Revised Firmware V1.4 for the DSP1124P with V1.3 ONLY!

[Sonnie]

Below is a link to the revised firmware v1.4 for the 1124p... hopefully this will fix the issue with the MIDI not working discussed in this thread. This has been provided to us via Behringer support.

If someone has a unit they can test it with and report back, we will be most thankful.

Revised Firmware V1.4 for the DSP1124P - Download

[Snookboy]

Great! I'll try it this week.

[JohnM]

How does the firmware get updated? Download just has a couple of .bin files.

[brucek]

How does the firmware get updated? Download just has a couple of .bin files.

Those are firmware binary files to be used for someone to flash a new eprom. Looks like they supplied the 256K and 512K version depending on the chip size you use.

Presently in the 1124P (mine anyway) is a standard type 27C512 (64x8 KB) OTP eprom (not to be confused with its brother which would be a UV eprom, that is eraseable).

This means the OTP (one time programming) chip has to be removed and thrown away and a new blank purchased and flashed with the supplied binary files. You need a eprom flasher to do so along with the blank chip.

Note that Behringer loves to put hard glue on their parts and it would be a bit of careful messing around to tease that chip out. See my attached photo.

Anyway, you need a blank 27C512 and a eprom flash programmer with the module that accepts a 27C512 eprom.





brucek

[Sonnie]

Gee... seems like they would offer a way of doing this easier... I'll at least ask if we are missing something.

[Sonnie]

Here are the instructions for the DEQ2496...

This is done via MIDI and you will need a software package which can transfer Sys Ex files. (also ensure that the drivers for the MIDI device are installed correctly).

Load DEQ2496_V.13 Sys Ex file onto PC.
(eg.- after download, save zip file to desktop - extract to desktop)
connect the DEQ2496 "MIDI in" to the PC interface "MIDI out".
Select "utilitites" menu in DEQ2496 and go to page 2.
Turn everything off except "receive Sys Ex dump"

Open you MIDI sequencer software (or a MIDI tool like MIDI Ox) and select activity "send Sys Ex file" - you should be presented with some form of browser window to locate the correct sys ex file.

Hit "OK" to confirm.
The DEQ2496 display will show "overwriting block xy / "
and a file transfer progress window is displayed by the pc.

After a while.................the update is complete.

To initiate the new firmware restart the DEQ2496 (I performed a complete reset, but this shouldn't be necessary).

[brucek]

Here are the instructions for the DEQ2496.

Did you read my post above Sonnie (we may have cross-posted)? The 1124 has an OTP EPROM . I suspect the DEQ has a E2PROM which is electrically programmable.

brucek

[Sonnie]

Well... yeah... I read it, but I obviously wasn't paying enough attention to the "OTP" part. I had my mind set on there being some easier way to upgrade it.

Behringer obviously assumes a lot in giving the firmware upgrade to us if we have swap out the chip to upgrade it.

Folks -

The ver1.4 firmware news sounds great! However, it won't be so simple for many out there.

The 27C512 eprom are nearly obsolete components. It looks like DigiKey is selling them at minimum buys of qty 15 for 0.75 each (plus shipping and tax and minimum $25 order charges). Probably best to find them elsewhere. In addition, folks will have to get access to a 'prom burner.

Plan A: Behringer is honorable and mails us eproms Pronto.

Plan B: We contact Uli Behringer and ask him what's up with his company's reputation. (should we also ask for FBQ2496's as replacements???)

Plan C: One of us purchases the quantity needed, burns them all at once, and sells them to folks here via PayPal. Meanwhile, we inform all the music stores selling these units that they have defective products...(well, Behringer has gotta pay for this mess somehow!)

Note: I'm still at the pre-plan "A" stage with Behringer customer support. They seem to think that using the DSP1124P in PA-only mode for equalization is a "not-intended use" scenario; as in they are edging towards saying "we don't support such uses". I don't think it really matters if I want to use it as a book-end or a door-mat. If it doesn't perform to spec, then it is defective. End of story. I really wonder what Uli B. would do if he really knew what his employees were doing do all his hard work. Honestly, every Behringer product I've seen is incredible well made, solid, and amazingly priced for that quality. Hopefully it was only a momentary lapse in quality that let the ver1.3 firmware out the door without so much as a simple three byte MIDI command test.

-Cheers

[Sonnie]

That part probably only cost Behringer ten cents. However, something tells me they ain't gonna do any more than they have.

