EX3 -Firmware upgrade -news?
updated 9 years, 5 months ago 7 Members · 11
Posts 
Hi All –
This has been a hot topic and I’ve read many posts on it.
If any of this is redundant, please feel free to slap me,
but I have not seen total clarity on this firmware business anywhere.I see most of the problems relate to earlier EX-1’s, but not all of them.
I have 2 EX3’s from June, 2009. My firmware should be the immediate predecessor to 1.5.Last week purchased 2 32Gb Sandisk class 10 SDHC chips (from JRmusic, so I doubt they’re counterfeit).
Despite my tests, I endured a Media Restore issue that thankfully resolved successfully (Class 6 has not been a problem).
— So I decided to look at finally doing a firmware upgrade to 1.5 to help deal with SDHC issues.
(I already downloaded v1.5 several months ago, but fearing the “Brick” I had not installed it.)Checking the MicroSite, it appeared that Sony offered yet another upgrade (1.6)
— but when I tried to download, the link was broken. I notified Sony.
Today I received this email from Sony:
————————————————
“Sony pulled this firmware file from the ServicesPLUS website.
Please contact our POSC group and they will give you verbal instructions on the upgrade path prior to releasing the firmware.
They can be reached at 800-883-6817.”
——————————————————————-So I called, and yes, 1.5 appears to be the latest safe version.
I was told that they’re having issues with the latest code from Japan.One important bit of advice: “use SxS or USB cable (NOT SDHC) to perform upgrade.”
Another bit of install-info that may not be obvious:
the tech said,
“When upgrading, don’t use battery – this must be done using DC power cable.”——————
So now, I’m not in a great rush, but I plan to proceed w 1.5 upgrade within a week or two.
And I’m woindering:
Has anyone here had any RECENT similar-or-relevant revelations regarding EX3 firmware?Any comments/advice appreciated.
dg
EX1 v 1.26 and EX3 v 1.16 were temporarily pulled from the site because of an issue with the installers. They will be re-posted shortly. In the meantime the support team is distributing the software and making sure people understand the correct upgrade path.
In the interim it is not recommended that EX customers in the US download/install firmware upgrades from non-US Sony sites (UK, Canada etc).
Will post an update once this is resolved.
Thanks,
Ian
Ian Cook
Sony Broadcast and Professional CompanyIan – that was fast! Thanks.
So meanwhile… do you agree w/ phone support (proceed to EX3 v1.15),
or should I stick with SxS and/or Class6-SDHC until I hear more?
dg
“When upgrading, don’t use battery – this must be done using DC power cable.”
What happens if the power goes out during upgrade? I am curious… why isn’t a fully charged battery recommended? I would still keep a battery attached, for safety.
Bala –
From the docs, it looks like leaving a battery in the camera is OK.
Myself, I plan to use an uninterruptible-power-supply, so a battery should not add any security.
This is from the v1.15 instructions (EX3)-Notes on performing upgrade
• If you are using a Windows computer, you must have
the standard device driver supplied with Windows.
• If the computer’s OS is Windows Vista or Windows 7,
then you must have administrator privileges.
• If the computer’s OS is Windows XP, then the
Microsoft .NET Framework runtime is required.
• Only connect one PMW-EX1/EX3 camcorder to the
computer for upgrade.
• Use the BC-U1/U2 Battery Charger to connect the
PMW-EX1/EX3 to an AC power source. You can
mount the battery pack at the same time to prevent
problems in case the AC power source is interrupted.
• If you interrupt the upgrade process, you must start over
from the beginning. You cannot interrupt the process
after installing some of the modules, and then resume
the process where you left off.
Hi Ian
I would like to know where to find the proper instructions for the f/ware upgrade(to 1.26) for the Australian owners of EX1? Do u think that Canadian site is ok for that?? Your help is much appreciated. Thanks
Dell Workstation T7500
Dell HD Monitors
Sony PMW EX1
Hello,
Any further news on the updates?
Is a special USB cable required or simply one that fits? I do not have the one supplied originally. The EX3 will connect to my computer and show files but the viewfinder says, “USB connecting.”
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Rick
There are 2 USB ports on the EX3 and the one you’re using is simply for transferring files back and forth between camera and computer. The firmware upgrade USB port is underneath the shoulder pad. Once the shoulder pad is extended a small access cover is revealed. Remove the cover to get at the 4 pin USB port.
– Don
Don Greening
A Vancouver Video Production Company
Reeltime Videoworks
http://www.reeltimevideoworks.comDear Don,
Thank you!
Rick
U are quite right and that’s the way to go…Use the battery as well as charger output is connected to the camera also at the same time..in-case of commercial power failure.
Dell Workstation T7500
Dell HD Monitors
Sony PMW EX1
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