Video Expander Firmware V3.0 and info

[XORadmin]

Here is all info on how to update your Video Expander to V3.0.

First be sure your NerdSEQ itself is running at least on firmware V3.0, else the update is not possible.

Next, it is important that the video expander is already running properly, that includes that it is enabled in clone mode and that a connected USB keyboard does work as well (which means, both ribbon cables, the 12 pin and the 14 pin must be connected directly to the NerdSEQ. Using the 12 pin cable through the Multi-IO and then to the NerdSEQ will not work!)
If you can't test the USB keyboard connection, then you can see if it is working by going to the video setup (Video must be enabled and working on ' clone') Setup->Video Expander. Press OK there to get to the Video setup screen, navigate to 'Save and Restart'  and press OK. If it doesn't 'Fail' and restarts the video expander properly then the communication should be fine. If it fails then you got most likely a problem with your 12 pin cable connection. You could try to remove and insert it a few times (!!! ONLY IF THE POWER IS TURNED OFF !!!)  on both sides and/or turn it around to fix a possible dust problem. Also take care that you don't break the SD card on the Video Expander when inserting the 12 pin cable. 

If that is still not working then it might be a bad 12 pin cable (could work fine for Midi, but different pins are used for the video), but it can also be a bad SD Card on the Video Expander itself.
For the latter, check if the SD card shows the correct amount of capacity. It must be formated with FAT32 (all other formats won't work) and the following files should be on the card (you could try to format the card and unpack the files on it):
http://xor-electronics.com/downloadfiles...er_1_1.zip

Assuming everything does work as expected:
Download the latest Video expander firmware and a starter-collection of some animations here (or on the XOR Website):

  vex_3_0.vex (Size: 1,33 MB / Downloads: 25)
  shaders.zip (Size: 299,59 KB / Downloads: 22)

The firmware file vex_3_0.vex goes into the firmware folder of the NerdSEQ SD Card.
The shaders.zip should be unpacked on the NerdSEQ SD card so it will create a folder on the SD cards root.

Insert the Card on the NerdSEQ again, turn on your system. Go to the NSA firmware update screen:
Setup->NSA Firmware update

There choose the file vex_3_0.vex. (If it doesn't show the file then you probably didn't copy it into the NerdsSEQ firmware folder or anything like that).
Start the update (update now) and after a fast check it should start uploading the new firmware. You can see the progress and after a short while it is finished, the VEX is restarting and you are ready.

All other info about the new Video functionality can be found in the manual.

[vudoppio]

Here is all info on how to update your Video Expander to V3.0.

First be sure your NerdSEQ itself is running at least on firmware V3.0, else the update is not possible.

Next, it is important that the video expander is already running properly, that includes that it is enabled in clone mode and that a connected USB keyboard does work as well (which means, both ribbon cables, the 12 pin and the 14 pin must be connected directly to the NerdSEQ. Using the 12 pin cable through the Multi-IO and then to the NerdSEQ will not work!)
If you can't test the USB keyboard connection, then you can see if it is working by going to the video setup (Video must be enabled and working on ' clone') Setup->Video Expander. Press OK there to get to the Video setup screen, navigate to 'Save and Restart'  and press OK. If it doesn't 'Fail' and restarts the video expander properly then the communication should be fine. If it fails then you got most likely a problem with your 12 pin cable connection. You could try to remove and insert it a few times (!!! ONLY IF THE POWER IS TURNED OFF !!!)  on both sides and/or turn it around to fix a possible dust problem. Also take care that you don't break the SD card on the Video Expander when inserting the 12 pin cable. 

If that is still not working then it might be a bad 12 pin cable (could work fine for Midi, but different pins are used for the video), but it can also be a bad SD Card on the Video Expander itself.
For the latter, check if the SD card shows the correct amount of capacity. It must be formated with FAT32 (all other formats won't work) and the following files should be on the card (you could try to format the card and unpack the files on it):
http://xor-electronics.com/downloadfiles...er_1_1.zip

Assuming everything does work as expected:
Download the latest Video expander firmware and a starter-collection of some animations here (or on the XOR Website):


The firmware file vex_3_0.vex goes into the firmware folder of the NerdSEQ SD Card.
The shaders.zip should be unpacked on the SD card so it will create a folder on the SD cards root.

Insert the Card on the NerdSEQ again, turn on your system. Go to the NSA firmware update screen:
Setup->NSA Firmware update

There choose the file vex_3_0.vex. (If it doesn't show the file then you probably didn't copy it into the NerdsSEQ firmware folder or anything like that).
Start the update (update now) and after a fast check it should start uploading the new firmware. You can see the progress and after a short while it is finished, the VEX is restarting and you are ready.

All other info about the new Video functionality can be found in the manual.

