How to update TS100 Firmware

A while back someone asked me to do a tutorial on how to update the firmware and install a custom logo. I finally got around to it.
Updated 2021: Ralim has fully deployed the software, now called IronOS. Installation is the same procedure, files are here (make sure you download the correct file). github.com/Ral...
Please consider helping my channel out by pledging a few dollars here - / gadgetboy
I get most of my parts and tools from - rpelectronics.com and mouser.com
Useful tools for boosting your videos - www.tubebuddy....

[@GadgetBoy]

I'll be doing a follow-up video in a few days where I explore the new settings in more detail (I just have to learn what they do first).

[@MatthewTaylor3]

This was a good video. Similar steps are applicable to clone irons as well such as the SQ-001

[@chrisleech1565]

Nice of you to take this on. A big thanks. I wonder if the fw update suggested in the little instruction booklet is any better than what it ships with. I have had mine for over a year. I assume that putting it in DFU mode will tell me what version it has in the flash mem. But my concerns center around the function of your thermocouple readings at 300+ Deg C. Mine is rock solid with factory FW

[@GadgetBoy]

+Chris Leech I really like the custom firmware that i installed. There no hysteresis on the temperature reading, so the temp is real time, which is why it fluctuates so much. The ability to tell it how many lithium cells you're running it off of is really useful, as the iron will automatically shut down to avoid over discharging the cells.

[@dazecm]

I go to that Github page and I do not see a list of .hex firmware files to choose from.

[@GadgetBoy]

Sorry for taking so long to reply, also, thanks for pointing this out. I've updated the link in the description. I'll do an updated video once I have a workshop I can film stuff in again.

[@stonesrcchannel]

Thanks my problem is my ts100 screen has stopped working on mine so I can’t adjust anything

[@gladperson116]

I just got one of these, and for some reason when I copy the hex file it gives me an error that the device does not exist but when I drag and drop a bin file it works perfectly fine and says NOT. How would I go around in fixing that?

[@GadgetBoy]

You are making sure it's in DFU mode?

[@gladperson116]

@@GadgetBoy I fixed it by doing it on a different PC. No idea why it doesn't work on my main.

[@kkuenzel56]

Can you save the original firmware to your pc in case you want to go back ? What features do the new firmware have over the stock one?

[@GadgetBoy]

I believe it's a one-way trip for the custom firmware, HOWEVER, there would be no reason to go back. The custom firmware is extremely robust and has far more features than the stock, and it has a much more intuitive UI.

[@RobsMemoryLane]

Mine says the firmware size is too big

[@GadgetBoy]

I would need more information to help you troubleshoot.

[@eddiekytia]

I know this is old but if you see this I'm hoping you can help me. I just ordered the pinecil v2 soldering iron. I'm looking for someone who wouldn't mind helping me with updating the firmware so I can use my PD 3.1 power supply and get the higher output of 28v 90 watts. I'm so bad with computers and technology I don't own a computer or laptop or even a tablet. Nor have a Facebook account. I'll pay to ship it and pay to return it as well pay for your time and service for doing the firmware update. I'm new to your channel and I did subscribe! Hope you see this.

[@3LD3VIL]

When I copy the file to the iron I get a error saying the file is to big the iron disconnect from pc after that but the file is not there and keeps saying that the file is to big

[@GadgetBoy]

Which file are you uploading, and did you remember to put the iron into DFU mode?

[@3LD3VIL]

@@GadgetBoy the same you choose on this video and yes if not I would not see the folder on the computer

[@GadgetBoy]

I'm not certain, then. If you followed my guide exactly, it should work.

[@jasonstewart5942]

Yeah this firmware update didn't work for me. Now my Ts100 is dead and won't even turn on whatsoever when power is connected.

[@GadgetBoy]

What happens when you connect it to USB?

[@jasonstewart5942]

@@GadgetBoy if I connect a USB cable nothing happens. Nothing lights up or boots up. The only thing it will do is allow me to still press the button closest to the tip and then plug in the micro USB and the DFU: 3.42 pops up. That's it. And even when I am able to get the drive open for the ts100, it will not accept the .hex file. The window will close, I get an error and then eventually get a file size too large error also.

[@GadgetBoy]

Which hex file are you using? Are you putting it into the iron's storage while it's in DFU mode?

[@jasonstewart5942]

@@GadgetBoy I have even worse problems now. 😂

[@GadgetBoy]

If you want to contact me on hangouts, maybe I can help you further.

[@twizz420]

my download of ralim's firmware didn't have the exact same files in it...

[@GadgetBoy]

There's a newer version out, but the hex files are available here - github.com/Ralim/ts100/releases The upgrade process should be the same, though, let me know if you have any issues.

[@twizz420]

@@GadgetBoy thanks, I just did a search for TS100_EN.hex and it showed up. He just updated it again yesterday from the looks of it.

[@pleasecho2]

Wont save any of the settings when changed after update??

[@GadgetBoy]

I'll need more info to help you (also keep in mind, I didn't write the update, I just did a tutorial on how to install it).

