Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hi I have 4 Einsteins, brand new, unused. Haven't shot anything with them yet as I’ve been waiting for the Pocket wizard MC2s to hit the market. Now that they're available, I bought 4 mc2s (arrived yesterday), but the Einsteins' firmware has to be upgraded the firmware to v26 to get them to work with the MC2s. So I went out and bought a microSD card, put the V23 firmware on it, and put it into the 1st Einstein per the instructions here http://www.paulcbuff.com/pcb2009/e640firmware.html.

When I initially put the micro SD card in (it's a brand new 2GB Sandisk), it went in below flush with the Einstein case. That made me very nervous given how far it descended, but it did click as indicated in the instructions. I plugged in the power cord and the Einstein flashed as indicated in the instructions and appeared to do the firmware update. When I tried to push the SD card again to get it to eject. It just stayed there. Looks like it's probably hitting the case. It’s too far in to grab with anything. I tried using a tiny screwdriver to jimmy it, but to no avail.

I briefly attempted to unscrew the Phillips screws that appear to hold the case on (thinking without the case on, I could get ahold of the card), but the screws are too tight, and I don’t want to strip them. So I’m stuck.

So far these Einsteins are 0 for 2 due to simple mechanical issues, and I have yet to actually shoot with them. (have a 5' Creative Light Octabox with a speedring that won't stay on, only apparent resolution is to grind down the speedring). Not feeling the love at this point just because of mechanical problems and all the time waiting for backorders. Unfortunately, no tech support today, Good Friday, April 22. So this weekend looks like it will be lost. Big sigh.

Does anyone in forum have any advice in getting the SD card out (and now I'm paranoid about even doing the others)?. I had a lot of studio work planned this weekend.

Well, I decided to go after the 4 screws holding the case together. I did manage to get them unscrewed and take the case apart. That allowed me to get the card out. Put it all back together and the light booted up. But, the microSD card is no longer working. So I'm off to go get another one and try the other lights.

I strongly encourage the Buff organization to consider an alternative to microSD cards for firmware updates. USB works great for everyone else. on much smaller devices, too. Even the MC2 has a mini usb plug on it.

I am looking at USB for future products. The advantage of SD cards is that USB requires applets for Mac and Windows and the constant rule changing of operating systems that could force constant applet revisions and updates.

I think the best solution would be is to make a micro sd card that is longer so you have full access to the card when inserted into the unit. After all it is small and can fall into the unit itself thru the vent holes

Funny, I have the same problem. The only 2gb micro sd card I could find flash updated one V29 unit, and when I went to flash another it went in and disappeared. Those screws are extremely tight and I was loath to have another project of taking apart something that will no longer go back together again if I don't know how it goes together. I agree that at least find a way to make the sd card raised so it isn't possible to lose it behind the shell. The thing works great otherwise.

Well, I decided to just try using the micros sd card in my Cybercommander; I was able to update three of my einsteins but the last one will not "boot" to the flashing display as with the others. It makes a very short "poof" of fan sound, displays nothing and then goes silent. I have removed and reinserted the card numerous times and it is not booting to the card (although it worked fine for the others. This is the same unit where the card bypassed the actual socket and is now lost inside the case.

If anyone has any ideas, I sure don't want to send to repair...

There is a work around function that may work. While this may get the unit updated, we do not recommend usage with the card floating around inside. Also, we cannot recommend opening the flash unit to retrieve the card.

Start with a formatted card (FAT16) and the the firmware freshly loaded. Do not install the card yet. Plug the flash unit in and power it on. Install the card, taking care it goes in at a 90 degree angle. Push until it clicks.

Use the Function button to enter the Diagnostic screen. Arrow down to highlight "BOOTLOAD". Press the function button again, then press the TEST button immediately 8-10 times as fast as you can. The boot process may take at this point. If not, you can again, a couple of times, but after 3 times or so, I doubt it will take if it has not already.

Likely, the best option is to have us take a look at it, remove the card, and update the firmware while it is here.