Hi!  I've done all the above, and still get a 'fail' on the restart, and an error on the video expander firmware upgrade.  I've tried all the 12 pin cables I have to no avail.  Is there a service email address to possibly continue this convo directly, as I fear that I may need to send in the module(s) for service.  Thanks.

[vudoppio]

Here is all info on how to update your Video Expander to V3.0.

First be sure your NerdSEQ itself is running at least on firmware V3.0, else the update is not possible.

Next, it is important that the video expander is already running properly, that includes that it is enabled in clone mode and that a connected USB keyboard does work as well (which means, both ribbon cables, the 12 pin and the 14 pin must be connected directly to the NerdSEQ. Using the 12 pin cable through the Multi-IO and then to the NerdSEQ will not work!)
If you can't test the USB keyboard connection, then you can see if it is working by going to the video setup (Video must be enabled and working on ' clone') Setup->Video Expander. Press OK there to get to the Video setup screen, navigate to 'Save and Restart'  and press OK. If it doesn't 'Fail' and restarts the video expander properly then the communication should be fine. If it fails then you got most likely a problem with your 12 pin cable connection. You could try to remove and insert it a few times (!!! ONLY IF THE POWER IS TURNED OFF !!!)  on both sides and/or turn it around to fix a possible dust problem. Also take care that you don't break the SD card on the Video Expander when inserting the 12 pin cable. 

If that is still not working then it might be a bad 12 pin cable (could work fine for Midi, but different pins are used for the video), but it can also be a bad SD Card on the Video Expander itself.
For the latter, check if the SD card shows the correct amount of capacity. It must be formated with FAT32 (all other formats won't work) and the following files should be on the card (you could try to format the card and unpack the files on it):
http://xor-electronics.com/downloadfiles...er_1_1.zip

Assuming everything does work as expected:
Download the latest Video expander firmware and a starter-collection of some animations here (or on the XOR Website):


The firmware file vex_3_0.vex goes into the firmware folder of the NerdSEQ SD Card.
The shaders.zip should be unpacked on the SD card so it will create a folder on the SD cards root.

Insert the Card on the NerdSEQ again, turn on your system. Go to the NSA firmware update screen:
Setup->NSA Firmware update

There choose the file vex_3_0.vex. (If it doesn't show the file then you probably didn't copy it into the NerdsSEQ firmware folder or anything like that).
Start the update (update now) and after a fast check it should start uploading the new firmware. You can see the progress and after a short while it is finished, the VEX is restarting and you are ready.

All other info about the new Video functionality can be found in the manual.

Hi!  I've done all the above, and still get a 'fail' on the restart, and an error on the video expander firmware upgrade.  I've tried all the 12 pin cables I have to no avail.  Is there a service email address to possibly continue this convo directly, as I fear that I may need to send in the module(s) for service.  Thanks.

After some reconfiguring, I managed to get it to work!  But, where can I get more 12 pin cables?  Also, what is the proper connection setup to include the video expander, MIDI-IO expander, more triggers 16 and more CV 16 all in one system?  Thanks again!

---

Here is all info on how to update your Video Expander to V3.0.

First be sure your NerdSEQ itself is running at least on firmware V3.0, else the update is not possible.

Next, it is important that the video expander is already running properly, that includes that it is enabled in clone mode and that a connected USB keyboard does work as well (which means, both ribbon cables, the 12 pin and the 14 pin must be connected directly to the NerdSEQ. Using the 12 pin cable through the Multi-IO and then to the NerdSEQ will not work!)
If you can't test the USB keyboard connection, then you can see if it is working by going to the video setup (Video must be enabled and working on ' clone') Setup->Video Expander. Press OK there to get to the Video setup screen, navigate to 'Save and Restart'  and press OK. If it doesn't 'Fail' and restarts the video expander properly then the communication should be fine. If it fails then you got most likely a problem with your 12 pin cable connection. You could try to remove and insert it a few times (!!! ONLY IF THE POWER IS TURNED OFF !!!)  on both sides and/or turn it around to fix a possible dust problem. Also take care that you don't break the SD card on the Video Expander when inserting the 12 pin cable. 

If that is still not working then it might be a bad 12 pin cable (could work fine for Midi, but different pins are used for the video), but it can also be a bad SD Card on the Video Expander itself.
For the latter, check if the SD card shows the correct amount of capacity. It must be formated with FAT32 (all other formats won't work) and the following files should be on the card (you could try to format the card and unpack the files on it):
http://xor-electronics.com/downloadfiles...er_1_1.zip

Assuming everything does work as expected:
Download the latest Video expander firmware and a starter-collection of some animations here (or on the XOR Website):


The firmware file vex_3_0.vex goes into the firmware folder of the NerdSEQ SD Card.
The shaders.zip should be unpacked on the SD card so it will create a folder on the SD cards root.

