Updating Device Firmware

We're Updating our Documentation! For the most up-to-date information about the SPARK MAX and other ION Motor Controllers please check out the following new documentation pages:

Updating a Single SPARK MAX

  • 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.

If the SPARK MAX connected via USB-C is running firmware version 1.5.0 or later allows the SPARK MAX to work as a USB to CAN Bridge. Other CAN connected SPARK MAXs running version 1.4.0 can be selected for firmware updates over CAN.

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.

If your SPARK MAX is running firmware older than 1.4.0, you may need to unplug and replug the USB-C cable into the SPARK MAX for it to reconnect to the Client.

Updating Multiple Devices with the USB-to-CAN Bridge

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Each device with the Out-of-Date warning will update with the latest version of the firmware.

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