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Firmware Update

Keir Fraser edited this page Jul 6, 2022 · 10 revisions

If your device is already running FlashFloppy you can easily update to the latest version via USB stick. You can even downgrade by this same method!

Choosing the Correct Update File

To support older bootloaders, FlashFloppy ships two types of Update file which are applicable as follows:

  • FF_Gotek-*.upd: Legacy Update file
    • All STM32F105/AT32F415 devices
  • flashfloppy-*.upd: Universal Update file
    • All AT32F435 devices
    • STM32F105/AT32F415 devices running a recent FlashFloppy bootloader

Each type will only work with a device (and FlashFloppy bootloader) that supports it. If you are unsure which to use, it is okay to copy both Update files to your USB drive: the bootloader will correctly load just one of the Update file types that it supports.

Alternatively try one Update file at a time, and switch to the other type if you see error E01 on the Gotek display.

Updating the Firmware

When instructed to press both direction buttons you may alternatively press Select, or the rotary encoder, if you have them.

  • Remove all old .upd files from the root of the USB stick.
  • Copy the relevant .upd file from the root of the release archive to the root of the USB stick.
  • Insert the USB stick into the Gotek and power on with both buttons pressed.
  • You should now be in the bootloader (display shows "UPD" or "FF Update Flash").
  • Release both buttons.
  • The latest firmware will be programmed and the Gotek will reboot into it.
  • Success!

Errors during update are reported on the LED display:

  • E01 No update file found
  • E02 More than one update file found
  • E03 Update file is invalid (bad signature or size)
  • E04 Update file is corrupt (bad CRC)
  • E05 Flash programming error
  • Fxx FatFS error (probably bad USB drive or filesystem)

Updating the Bootloader

The main bootloader can also be updated by USB stick. Note that it is important for this operation to succeed, otherwise the Gotek will require a full reflash by following the steps in Initial Programming. Therefore make sure the Gotek has a stable power supply and a known good USB stick.

New features and bugfixes are rare. In general you do not need to update the bootloader and can skip these steps.

  • Remove all old .upd files from the root of the USB stick.
  • Copy the relevant .upd file from the alt/bootloader/ subfolder of the release archive to the root of the USB stick.
  • Insert the USB stick into the Gotek and power on with both buttons pressed.
  • You should now be in the old bootloader (display shows "UPD" or "FF Update Flash").
  • Release both buttons.
  • The latest bootloader will be programmed and the Gotek will reboot into it.
  • The display should again show "UPD" or "FF Update Flash".
  • Remove the USB stick and follow the steps for normal firmware update.

In the extremely unlikely case that an error occurs during update, "ERR" will be displayed. At this point the Gotek will require a full reflash as the old bootloader has been erased.