How to: Upgrade VCI-100 Firmware

[BierElite]

Great Work, it works fine! VCI 100 => 1.4

[DjSquaretube]

The firmware is great and for anyone whos on the fence on whether its worth it, i can safely say it is :).

[InsertSilman]

you said on step 9 to use serial to serial instead of serial to usb, where do i plug the other serial port into my computer?

[InsertSilman]

@InsertSilman nvm, i found the serial port on my computer, it is on the back of the case

[senorgrowdog]

two versions of the software? run basic? you run right through that real quick...only one version here...

[senorgrowdog]

this is really a terrible video..nothing like what i am looking at here...there is a window you skip that says if i do the settings wrong it will damage my equipment! I think an updated video that doesn't skip steps that is done on the current windows os using the current firmware...nightmare

[stepcham270]

So what is the solution if we have a mac and we want to update our firmware...

I'm planning on tricking out my vci but I want to know how to get the SE firmware first

[DJCJ999]

I have just ordered the parts to upgrade my standard vci to an arcade button + overlay with a 1.4 firmware beast..... When I rewrite the flash what type do I select in the program as it's not clear in the video?

[DjSwizo]

Can I update 1.3 to 1.4 with this step?

[drkarchangel82]

I have a VCI-100 SE shipped with the 1.3 firmware (want to upgrade to the new 1.4) I noticed the port in this video where you attached the firmware upgrade kit into, would that happen to be a SATA/eSATA port?

[iwag610]

ean, is it terrrible bad to use serial to USB? I can't find anyone I know with a serial port on their PC.

[beatthegypsy]

@iwag610 i just went out and bought a serial to serial cable then went home and realized i have no serial port...wtf?

[spikegr12345]

i am searching at the djtt but i can't found the firmware 1.3 file.i just found the renesas updater but not the file.Could someone give me alink for this?

[djhumptylb]

Thanks Eangolden for the reply, I just wanted to play it safe you guys rule.

[djhumptylb]

On step 8 you said "remove this cable harness temporaly" then video changes and its plugged in, what is the purpose of that step? im confused.

[eangolden]

it should be removed the entire time. I didnt want to re-shoot the rest of the video.

[TheJamesWB]

What doesn this firmware upgrade actually do?

Does it just allow for it to have the same mapping as the VCI-100SE?

and is it neccesary to do the upgrade if i want to have the SE mapping?

And finally, will the VCI-100s in the stores get this update done in the factory if theyre made after a certain date?

[eangolden]

The 1.3 firmware fixes a few bugs on the 1.2 where buttons send out the same messages. It also adds some functions to buttons and faders.

Its not necessary to have 1.3 in order to use the SE mapping but it is optimal.

no VCI-100's will ever be sold out of the box with this firmware. Its a custom improvement that is exclusive to Dj TechTools

[gabriellundmark]

What are the chances of screwing up?

[eangolden]

very low- if you fail, then nothing happens and if you succeed then you get the new firmware

[zcode7]

@eangolden Not exactly true Ean. I just failed upgrading to 1.4 and whereas before I had a perfectly functioning DJ console, I now have a useless $600 paperweight. Hoping that I can get this to work eventually...

[aboxdc]

No pillows!! Danger of Electrostatic! Before any work on electronic you have to be grounded to earth, also te object you operate!!!

[Blunder1248]

Is it wise to buy a VCI 100 from the usa?

In England_Vestax has gone gay, they are not selling any PRODUCTS! Every DJ shop has sold out and does not know when they will be getting any equipment from the UK distributor.

[eangolden]

Yes, you can buy a vci from us and it will have a Vestax warranty but you cant get it serviced locally by the uk distributor.

[ReflexRich]

I wouldn't recommend buying one at all. I made the mistake of buying one last year and it feels really cheaply put together. The knobs are horrible. It is not very user friendly. Even the way you have to upgrade the firmware is needlessly overcomplicated. I have a Mac and am stuck with V1.1 firmware. Absolute waste of money. Buy an Allen Heath Xone 1d instead for a solid piece of kit

[Blunder1248]

Thanks for getting back to me! I Brought the Numark omni.

I have to say I don't like it. Its soooo easy to mix, as long as you know when to mix a song these things make it a piece of piss to beat match!

No skill needed at all! Any one using of these in my view is no way a DJ in any way! Keep to Vinyl 

[chidamole]

I have to completely disagree with this. There are bugs with the 1.1 firmware which is why they are sold with 1.2 standard. I have had mine for just over a month and i have to say that it's an excellent piece of kit. It's solid, the faders feel great, the knobs work and feel really good and it's very easy to map out a good solid controller. I'd say it's been money well spent, i've never heard anyone say it's this bad, i personally love it.

[ReflexRich]

I know lots of other DJs who share my opinion on this. I'm always very gentle with my equipment so it's not through abuse but the knobs on this are often very rigid and don't turn smoothly through the full range of movement. Also, the cross fader is ridiculously loose and doesn't feel at all solid. I have been DJing for over 20 years and know what feels good and what doesn't. Again, upgrading firmware should not require you to open up the device and mess around with circuit boards.

[TheGrooveStation]

I agree, you shouldn't have to perform open heart surgery to upgrade the firmware. The eq knobs on my device (v1.1) also stick. Often, i've been performing live and I want to cut the bass but I can't because the knob sticks so I have to wiggle it. it's quite worrying when it happens. Anyone else have this problem? The eq knobs feel very plasticy too and they're entirely silver, without any clear centre indication - this makes it nearly impossible to see it's position in low light situations.

[chidamole]

ah i have a black version, not se just black it's got quite a bright red marker making the centre point visible. I haven't had mine long though i hope mine does not develop the same problem as you both!

[TheGrooveStation]

Fingers crossed. Vestax have hopefully ironed out the problems of the earlier models and the knobs on the latest black edition look better. I wonder if they will make upgrading firmware any easier in the future.

[chidamole]

yeah like a possible port on the side that you could plug in to get the latest firmware. I wouldn't trust myself opening it up like that :|

[fadornelas]

Hey! Where can I buy the firmware upgrade kit? It's out of stock at Ean Golden's store.

[eangolden]

it will be back in stock this week

[fizzstyles]

if you have tractor pro do u need to do this?

[ReflexRich]

Call me lazy but is there an easier way to do this, maybe download a file or something straightforward. Cheers :-)

[DjInSuspence]

too much ginfriggin around i reckon. vestax should see the popularity of this product and put out a vci-100 mk2 or something to fix its bugs with jug wheel and some knobs, buttons and faders. still a cool little product

[tamamma03]

I don't understand the Step 8 "remove one cable harness" because in this step you remove the harness but going forward in the movie this harness is always connected. I just need to remove one second and then reconnect?

[CHARGER187]

so if im using a mac im screwed?

[CULTUREOFMUSIK]

dude i agree lol pants down SCREWED!!

hope there will be a firmware or other switches for MAC Leopard....