Updating Firmware on the FJ400ii and FJ800Updated 24 days 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]

Step by Step Instructions

1. Visit our Firmware Page and download the latest firmware ZIP file. 
   Note: If your browser automatically unzips the file, skip to Step 3.
   
   
2. Manually unzip the downloaded file, then open the extracted folder.
   IMPORTANT: Read all documents included in the folder, such as “README” and “Changelog,” which may contain crucial update instructions.
3. Ensure the FJ Strobe is powered off and has cooled. Remove the battery from the strobe.
   
   
4. Use the supplied USB-C cable to connect the strobe to your computer.
   
   
5. Your computer will recognize the strobe as an external storage device.
   
   
6. Locate the .BIN file within the extracted firmware folder and drag it to the FJ Strobe’s external device folder to transfer. IMPORTANT: Only copy the file ending in .BIN to the strobe. Do not transfer any other files.
   
   
7. Once the file is transferred, safely eject the FJ Strobe from your computer.
   
   
8. Disconnect the USB-C cable from the strobe and reattach the battery.
   
   
9. Press the Power button on the FJ Strobe, followed by the onscreen power button, to initiate the firmware update process.

Important Notes for the Firmware Update Process

• If the FJ Strobe does not appear as an external device after connecting to your computer, disconnect the USB cable from the strobe and the computer. Restart your computer, then begin the firmware installation process again.
• Perform the firmware update only when your computer’s power level is at or above 50%. Any power loss during the update process—whether from the strobe or the computer—can render the FJ Strobe inoperable and require professional repair.
• Always properly eject the FJ Strobe from your computer before disconnecting the USB-C cable. Failure to do so may corrupt the firmware installation and render the strobe unusable, requiring professional repair.
• Depending on your operating system and running applications, transferring the firmware file may take several minutes or could temporarily stall. If the transfer process halts, close the progress window and attempt the transfer again. If the issue persists, restart your computer and repeat the process.

How do I Check the 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.