, please contact us or your local service center. Be aware that ETC and its Affiliates are not responsible for any damage or injury caused by service of our products by anyone other than us or our authorized service providers, and such damage is excluded from the product’s warranty.
This process is only for the High Speed I/O card. Full Speed I/O cards should be updated following the procedure for Updating Full Speed I/O Cards.
With the exception of the Cobalt Programming Wing, the Full Speed I/O card can be identified by the presence of a Phone Remote (RJ11) port. All Cobalt Programming Wings shipped without a Phone Remote port.
Step 1: Exit Cobalt and power off the Congo Kid.
Step 2: Carefully, turn the Congo Kid onto its facepanel to access the bottom of the console.
Step 3: Using a #2 Philips head screwdriver, remove the 7 screws shown below.
Step 4: Carefully, restore the Congo Kid to the normal orientation using great care to not allow the console tray to swing open.
Step 5. Lift the Congo Kid facepanel from the front edge and locate the High Speed I/O Card in the console tray
Note: Congo Kid facepanel not shown for clarity
Step 6: Press and hold the Boot button on the High Speed I/O Card as power is turned back on.
WARNING: HIGH VOLTAGE POTENTIAL – DO NOT TOUCH OTHER COMPONENTS INSIDE OF THE CONSOLE WHILE POWER IS ON
Step 7: Using the external Mouse, Select System Settings from the Welcome Screen.
Step 8: Press [Alt]+[F11] on the external keyboard to launch Process Explorer
Process Explorer may start minimized on the main screen. If so, choose the restore button to view Process Explorer.
Step 9: In Process Explorer, navigate to the File menu and choose Run…
Step 10: Type explorer in the Open: field and click {OK} or press Enter.
Step 11: Using the Windows Explorer window, navigate to C:\etc\nodesbin
Step 12: Right click on the following file name and choose copy
14d5.0113_IO_Kinetis_v1.1.0.9.0.4.S19 |
Step 13: Using the Windows Explorer window, navigate to the drive labeled BOOTLOADER, right click and choose Paste to copy the firmware to the component.
If you see more than one drive labeled BOOTLOADER, abort this update attempt and restart the console. If you continue to see multiple drives labeled BOOTLOADER, contact ETC Technical Services.
Step 14: Close all open windows including Windows Explorer and Process Explorer. Click {OK} in System Settings and power off the Congo Kid console.
Step 15: Gently close the facepanel and carefully turn the Congo Kid onto its facepanel to access the bottom of the console using great care to not allow the console tray to swing open.
Step 16: Using a #2 Philips head screwdriver, replace the 7 screws removed during Step 3.
Step 17: Carefully, restore the Congo Kid to the normal orientation.
Step 18: This component is now ready for use on the next normal power up.