Helix Rack Firmware 1.06.5 Update Issues!!

[guitarsqld]

Hi there,

 

I a few ago I bought a Helix Rack and Foot controller but due to sickness I never opened the box.  I am recovered after a long period, and connected it all up and it works.

 

Most users have suggested updating the firmware.....I have spent the best part of 2 days, several USB cables, 3 laptops and a variety of HX edit softwasre versions and I cant get anything to connect to the Rack.

 

Current (original when I bought it) firmware is 1.06.5

 

I want to update to the latest version, but 2 days of frustration, reading, research, trial and error has led me here.

 

How do I do it??

 

I thought I could just load the latest version of HX EDIT  3.01??, and update it, but it constsantly gives me "connection interuppted" messages.   I ha ve tried 3 different USB cables and a couple of laptops and still no go.

 

No I am not using an hubs and I am using a variety of newish and older laptops...still no go.

 

Can someone direct me HOW TO DO THIS???

 

I honestly thought with such a nice piece of gear, a firmware update should and would be simple !!

 

I reasonably competent with computers and so on.

 

What is the latest firmware version?

Where do I find the latest version?

Is there a SIMPLE way to easily do the upgrade??

 

Sorry if these questions have been asked before....Im totally new to these forums.  Im based in Australia and a semi professional guitar player.

 

Please help !

 

David

 

[rd2rk]

Install v3.01 of HX Edit. In the lower left corner, click the gear icon. Click "Check for Updates".

FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!

[datacommando]

6 hours ago, guitarsqld said:

Is there a SIMPLE way to easily do the upgrade??

G’day mate,

 

Well this is interesting - a Rack loaded with 1.06.5 - that must date back to possibly the first firmware update which added the “Safe Boot” option, to fix the issue on some units which would “hang” after the update.

 

You say that you are constantly suffering from “connection interrupted” messages. This may be due to a slightly unstable internet connection - not sure how good your’s is.

 

Anyhow, the easiest solution is to go for a “local install’, that way you are not relying on the network to deliver the package. You don’t mention what type of Operating Sytems you have on your “variety of newish and older laptops“, but no matter the routine is essentially the same.Hopefully the next firmware v.3.1 (due soon) should negate all this awkward installation process (or we’re all gonna be in a world of pain).

 

O.K. Let’s go for this.

 

 

You say that you have read through and tried all the suggestions posted here, but let’s just give this one more go around.

 

You don’t mention what your computer and OS are, but I will guess Windows plus the same routine should be the same for Mac.

 

Firstly go to the "DOWNLOADS" menu at the top of this page and from  "-ALL HARDWARE-" select HELIX RACK then go to  the "-ALL SOFTWARE-" menu item and select HX EDIT, now select your Windows system or Mac OSX from under the "-ALL OS-" tab, the click “GO”. From the next page you can select HX Edit 3.0 for your HELIX RACK . Then you will also need the Firmware 3.01 Flash Memory. On the page you will find the Line 6 Updater version 1.20 - you will need this too.

 

Download all these items to your computer and note where they are. 

 

Then:

 

1. Remove all the previously installed Line 6 software from your computer especially the Windows drivers and then restart your computer.
2. Make sure to turn off the power to your RACK.
3. Unplug the USB cable from the computer and HELIX RACK.

 

 

Ensure that HX Edit is definitely closed and that you have your RACK reconnected to your PC by USB cable (do not use a hub, some front USB ports on PCs act like a hub) and hold down “ENC1 & ENC6” while turning the power on. (You may see a black screen, but keep going).

 

Now, launch the Line 6 Updater Utility and select "Offline Mode". Your HELIX RACK and current firmware version should now show up in the window, click on the dark green coloured band and you should now have the option to select a  local file - point it at the Flash Memory file you downloaded and let it get on with the update.

 

When it completes you can install the new HX Edit v.3.0 software and you should be good to go.

 

Here’s a list of reset options for the Rack unit.

 

Helix Rack

Since the rack doesn’t have footswitches, you’ll instead hold down a combination of the 6 encoders that are below the main LCD screen as you’re booting up.

Button Combination	Description
ENC2 & ENC3	Reset globals
ENC3 & ENC4	Restore stock presets and setlists
ENC4 & ENC5	Restore stock presets, setlists, and IRs
ENC5 & ENC6	Reset globals and restore presets, setlists, and IRs (entire factory restore)
ENC1 & ENC3	Rebuild all presets
ENC1 & ENC5	Clear all presets, setlists, and IRs
ENC1 & ENC6	Will enter Update Mode (This feature is only available on firmware v1.06.5 and higher)

 

 

No guarantees are given or implied, you do this at your own risk. If it doesn’t work, raise a ticket with Customer Support.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense

 

 

[guitarsqld]

Dear datacommando

 

You know your stuff !! Thank you !!!  i did as you described and it worked....I did a local load of the latest firmware.  Uploaded ok.  I hit a small snag when the HELIX rack went to reboot..wouldnt load and went into boot mode.

 

I noticed I didnt quite have the latest version of line 6 updater and so downloaded it and this time ran an ONLINE update....it worked...downloaded the new firmware, rebuilt the presets and then allowed me also update the footcontroller as a final step.

 

I just wanted to thank you for helping me !!  Really appreciated your clear instructions !!!!

 

 

[datacommando]

4 hours ago, guitarsqld said:

I just wanted to thank you for helping me !!

No worries, mate. Glad it worked for you - now time for a nice cold tube to celebrate! Yay!

 

We are all hopeful that the next update to version 3.1 should be a lot more simple and painless.

 

Good luck.