Checking Firmware version/Updating/Reflashing Variax

[Evorgeloc]

I've purchased a second hand - probably 2 year old JTV89.....which I'm running into a Firehawk 1500, via Variax cable.

 

I have no idea how to check/change/Reflash(whatever that means?) firmware - can't see reference to it in Variax Pilots guide - I know it's a basic question but please would somebody kick me off in the right direction.

 

TIA

[silverhead]

You will need to connect your Variax to your computer using a Line 6 interface device that supports Variax Workbench communications. The Firehawk 1500 is not a supporting device.

 

Your JTV-89 was originally equipped with an additional piece of hardware and cables that serves this purpose. It is called the Workbench USB Interface and is a fairly small rectangular device. If you have it, use that to connect to your computer. Then run Line 6 Monkey to update the firmware.

 

If you don't have this device you could try to contact the previous owner and inquire about it. If you can't get it you will need to at least temporarily obtain a compatible Line 6 device (Pod X3/HD series with VDI connection) or obtain it separately by purchasing the Variax Workbench HD product.

 

Here are the update procedures:

 

http://line6.com/support/page/kb/_/guitars/variax-guitars-bass-workbench/variax-reflash-and-software-update-instructions-r309

[Evorgeloc]

Thank you for your reply, I assume FB3 won't help when it comes out in May......seems strange to provide Firehawk 1500 with Variax connection but no Firmware update ability for the Variax.

 

Would you happen to know what if any benefit there might be by updating the firmware on the Variax, assuming my firmware isn't the latest version.

 

I may be able to borrow PodX3 so I assume all I would then need is a cable....what sort of cable might that be to connect VDI (is that the Variax socket on the X3)

 

TIA

[Charlie_Watt]

You should have got a USB interface with your guitar.  It comes with it originally.  That way every JTV has the necessary hardware to do an update.

[clay-man]

Kind of lame if the person that sold you the guitar held off on the interface.

Without that you can't connect to the PC unless you had a VDI cable and POD that supports Variax communication with the computer.

 

You can run Line 6 Monkey and check your firmware version if you did. There, you could flash, update, or reflash through monkey.

Reflashing is basically just reinstalling the same firmware version, something you might do if you're experiencing problems with an incorrectly flashed Variax.

[cruisinon2]

Would you happen to know what if any benefit there might be by updating the firmware on the Variax, assuming my firmware isn't the latest version.

 

The guitar models are revised periodically...older versions have older models. They don't all sound the same. Older versions of the firmware also do not support the latest version of HD Workbench, which allows considerably more editing options, and control over the guitar.

 

Eventually you're gonna need an interface...these guitars are weird, and can have issues that are often solved by re-flashing the firmware, similar to how you'd reboot a computer when it's acting funny. Even if you have no problems, you're gonna wanna tweak things here and there...string volumes, custom tunings, or creating your own custom guitar models. Bottom line...get an interface.