rknrollo Posted June 29, 2017 Share Posted June 29, 2017 I just got my helix today, (I own a fractal ultra and 2) and thought I'd give the helix a try. First issue when I plugged into my computer driver failed to load, no biggie got the driver and firmware updates off the site, driver loaded then I tried to update the firmware, failed to update numerous times tried different usb ports then it wouldnt even see the helix, got my laptop out and it sees the helix, started the update went a bit further than on my desktop and failed again, now instead of seeing "boot failed entered update mode" now it says line six and under that it blinks "helix rack" over "helix" I tried all the ways to reset it and it does nothing, I used it a whopping 5 minutes...........WTF? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spikey Posted June 29, 2017 Share Posted June 29, 2017 You mentioned Helix Rack. Did you follow the instructions on updating the firmware to the letter? Did you use the latest Line 6 updater? http://line6.com/software/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rknrollo Posted June 29, 2017 Author Share Posted June 29, 2017 yes I did, I read it and checked it over and over before I did it, I even tried to update from my 1.06.5 to the next one and same thing, now it wont to anything I tried safe mode but just blank screen. I wasn't too impressed when I tried it so I figured the latest firmware would give me the best results to compare to my fractal stuff as I have heared some good stuff on youtube. I bought it as an open box item so I'm wondering if it was returned and maybe reset somehow, If I can't get it resolved in a few days I'm taking it back, I am totally satisfied with my fractal stuff but the UI is so much nicer on the helix, I spend way too much time tweaking on the fractal stuff. I use my ultra more than the axe 2 because I put so much time into it already, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HonestOpinion Posted June 29, 2017 Share Posted June 29, 2017 I just got my helix today, (I own a fractal ultra and 2) and thought I'd give the helix a try. First issue when I plugged into my computer driver failed to load, no biggie got the driver and firmware updates off the site, driver loaded then I tried to update the firmware, failed to update numerous times tried different usb ports then it wouldnt even see the helix, got my laptop out and it sees the helix, started the update went a bit further than on my desktop and failed again, now instead of seeing "boot failed entered update mode" now it says line six and under that it blinks "helix rack" over "helix" I tried all the ways to reset it and it does nothing, I used it a whopping 5 minutes...........WTF? This happens for some folks during the update and the overwhelming majority of the time people can get the unit to update properly after trying the global reset options and finding the right USB port on the right computer. If I remember correctly the message you are getting usually does not indicate the Helix has bricked. Other folks have seen this and recovered although often it requires a different computer or USB port and multiple global reset restarts. The various reset options can be found here: https://helixhelp.com/reset-options/ . Safe boot mode option is a good one to try. Hang in there and you will probably be able to right the ship yourself, if not L6 tech support should be able to help. Some things to check: Make sure you are trying the reboot options without the USB cable plugged in. I noticed you said you downloaded the "driver and firmware" off the site. If you have not already make sure you download the version of the "Helix" app that corresponds to the firmware version you are upgrading to. The "Helix" app will include the Editor, Updater, and Driver when installed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rknrollo Posted June 29, 2017 Author Share Posted June 29, 2017 I've tried every reset option with and without the usb cable, everyone has the same result "blinking helix rack over helix"except the 6-12 safe mode which just gives me a blank screen and nothing else, either the download is corrupted or more than likely I got a bunk unit, I used 2 diff computers and multiple usb ports and it did start to update about 1/3 of the way last attempt, now it doesn't even see the helix on either one. just says ünknown usb device". I went from line 6 xt way back to my ultra probably 8-9 years ago, I have updated FW on my ultra and axe 2 many many times and never had one glitch updating or using them ever. This unit fired up just fine, I played through it, everything worked and then I tried to update it and then here we are.I had a problem from the first time I plugged the usb into my computer and it did not install the drivers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HonestOpinion Posted June 29, 2017 Share Posted June 29, 2017 I've tried every reset option with and without the usb cable, everyone has the same result "blinking helix rack over helix"except the 6-12 safe mode which just gives me a blank screen and nothing else, either the download is corrupted or more than likely I got a bunk unit, I used 2 diff computers and multiple usb ports and it did start to update about 1/3 of the way last attempt, now it doesn't