Insert the Card on the NerdSEQ again, turn on your system. Go to the NSA firmware update screen:
Setup->NSA Firmware update

There choose the file vex_3_0.vex. (If it doesn't show the file then you probably didn't copy it into the NerdsSEQ firmware folder or anything like that).
Start the update (update now) and after a fast check it should start uploading the new firmware. You can see the progress and after a short while it is finished, the VEX is restarting and you are ready.

All other info about the new Video functionality can be found in the manual.

Hi!  I've done all the above, and still get a 'fail' on the restart, and an error on the video expander firmware upgrade.  I've tried all the 12 pin cables I have to no avail.  Is there a service email address to possibly continue this convo directly, as I fear that I may need to send in the module(s) for service.  Thanks.

After some reconfiguring, I managed to get it to work!  But, where can I get more 12 pin cables?  Also, what is the proper connection setup to include the video expander, MIDI-IO expander, more triggers 16 and more CV 16 all in one system?  Thanks again!

...and I'm all good now.  Sorry for all the trouble!

[TheSandbag]

I don't know if I'm missing something but where is the list of video mode codes? It says see manual on the device but I cant seem to line it up with anything.

[XORadmin]

I don't know if I'm missing something but where is the list of video mode codes? It says see manual on the device but I cant seem to line it up with anything.

There is the link in the manual (page 120, somehow not hightlighted but it's there):
https://github.com/XORElectronics/nerdSEQ_docs

But yes I totally forgot to upload it on github. It's there now.

[Cayenotie]

Hi , I just recieved a new video expander today purchased from signal sounds .

The expander firmware will not update.

I have tried re-arranging the cables , but still no joy .

I have tried to read the sd card on the pc to check it but it will not show up there as being available to format and put the files onto , other SD cards show and read ok , just not the one from the expander .

I tried several pcs and different sd readers but none of them see the card from the expander when its inserted.
I even tried to see it from live version of Zorin install , but no joy there either .

I dont have another 16gb micro sd card available to be able to write to and see if this is the problem or if there is some other issue .

should I get in contact with signal sounds to request another card from them .

or is there some software that will see and format the card . I tried SD formatter from sd assosiation but that couldnt see it either.

thanks regards
Paul

[XORadmin]

Hi , I just recieved a new video expander today purchased from signal sounds .

The expander firmware will not update.

I have tried re-arranging the cables , but still no joy .

I have tried to read the sd card on the pc to check it but it will not show up there as being available to format and put the files onto , other SD cards show and read ok , just not the one from the expander .

I tried several pcs and different sd readers but none of them see the card from the expander when its inserted.
I even tried to see it from live version of Zorin install , but no joy there either .

I dont have another 16gb micro sd card available to be able to write to and see if this is the problem or if there is some other issue .

should I get in contact with signal sounds to request another card from them .

or is there some software that will see and format the card . I tried SD formatter from sd assosiation but that couldnt see it either.

thanks regards
Paul

Heya, 

so the SD card doesn't show up on your computer. 
Basically any SD card formated to FAT32 should be fine. 
Once formated, you put these files (unpacked) onto the SD card:
https://xor-electronics.com/downloadfile...er_3_0.zip

It should be fine and run then (no extra update needed).

In general this should not be necessary but you might have broken the SD card when inserting the cables. 
You can always head to signal sounds or I am also happy to send out a new SD card if needed.

[Cayenotie]

I first made sure to plug cables in away from the sd-card first ,. I will back up some data on one of my fpga sd cards and see if that works . then will get back to you . I was very careful plugging them in and swapping them about.

thanks
Paul

[XORadmin]

I first made sure to plug cables in away from the sd-card first ,. I will back up some data on one of my fpga sd cards and see if that works . then will get back to you . I was very careful plugging them in and swapping them about.

thanks
Paul

It's just something I assume in the first place since it happened more often (and lead to broken Sd cards). 
It is also something I can't change due to the size limits, so it stays a possible issue.

However, check the FPGA cards and as long as they are formated to FAT32 it should be generally fine.

[Cayenotie]

I first made sure to plug cables in away from the sd-card first ,. I will back up some data on one of my fpga sd cards and see if that works . then will get back to you . I was very careful plugging them in and swapping them about.

thanks        
Paul

It's just something I assume in the first place since it happened more often (and lead to broken Sd cards). 
It is also something I can't change due to the size limits, so it stays a possible issue.

However, check the FPGA cards and as long as they are formated to FAT32 it should be generally fine.

Ok , made a back-up of my fpga card , was too big to format to fat32, used cmd console , left it overnight , grrr stupid windows says too large to format this morning .
so I took original card and after several attempts Rufus could see the card, I run a format with check for bad , Rufus reports this .