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Updating Soundbeam 5 – Part 1

February 8, 2015 by Mark

The joy of computer based instruments is the ability to download updates to fix bugs and add features. Whilst the Soundbeam 5 is entirely self-contained, the rear panel features a USB port that allows you to connect it to a PC. Although you rarely need to do this, it’s always worth checking to make sure you’re running the latest version. Best of all this is a free download from the Soundbeam website.

Checking your firmware version

Soundbeam screen showing firmware versionWhen you first turn on the Soundbeam, the display will show the version and the build number of the unit. After a few seconds this will disappear, so you may need to turn the it on and off a few times to check.

The latest version is v2.1 Build 1682 Nov 18 2013. If you already have this then you can stop now.

What you’ll need

USB A-to-B cable

  • A PC
  • Access to the internet
  • Soundbeam 5 and power supply
  • A USB A-to-B cable (see right)

Downloading the firmware updates

Soundbeam have a set of pdf instructions and all the software and files on their website at: http://www.soundbeam.co.uk/products/download-manuals.html

A word of warning that you can only update Soundbeam from Windows, not on an Apple Mac. The software works with Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.

Create a new folder on the desktopStart by creating a folder on your PC desktop to put the files into. Right-click on the desktop and select ‘New folder‘.

When the folder appears give it a suitable name, for example ‘SB5 Update’.

Navigate to the downloads page on the Soundbeam website and click on the file ‘Soundbeam 5 software (zip)’.

Windows will save this to your ‘Downloads’ folder, but if given a choice put it into the folder you just created.

Find the .zip file and double click on it to open. Select the folder called ‘soundbeam5-software-03-12-2013’ and drag it into the ‘SB5 update’ folder. It should end up looking like the following screenshot (click to enlarge).

The unzipped updates folder

Connecting the Soundbeam to your PC

Ensure that the microSD card is back in the Soundbeam. Connect the unit to the power and turn it on.

USB cable plugged into the back of the SoundbeamNext, find the USB socket on the rear panel and use a USB A-to-B cable to connect it to your PC.

If this is the first time you’ve connected it to your PC then it may take a few seconds to find and load the right drivers. Soundbeam appears as a MIDI device.

Updating the software 

Contents of Soundbeam update folderOpen the ‘SB5 Update’ folder and then open the ‘soundbeam5-software-03-12-2013’ folder.

There are two update files that you need to install in the right order. To begin, double click on the ‘sbfirmware.exe’ file.

The top section labelled ‘Midi’ should say ‘Soundbeam 5’. If not, select ‘Soundbeam 5’ from the drop down list.

Soundbeam programming software

Next, use the ‘Browse’ button to find the first file to update ‘sam5.hex’ and select ‘Open’.

Find the sam5.hex file to update
Click on the ‘Update firmware’ button. At this point the Soundbeam display will change to show ‘Downloading’ and ‘Programming’.

Screen on Soundbeam showing update downloading

Soundbeam will then reboot, indicated by the lights going on and off and the unit restarting.

Next, use ‘Browse’ on the update software to find ‘sb5.hex’. Again ‘Open’ the file and then click on ‘Update firmware’.

You should see the same downloading and programming process, before the Soundbeam reboots.

New firmware

New firmware on Soundbeam displayYour new firmware is now installed on the Soundbeam. If you turn on the unit you’ll see the updated firmware version on the display.

It’s worth downloading (and printing) a copy of the latest Soundbeam manual to go with your update.

In part 2 I’ll look at updating your sound sets.

Filed Under: How to

About Mark

My primary interest over the past fifteen years has been in enabling people with physical disabilities to perform music through the use of technology. As well as being involved in research and training, I've help develop and support a number of assistive music technology products, such as MIDIcreator and the Apollo Ensemble.

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