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Firmware updates

If a module isn't responding to commands, or Discover shows it with the wrong firmware, update it from the online loader. Most of the time it's a one-click flow.

Visit loader.duelink.com and pick which firmware to load:

  • DUELink Official — the standard text-command firmware. This is what every other page in these docs assumes you have. Pick this unless you specifically need MicroBlocks.
  • DUELink MicroBlocks — the classroom block-coding firmware. Pick this if you're using the MicroBlocks workflow.
tip

The online loader only works with Chrome or Edge browsers. The operating system doesn't matter.

Troubleshooting​

If the loader can't update your module, work through this sequence:

  1. Click "Erase All". This puts the module in DFU mode and lets the loader push the new firmware. Almost all updates work this way.
  2. If "Erase All" fails, just try loading the firmware. Erase All needs an active firmware to run, so if it can't run, the module is probably already in DFU mode — go straight to loading. Note: Once a module is erased, it can't be erased again until firmware is reloaded.
  3. If both fail, force DFU mode manually (Force DFU Mode below).
  4. Windows users: if the module enters DFU mode but the loader can't talk to it, install the DFU USB drivers (Drivers section).

Force DFU Mode​

You can manually force DFU mode if "Erase All" failed or if a custom firmware was loaded. Connect the LDR pin to high-level on system reset or power up.

On many modules, LDR is connected to a button labeled LDR or A. Pressing this buttons sets LDR pin to high-level.

Setting boot mode

Modules without a button have two pads instead.

Module loader pads

info

For power users: LDR is our name for STM32's BOOT0 pin.

To force DFU mode, press and continue to hold the LDR or A button while resetting the board (clicking reset or re-power). If neither button is available, bend a small metal paper clip (or a wire) across the two LDR pads, then reset/re-power. You can remove the paper clip once the board is powered up.

Setting boot mode

The module will appear as a DFU device. If this is the first time on a PC, check Device Manager to confirm the USB driver is installed (see Drivers).

tip

Forcing DFU mode does not erase or modify the module's contents until new firmware is sent.

You can now go back, skip "Erase All", and load the firmware.

Cloning a chain​

Once one module in a chain is updated, the loader can clone its firmware to every other module on the Daisylink automatically. This is the easiest way to update modules that don't have a USB connector — update one module that does, then let it copy itself down the chain.

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Updating a chain when MicroBlocks is in use: start as if MicroBlocks isn't in use — load every module with DUELink Official firmware first, then reload MicroBlocks on the first module.

For the full mechanism and scripting examples, see Cloning.

DFU USB Drivers​

DFU is a standard USB class supported by all major operating systems.

Windows supports DFU but doesn't always install the drivers automatically and may not prompt you to. If you're not sure, install the USB drivers from the downloads page.

With drivers properly installed, Device Manager will show DFU in FS Mode with no errors.

Verify DFU mode

Done updating? → Get Started