First Helix update

[AndyB43]

Hi guys. You are all going to look at this and think, ‘really, where has this guy been?’ Well usually, I have no problem with technology and updating, with regard to computers etc, but the Helix has put the fear of all things fearful into me. I have had my Helix since around 2017, and it is still running on version 1.02. This is partly due to using it regularly, and mostly due to experience of such things that say ‘It’s really easy,’ which is true, unless you have the luck of a pox doctor’s clerk, which I do. If something can go wrong with something like this, then it will. But now, I really do need to update it, as there are things I want to do with it, that I cannot do with this software version. So, can some really kind person send me to a screen that will tell me everything I need to know, or, can an even kinder person walk me through it. I know that I cannot update to the latest version from the one I have, but am not sure which version to download to start with. Also, with the stuff I have read, there seems to be more than one file that I need to use. What is the difference between Helix Edit and Updater, do I need both, and is one necessary to utilise the other. Any help would be much appreciated.

[silverhead]

The update process is mostly automated now. It's very straightforward, really. You begin by downloading the HX Edit v3.11 software installer package from the Downloads section of this website (See tab at top of this page. Select HX Edit from the drop down menu in the middle field - All Software - ). Execute the downloaded installer program to perform the installation, including all per-selected components. Then run the HX Edit program with your Helix device connected via usb. Log into your Line 6 account from within HX Edit; see 'My Account' tab at the bottom right of the HX Edit window.

 

You should then be notified that an update is available for your Helix firmware. Follow the instructions exactly to install the update. If something goes wrong or is confusing just come back to this thread and post your experience describing where things are going wrong in terms of the instructions.

 

 

Note that, contrary to your belief, you can update directly from your current old firmware, per this comment I copied from thev3.11 Release Notes:

 

My Helix/HX is at version X.XX. Can I go straight to 3.11?

Absolutely, but note that if you're starting with a version lower than 2.80, the update will appear to happen twice. This is normal.

 

[silverhead]

Since this will be your first update you may find the following useful. Note that it was written before, but anticipating, the release of v3.10.

 

 

[HonestOpinion]

As silverhead indicated just follow the release/installation notes to the letter. Make sure you backup as you go. As you are coming from such an old version I would backup my setlists individually as well as a bundle. If it were me I would even backup my presets. You have been probably been refining them for years. Do a global reset and restore per the release notes after you update HX Edit and your firmware, then restart the device and let the presets rebuild before doing anything else. What a treat to be updating from such an old version. You are going to feel like you have the next generation of the Helix, and essentially, you will.

[AndyB43]

Many thanks for that guys. Not had chance to do any of this yet, but it has made me a little more relaxed about the process. Mainly got confused about the Line 6 Updater and the Helix Edit programs, and whether they both needed to be used or just the one. If I have read it right, I only need to use the Helix Edit part, (But what is the Line 6 Updater for)?

[AndyB43]

I will let you know how I got on when I have done it.

[HonestOpinion]

2 hours ago, AndyB43 said:

Many thanks for that guys. Not had chance to do any of this yet, but it has made me a little more relaxed about the process. Mainly got confused about the Line 6 Updater and the Helix Edit programs, and whether they both needed to be used or just the one. If I have read it right, I only need to use the Helix Edit part, (But what is the Line 6 Updater for)?

 

If the update proceeds normally you will only need to use HX Edit's upgrade process. HX Edit is where you should start and hopefully finish. The Line6 Updater is primarily only required in two scenarios. The first is for users with a spotty internet connection. If this is the case you can download the flash(firmware) file manually and use the Updater in offline mode to update from the file you downloaded instead of the HX Edit update process which searches for and downloads the file dynamically online.  The second scenario, often executed in conjunction with one of the factory reset options, is where for example a prior HX Edit upgrade attempt has not completed normally potentially leaving your device in a hung state, or, perhaps your device's USB connection is not being recognized/seen by HX Edit.

 

The rule of thumb is to always try to update via HX Edit first and only resort to the Updater if it is not working. Important to be aware too that you cannot have HX Edit running while you are using the Updater.

 

Btw, as you are coming from such an old version of the firmware it is not a bad idea to uninstall it at some point once you have successfully installed 3.11. If for some reason the old version is still coming up after you successfully upgrade you are probably still pointing to the old version.

[AndyB43]

Thanks for that Honest. When you say ‘uninstall it at some point after successfully installing 3.11, I am taking that as the Helix Edit you are talking about. If we are talking about the firmware that has been loaded into the Helix, why would it come up with the old version if the update has been successful?

[HonestOpinion]

17 hours ago, AndyB43 said:

Thanks for that Honest. When you say ‘uninstall it at some point after successfully installing 3.11, I am taking that as the Helix Edit you are talking about. If we are talking about the firmware that has been loaded into the Helix, why would it come up with the old version if the update has been successful?

 

This has nothing to do with the firmware; strictly related to the software. Some users who still had the oldest versions of the editor installed would pull up the wrong version of the editor when they had not removed the old executable. It's been several years now and I am forgetting exactly what the old one was called(believe they changed it from helix.exe to hxedit.exe) but they changed the name of the executable file for the editor at some point and it didn't uninstall automatically when a new version of the editor was installed. My advice, don't worry about it unless it causes a problem. Was just trying to give you all the details on things that can crop up when upgrading from an old version of the software.

[AndyB43]

OK, thanks for that.