The Latest Firmware for your spectrum - R008

What firmware should I use?

RC008_023_SP1 is shipping with eMotimo spectrum ST4 and ST4.3's and what most users should use.

RC008_023_B1 is for users using Skaarhoj or needing updated API

To update the firmware

1. Round up the MicroSD card that came with your ST4. It is a small 8 or 16GB card formatted FAT32. Every unit ships with this card to avoid compatibility issue when updating firmware.
2. Download the .srec firmware file you want from this page.
3. copy .srec file under (or into) the update folder of your uSD card so it looks like SDCARD:/update/ST4_RC000_xx.srec.  If the card is blank you need to create the update folder.  HEY YOU!  Location matters.  Do not put the srec file into the "update/firmwares" folder . . .don't put in in the root . . . only put it in the update folder!
4. Insert the uSD card to the spectrum - make sure it goes in straight and is fully seated.
5. Power on and wait 30-45 seconds, the screen will be blank while updating - check that the new firmware flashes on the screen on startup.
6. Remove and store the card for safekeeping

RC008_023_SP1 (5/24/2024) 

• Bug fix for TN motors on Dragonframe turning off
• Bug fixes for the power warnings when entering 24V Profiles (Fastest)
• API V113
• Remote Default type set back to PS4

RC008_023_B1 (5/24/2024) - BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION

• Unreal Engine Auto Configuration
• Looping Intelligent Start Procedure
• Looping Pan/Tilt Offset Algorithm
• Looping Offset API Commands

RC008_022_B10 (4/9/2024) - BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION

• Fixed Bug API commands now have enforcement of Motor Reversals
• Fixed Bug with setting the Remote Host IP in Network Configuration Page
• Fixed Bug that prevented changing the Local and Remote Port from the Default

RC008_022_B9 (4/2/2024) - BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION

• Improved UI/UX for Network Adapter Configuration
• Updated to eMotimo API V112
• Added Camera ID setting for Unreal Engine cameras
• Many API fixes for the Skaarhoj/BluePill Integration
• Added Option to throttle Unreal Telemetry Frequency for Single Camera Mode (X/Y Slide)
• Set the PS5 as the Default Gaming Controller (Need to change to PS4 if you are not using a PS5 controller)
• Fixed the battery information of the PS5 controller

RC008_022_E2 (11/14/2023) - BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION

• Added Move Settings Menu 

RC008_022_E1 (10/24/2023) - BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION

• UE workflow with TurnTable Data
• OSC Protocol for motor positions

RC008_022 (10/20/2023)

• Includes functionality in the RC008_020_Beta_XX Releases
• Changed the FIZ Mode Default to Keyframed to prevent usability issues if a user forgets to turn it on. Motors will still have live control when FIZ Mode is set to off but no motion will be planned for these axis during a shot.
• Unreal Engine Network Configurations for Interview Mode (Y-Axis) and Push Mode (X-Axis)
• Several updates to the eMotimo API
  Known Issues:
• Dragonframe users with Tilta Motors - After first Realtime run which runs correctly, the Tilta motors for real time moves until the move is uploaded again.  Downgrade to RC_008_19 if you are stuck - Service Pack expected by May 10, 2024

RC008_020_E11 (10/5/2023) - BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION

• Updates to the UE workflow
• Fix for the Tilta Motors connection for Dragonframe workflow

RC008_020_Beta_11 (9/7/2023) - BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION

• Updated UI/UX for Consistent Navigation
• Updated the Network Adapter Configuration workflow 
• Fixed bug that was preventing reversed Timelapse Moves
• L2/R2 Beta configuration for Tilta Control (Touchpad Button toggles Live control between M2/Tilta Iris/Tilta Zoom)
• Updates to the Dragonframe Engine -- Issues Expected

Known Issues: 

1. Reports of Jitter on starts and stops of some Dragonframe moves
2. Tilta Motors not working during Dragonframe moves

RC008_020_Beta_10 (8/3/2023) - BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION

