Firmware Update (FPGA & MCU)
The two firmware parts of the Vertex, how long each update takes and what to do if one fails.
Firmware is the software inside the Vertex. An update installs a newer version.
The Vertex has two parts to update: the FPGA, which handles the video, and the MCU, which runs buttons, menus and communication.
You must update both, like updating two apps on the same phone.
How do I update the HDfury Vertex firmware?
YESRun both updaters: Update MCU (under 5 s) and Update FPGA (about 50 s, then a power cycle). The order does not matter (p.21–23). HDfury's latest Vertex package is FW 1.38.1.45 with GUI 1.34.
How to use it with the Vertex:
- Install the Silabs USB driver for your Windows version (4.0.0 for Windows 10) (p.20).
- Save your settings first with CONFIG > EXPORT (p.43), and close the GUI.
- Run Update MCU and Update FPGA; after the FPGA update, power cycle and wait about 15 s while the unit stays dark (p.21–23).
- If a lock icon shows, hold RST and press INP twice, then power cycle (p.13).
- Check the version at the top right of the GUI or with RS232 #get ver (p.27, p.48).
What it is
Many video processors have two kinds of firmware. The FPGA holds the video-processing logic; the MCU (microcontroller) runs the controls, menus and communication.
On the Vertex
You must run both Update FPGA and Update MCU to upgrade the Vertex. The order does not matter, but the manual suggests the MCU first, because it needs no mandatory power cycle (p.21).
MCU flashing takes less than 5 seconds. FPGA flashing takes about 50 seconds; after it you power cycle the unit, and it stays dark for about 15 seconds while it reconfigures (p.21–23). Do not disconnect during an update (p.22).
Since firmware 1.14.1.20 a lock icon shows on the OLED after flashing. If there is any issue, hold RST and press INP twice, then power cycle when asked (p.13). If Windows shows the unit as USBBOOT, the MCU update failed or was cut off: close the GUI, unplug and replug, and run the update again (p.106).
The current firmware version shows at the top right of the GUI (p.27), in the app (p.21) and via RS232 #get ver (p.48).
Common questions
Why is the Vertex dark after the FPGA update?
That is normal. After the FPGA update you power cycle the unit, and it stays dark for about 15 seconds while it sets itself up (p.21–23).
What is the lock icon on the OLED after flashing?
It appears after flashing since firmware 1.14.1.20. Hold RST and press INP twice, then power cycle (p.13).
Windows shows the unit as USBBOOT. Is it broken?
No. The MCU update failed or was cut off. Close the GUI, unplug and replug the Vertex, and run the update again (p.106).