VaisTech

iTrader: (3)

http://www.vaistech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1518

rebs

Did you (or someone else) happen to get the update, and perhaps are willing to e-mail it to me? I just saw the message, and sent in the username request, but I'm betting I'll have to wait until next week for access.

*Batman*

Did you manage to do the update?

Let me know if you have any tips. I am doing thr update in the morning.

rebs

I'm working on it now...I can't seem to get the update to run. I might try a different flash drive (if I can find one) ;-)

*Batman*

Okay well I'll let you know how it goes. The process is not simple, I was astonished by the number of steps in the instructions.

With my Escort Passport 9500ci, you just connect your laptop to the usb port, run a program, and the program connects with the radar detector, identified updates from the web server and executes the update for you. It's just connect, fire up the app, press the green button.

rebs

Update: Ok I got it to work. I didn't change my flash drive or anything, but I left my ipod plugged in (with the exception of unplugging the usb cable and plugging in my flash drive when I performed the update) and for some reason that worked. I have no logical explanation why.

Here's my quick review/recap for anyone interested (disclaimer: Listen to my advice at your own risk....I highly recommend you follow the Vaistech instructions to a "t" I'm just sharing my experiences):

Preface: I'm a geek. I've been updating firmware on devices forever (or at least longer than I want to admit). This process was not one of the most user friendly I've used. Why? See below for details.

The Scoop:

1. The first prep step is to download the files (huge props to Batman for helping me out with that, since I didn't have an id yet). Ideally I think Vaistech should either make this publicly available and/or have the requests for these id's automated 24x7 (perhaps after valid registration, etc.), so customers can get at them at their convenience. Having said that, huge props to Batman for helping me through my firmware update withdrawal this weekend.

2. During the file download/extract process, one of things you'll notice is 2 different firmware component updates with the exact same name. Unfortunately this is necessary during the flashing phase (because the device only reads that specific file name, which also means you can only flash one component at a time), but you might want to temporarily rename them (i.e. -CORE or -VGU) on your hard drive so they are easier to reference prior to copying them to your flash drive. Just remember to rename it to mlp_upd.bin once you relocate them to your flash drive (in preparation of the firmware upgrade).

3. The first official step (according to the directions) is to record the firmware of 5 components. The downside is this information is located on different screens. One of these screens requires you to "press the [SCAN] button 8 times within 1-2 seconds". No it's not rocket science, but it's not the most user friendly situation either. Make sure you don't power off your system during this point (and I believe you hit the scan button 8 times again to get out of this mode.)

4. If you have the current bootloader firmware (which I did) you can proceed to the firmware updates (CORE & VGU in this case), which is done in CD-MP3 mode. You need to make sure your flash drive is FAT16/32 and that you are placing the firmware in the /multimedialinq/update folder (and also that those folders are on the first partition on your flash drive). Remember to start with the CORE firmware update first, and that you can't place both firmware updates on your flash drive. You have to do the CORE update first, and then if it works successfully come back to your system and put on the second update and go through the firmware update process again.

Quirks: I never heard the notice that said "software update in progress. please wait" (and believe me...I was listening...hard. I assumed it was running because my flash drive has a light on it that shows it was being read. Having said that, it didn't work the first two times I tried (it would read the drive and then the drive would go dark) and I kept double checking my file name and directory structure. I'm not sure why, but it wasn't until I left my ipod touch plugged in and then started the firmware update steps that it appeared to work. However, I never ever got any verbal or visual notification it was running a firmware update.

Also when my unit updated it was supposed to start playing music (because I placed a music file on the flash drive as suggested). Mine just went dark and silent. It did not come up with the ML+ logo or start playing music. How do I know my system is updated then? I went through the firmware checks and it shows the appropriate revisions. I also did a very quick validation and my screen appears a little better, and the back button worked.

I have to say although the firmware update process was anything but smooth (or user friendly). However, the actual content and result of those updates appears promising. Although I only tested for literally 30 seconds, my back button worked and my screen appeared less fuzzy (although I think they dealt with this by simply lowering the screen brightness).

That's my story. I'll post more updates as I do further testing.

brociouz

iTrader: (65)

^ Any updates batman? I was going to do the firmware update tonight, but your story is obviously very discouraging.

rebs

I shot you an e-mail message, but I'm not sure you got it. I would recommend unplugging your battery for about 5 minutes and then plugging it back again (basically rebooting your ML+ and NAV). If that doesn't work you might want to try the CD-MP3 programming instructions in the operating manual.

Hope that helps! Good luck!

rebs

True, that's definitely the easier way. I believe you keep your seat/radio presets that way.

mmade22

Holy Crap!! I just got my Apple cable in today and I plan on doing the install this weekend (if I have time) and doing the firmware update. Boy these stories are making me think twice about all of this. Maybe I should have waited till this thing was out for a little while before pulling the trigger on a 500 dollar unit + the cable. I sure hope my ML+ works with the new cable hooked up. If it doesn't, I am going to throw in the towel and get this headache out of my car and stick to CD's. I know I may be jumping the gun but I installed this last weekend and have yet to see it run. I was told it was the cable I bought but you would think Vaistech should warn people to make sure they get an Apple cable or be prepared to have issues. I installed it myself so I can fix it myself but imagine if I had to pay an installer twice? After I spent 500+ on the unit. A little rant but I really hope it's the cable.

Are you up and running Batman??

*Batman*

Guys, I am back up and running with the update.

I think it is partially my fault that I ended up with the black screen problem. After I started having volume issues, I disconnected the ipod and tried my USB stick for audio to see if that would eliminate the lack of sound (i.e. I was testing whether the iPod had an issue since I had only a day earlier upgraded the iPod to a new one). Unfortunately the USB stick I used still had the Firmware Core update on it, and I think that messed it up (i.e. reinstalling an update that had already been installed).

To fix this mess, I had to do a reset. Which means flicking the 1 switch down. Disconnecting power harness. Reconnecting power harness. Switching on car. Waiting for activation beeps. And then putting switch back to original position.

Now the ML+ is working fine with the new firmware. I think you guys shouldn't have any issues with the update.

Here is my quick take:
1) Steering wheel buttons work
2) Video controls are very useful. I am glad they added this because it is a meaningful improvement in functionality.
3) The album art is now square. This is a mixed blessing though, because it is square by doing TV-OUT in standard def mode (which is the way it should have been in the first place since the buttons leave a 4:3 area for the iPod out). However in this correct non distorted view, the font is too big. Too be honest I think I preferred the distorted album art with the smaller font. However they did fix the album art problem. The font size issue really is an Apple problem.

Are the others who did the firmware update also experiencing square album art without distortion?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

glad it's working. told you doing the dip switches is probably the easier way

*Batman*

Yes. I should have just done that first. Was being lazy about opening the center console.

I am curious what others think of the update? Do you like the fixed album art?

brociouz

iTrader: (65)

^ I'll try to do the update tonight and chime in.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i obviously don't have it, but the video controls are a very big plus imho, especially if you have playlist setup?