• Fixed Playback Speed Adjustment
• Fixed Bad State Reversed Timelapse
• Fixed various API commands
• Fixed Bug with SD Card Read Failures
• Added Keep Alive Position Update to Unreal Engine

RC008_020_Beta_9 (7/13/2023) - BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION

• Unreal Engine integration with X-Axis Slider and Y-Axis Slider
• Updated API Stop Motors to include Tilta Motors
• Added Software Limits for Tilta Motors
• Fixed Tilta Zoom jogging in G300 API command
• Added L1/R1 Stops function for all motors Tilta Included
• Share Button on PS4 Remote can trigger camera when in Live Motion Menus
• General Bug Fixes

Known Issues: 

1. Save/Load Moves do not work on this firmware version
2. Playback Speed setting can not be adjusted on this firmware version
3. Timelapse workflow can get in a state where the move has been reversed but it will not be allowed to start

RC008_020_Beta_3 (1/19/2023) - BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION 

• Looping Functionality added to Skaarhoj BluePill
• L1/R1 Function options added for Tilta Motors
• Long Dwell Times up to 54 minutes added for Programmed Shots (Screen has no status of how long is left in Dwell Phase)
• General Bug Fixes

RC008_020_Beta (12/9/2022) - BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION 

• Looping Functionality added to Skaarhoj Unisketch 
• Ping-Pong Live Adjustments of Speed and Head Space
• Sony Camera Start/Stop via Camera Port on Video Moves. Start a programmed single pass move. ST4/ST4.3 will start the camera record at the beginning of the move and stop when move is complete.  Customer tested with:

  Camera: Sony A7siii running Sony firmware 2.10
  Cable: CL-S2 (1.5 meter) -
  1. Camera placed in "Movie Mode".
  2. CL-S2 inserted in to Sony Multi Port
     
  3. In the Sony MENU → (Setup) → [Operation Customize] → [ REC w/ Shutter] → desired setting. Setting = "On"

RC008_019 (7/27/2022) 

• Many updates for API version 110 get new API documentation here
• Updated Telemetry Streaming format
• Added a Go To Looping mode through API
• General Bug Fixes
• Fixed baudrate for eMotimo API connection (57600)

RC008_018 (6/2/2022) -  

• Updated Easy Mode 2 New Overlay Basic and Tracking Workflows
• Added Playback Speed for Overlaying FIZ Trajectory
• GoToFrames are now available for Re-Call when Motors are active in Programmed Shots Workflow
• Added additional FIZ control to Timelapse Workflow
• Improved usability of Zoom and Slide (PS4 Left Joystick) setting
• Dragonframe 5.1 Beta functionality Added (Looping, Ping-Pong, Reverse Moves)
• Fixed Known Issue with Loaded Moves not Adhering to Motor Profiles
• Fixed Bugs in Easy Mode

Power Considerations: It is recommended to use 24V power source when using Dragonframe with Tilta integration. It is also important to note that the 24V power source should be connected to the ST4 before plugging the USB port into your computer. Never Plug the USB Cable in before the Spectrum has Powered On from either AC or Battery Sources.

RC008_015_SP1 (5/18/2022) - 

• Dragonframe Channel 4 Acceleration bug fixed

Known Issue: Loading a move and then changing system settings can get ST4 stuck in invalid configurations. Can lock users out of the Live Motion screen. A Factory Reset (in Settings Menu) will fix the ST4 configuration should a user get locked out of this screen.

RC008_015 (5/5/2022) -   

• SD Card Navigation on Loading Moves much more stable
• Warnings for wrong power configurations added to help user avoid overpowering or underpowering the ST4
• Dragonframe improvements. Especially around the Real Time Jog interface
• Dragonframe connection procedure for both IO Port and USB Port improved

Known Issue: Loading a move and then changing system settings can get ST4 stuck in invalid configurations. Can lock users out of the Live Motion screen. A Factory Reset (in Settings Menu) will fix the ST4 configuration should a user get locked out of this screen.

