Purpl Scientific has released a firmware update that addresses some issues with how dark correction was calculated, and various ongoing Bluetooth improvements. This firmware version should be installed by all Purpl PRO users.

  • Fixed dark subtraction BLE bug

  • Fixed USB buffer overflow bug

  • Fixed BLE/USB interoperability bug

  • Make ublox fw version visible over BLE

Update Instructions

  1. Download the Firmware Update Toolfor you operating system (link at the bottom of the page)
    • For Windows Based machines
      •  Download "SEFW_updater.exe"
      • Copy the file to a convenient location
    • macOS based machines
      • Download "FirmwareUpdater_2.0.1.dmg"
      • Mount (open) the .dmg
      • Copy SEFW_updater to the /Application folder. (now it can be found within Launchpad menu)
  2.  Download the firmware file "20210216_0.16.0.enc" from the bottom of the page (link at the bottom of the page)
  3. Run SEFW_updater as Administrator (important, see below!) 
    • On Windows: Right-click the file and select "Run as administrator." Click "Yes" to allow changes.
    • On macOS: Hold the Control key and click the file and select "Open." Click "Open" in the pop-up.
  4. Click the Browse button and select the firmware file "20210216_0.16.0.enc"
  5. Connect your Purpl PRO to your PC with a USB cable
  6. Click the "Refresh" button. The program should list the serial number along with the port number under "Choose a Device." “COM” port will be shown on Windows, and “usbserial”-like port will be shown on macOS systems. If the serial number is not visible, the device is probably sleeping. The device needs to be turned on to update the firmware.
    • Windows:
    • macOS:
  7. Select the serial port/serial number for the device.
  8. Click the "Program" button. On Windows machines, a console window will open and flash text.
  9. When the update is complete, an "Update successful!" dialog box will appear. Click "OK."
  10. Disconnect your device from your PC. You're finished!


Troubleshooting


The update tool cannot cause irreparable damage to the device. If the update is somehow botched, the following steps can always be used to recover functionality:

  1. Connect USB
  2. Hold both buttons down until the LEDs burn white. This can take around 10 seconds.
  3. Keep holding the buttons until the LEDs turn off again.
  4. The device is now running in bootloader mode. The update tool can now talk to it and a new update can be sent to the device.


If your device is not visible and you've confirmed it's not sleeping, your USB interface may require the following VCP driver from the USB chip vendor website. https://ftdichip.com/drivers/vcp-drivers/


For PC Computers:


Processor Architecture-

1. Windows* 2017-08-30 Release Date--Comments Section--->Click on "Setup executable" hyperlink. 

2. File Will Download:CDM21228_Setup File---> Run Program and Allow

3. FTDI CDM Drivers---> Extract & Accept & Follow the Prompts through the Installation Wizard Agreement--


The SEFW Updater Application may need a refresh. Close out of the application and reopen and select the enc firmware file. Once the VCP driver is installed, your device should now be discoverable under Choose device field.



For Mac Computers:


Processor Architecture-

1. Mac OS X 10.9 and above (if OS up to date)- Release Date 2019-12-24 ---> Click 2.4.4

2. File Will Download- Locate under Downloads or Finder Folder---> FTDIUSB Serial Driver---> Open folder and follow through install prompts.

3. Continue and will receive Installation was successful prompt.


 The SEFW Updater Application may need a refresh. Close out of the application and reopen and select the enc firmware file. Once the VCP driver is installed, your device should now be discoverable under Choose device field.