Getting Through The Sena Firmware Update Process

[@chidenchi]

Thanks for the video. One addition for anyone else banging their head against the wall; use the USB cable that came with the unit (or similar "high quality" cable). I grabbed a random cable from the thousands in my junk drawer and got "failed to recognize device" no matter what I did. Switched cables and it fired right up. Evidently not all USB cables are born equal.

[@russellrobinson837]

This saved me, I switched to a different USB cord and it fired right up. Very good comment.

[@michaelvachon1334]

Ran into the same problem with the current firmware upgrade. When I heard the comment 'Not all USB cables are created equal...' it jogged my memory. I went out to the motorcycle and pulled out the OEM USB cable and magically everything worked... SIGH!

[@darwinmiller9660]

i did exactly as your video says with a sena cord and it still doesnt reconize

[@gilesfarmer5953]

I've got the SRL 3 which has the wifi/ charging cord in one. It fails to connect to wifi, and my comp fails to recognise the device. Never before I've had to deal with utter junk such as this.

[@josephking1908]

COULDN"T figure it out for my Sedici Helmet with implemented DW06-PRO Sena. The computer telling me that I needed the 64 bit download version, I finally got frustrated enough to try everything else I could think of, including downloaded the 32 bit version, AND IT WORKED. For no sensible reason, it just worked. THANK YOU FOR THE HELPFUL VIDEO AND WALK-THROUGH! CHEERS!

[@TheRidingObsession]

Glad to help!

[@R6TBS]

Tried for an age to update my smh10r on two separate windows laptops, with no joy. Followed these steps on my Mac and hey presto, all done. Great video, thank you 👍

[@TheRidingObsession]

Glad it helped!

[@africamike]

Thanks for the video. Great help after a very frustrating first experience trying to update the firmware I found this instructional video - downloaded the 64-bit version of the Sena Device Manager and within minutes had the latest firmware downloaded to my wife's SMH10. Thanks VERY much :-)

[@TheRidingObsession]

Great to hear!

[@bullitproofarmadillo]

fixed my problem. amazing how hard this was to find out i had to turn on the device to update the firmware. also couldn't get it to work on windows 11. worked on my mac running Ventura

[@TheRidingObsession]

Well, glad it at least worked out (even if "eventually")

[@bullitproofarmadillo]

@@TheRidingObsession yes. it's surprising how bad Sena software and tech support is. i know these radios are old, but even though I'm tech savvy it took finding your video to fix the problem. thanks again!

[@TheRidingObsession]

Glad it worked out!

[@CrayzJohnny]

One issue I had with 64bit driver, my windows 10 did not trust the driver cert, had to change the system to allow unsigned certs. It a questionable solution but it worked and I restored the security setting after install although I'll need to allow untrusted certs each time I run the software. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@TheRidingObsession]

Thanks for the info.

[@Hakken1]

Thank you for this comment! I was about to buy a newer unit but this worked! I had to call a friend to figure out the Windows 10 security.

[@paulsummers]

Just updated my trusty Sena SMH-10 using an old Mac Mini (vintage mid-2010, OS X 10.13.6) using this video as a guide. I tried using my much newer MacBook Pro (2018, OS X 10.15.3), but failed. It's all USB-C, but the SenaBluetoothDeviceManager couldn't see the SMH-10 through either my OWC Thunderbold3 dock or small USB-C to USB-3 dongle. Good think my trusty old Mini still works. Now we'll see if the SMH-10 will stream from my new Garmin BMW Navigator VI...

[@TheRidingObsession]

Paul, if you're game to help us all out here, would you mind trying the following? 1) Use the newer model mac (I myself am now upgraded to an '18 PowerBook 15") 2) Connect the usb-c adapter FIRST, meaning plug it into the machine without the usb cable or SMH-10 3) Open the update software 4) Connect the Sena ... yada yada yada. You see where this is going. I could do this myself but it's wrenching time in the garage. My theory that this will work is based on my use of PDANet (Android) for usb-tethered mobile internet. Now and then, if I plug my phone in with the adapter already in place, my computer won't detect it (the software icon doesn't go "green"). Disconnecting the old school usb while leaving the C adapter in the machine, then reconnecting the cable fixes it. So, I'm curious if the same sort of peripheral scenario might apply here. Goof with it. Try multiple ports. Be the hero and save the world! ;-)

[@vincentprice3740]

Thanks for sharing. Thumbs up! P.s : device settings list has ( i ) icon front of every each section, those are explanation what is what

[@TheRidingObsession]

Glad it helped!

[@N9IWJ]

Thanks so much very helpful I just changed the batteries on mine because they were old I probably need to do a firmware update appreciate it very much

[@TheRidingObsession]

Glad to help! Regarding your other comment about the device driver, best we can suggest is that you reboot the computer and follow the steps from the video in linear series. If that doesn't work, you'll have to contact Sena directly. Good luck!