Plan C sounds like the answer for those willing to open up their units and do a little surgery. I don't think we would have a problem with someone doing this and offering it via the Shack.

O.K. - I'll try to dig up an old 27C512 just to verify the fix. I can access a universal programmer that should easily program one of these. I'll just need to know how many folks in the Shack want one. If I go the DigiKey route, the minimum buy might get in the way unless I can think of a few other things to fill out the order. Cost to the Shack users would be my cost. Right now that looks like under $5 total, delivered, for each 27C512. Heh, postage will be more than the part itself!

Can anyone provide me the exact part number of the 27C512 inside Behringer? I haven't opened mine yet. I'd like to know the speed grade on their device so I can find a suitable part in the junk drawer today.

* What is the speed grade of these proms?
* How many people need a 27C512?
* How many people need a 27C256?
* Will Behringer honor warrantees if we open unit and swap proms? (need letter)

-Cheers

[Sonnie]

You probably want to test the new firmware.

Maybe we could get Behringer to furnish the chips??? It's worth a shot. I'll throw them the bone anyway... it seems that is the least they could do.

[brucek]

Can anyone provide me the exact part number of the 27C512 inside Behringer? I haven't opened mine yet. I'd like to know the speed grade on their device

Typical HOLTEK semiconductor 70 nsec CMOS 64Kx8bit OTP EPROM.

Actual part number HT27C512-70 in a plastic 28 pin DIP.

The PDF file.

The BLURB.

brucek

* my feeling is that a fair number of people would have trouble swapping this chip out. It isn't really entry level. Getting the hard glue off would be a challenge. Then, removing a 28 pin dip and reinserting it without bending a pin or the socket would be tough for many. It ain't a PLCC socket. Large DIP sockets are tricky - not to mention ESD on old CMOS.

[Sonnie]

brucek wrote:

* my feeling is that a fair number of people would have trouble swapping this chip out. It isn't really entry level. Getting the hard glue off would be a challenge. Then, removing a 28 pin dip and reinserting it without bending a pin or the socket would be tough for many. It ain't a PLCC socket. Large DIP sockets are tricky - not to mention ESD on old CMOS.

So it ain't gonna be a simple fix then. I'm glad I got one of the older models.

[Sonnie]

Just passing along the information I'm receiving...

There are a couple of ways to go about the upgrade, but they would require a hardware (blank) EPROM and an EPROM burner (no MIDI upgrade possible on these older models). If the folks on the forum are looking to purchase a new EPROM for BEHRINGER a product, these are available through our recommended EPROM supplier, Swell Sound. A link to this site is below:
http://mysite.verizon.net/resoamqr/s...ics/index.html

More contact info (email and address)...

Swell Sound Electronics
1455 Sleepy Hollow Rd.
Christiansburg, VA 24073
swell_sound@verizon.net

Detailed EPROM ordering information is on the Swell Sound site. Please note that Swell Sound prefers contact by email, and have therefore not provided us with a phone number. I should also note that the V1.4 firmware we provided is a "beta" revision specifically designed to attempt a fix for the problem cited in this incident - so the firmware would have to be provided to SwellSound in order for them to provide a finished, burned EPROM. You may want to consider choosing a designated volunteer to test the fix first prior to unleashing the hounds on SwellSound... ;-)

Some "obligatories" below...

We recommend using our authorized service centers to install the EPROM chip if this is not comfortable to perform by the end-user, and a list of our centers is available on our website at the following link:

http://www.behringer.com/05_support/...a.cfm?lang=ENG

Here are some warnings we tend to include as well:

WARNING
You must remove the cover of your BEHRINGER unit to add/exchange EPROMs. Electrical current from power cables can be hazardous. DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER OF YOUR BEHRINGER UNIT UNLESS YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO DO SO. To avoid personal injury or equipment damage, disconnect the attached power cords before you open the unit cover. Do not operate the BEHRINGER unit without the cover in place. Failure to take these precautions may result in personal injury and system damage.

Caution -
Do not make mechanical or electrical modifications to the equipment. BEHRINGER is not responsible for regulatory compliance of a modified BEHRINGER product. If you are not confident of your own ability to perform this action, then please contact one of our authorized service centers or the dealership from where the unit was purchased.

[rcarlton]

I got the nice e-mail from Behringer today with the zip file. I sure don't look forward to opening it up and prying out a chip. Count me in if we are doing a group buy of chips.