RC008_014 (4/27/2022) - 

• Experimental Playback and Record Screen updated to work again
• Speed Parameter added to enable percentage based FPS changes for a shot during record and Playback
• GoToFrames --Bug Fix to eliminate unintended interruptions based on watchdog processes around i/o port communications.
• Scrubbing Frames in Multipoint - Bug Fix to resolved interruptions based on watchdog processes around i/o port communications.
• Dwell In and Dwell Out capabilities added to Run-Once Video Moves

Known Issue: SD Card crashes frequently searching through the Load Move Screen. Going directly to  the Project ID and selecting the desired move to be loaded is working.

RC008_011 (4/22/2022) -  BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION 

• Fixed issue with upcoming accessories with multipoint jogging speed
• Added Rec/Start Stop signal being sent with Tilta Nucleus M Motors / cables

RC008_010 (4/7/2022) -  BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION 

• Fix to Dragonframe Real time protocol - Resolved Telemetry overflow issue for motor positioning for real time Dragonframe control.

RC008_006 (3/3/2022) -  BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION 

• Bug fixes for Save Load Moves
• Network Adapter configuration refined
• Bug Fix for mishandled external interrupt
• Update Code to support Expansion Port items
• Updated Code for USB VCP to support eMotimo API and Dragonframe

RC008_003 (2/17/2022) -  BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION 

• Fixes for lock ups on loading moves from SD cards
• Dragonframe and API working on Virtual Com Port
• Telemetry and Settings Menus reworked
• Network Adapter autoconfigured - generally reworked for reliability.
• Memory Leak Addressed for SD card navigation
• Expansion Port Enabled for special testers with new Hardware
• Dragonframe code to enable expansion port to drive new hardware

RC008_002 (1/24/2022) - RAW - BUGS EXPECTED  - NOT FOR PRODUCTION 

• Download link for RC008_001 removed RC008_002 now available
• Fixes for lock ups on loading moves from SD cards
• Network Adapter configuration screens on ST4 to help set up IP addresses / com settings for Network Adapter without a computer.
• Placeholder for USB virtual com port on ST4
• Loading and saving moves from your SD card is now possible. Ever seen a multi-season time lapse effect on the series Planet Earth? Now you can more easily capture that too. I can’t wait to see what our customers will do with this. Articles on our support page now with good overviews of concepts.
• PS5 controllers supported. These are the latest and greatest tech in the gaming world.  As the PS4 controllers phase out, PS5 controllers will take over as eMotimo's primary gaming controller.
• Consolidation of Inertia Wheels Control, Skaarhoj Control, and bug fixes for Dragonframe.
• Updated record and playback engine for all video moves.

RC007_58SP2 (4/15/2021)  - Currently being shipped with all new spectrum ST4's

• BugFix for our standard released firmware.  All Dragonframe users should update to this version. For all other users, this update is not necessary. The resolved issue had to do with the ST4 incorrectly reporting the M3 (typically slider) motor as stationary during a move.  This causes issues with Dragonframe then initiating a camera capture for a potentially moving motor.
• Additionally, for any user intermittently experiencing an issue where your screen is not displaying correctly on startup, this resolves the issue.

RC007_110 (5/7/2021) 

• Adds New Option in Settings Menu to select what virtual Stop you want to set with the L1/R1 buttons on the remote.  Go to Settings, 5th Screen, L1/R1 Stops:  and select what you want to happen when you click the L1/R1 buttons.   The four  options are:
  • M4 only (default) where the L1/R1 acts like most other firmware and sets virtual stops for the Focus port (M4)
  • M3 Only - for slide control only or whatever you have connected to the M3 port.
  • M3+M4 -  Both stops are set at the same time.  This gets trickier of course as you need to know which side of the stop you are setting.  If you haven't set up any motor reversing
    • L1 Sets the furthest joystick left you can go with the M3 port, and the furthest you can go when squeezing the L2 trigger.  
    • R1 Sets the furthest joystick right you can go with the M3 port, and the furthest you can go when squeezing the R2 trigger.  
  • All - Pan, Tilt, M3, M4.  All Min stops for Pan/Tilt/M3/M4 are set at the same time by hitting L1.  All max stops for all axis are set at the same time by hitting R1
• IMPORTANT NOTE - As Always all virtual stops are cleared by hitting the Options button on the PS4 remote.

