Updating Firmware on FJ TriggersUpdated a month ago
Westcott lighting gear, your strobes and triggers, sometimes receive firmware updates to improve performance, add new features, and ensure compatibility with newer camera systems. Keeping everything updated is often the key to getting the best results.
Important Instructions Before Updating
- Use the Correct USB Cable: Always use the USB-A to USB-C cable included with your strobe and trigger for firmware updates. Using other connectors may result in error messages.
- Check Firmware Compatibility: Ensure you are loading the correct firmware version for your specific FJ system product. Using incorrect firmware can lead to errors.
- Troubleshooting Errors: If the latest firmware update causes malfunctions, try the following steps:
- Re-download the firmware from the Westcott website.
- Re-upload the firmware to your FJ unit.
- If issues persist, contact Westcott customer service at [email protected]
How do I Check Firmware Version on Westcott Gear
Firmware version numbers are found in the lower right corner of the gear’s opening screens when you power the units on.
How do I check for Westcott firmware updates?
Visit our Firmware Page to find the most recent firmware updates for your Westcott strobes, speed lights and triggers. Double-check that every piece of gear is up to date to keep everything working together perfectly.
Make sure that you are installing the right firmware (.bin file) to the matching piece of gear. If you accidentally copy the wrong file into a device, typically, installing the proper firmware will correct any issues.
Can I roll back my FJ firmware?
Yes, you can roll back your firmware. Westcott provides the prior version of the firmware on the firmware page. Also, if you save your firmware updates to your computer, you can roll back to any version you have on file. Additionally, you can contact [email protected] and request a previous version of the firmware.
Will Firmware Versions Across Different Gear Match?
No, firmware updates and versions will most likely not match. It is expected and normal for a trigger to have a different firmware version than a strobe and the strobe to be different from a speedlight. Firmware releases can be for an individual piece of gear. Major updates may involve firmware releases for several pieces of gear at the same time.
Do I need to update all my gear at the same time?
Yes, when visiting our Firmware Page you should check the latest versions available for all your Westcott Gear. Often updates involve multiple pieces of gear. Using older firmware on a strobe, combined with the new firmware on a trigger may result in less than optimum performance.
Best Practices for handling Camera Firmware updates
Camera companies often have firmware updates as well. Westcott recommends that you delay any except those camera firmware updates labeled “critical” for a few weeks. This will give Westcott engineers an opportunity to provide updates should the camera’s update conflict with your current FJ firmware. Most camera firmware does not offer a rollback option. Once you install that camera firmware you will be unable to return to your earlier functioning version.
FJ-X3 M & FJ-X3 S
Step by Step Instructions.
- Download the latest firmware ZIP file.
- Unzip the file. Open the extracted folder. (Note: Various browsers may automatically unzip the ZIP file.)
IMPORTANT: Read ALL FILES located in the extracted folder (i.e. README, Changelog). - Ensure the FJ-X3 is OFF.
- Connect the USB-A to USB-C cable to the FJ-X3’s USB-C port. See step 6 before connecting the USB-A end to the computer.
- On the FJ-X3, press and hold the SYNC•MENU button below the screen.
- While holding the button, connect the USB-A end of your cable to your computer’s USB-A port. The Wireless Signal Indicator light on FJ-X3 will illuminate red when your computer has recognized the connection to the FJ-X3. You may release the button at this time. Most operating systems will present the FJ-X3 as an external device. MacOS may display an icon on the desktop or in a Finder window.
- Locate the .BIN file on your computer and drag the file to the FJ-X3 (external device).
- Once the file has been copied to the FJ-X3, EJECT the external device from the computer.
- Unplug the USB-A to USB-C cable from your computer and the FJ-X3.
- Long press the Power button on the FJ-X3 to initiate the firmware update. Confirm installation was successful by locating the firmware text in the bottom right corner of the opening screen during the start-up process.
IMPORTANT
- If the FJ-X3 doesn’t display as an external device after connecting to a computer, disconnect the USB cable from both devices and restart the computer and firmware update process.
- It’s recommended that the firmware update installation process be completed only when the connected computer’s power level is ≥ 25%. Loss of power of any type during this process could render the FJ-X3 inoperable and require professional repair.
- Removing the USB cable from the FJ-X3 without properly ejecting the device from your computer could render the trigger inoperable and require professional repair.
- Copying the firmware from your computer to the FJ-X3 may take a few minutes and/or halt the copying process. Should this happen, close the copy progress window and try again. Further copying issues may require the computer to be restarted.
FJ-X2 M
Step by Step Instructions
- Download the latest firmware ZIP file
IMPORTANT There are two versions of the FJ-X2m firmware. The beginning letter of Your trigger’s serial number will determine which version is correct for your unit. The serial number is found on the back side of the tilter mechanism. Make sure to load the correct version as indicated on the download page. If you incorrectly load the wrong version, reinstallation with the correct version will correct the error. - Unzip the file. Open the extracted folder. (Note: Various browsers may automatically unzip the ZIP file.)
IMPORTANT: Read ALL FILES located in the extracted folder (i.e. README, Changelog). - Ensure the FJ-X2m is OFF.
- Connect the USB-A to USB-C cable to the FJ-X2m’s USB-C port. See step 6 before connecting the USB-A end to the computer.
- On the FJ-X2m, press and hold the far-right round button below the screen just under the C.Fn text. While holding the button, connect the USB-A to USB-C cable into your computer’s USB-A port. The Wireless Signal Indicator light on FJ-X2m will illuminate red when your computer has recognized the connection to the FJ-X2m. You may release the button at this time. Most operating systems will present the FJ-X2m as an external device. MacOS may display an icon on the desktop or in a Finder window.
- Locate the .BIN file on your computer and drag the file to the FJ-X2m (external device).
- Once the file has copied to the FJ-X2m, EJECT the external device from the computer.
- Unplug the USB-A to USB-C cable from your computer and the FJ-X2m.
- Long press the Power | Menu button on the FJ-X2m to initiate the firmware update. Confirm installation was successful by locating the firmware text in the bottom right corner of the opening screen during the start-up process.
IMPORTANT
- If the FJ-X2m doesn’t display as an external device after connecting to a computer, disconnect the USB cable from both devices and restart the computer and firmware update process.
- It’s recommended that the firmware update installation process be completed only when the connected computer’s power level is ≥ 25%. Loss of power of any type during this process could render the FJ-X2m inoperable and require professional repair.
- Removing the USB cable from the FJ-X2m without properly ejecting the device from your computer could render the trigger inoperable and require professional repair.
- Copying the firmware from your computer to the FJ-X2m may take a few minutes and/ or halt the copying process. Should this happen, close the copy progress window and try again. Further copying issues may require the computer to be restarted.