Updating Firmware on the FJ400Updated 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 

1. 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. 
2. Check Firmware Compatibility: Ensure you are loading the correct firmware version for your specific FJ system product. Using incorrect firmware can lead to errors.   
3. Troubleshooting Errors: If the latest firmware update causes malfunctions, try the following steps: 
   1. Re-download the firmware from the Westcott website. 
   2. Re-upload the firmware to your FJ unit. 
   3. 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. 

FJ400

Step by Step Instructions

1. Download the latest firmware ZIP file.
   1. FJ400 Firmware
2. Unzip the file and 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). 
3. Ensure the FJ400 is OFF and cooled before removing the battery from the strobe. 
4. Connect the USB-A to USB-C cable to the FJ400’s USB-C port found on the back of the unit once the battery is removed. 
5. Common operating systems will present the strobe as an external drive device
   (Note: MacOS may display the external device on the desktop or in the Finder window.) 
6. Locate the .BIN file on your computer and drag the file to the FJ400 (external device).
   (Note: The file ending in .BIN will be the ONLY filed copied to the FJ400.) 
7. Once the file has been completely copied to the FJ400, EJECT the FJ400 from the computer. 
8. Remove the USB-C cable from the FJ400 and reattach the battery. 
9. Press the Power | Model button on the FJ400 to initiate the firmware update and confirm the firmware version. The firmware version can be found at the bottom right of the opening screen when powered on. 

IMPORTANT 

• If the FJ400 doesn’t display as an external device after being connected to the computer, disconnect the USB cable from both devices, restart the computer, and restart the firmware installation process. 
• It’s recommended that the firmware update installation process be completed only when the connected computer’s power level is ≥ 50%. Loss of power of any type during this process could render the FJ400 inoperable and require professional repair. 
• Removing the USB-A to USB-C cable from the FJ400 without properly ejecting the FJ400 from your computer could render the strobe inoperable and require professional repair. 
• Depending on the operating system and the applications running, copying the firmware from your computer to the FJ400 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.