redThing/blueThing Firmware Upgrade

Firmware Updater Prerequisites

Click here to download latest firmware or manual.

The firmware update tool must be run on a PC running Windows XP SP2.

The redThing/blueThing is updated via it's Ethernet interface therefore update tool must be run on PC that has an Ethernet interface.  You must connect the redThing/blueThing and the PC running the firmware updater to the same Ethernet network so that the two can communicate.

Upgrade Overview

Download the latest firmware update tool. The ZIP file that you download unzips to a single executable.  When this executable is run it will automatically detect any redThing/blueThing connected to the same network as PC and gives you the option of upgrading it to the latest version of firmware.

IMPORTANT During the update process do not switch the redThing/blueThing or PC running updater off or remove it from the network before the upgrade process is complete.  Interrupting the upgrade process could render you redThing/blueThing inoperable.  If using laptop to upgrade redThing/blueThing ensure that it running from mains power and not battery power.

Detailed Upgrade Instructions

1. Unzip the downloaded firmware update tool (usually achieved by right clicking, selecting "extract all" and then following the wizard instructions).

2. Shut down all other applications on PC running firmware updater.

3. Ensure Ethernet socket of PC running firmware updater is connected to Ethernet network.

4. Ensure that Ethernet socket of redThing/blueThing is connected to the same Ethernet network as PC running firmware updater.

5. Remove and reapply power 30 seconds later to the redThing/blueThing to be upgraded.  This is an important step as it ensures a consistent IP address during the upgrade process.

6. Ensure that no web browser is currently connected to the redThing/blueThing to be upgraded.

7. Start the firmware upgrader by double clicking on it.

8. When upgrader is started, depending on your network configuration, you may see the message below.  If you do, click on unblock to continue.

9. Wait until the relevant unit is detected i.e. its MAC address and IP address are displayed in the interface of update tool as shown below. The MAC address for the device you wish to upgrade can be found on a label on the underneath of unit.

Be aware that it can take up to two minutes for all MAC and IP addresses to be displayed.

Make a note of the IP address of the device you are upgrading.  This will be useful if the upgrade fails for any reason.

10. Select the unit by single-clicking on its displayed details. This should result in the product name and version number being displayed on the 2 lower windows of the interface. 

To ensure that you upgrade the correct unit check that the MAC address of the selected unit matches that on the underside of the redThing/blueThing that you wish to upgrade.

11. Press the 'upgrade' button to start the upgrade.

If the unit doesn't require an upgrade a pop-up message will appear, saying so.

Upgrade process takes several minutes and during that time several windows will appear and disappear as various files are updated on your redThing/blueThing.  At times it may appear that nothing is happening.  However, upgrader will eventually report if upgrade has been a success or failure.

If at any stage you see the message below, the upgrade has failed.  Refer to upgrade recovery instructions for details of how to attempt to install the firmware again.

12. If you see the pop-up message below, then the upgrade was successful, click on OK.

13. By the time you click OK, the product version should have updated to show the new version.  At this point the firmware update is complete.

Upgrade Recovery Instructions

1. Click OK on error message and select recover unresponsive unit from special menu as show on right.

2. When asked if you wish to attempt recovery answer yes.

3. When asked for IP address enter either the IP address you noted earlier. Click OK to continue.

4. If the address you are using is 192.168.0.100 click OK to question regarding default IP address.

5. Within five minutes you should see message relating to product name.  Click yes if correct product name for the device you were upgrading is shown. 

If incorrect product name is shown click no and select from list of devices correct product you were upgrading and click OK.

If unit is not detected contact technical support as it may be still possible to recover unit.

7. Firmware upgrader should then follow standard firmware upgrade procedure and after a few minutes report if upgrade has been a success or failure.