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Old BlackTip Firmware Programming (George v0.4)

  • Updated

This page explains how to install firmware version George 0.4 onto your BlackTip DPV. 

Check your BlackTip's serial number, located on the scooter's tail plate:

  • If your scooter's serial number begins with "002-" and the number is less than 7000, VERSION G.0.4 IS COMPATIBLE!
    • Check that you do not have firmware version G.0.4 already installed on your scooter (unless you are planning on reinstalling a fresh version of the same firmware). You may not need to install this firmware at all if your serial number label already reads "Firmware: George 0.4" immediately underneath the serial number.
  • If your scooter's serial number begins with "001-" DO NOT INSTALL VERSION G.0.4!
    • Version G.0.4 will not function on older scooters. 

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Version G.0.4 does not add any new features to the BlackTip's firmware beyond what older versions already offer. Version G.0.4 only accommodates some slight hardware changes we made to our manufacturing process. If you own a BlackTip manufactured before serial number "002-", this firmware will not function with your unit. 

The process below needs to be done with your scooter fully cooled, close to the minimum normal temperature you dive at. Don't do it just after a dive, or if you have been running the scooter dry for a while. Here at Dive Xtras, we leave the scooter overnight our warehouse so it's cool (about 12-15° centigrade or 50-60° Fahrenheit).

  1. Download the latest version of the VESC tool (we currently use v3.01)
  2. Download the new firmware "BLDC_4_George0.4.bin" and save it somewhere local on your computer
  3. Follow the process on the video here: 
    NOTE: During the download step for installing the firmware onto your scooter, we recommend clicking on the "Download All" button instead of the "Download" button shown in the video. This process will likely take a few minutes longer, but it seems to reduce the chance of some files not transferring correctly. See the image below for an illustration of what we're talking about.
    Click_Here.png
  4. Download the pocket guide for vG.0.4 here:

 

This version retains all the existing options to change settings on your scooter such as:

  • Starting Gear
    • Select which speed gear your scooter will start up in
  • Number of Gears
    • Change the amount of speed gears you can cycle up/down through
  • Gear Speeds
    • Change the velocity of a specific gear, or all of them

Among other options and settings available for you to change.

The software included in this product contains copyrighted software that is licensed under the GPLv3. A copy of that license can be found here: https://www.gnu.org. You may obtain the complete Corresponding Source code from us for a period of three years after our last shipment of this product and/or spare parts therefor, which will be no earlier than December 2021, on our website at: https://github.com/claroworks-product-development/sikorski
 
DISCLAIMER: Changing the settings on your BlackTip's firmware is an optional feature provided free of charge by Dive Xtras. Ensuring the proper functionality of the scooter after upgrading and/or changing any settings is the sole responsibility of the user. Dive Xtras will provide a reasonable level of tech support via email or phone, however Dive Xtras will not accept any warranty claims arising from the improper use of the firmware tool or changes to the programming of the motor controller.