[@bobbin69]

the firmware.rdy is made, but the iron screen is just black whatever i do

[@GadgetBoy]

Try flashing the firmware a second time. Make sure you're using the correct version.

[@bobbin69]

Gadgetboy I did it, and it worked :)

[@giaruzzo]

Hello friend! I updated the firmware but the screen only shows "DFU:3.43" after i make all what you say on the video... I enter dfu, put in there the .hex, after it says RDY and then when I unplugged it and conect it to the power, the screen shows only DFU bla bla bla... do you know what is happening?

[@GadgetBoy]

How are you applying power?

[@giaruzzo]

@@GadgetBoy with my lipo 4s

[@GadgetBoy]

Don't press any button when you plug it in. You're plugging it into the 5.5mm socket, right? (you can't power it from USB)

[@giaruzzo]

@@GadgetBoy that is what i do... I only conect the ts100 with the lipo and I am no touching nothing... yes in the 5.5mm socket... like always but nothing is shown on the screen...

[@GadgetBoy]

That is very strange. What polarity do you have set up on the plug?

[@1959Berre]

What OS are you running? Can the update be done with Linux?

[@GadgetBoy]

I don't see why it shouldn't be. It's just a matter of downloading the firmware file and putting it onto the internal storage of the iron in DFU mode.

[@phonotical]

Firmware for an iron, sounds extreme! Why won't you have access for a while

[@GadgetBoy]

Long story short, crazy psycho ex is in possession of 90% of my electronics equipment. I'm going to have to rebuild all of it from scratch.

[@phonotical]

Gadgetboy ah jeez, well, here's to a new adventure

[@lawrencel3188]

yea, stater wives can be a problem. Show the ''left handed' display mode please.

[@davybloggs1564]

Great vid - just what I needed to know, thanks - my TS100 will arrive in two weeks. Btw, you CAN go back to the original FW, so says Ralim - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ3RoZWljsurhM0 . This vid is 18 months old, so the iron display in it doesn't look the same as the FW now, which you've just installed here. Dec 2018 FW may look different again, but I've yet to use it.

[@GadgetBoy]

Careful with links to other channels. KZbin can get a bit pissy about it. I haven't updated to the latest firmware yet, but I'll probably do a quick blurb on it when I do.

[@mrvang8077]

what? Unit support color graphic icon logo?

[@MauriatOttolink]

Is there NO firmware in the iron out of the box? I've not applied any DC power yet but my MacBook Pro saw the TS100 immediately and there are many files in there. Will it not run on that? Even if it's out of date, it was valid in its time.

[@GadgetBoy]

The included firmware is just fine - this firmware has better interface and more options.

[@MauriatOttolink]

@@GadgetBoy Hello G.B. Thank you for the courtesy of your swift reply and info. That will give me breathing space to use it whilst sorting thru' the bewilderment of firmware updating. MacBoo Pro. I propose to run it off a laptop 19v supply on the bench and on a 12V Lipo (or maybe two) for portable . Don't do much servicing 'in the field" these days. Do I take it that separate tips can be changed instead of the entire heating element? Again, thank you, M.O.L

[@GadgetBoy]

If you're going to power it form lithium cells, I *strongly* recommend the open-source firmware, as it has options for better power management when operating off of batteries.

[@GadgetBoy]

Missed your second question. The tips for this iron have the heating element built into them so when you change tips, you're swapping the whole assembly (this is why the tips are so much more expensive).

[@MauriatOttolink]

@@GadgetBoy Thanks... Then I guess some more detailed tip care is required ...wet sponge, don't let it stand unused at full temp to blacken and corrode the outer metal and DON'T go near it with a file or similar to clean it?

[@frostieff]

is it normal for the file to disappear from the tool usb drive after you unplug and replug it back in?

[@GadgetBoy]

Yes. It should disappear, and be replaced with a small text file.

[@frostieff]

@@GadgetBoy no txt file. Just blank :( My config is saved when I turn on the tool I guess. Like the boost mode and the max temp I want it at

[@GadgetBoy]

@@frostieff If the new features are working, then it worked just fine.

[@frostieff]

@@GadgetBoy thank you soon much!!

[@bigt3242]

Can you let me know how to get to the page with the hex files on.

[@GadgetBoy]

The link is in the description.

[@GadgetBoy]

Looks like they changed the layout a bit, the latest releases are here - github.com/Ralim/ts100/releases

[@kennethfrancis7754]

What is a soddering iron or a soddering station?

[@frankpitochelli6786]

That's how we pronounce solder in America.. We don't say SOLD-er... The L is silent..!! Smart ass.

[@phonotical]

Hi Chris 😅 Do you have digital clubbing...

[@GadgetBoy]

Do I have what?

[@phonotical]

Gadgetboy it's that or you have the most perfect nails on the planet😂

[@GadgetBoy]

I've been told that before. Someone said I should do hand modeling. It's weird, cause I don't particularly maintain them except trimming when they get too long.

[@phonotical]

Gadgetboy you're lucky!

[@joachimjohan1215]

ut why did you do it? dislike.

[@MachineManGabb]

count this as a dislike to your comment:)