How to Update a Fixture Using an E Loader
The E Loader is Elation’s handheld tool for loading fixture firmware over DMX. This guide covers HYD and GSD files.
Before You Start
Confirm Compatibility and Firmware
The E Loader works with:
Paragon series
Proteus series
Artiste series
Rayzor series
Satura series
Smarty series
Platinum series
Colour 5 Profile
WW/CW Profile series
DW Fresnel
Use firmware intended for your exact fixture model.
Firmware versions have three numbers, such as 2.0.4. Compare the fixture’s current version with the version you plan to load.
If only the last number differs, you can load the update for that fixture.
If the first or middle number differs, contact Elation Support before loading it.
Get the firmware from the fixture’s product page or Elation’s official firmware support resources. If you cannot find it, contact Elation Support with the fixture model and current software version.
Check Power and Record Settings
Make sure the E Loader has sufficient battery power. Start with at least two battery bars.
Record the fixture’s DMX mode, address, and any other settings you will need to restore after selecting Default.
Keep the fixture and E Loader powered throughout the upload. Do not disconnect the DMX cable while an update is running.
Keep space clear around the fixture because it will re-home its motors when restarted.
Understand the Firmware Files
HYD: A firmware package containing updates for multiple boards. It lets you update the included boards in one sequence.
GSD: An individual firmware file used to update a specific board or program. You may need to load several GSD files to update the complete fixture.
Prepare the SD Card
Use the micro SD card supplied with the E Loader when possible. Other micro SD cards can be used, but choose a lower-capacity card.
Format the card as FAT32 if needed. Formatting erases its contents.
Copy the fixture’s firmware files onto the card.
Insert the micro SD card into the E Loader.
Keep your files organized: One SD card can hold firmware for multiple fixture models and versions. It is good practice to use clearly named folders for each fixture model, with separate version folders inside. You can also separate GSD and HYD files into folders named GSD and HYD to make them easier to find.
Keep the original firmware filenames unchanged.
E Loader Connections and Menus
The power switch, micro SD slot, and mini USB port are on the bottom.
Mini USB: Used for power, not transferring firmware files.
DMX: The E Loader uses a 3-pin connection. For a 5-pin fixture, use a suitable 3-pin to 5-pin DMX turnaround.
Power on the E Loader and press MODE to access its menus:
Browse: Find and select a firmware file.
Option: Set the upload speed. Start with Standard.
Soft Info: View the E Loader’s own software information.
Connect and Start the Update
Keep the DMX line clear: Connect the E Loader directly to the fixture, without consoles or other active signal equipment in the line. Other fixtures may remain connected only if they are the same model and are being updated together.
With the fixture powered off, connect the E Loader to the DMX input.
Press MODE → Browse.
Find and select the firmware file you want to upload.
When asked to confirm the upload, don’t confirm yet.
Power on the fixture.
Wait for the fixture to enter Long Wait, then confirm the upload on the E Loader.
Continue below with If Using a HYD File or If Using a GSD File.
If Using a HYD File
A checklist of boards appears. These are the boards included in the update.
Leave them all checked and press OK.
Allow the E Loader to update the boards in sequence.
Between board updates, these options appear:
Yes: Continue to the next board.
Retry: Retry the current board.
Cancel: Exit the update process and return the fixture to default settings.
You do not need to select anything. The E Loader automatically continues to the next board.
Allow all selected boards to finish, then continue to Finish Up.
If Using a GSD File
Allow the selected GSD file to finish uploading.
If more files are required, select OK to return to Browse. The fixture stays in Long Wait.
Find and select the next file, then upload it.
Repeat for each required file.
Keep the fixture powered on until the last file has finished.
Continue to Finish Up.
Finish Up
OK: Return to Browse to load another file.
Reset: Exit the update process, restart the fixture, and re-home its motors.
Default: Exit the update process, restore factory settings, and re-home the motors. Recommended after completing the update.
After selecting Default, check the DMX mode, address, and other recorded settings. Restore them as needed.
Allow the fixture to complete its restart and motor homing before testing it.
Confirm It Worked
On the fixture, go to Menu → Information → Software Version.
Confirm that the displayed software version matches the version you loaded.
For fixtures that display individual board versions, scroll through each board, starting from 1U. Every board should show the same new version.
For fixtures that display one software version, check that version.
Test normal fixture operation.
When updating multiple fixtures, verify each fixture individually.
If an Update Fails
Do not interrupt an upload that is still running.
Once the attempt has finished or the uploader reports failure:
Check the DMX connection and confirm that the correct firmware file was selected.
Check MODE → Option. If the update failed at Standard, try Slow.
Reset the fixture and run the update again.
If a HYD update leaves one board on its previous version, identify that board in Menu → Information → Software Version.
Find and upload that board’s GSD file. Confirm that the file is for the affected board before loading it.
For a batch update, let the other fixtures finish before disconnecting successfully updated fixtures and retrying the failed ones.
If the update continues to fail, contact Elation Support. Include:
Fixture model
Current fixture software or board versions
Firmware filename
Affected board, if known
Exact error message and the step where the update stopped
After Replacing a Board
A replacement board may arrive with older firmware.
Bring it up to the same version as the rest of the fixture. Load that board’s individual GSD file, or update the complete fixture so all boards match.
Verify the board versions afterward.
Updating Several Fixtures at Once
Update up to 30 fixtures of the same model in one pass.
Daisy-chain them on one direct DMX line.
Keep the total line length within 295 ft (90 m).
Keep other equipment off the update line.
Allow every fixture to finish.
Verify each fixture’s software version and operation.