[@beauteouslyours]

Perfect.... thank you for the video

[@tomtomorrow249]

This was very helpful. Thanks man🙏🏻

[@TheRidingObsession]

Glad it helped!

[@jonathanboucard4547]

Windows user here - I couldn't get the app to run until right-click run as administrator was performed on the downloaded executable, despite being local administrator of my desktop. After that the firmware upgrade was simple to perform following the app instructions. Told phone to forget device, re-paired and all good.

[@TheRidingObsession]

Good to know and glad you got it working. Thanks for the info!

[@jesseleeiii7266]

Thanks for your help.

[@TheRidingObsession]

You're welcome, Jesse! Thanks for watching!

[@TRANSIT28]

Not tried it yet but thank you for the advice 👍

[@TheRidingObsession]

Any time!

[@chrisdembek]

Thank you for the video!

[@TheRidingObsession]

You're welcome.

[@mmorton6710]

Thanks

[@tef4788]

Your video was a life saver....I was lost without it. Thanks!

[@TheRidingObsession]

You're welcome! Glad we were able to help.

[@sherretwigg9719]

I updated the firmware on my husband's and my Outrush-R successfully. Why do the instructions say to reset the headset to factory default settings and re-pair it with my phone? We turned the helmets on after the update, turned on the intercom, we were able to talk to each other, everything seems to be working fine. What is the point of going back to factory defaults and having to set everything up again?

[@TheRidingObsession]

No idea but if we were to guess, it's because the com-to-com audio transfer "language" isn't the same as BT on your phone. Mind you, we aren't Sena. If you want TRO's advice ... do what they suggest.

[@focus_driv3n440]

I believe I got the firmware updated but when I programmed speed dials under the speed dial tab the Save button on the bottom middle of the device manager screen is shaded so it doesn’t allow me to save changes. I tested it on my headset by pushing the + button and the voice says speed dial and that’s it, the voice prompt should say speed dial 1 or 2 or 3 and whichever one I want I should be able to hit the center button and it should call but it doesn’t do anything except says “speed dial” any suggestions?

[@TheRidingObsession]

Strange that it's greyed out but maaaybe that's because of the connection being somehow fused with the update process. Time to disconnect and go through the motions again, this time with settings adjustments in mind.

[@ItsMsSue2U7154]

Thanks for the video. I swear they make the updating hard so you give up and buy another one. It is the last one I’ll buy for this reason only.

[@TheRidingObsession]

Agreed but then there's also the matter of cables. Not all are the same. It would seem these coms have exacting demands with regard to amps, voltage, impedance, the lot.

[@jeancarrillo1158]

Great Infos and Help. Thank you

[@TheRidingObsession]

Glad to!

[@vettalex459]

Thanks for the video

[@TheRidingObsession]

Happy to help.

[@milo74156]

Thank you great vid

[@MojoUX]

I'm at a loss as to what to do. I'm trying to update the firmware on my Sena SC2 that is helmet-specific to my Schuberth C5. I get my device recognized; however, it fails at 8% of the upload. I get the message, "Failed to update firmware. Cannot get status. Try again/[8]" Anyone else with this issue, and how did you resolve?

[@TheRidingObsession]

Hi, Mojo. Robin here. "If it were meeeee" ... Being tech savvy, I'd reboot my computer, quit all applications, disable every background application I can, get the most robust (compatible) cable for the com I have, set my computer's screen saver and sleep policy to "never", completely reset the device to factory defaults and go from there. In short, try not to move. Don't operate anything outside of the Sena software while it attempts to work it's (annoying) "magic". If this fails, then it's time to walk Sena's support phone maze by "pressing # fifteen times before spinning counterclockwise on a specific brand of bar stool". If the product has failed you, that's on them but first, make sure the entire path of process is completely clear.

[@MojoUX]

Done did all that, @@TheRidingObsession

[@TheRidingObsession]

Then it's time to call the manufacturer.

[@sweatshots8953]

Will I need the OE cable that cam with the sea product to update? or at least be able to read it?

[@TheRidingObsession]

Our suggestion: amzn.to/2Hvkgof That's a solid question and hopefully my response isn't too wordy. The short answer is no, it doesn't have to be the same cable which was packaged with the unit. Any micro-usb (b) will work, so long as ... It's gotta fit and not all micro-usb (b) cables will. I remember being in a hurry to leave one day and throwing "whatever" compatible cable into my top case. When I got to my weekend destination, I found that the plastic around the edge of my cord wouldn't sit properly in the module's outlet (too much plastic shell around the actual USB metal points). I ended up cutting around the connection point on the cable a bit with scissors. Also, not all USB cables are made of the same stuff. Some won't work as well. Maybe they're less conductive or the circuitry doesn't supporting the transfer rate. Buy the better cable. My recommendation: amzn.to/2Hvkgof

[@micnor14]

Literally the only way I managed to finally update anything Sena was by using older hardware ie my CF30 toughbook. Running Windows 10x64, I installed the x32 version of the app and it finally worked "as advertised". It's become obvious Senas debuggers are using older hardware. No matter what anyone in the forums does they can't reproduce the issue. Fucking ridiculous. Otherwise great product.

