Those using REV ION products on REVLib 2026 or newer must use .
Connect your SPARK MAX Motor Controller to your computer with a USB-C cable.
Open the REV SPARK MAX Client application.
The Client should automatically scan and connect to your SPARK MAX.
Once the SPARK MAX is connected via USB-C select it within the Connected Hardware.
Within the Hardware Client, for the SPARK MAX, there are 5 tabs. The Hardware Client will open up on the Basic tab. To update firmware select the Update tab.
Under SPARK MAX Firmware, select download to download the latest version of the firmware.
Once the firmware has downloaded select update.
The update process will flash the firmware image onto the SPARK MAX. The status bar will show the progress of the process.
Once the firmware update is done your SPARK MAX will show a new status of Up-to-Date.
SPARK MAX Firmware Version 1.5.0 includes a USB-to-CAN Bridge feature that allows a single USB-connected SPARK MAX to act as a bridge to the entire CAN bus it is connected to. This allows for configuration and simultaneous updating of multiple SPARK MAX controllers without having to connect to each one individually. Using this feature requires the following:
A USB-connected SPARK MAX that is updated to firmware version 1.5.0 or newer to act as the Bridge.
Other SPARK MAXs connected on the CAN bus must be individually updated to firmware version 1.4.0 before they are able to receive mass-updates from the Bridging SPARK MAX.
Once these requirements are satisfied, navigate to the Hardware tab, select the Update All button.
Each device with the Out-of-Date warning will update with the latest version of the firmware.
Connect your SPARK MAX Motor Controller to your computer with a USB C cable.
Open the REV Hardware Client application.
The Client should automatically scan and connect to your SPARK MAX
Individual devices, like the SPARK MAX, have additional tabs available when the device is selected. For a full overview of the default navigation features of the REV Hardware Client see the User's Manual. Below is more information on using the specific features for the SPARK MAX.
The Hardware Tab is used to select devices connected via USB or the USB to CAN bridge for configuration, updates, and more.
Once a SPARK MAX is selected from the Hardware tab a number of device specific tabs will show.
The Basic Tab is used to set the most common parameters for the SPARK MAX.
Device Identify: Blink the selected SPARK MAX's LED for identification.
CAN ID: This assigns a SPARK MAX a CAN ID for identification over the CAN BUS. Any configured SPARK MAX must have a CAN ID.
Configurations: This drop down allows you to select pre-existing configurations store on the Windows machine running the SPARK MAX Client or to pull the existing parameters stored on in RAM on the SPARK MAX. This is helpful when configuring multiple motor controllers to the same settings.
Configured Parameters: Change the motor type, sensor type, idle mode behavior, and more.
The Advanced Tab allows for changing all configurable parameters of the SPARK MAX without needing to set them in code.
Search Parameters: Allows for easy look up of a specific parameter for editing.
Parameter Table: Select the arrow to show all configurable parameters within a specific group. For more information on each parameter type see Configuration Parameters.
The Run Tab allows for the SPARK MAX to operate over USB or a USB to CAN Bridge without the need for a full control system. This is helpful for testing mechanisms and tuning their control loops.
Run: Choose setpoints to run a motor connected to a SPARK MAX using various modes, including position, velocity, and duty cycle.
PIDF: Update PIDF parameters on the fly to tune control loops on the SPARK MAX.
View Graph: Moves the Client over to the Telemetry Tab to show any added signals in graph form when running a SPARK MAX. This is helpful when tuning control loops.
The Update tab shows what version of firmware is on the selected device, if that device is up to date, and update the firmware of the selected device.
Download Latest Firmware: Downloads latest firmware onto the local machine running the Client.
Update Firmware: Updates the selected device with the latest firmware.
Out-of-date Firmware Warning: Warning to alert the user there is new firmware available for any connected device.
For more information on the firmware updating process see Updating Device Firmware
Those using REV ION products on REVLib 2026 or newer must use REV Hardware Client 2.
As of REV Hardware Client version 1.7.0, "Burn Flash" has been renamed to "Persist Perimeters"!
