How do I update the firmware on my FREE THE TONE Flight Time Digital Delay?

[NovaAnn]

Updating the firmware on your FREE THE TONE Flight Time Digital Delay ensures you have the latest features and improvements. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Confirm Firmware Version:

   • Power on your FLIGHT TIME.
   • Observe the 7-segment LEDs on the top panel; the version information will be displayed briefly.
   • If the version number available on the FREE THE TONE website is newer than the one on your unit, proceed with the update.

2. Prepare Your Computer and MIDI Interface:

   • You'll need a Windows PC or a Mac computer and a MIDI interface.
   • Connect your computer to the MIDI interface.
   • Install the MIDI interface driver to enable data transmission. Consult your MIDI interface's manual for setup instructions.

3. Download the Latest Firmware:

   • Go to the FREE THE TONE website (http://www.freethetone.com/support/) and download the latest firmware file for your FLIGHT TIME model.
   • Unzip the downloaded firmware file and note the folder where it's saved.

4. Download and Install MIDI Software:

   • For Mac:
     • Download the freeware "SysEx Librarian" from http://snoize.com/SysExLibrarian/.
     • Unzip and install the software.
     • Launch SysEx Librarian and configure it, selecting your MIDI interface.
   • For Windows:
     • Download the shareware "SendSx" from http://www.bome.com/products/sendsx.
     • Unzip and install the software.
     • Launch SendSx and configure it to recognize your MIDI interface.

5. Connect the FLIGHT TIME and MIDI Interface:

   • Connect the FLIGHT TIME's MIDI IN terminal to the MIDI interface's MIDI OUT terminal.
   • While holding down the "INC/+" and "DEC/-" switches on the FLIGHT TIME, power on the unit.
   • The display will show the version number, then indicate "0000," meaning it's ready for the update.

6. Data Transmission:

   • Follow the instructions for your MIDI software:
     • SysEx Librarian (Mac): Click "+" or "Add...", select the firmware file, click "OK," and then click "Play" to start the transfer.
     • SendSx (Windows): Choose "Open" from the "File" menu, select the firmware file, and click "Send (F4)" to begin.
   • The FLIGHT TIME's display will count up from "0000." The process takes approximately 8-10 minutes.
   • IMPORTANT: Do not interrupt the power during this process.

7. Firmware Update Completion:

   • When the display counts to "0100" and then shows "INST," the unit will initialize automatically.
   • After showing the version number and rebooting, the update is complete.
   • The MIDI channel will reset to its default OMNI mode. Reconfigure if needed.
   • Your presets will remain unaffected.

Always consult the FREE THE TONE Flight Time Digital Delay Instruction Manual or contact FREE THE TONE customer support for any issues or questions.