Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Generally, this is caused by an incorrect formatting. Either the card is greater than 2GB and/or the card was formatted as FAT32. FAT32 is the default formatting option on Mac OS, and is listed as FAT.

If you are using a card greater than 2GB, use a smaller card. If you formatted on a Mac, try reformatting on a PC.

Also, make sure the file structure is as follows. Some unzip programs may extract necessary folders.

SD:

PCBUFF

EINSTEIN

CONFIGS
FIRMWARE

0173-R30.hex
LOAD

0173-R30.hex

You may also try a different SD card.

I had a similar problem installing v30, turned out to be the micro SD card was formatted for FAT32. Since I was using a Windows machine I didn't think the format would be an issue for me as the instructions only mention FAT32 as an issue under the Mac installation instructions. So even if you are running a Windows machine check the card's format or just format the card before you begin the process.

Symptoms are - E640 powers up, screen remains blank (not white), fan speeds up and then slows down in about 2 second cycles continuously.

I sent an email to technical support with the issue and they responded within an hour. Great service, thank you!

Thank you Tech Support for the quick and helpful response. I was able to find my adapter and format it in my old Rebel XSi and then load it on my computer. Instead of formatting it on my computer (as I only have Mac's), I just deleted the camera's format folders and loaded the PCBUFF folder and it worked instantly. Thanks again! The sound level is great now!!! :D

Ever listen to the fan in a Profoto D1!!!

Initially, none of my 4 Einsteins would update either. The LCD would not flicker as expected. Instead, the strobe would boot normally. I spoke at some length to PCB Tech Support. Even though the micro SD card I was using was readable and writable in my PCs, it was suggested I try using a different card. I purchased a new 2gb micro SD card. This time, the updates to all 4 Einsteins went smoothly. I would suggest you try a different card.

And, while I'm here, allow me to join the chorus: THANK YOU for this firmware update. The E640s are now quiet as church mice. The fan noise of the 4 strobes was very annoying.

I had the EXACT same problem. Fan revs but screen never turns white and never updates.

Note that my failed attempt was using a 4GB card. I switched to a 2GB card and it worked.

NOTE to ADMIN: If 2GB is the largest card the unit will accept please note that instructions.

That is noted in the instructions accessed from the "Firmware" tab on the Einstein product page:

"To download and update your firmware, you will need the following:
a new or formatted (FAT16) standard-capacity MicroSD card (2GB or less in size)
a memory card reader capable of accepting MicroSD cards"

Uh, what can I say...failed to read :lol:

Thanks for pointing out my error...

We have modified the instructions to make the 2GB limitation more visible.

Quieter than the fan in a Speedotron 102 head :D