even see the helix on either one. just says ünknown usb device". I went from line 6 xt way back to my ultra probably 8-9 years ago, I have updated FW on my ultra and axe 2 many many times and never had one glitch updating or using them ever. This unit fired up just fine, I played through it, everything worked and then I tried to update it and then here we are.I had a problem from the first time I plugged the usb into my computer and it did not install the drivers. I sympathize with your trials and tribulations. Line6 is working on a better update process but it is not here yet. Try this after you have downloaded and installed the latest version of the "Helix" app (Editor, Updater, Driver). Try the various restart options (as you have been) giving them ample time to complete. After each attempt try plugging in the USB cable, firing up the Updater, and if your computer can see the Helix after you have restarted, try updating the firmware again. Good luck, it may take more restart attempts but there is still a good chance you can get this updated with persistence. Otherwise call L6 support, they can be most helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbieb61 Posted June 29, 2017 Share Posted June 29, 2017 Welcome to the wonderful world of Helix updating. :(Sorry to hear this happened. But the good news is you CAN get your Helix back up and running. Do a search through this forum and you will find all the info you need to get it back up on it's feet again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbuhajla Posted June 29, 2017 Share Posted June 29, 2017 I would return it from where you bought it for an exchange. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisinon2 Posted June 29, 2017 Share Posted June 29, 2017 yes I did, I read it and checked it over and over before I did it, I even tried to update from my 1.06.5 to the next one and same thing, now it wont to anything I tried safe mode but just blank screen. I wasn't too impressed when I tried it so I figured the latest firmware would give me the best results to compare to my fractal stuff as I have heared some good stuff on youtube. I bought it as an open box item so I'm wondering if it was returned and maybe reset somehow, If I can't get it resolved in a few days I'm taking it back, I am totally satisfied with my fractal stuff but the UI is so much nicer on the helix, I spend way too much time tweaking on the fractal stuff. I use my ultra more than the axe 2 because I put so much time into it already, "Open Box" is Latin for "Run! Don't buy this!" ;). Whomever had it first probably didn't read the update instructions and screwed it up, resulting in the expensive paperweight you bought. Take it back... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusicLaw Posted June 29, 2017 Share Posted June 29, 2017 At this point, call Line 6 tech support to step you through the process. There's little reason to persist with frustrations. If that fails to remedy the situation, return or exchange the unit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HonestOpinion Posted June 30, 2017 Share Posted June 30, 2017 Returning the unit is an option but I believe the OP indicated it was working when he bought it and only started displaying the boot error message after he tried to upgrade. So it may not have started out as a brick which bodes well. If you got it "Open Box" at a good price it might be well worth contacting Line6 support to walk you through the firmware update process before returning it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBGas Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 Are you running a Mac with El Capitan installed as your OS? That would usually be the first problem. When I first got my rack I had the same issue. It took me about 12 different tries and it finally took. After that, no issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rknrollo Posted July 6, 2017 Author Share Posted July 6, 2017 Nope win 7, called L6 and tried everything and they wanted me to send it in, I took it back to GC, I might buy another or just get an Axe 8 but I tweek too much on the Fractal stuff though, I still like the helix UI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spikey Posted July 6, 2017 Share Posted July 6, 2017 Are you running a Mac with El Capitan installed as your OS? That would usually be the first problem. I had no issues updating Helix with El Capitan or Sierra, so I don't think it's the iMacs fault. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brue58ski Posted July 6, 2017 Share Posted July 6, 2017 Nope win 7, called L6 and tried everything and they wanted me to send it in, I took it back to GC, I might buy another or just get an Axe 8 but I tweek too much on the Fractal stuff though, I still like the helix UI. If you're still willing to try, get another one. Once ya get one that works, they are reliable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spikey Posted July 6, 2017 Share Posted July 6, 2017 I've not read anywhere (and been here a while), where Line 6 didn't help to resolve a problem with Helix. Usually new and still under warranty are dealt with asap. Make a ticket with them and they will help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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