RC007_105 (9/28/2020) BETA - Only for Inertia Wheels customers with the third Axis.

• Updated ST4's Settings - Telemetry2 screen to read out slide target position.
• Updated Inertia Wheels code to read third wheel and assign to the M3 (Slide Port).  Do not use this firmware unless you are testing the third wheel.

RC007_100SA (9/1/2020) BETA - Best for IW customers without the third Axis and Skaarhoj connectors.

• Updated Skaarhoj i/o port selection.  Choose VC.
• Updated Inertia Wheels for non-third wheel function

RC007_96 (05/12/20) - 

• Update to API for  VISCA control development

RC007_95 (05/07/20) - 

• BUG FIX for Inertia Wheels Button Interface causing slider lockup

RC007_94 (05/06/20) - REMOVED

• Update to API for Inertial Wheels Looping Mode

RC007_93 (05/01/20) - 

• Update to API for  VISCA control development

RC007_92 (04/24/20) - 

• Inertia Wheels API update  - enable Set1 and Set2 for slider stop buttons in Live Mode. Now in live settings, you can control the slider motion, sets stops on either end, and control speed with Left Dial.  Also, Button 4 is a clear button to clear stops.

RC007_91 (04/23/20) - 

• Inertia Wheels API update to handle re-connections better.  Fixed issues with Button Displays.
• Added feature -  all Run Once Video moves can be triggered to start from the i/o port using an external intervolometer (ioPort has to be set to Ext. Trig).  When a move is triggered this way it will auto repeat and return to start, waiting for the next trigger.

RC007_89 (04/16/20) - 

• Added Setting for Shots/Frame in Photo Tools --> Pano/Giga.  This setting will trigger multiple shots at a single position before moving to the next frame.  Added to enable stacking of images to reduce noise for Astro Panos -  https://fstoppers.com/originals/how-remove-noise-stacking-multiple-photos-392032
• Fixed Dwell Issue on Video Moves to remove broken backlash compensation
• Updated Inertia Wheels profiles to enable live control slides.
• Added ability for live pan tilt control during controlled slider by hitting up arrow on DPad during move - Experimental!!

RC007_84 (03/16/20) - 

• Inertia Wheels updated to include single option in i/o port and offer Inertia Wheels motor profile in Live Menu

RC007_83 (03/06/20) - 

• BUGFIX - Easy Mode focus lock after one move
• API updates and I/O options for Inertial Wheels addition.

RC007_77 (2/06/20) - 

• BETA Version with a new Easy Mode - most apparent change to prompts if you aren't used to it.
• BUGFIX on some multipoint moves behaving badly when parameters like duration, or rampvalues changed.
• Increased internal move sizes from 2880 frames to 5760 frames. This is a 4 minute move at 24FPS.  This helps with longer Live Records/Playback on box and when programming with Dragonframe.
• Added eMotimo Fast API option where eMotimo can communicate over i/o at 4x speed (230400 baud)
• KNOWN ISSUE - EASY MODE - Focus Motor set to "Hold" after any EasyMode run.  Resolved on restart, or by changing in Setting's menu.

RC007_76 (12/23/19)  - BETA Version with a new Easy Mode, a guided shot set up. 

RC007_58SP1 (11/11/19) - BugFix - Pano Giga AOV issue resolved. 

RC007_58 (2/20/19) - 

• Updated EEPROM Timing to spec to help with instance of settings not "sticking" after power cycle
• Fully enabled Jog functionality with Dragonframe 4.1. This release and beyond is officially approved by Dragonframe. The eMotimo spectrum is now the first 3rd Party Device to natively support real time shooting.  
• Known issue - pano/giga not resolving AOV correctly.

RC007_53 (1/21/19) -

• Slowed down backlash compensation on return to start for all moves.

