4x3500HD Front Panel Firmware Updater v2.0.1.2
Software / Firmware Update
Table of Contents
4x3500HD Front Panel Firmware Updater v2.0.1.2
Note 1:
HARMAN Production started using display FW v2.0.1.2 on 2/15/2024, starting SN 15500194660, SKU 4X3500HDS-U-EKFX.
4x3500HD amplifiers built on or after 2/15/2024 and serial number 15500194660, or with this display firmware or newer, do not need to be updated.
Note 2 Root Cause:
HARMAN Engineering determined that display firmware v2.0.0.17, and earlier, write to the SD too often. This causes the issue.
Display firmware v2.0.1.2 will prevent the problem from happening, mainly via an OS update.
This OS update/fix will not downgrade even if the display firmware is then downgraded via Audio Architect or Performance Manager.
PLEASE NOTE:
The v2.0.1.2 firmware updater DOES NOT correct a display that has gone blank, black, white, or boots over and over again at the Crown logo splash screen. This firmware is intended to prevent the screen boot failure issue in units that are working properly. For more information on resolving the screen boot failure that is currently affecting your amplifier please reference the “I Tech 4x3500 Front Panel SD Card Replacement” Tech Support guide.
Firmware Update Procedure
Disable Windows Defender Firewall
In order to perform the update, you will need to turn off Windows Defender, as it often blocks TFTP transfers, which is how we will communicate with the amp to perform the Firmware Update.
(Excerpted from Microsoft Support:):
1. Select the Start icon and type "Windows Security" to search for that app.
2. Select the Windows Security app from the search results, go to Virus & threat protection, and under Virus & threat protection settings select Manage settings.
3. Switch Real-time protection to Off.
Open Firmware Update Utility and Set IP Address
Open the “Firmware Updater Utility" Application included with this documentation. You will then be prompted to enter the IP address of the amplifier you wish to perform the update on:
The update requires two reboots of the amplifier. If not set to a static IP address the amp may change its IP after the first reboot, the second download will NOT occur, the process will have to be restarted. This can happen when set to DHCP and at a link local IP 169.254.0.0/16, and may occur in other cases.
Once the IP is entered, click the Update Firmware button. If you have successfully entered the correct IP address, the update will begin. The dialog box should read like this:
During the update process, it is very important that you do not run any other programs or make changes while the process is running!
Firmware Update Order of Operations
Below is the order of operations in which the Firmware Update will take effect once you have successfully entered the IP address of the amplifier. If the process deviates from the steps listed below, attempt to reinstall the firmware or contact HPRO Tech Support for further assistance.
When the update begins, The updater will push the first firmware bundle to the amp.
When update begins, The updater will push the first firmware bundle to the amp.
1. The amp will reboot after approximately 2 minutes.
2. The amp display will show three stages of progress – downloading, extracting, and installing the first firmware bundle.
3. After approximately 4 minutes step 2 will complete, and the amp should show firmware 1.0.5.21 and display 2.0.1.1.
(You may check this in the amp menu General Properties Menu/Manufacturing Information if the firmware versions are not shown at the bottom of the display).
4. The updater will then push the second firmware bundle to the amp.
There will be no indication that anything is occurring and this transfer takes a bit longer than the first one, approximately 10-15 minutes. It is very important that you do not interrupt this process or disconnect the amplifier from the PC!
5. The amp will reboot again approximately 10-15 minutes after step 4 has begun.
6. The updater app will show a dialog indicating success.
7. The amp will again show the three stages of progress – downloading, extracting, and installing the second firmware bundle.
8. After approximately 15 to 20 minutes, the amp should show firmware 1.0.5.21 and display 2.0.1.2.
(You may check this in the amp menu General Properties Menu/Manufacturing Information if the firmware versions are not shown at the bottom of the display).
9. After all firmware updates are complete, re-enable Windows Defender Firewall.