[@TheRidingObsession]

Agreed. There's always a hint of "we know but we want you buy yada" with such matters.

[@cliffnelson4645]

Bravo....

[@TheCrawdadman]

thanks!

[@TheRidingObsession]

You're welcome!

[@DennisD9799]

I cannot windows help link for update info. I was able to get device mgr from sena. It found device 1 time but was not able to make a server connection. It has not been able to find device again. Changed windows settings, usb ports ,cords to no avail. could you send me the windows helper link.

[@TheRidingObsession]

You need to take this up with the manufacturer with your warranty in hand. Best of luck.

[@DennisD9799]

@@TheRidingObsession ok thankz, may just keep firmware that is on it. I purchased item used from eBay.

[@DennisD9799]

@@TheRidingObsession Never did get DM to see Sena. Checked version through Bluetooth on phone I have the latest version.

[@TheRidingObsession]

Right. Well, good luck.

[@chuckyzn8948]

I followed your steps, but it kept on saying " failed to recognize device " everytime I press next

[@TheRidingObsession]

Best suggestion: rinse and repeat. Basically, create a clean slate and start over, meaning disconnect everything, power it all down (turn off com + reboot computer) and go through the motions from scratch. I empathize with your frustration. It drove us mad once or twice, hence the decision to make this video. Focus on every step and, if you're on a different platform (this IS for an SMH-10, right?) let us know what discrepancies you find. Beyond that, all we can say is "good luck" (ugh)

[@chuckyzn8948]

@@TheRidingObsession Yes will do so. I have a Sena 10C Evo

[@TheRidingObsession]

Right ... and that's a different animal. You may end up using some variation of the above instructions. Compare/contrast against your user manual until you find a formula that works for you.

[@Freepowder]

If all this doesn't work and you check your device in Device Management and it says your driver is crap do the following: Settings>Update/Security>Recovery>Restart/Advanced>Troubleshoot>Advanced>Startup>Restart>7 or F7

[@TheRidingObsession]

Funny how "the software for the software for the software for the software" sometimes needs updating as well. Viewers may be curious as to what platform you're updating on. Windows? Mac? Stone Tablet?

[@ROCKNROLLSOUL69]

I still cannot get this to work. I have a 10S. When I turn mine on, it never turns to red, purple and blue at all.

[@TheRidingObsession]

Right. Because you have the 10S and not an SMH-10. Best bet is to consult your manual. Once you know the nuances that differentiate your model from ours, you'll have less trouble getting through the update. Note the point in the video where my update software shows "Standard" and "OEM" options. Confusing, right? Combining the specs in your manual with that information might be all that's needed to get the job done.

[@ROCKNROLLSOUL69]

@@TheRidingObsession Thank you! After getting SENA on live chat, and spending about 20 minutes trying different things to no avail. The solution was in fact the USB cable. Their instructions need to be much more clear in regards to the fact that you MUST use the specific USB cable that came in the box with your unit. Seems silly that this is a requirement. But, that solved the problem.

[@TheRidingObsession]

I think someone else mentions that in the comments ... somewhere. Apparently USB cables have their own unique chipsets for power regulation, data transfer protocols, etc. Glad you were able to get it worked out!

[@jesseleeiii7266]

I just ordered smh10 will I need to update them from the beginning? Or will they come updated.

[@TheRidingObsession]

It depends on the source date of manufacturing. The process being simple, just go through the motions and check. Hope that helps.

[@tyongmoto]

My smh10 has its red light on even it is power off. Have you encountered the same thing?

[@TheRidingObsession]

If you mean while charging, then yes. If it's powered off and completely disconnected from its charging source, then no.

[@tyongmoto]

@@TheRidingObsession completely disconnected to power source and turned off, But red light still on.

[@TheRidingObsession]

Not sure what would cause this. You should probably reach out to Sena support.

[@jestephens]

7 years later and the updater isn't any better. Here I am on KZbin trying to make it work. The quick-start guide was useless and so is the updater. ugh!

[@TheRidingObsession]

Yes and yes. We've felt your pain. Watch the vid as many times as you need and reboot your computer accordingly. Eventually, a pattern of operation will find you and you'll succeed (and then eventually forget and have to watch all of our noise again LOL).

[@jesseleeiii7266]

Is 5.1.2 the latest update?

[@TheRidingObsession]

As of this comment response, the Sena website says 5.1.2 is in fact the latest version: bit.ly/2Bl6BhL

[@costcoexecutive]

Thank you for the help

[@TheRidingObsession]

Any time!