RC007_52_2 (1/7/19) -

• BUG Fix - Fixed overrun issue with long linear moves where motor would no long change direction during set up.  

RC007_52 (12/6/18) - 

• Implemented delays based on Start and End Dwell times on Programmed Video for ping pong mode.
• Feathered FPS on starts to help easy back into reverse direction change for interviews. Helps with large camera setup.
  
  

RC007_50 (12/4/18) -

• Added MYT Sliders to Settings Menu
• Consolidated all slider choices to only 7 profiles
• enabled User 1 Tuning - Profile Stored to Memory - Access via Tuning option in Settings menu.  This profile is then selectable on Live Motion Menu along with other standard profiles.
• Increased LeadIn/LeadOut Frames to 2000 each for SMS programming
• Revised Deadzone calcs and joystick reading routines - finer resolution for crazy intricate joystick work.  Evened out velocities on both sides of joysticks.
• Fixed issue with selected Dragonframe accelerations not applying

RC007_43 (7/5/18) - API Update

• Added G215 and G216 commands to return StopA and StopB positions on request. API is published here.

RC007_42 (7/2/18) - Pano update

• Updated Pano feature to be able to shoot up to 5 minute exposures (user request)

RC007_40 (6/22/18) - Bug Fix - folder creation for SD Card writing

• Resolved Bug in LOG folder not creating correctly.
• Removing old builds from download area.

RC007_39 (6/21/18) - Working through Dragonframe Real Time interface

• Put back in Dragonframe code for V2 - see this article
• Resolved issue with dragonframe where uploaded move would not copy to the end.
• Added eStops
• Playhead accurate and working for keyframable DMX lighting.

RC007_38 (6/20/18) - Playing with logging.  Triggering RED Cameras.

• Update Test DD to be silent.
• ID'd issue with max speed, max ramp moves hitting limits, sharp change, updated max ramp value to be 40% for video, min 5%
• looked at throttling of the velocity during move, now allow up to 20% overage compared to 10, globalized variable.
• Added code for SD Card read/write tests.
• Updated Programmed Shots Summary screen to show filename of log file (known issue where this changes after it is written)
• Fixed issue with writes to EEPROM
• Removed several frame variables that were cluttering the code
• Fixed non-reverse bug of the timelapse
• Adding basic triggering code for the RED for both video and SMS.  Custom cables are on order.  Added Settings for I/O Port: RED Trigger.

RC007_34 (4/26/18) - Updated Move Profiles, moving forward with Dragonframe 4.1

• Added New Dana Dolly Profile called DD Test  to manage starts and stops better for heavy cameras.  This feathers our starts and stop more to help reduce/remove vibrations some users are seeing with during the starts.  Try this out with at least 20% ramp in programmed moves!
• Updated the way M4 reads feel (this is typically for Fz) We updated the reads from the R2/L2 Squeezy triggers to remove deadzones and make the first 50% of the engagement more sensitive. Several users said getting the lens into the right position was tough with the old "curves". We like the feel better now too.
• Added Real-Time Interface for Dragonframe - open to certain customers only.  Reach out if you want to test to support@emotimo.com 

RC007_28 (2/23/18) Shipped with all new units in 2018-mid 2019

• BUGFIX- Resolved issue of Slider Selection not retaining 
• BUGFIX-  Continuous mode for Photo Tools--> 360VR works as expected 
• BUGFIX - Resolved double fire for external triggers Photo Tools--> 360VR

    Known - Issues with this version (updated 4/26)

• Issue when modifying a ping pong shoot that has been stopped.  Recommend, fully setting up any new ping pong shots rather than break in and modify to avoid this bug.

RC007_27 (2/21/18) 

• BUG -Fixed Display issue with Photo Tools
• BUG -Fixed Runaway Tilt issue with Photo Tools 360 mode on star
  Found Issues with this version (updated 2/22)
• Bug - When selecting ifootage slider from setting menu, motor profiles not retained on power cycle
• Bug- can't start TL360 mode continuous  
• Bug-Double fired external triggers from 360 Photo mode.

