The FPGA firmware of the DENAFRIPS DAC can be updated using a Windows or MacOS computer via the USB port. This process is quite straightforward and most customers will be able to do it with basic computer knowledge.
Please review the following guide and requirements for the FPGA firmware update. If you need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.
THIS FIRMWARE UPDATE GUIDE IS FOR WINDOWS OS
- Tested in Windows 7/8/10/11
WHAT IS REQUIRED?
You would need the following items in order to proceed:
A Windows OS Computer/Laptop with USB port
Standard USB2.0 Cable
Internet Connection (To download the driver and firmware packages)
DENAFRIPS DAC
Thesycon USB Driver
Configuration Driver
Firmware Update Tool - FUT
GETTING STARTED
1. DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL THESYCON USB DRIVER
2. DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL CONFIG DRIVER
3. FIRMWARE UPDATE TOOL - FUT
Please submit the FPGA Firmware Request form the obtain the correct FUT from DENAFRIPS/Vinshine Audio.
The FUT will be shared with you via email within 24-48hrs upon receiving the submission.
WARNING
Please note that flashing the incorrect firmware will brick the product. Please do not use any firmware obtain from unknown sources.
DISABLE WINDOWS SIGNED DRIVER ENFORCEMENT
Windows 10 enforces driver signatures by default. This can be disabled to install drivers that are not digitally signed. Use the following steps to disable driver signature enforcement. It is necessary in order to install the Configuration Driver.
Click the Start Start menu and select Settings.
Click Update and Security.
Click on Recovery.
Click Restart now under Advanced Startup.
Click Troubleshoot.
Click Advanced options.
Click Startup Settings.
Click on Restart.
On the Startup Settings screen press 7 or F7 to disable driver signature enforcement.
Your computer will restart and you will be able to install non-digitally signed drivers. If you restart your computer again the driver signature enforcement will be re-enabled.
BITLOCKER
If your Windows computer is encrypted with BitLocker, you will need the recovery key in order to perform the above steps.
How to Find the BitLocker recovery key: link
LET'S GET STARTED
STEP 1: Install the Configuration Driver.
You've downloaded it previously in WINDOWS OS CONFIG DRIVER section above. Unzip/Extract the zip file. Locate the unzipped folder, Click on the Setup (Windows Batch File) to install the driver. Click Next on the Installation Wizard, follow the on-screen instruction to complete the installation.
Important Note: Windows Signed Driver Enforcement must be disabled to successfully install the Configuration Driver. Failure to install the Configuration Driver will not be able to proceed with the firmware update.
Fig: Unzipped Folder
STEP 2: Once the Configuration Driver is installed successfully, restart the Computer.
STEP 3: Plug in the USB cable from the Windows PC to the DAC USB input port.
STEP 4: Power up the DAC. Turn in on by pressing the STANDBY button once. Select the USB input, USB LED ON.
The USB DAC should be detected (if the Windows OS Thesycon Driver is already installed in the Windows PC).
STEP 5: Getting the DAC into firmware update mode.
At the DAC, press the STANDBY button once to turn on the DAC. Select USB input, USB LED On. The computer shall detect the USB DAC. At this point, press the STANDBY button once to turn the DAC into STANDBY mode. Note that STANDBY LED on.
Thereafter, toggle (press and release) the following button several times. This will enable the DAC into Firmware Update mode.
Ares II/Enyo/Ares 12th - Phase Button
Pontus/Venus/Terminator/Terminator Plus - Mode Button
The Windows computer shall detect the USB HiRes F-20 Configuration device in Device Manager
STEP 6: Locate the FPGA Firmware Tool zip folder. Unzip/Extract the zip file. Locate the unzipped folder. You should see the following files in the folder.
Fig: Unzipped Folder
STEP 7: Click on the Update FPGA USB MCU (Windows Batch File) to start flashing the FPGA firmware. The following Command Prompt windows pop-up to indicate the Flashing Progress.
FPGA firmware update may take up to 5 minutes to complete. Please do not interupt the FPGA update process.
STEP 8: Once the firmware is flashed successfully, press any key to close the Command Prompt. Power off the DAC completely by turning off the AC mains power supply or unplug the power cord. Wait for 15s, power on the DAC. Select USB. The DENAFRIPS USB DAC should be detected. Play some test tones to make sure the DAC is operational.
Congratulation! You've successfully updated the FPGA firmware! Enjoy the music!
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