[maxcooper]

Assuming it works...

I want one! And I would gladly pay $10 shipped for the chip.

I saw this eBay auction with a programmer and 1 chip (which may or may not be "right" for our needs) for $33 + $10 S/H from Hong Kong:
http://cgi.ebay.com/27C512-Enhanced-...em130060989461

-Max

[Snookboy]

Not sure the juice is worth the squeeze, but if we could get someone to flash a bunch of them, count me in. I would pay for one.

I'm in the process of getting a EPROM with ver1.4 firmware. Unfortunately my programmer tools no longer support those old devices. So I've contacted hobbyrom.com They are willing to supply us with pre-programmed EPROMS at very low cost. Time and effort, this will be the easiest path for almost anyone out there.

I've already purchased two for the two lame DSP1124Ps I have. HobbyROMs had the ver1.4 firmware so you can order now or wait just a bit until I've had a chance to verify that these particular chips (type and speed grade) and the ver 1.4 firmware works. A bit of poking around suggests that the DSP1124Ps are running romless 8051-type cpus at 12MHz. If this is correct, then any 27C512 that is 200ns or faster should work fine. Behringer used 70ns chips but those would only be needed if their cpu is running at 33MHz. The crystal markings on my unit are very difficult to read so I have to go on the supposition that "?2.000MHz" means 12 MHz. Considering that the actual audio processing is done on the dedicated TMS57002 DSP engine, I think a 12MHZ cpu speed would be reasonable.

Installation of the EPROM will be trivial. The DSP1124P has very little inside and the mainboard is on edge so you can easily find and pry out that foul firmware-bearing PROM after picking off some of the glue.

On the Behringer front, I ran into a very thick brick wall at USA support. They insist that their product is not defective and we are just using it "not as intended". Doh! Anyhow, if you insist, you can get a R/A form. As long as the unit is under warranty, then they will eventually give you a number to use at a service center; and eventually you'll get your unit fixed. Without the RA number, all you'll get from your service center is a quote. I have a few quotes for them...

Seriously consider getting the prom elsewhere.

Hang in there.

-Cheers

[rcarlton]

I checked with an authorized Behringer service center about the fix (not worth having someone else do the repair):

Hi Ron - Mike here from Audio Electronics. We do have the equipment to burn an eprom, and most of the time that we perform this procedure, it works just fine. Sometimes the firmware file gets corrupted, or the computer language difference from Win98 as opposed to XP with foreign (overseas) created files can be an issue, BUT if all goes well, it's not very expensive to perform the process. Somewhere between $50 and $75 (depending on any time consuming problems we encounter). If you want - send us the unit and we'll give it a go. THANKS !! Mike

[Sonnie]

OUCH!

[rcarlton]

Got another message from Behringer...much more hopeful:
Dear Ron Carlton,

Thanks for writing, Ron. The DSP1124P is not flash-upgradeable via MIDI - it actually has to be upgraded by replacing the socketed EPROM in the unit. As far as obtaining an EPROM upgrade, it's free from BEHRINGER for units under warranty (within one year of purchase). For units out of warranty, it's not a problem as we supply the firmware and you can have it burned at your nearest authorized BEHRINGER service center for a minimal fee. Let me know which category you fall into and we can go from there, Ron. Thanks again for your patience.

We hope that we have been able to help you with this information.

Best regards,

Your BEHRINGER Customer Support Team

Sent them my serial number and address. Mine is under warranty. Will keep everyone posted.

[rcarlton]

And just a few minutes after sending the information to Behringer I get this nice message:
Dear Ron Carlton,

Thanks for writing, Ron. This particular firmware has just been released, so the physical EPROMS are not yet in stock. However, we should get the process started - could you please fax a copy of your sales receipt at 425-673-7647, Att. Jorge H. Tech Support. The paperwork is required for warranty verification; as soon as I get the fax and the EPROMS, I'll send it out right away.

We hope that we have been able to help you with this information.

Best regards,

Your BEHRINGER Customer Support Team

Now I have to dig up the receipt...hope I can find it .

[Sonnie]

Well that certainly sounds reasonable enough. I bet if you pressed the issue on the units out of warranty you might get it done for free as well. Just maybe... ... worth a try anyway.

[rcarlton]

I might have to...can't find the receipt . I did receive it on 23 of May.