Latest MegaDrum firmware version

[Rovalo]

Hello Dmitri, I encounter a problem getting firmware megadrumSTM32d_56_20181031.bin loaded in MD.

- I did update MD firmware many times before so I know the process, but now MD behaves differently.
- I downloaded and installed InstallMegaDrumManagerFX_20181028. It works fine with my previous firmware version megadrumSTM32d_56_20180521.bin .
- I downloaded and unpacked megadrumSTM32d_56_20181031.bin few times with same below result, so I assume downloaded .bin file is not corrupt.

I had following results:
1. Run firmware upgrade megadrumSTM32d_56_20181031.bin from MDMFX, update process runs until last yellow characters ….883> appear on MD display, then display remains like this and nothing happens so not the normal automatic MD reboot. After power off/on MD shows a white display. Initially I thought display contrast should be adjusted, but MDMFX cannot open MIDI and reports Sysex Version Timout. MD not OK.
2. Run previous firmware upgrade megadrumSTM32d_56_20180521.bin from MDMFX, update process runs normally, automatic MD reboot, MD OK.
3. Repeat 1, same result, MD not OK, repeat 2, same result, MD OK, repeated this several times with same results.
4. Run mdfwupdate update utility, exact same behaviour as in 1/2.

Can you please advice, thank you!

[dmitri]

I can only suggest to try it on another PC.

[Rovalo]

Hello Dmitri, thank you for your suggestion.

I used another PC, downloaded and unpacked the firmware file megadrumSTM32d_56_20181031.bin and did the update using de mdfwpdate utility.

Normal update process but again after reaching the last ...888883> characters the MD display remains frozen like this. The mdfwpdate utility ends normally to the prompt.

After switching MD power off/on the MD display is white. Again MDMFX cannot communicate with MD, giving message Sysex Version Timout.

When doing exactly the same with an older firmware file the process behaves normally with automatic MD reboot and then MDMFX-MD communication is normal.

It seems like the firmware file causes something because the rest behaves normal.

Please advice what to do, thank you!

[dmitri]

1. Compare MD5 of your unpacked firmware to to:
MD5 (megadrumSTM32d_56_20181031.bin) = b0034aa9ea77a27dd07ab934220bde8d
Is it the same?
2. Make sure you have NO OTHER MIDI software is running (even in background) during the firmware upgrade.

[Rovalo]

1. I'm not familiar with MD5 but I opened the .bin file with Notepad and copied all characters to
http://www.netadvies.nl/tools/MD5-Hash-Generator.php
The generated MD5 hash is the same as the one in your message.

2. I always had Loop.be running but shut it down, no improvement. Does this mean in MDMFX Main/Options/Midi there should ONLY be listed the 2 MD midi ports?

[dmitri]

The main thing is that no other MIDI application would send any MIDI message to MegaDrum ports during the upgrade. Many MIDI application can send periodic (timing) MIDI messages to all open ports (and very often, by default 'open ports' means 'all available ports') which will interfere with firmware upgrade.

The only two other options I can suggest to try is:
1. After upgrade finished, can you try to power it up with default config? (Button RIGHT being pressed while powering up)
2. if MegaDrum is connected over a powered USB hub - connect it directly to a PC's USB port. If it is connected directly to a PC's USB port - connect it over a powered USB hub).

To everyone: Does any one else have the same problem upgrading to the latest firmware version?

[karlarsch]

Hi Dmitri and Rovalo,
same here, last Firmware working for me WAS 20180118. Encouraged by Rovalo´s post i tried once again and bow, God knows why, no Sys-Ex-errors . Gonna report, if it´s stable.
Best regards

[Rovalo]

Dmitri, I tried your suggestions:
1. No effect, MD display remains white and same error message;
2. Removed all other usb hardware, swapped to other usb ports but same MD behavior.

I can update with 7 different firmware file versions, all work except for the last version...

I read in your thread about noise filtering about a previous firmware update, can I test that one?

[dmitri]

Noise filtering is available only in the latest firmware version.

As the last resort, I can only suggest to send the board to me and I will see if I have the same problem with the board.

[karlarsch]

Hi Dmitri,
reverted to my last Config in my post above, the new firmware gives me dropouts (missing notes), maybe my device is too old.
Best regards Karl