RC007_26 (2/21/18) 

• Merged Dana Dolly and original ST4 firmware
• Updated Settings menu to reorder and add new options
  • Added Screen Flip option
  • Added Slider Selection Option – Select your slider – this selection will drive the motor profiles available for selection as well as distance calculations on the display.
  • Added i/o port option for API / Dragonframe
  • Added AfterRun Placeholder – Future functionality
  • Added easy Link to Telemetry 1 and Telemetry 2 screens
  • Added Version information
• Programmed Moves - Timelapse - Increased Max Frames for Timelapse to 2880
• Programmed Moves - Video – Increased Max Duration from 1 hour to 12 hours.
• Programmed Moves – First Screen – shows Pan/Tilt and now Slide information live
• Programmed Moves – Multipoint – Increased onboard keyframes from 5 to 9.
• Programmed Moves – Multipoint – Enabled programming without remote in the field. Use only 8Way joystick. When selecting a multipoint move, first click sets Pan/Tilt, second adjust Slide/Focus.
• Programmed Moves - Multipoint –Axis Movetypes – added multipoint Linear as an option – this is very good for focus. Still recommend using multipoint curved for pan and tilt in all scenarios.
• Programmed Moves - Duration/Ramp control is now much improved to prevent users from selecting values that could result in impossible moves (overspeed, accelerating too fast).
• Programmed Moves -Enforce speed throttling during moves to prevent motor overspeed for impossible multipoint moves.
• Programmed Moves - Stopping video moves mid run is more graceful, rather than hard stops.
• GoTo Frames – users can now “bailout” of setting a Target by pressing. Square without locking it down.
• Live Motion – Improvements and changes to many move profiles. Addition of Dana Dolly Turbo mode that is recommended only for 24 volt supplies.
• Live Motion – Rec/Playback. Increased Max record time of live moves to 2 minutes at 24fps (2880 frames).
• Photo Tools – Incorporated Sun Tracking Modes
• BUG Fix – resolved issue of small motor moves when transitioning between certain screens.
• BUG Fix – display issues when moving between menus.

B007_16 as of 08/10/17
New stuff:

• Update Sun Tracking
  • Bug fix for suntracking mode early exit from tracking mode after several minutes.
  • Added 16 x slew mode
  • Now showing degrees and Time Elapased
  • Added backlash comp on start to help understand directions its going

B007_14 as of 08/8/17 (not available for download anymore)
New stuff:

• Updated Quiet motor profiles to be less prone to skipping on fast starts with heavy rigs.
• Added Screen Flip Option in Setting's menu - (for those underslingers)
• Added Photo Tools --> Sun Tracking - this is basically using the tilt axis to counteract the rotation of the earth (15 deg/ hour).  Slew adjustment at various rates to help push it on track.
• Added Shutter trigger to eMotimo API - G400 series. (eMotimo API is a toolkit to control your emotimo over the serial port and was added in B007_9)

 B007_9 as of 06/9/17
New stuff:

• Added Dragonframe support
• Added eMotimo API
• Added 9 Point Moves
• Updated Setting's Menu to be 3 pages long instead of side by side.
• Added new I/O port setting with:Ext Triggering (default), eMotimo API, Dragonframe as options.

Reported Bugs in B007_9:

• 6/22 - Reverse for SMS (Timelapse) doesn't work.  Just fires a single shot and returns to main menu. This doesn't seem to be an issue with video moves.

B007_6 as of 5/17/17
New stuff:

• Updated max SMS frames from 1000 to 2000
• Increased record time to 2000 frames (at 24fps, that's about 83 seconds of free-form recording!)
• Turned back on External Triggering

B007_5 as of 5/12/17.
New stuff:

• Backlash compensation on the start of all programmed moves
• Additional Photo Tools Menu with
  • Pano/Giga - unchanged, working well
  • NEW - 360's - in test - should make it easy to set up single dual and three row 360's by simply pointing to a start point and selecting how many pics you want in a 360.  Add rows if you want, and go.  
• Note - External Triggering not enabled in B007_5