CPU Variants in ColorSource and S4WRD Color Fixtures
What is a CPU Variant?
Due to parts shortages and redesigns, ColorSource and Source 4WRD Color I fixtures have had to use alternative control cards during their lifespans. We differentiate these control card versions with "CPU" numbers.
How CPU Version Affects Fixture Use
- When updating these fixtures, it is important to know which CPU your fixture has, as there is a different fixture variant in UpdaterAtor for each CPU.
- Fixture to fixture software push will function only between fixtures using the same processor type.
- A fixture running v4.0.2 cannot push firmware to one running 1.7.2, or vice versa
- If you try to load the firmware onto to a fixture with the incorrect CPU, nothing will happen; the fixtures will not accept the code.
- Software versions on different firmware branches are intended to be equivalent in functionality to the other branches.
- For example: the output and control of a ColorSource PAR CPU2 running version 3.0.0 is expected to match that of a ColorSource PAR CPU1 running version 1.7.2
Identifying CPU from Current Software Version
CPU1 fixtures cannot run CPU2 software and vice versa, so when a new CPU is introduced, a new branch of software versions has to be made to go with it. Each new branch gets a different starting number for the version
ColorSource Fixtures Software
| CPU | Version |
|---|---|
| CPU1 | 1.x.x |
| Spot jr CPU1 | 2.x.x |
| CPU2 | 3.x.x |
| CPU3 | 4.x.x |
For a full list of software versions and compatible fixtures, see: ColorSource Family Software Version History
Source 4WRD Color Software
| CPU | Version |
|---|---|
| CPU1 | 1.x.x |
| CPU2 | 2.x.x |
For a full list of software versions and compatible fixtures, see: Source 4WRD Software Version History
Identifying CPU from Serial Labels
If your fixture isn't booting, or has no firmware loaded, you can identify the CPU from the serial label. Fixtures using anything other than CPU1, have their CPU version denoted on their serial labels. If there is no "CPU2" or "CPU3" written on it, it will be a CPU1 fixture.
On the package you can identify what type of fixture is in the box by checking the software version (see list above).
For example CS CYC CE Fixture;
CPU1 S/V:1.7.2:
CPU2 S/V:3.1.0:
If you are not sure what fixture version you have, please contact ETC Technical Support for more information.