Firmware Updates

Keep your PGB-1 up to date with the latest features and improvements.

Checking Your Version

  1. Press Menu

  2. Navigate to System Info

  3. Press A to view

  4. Note your current firmware version

Getting Updates

Check for new firmware at:

Standard Update Procedure

Prerequisites

  • Good quality USB cable

  • Computer that won’t restart during update

  • Latest firmware .uf2 file downloaded

Danger

Never turn off the PGB-1 or unplug the USB cable during a firmware update. This may leave the device in an invalid and unrecoverable state.

Step 1: Connect and Enter Update Mode

  1. Connect PGB-1 to your computer via USB

  2. Turn on the device

  3. Press Menu

  4. Navigate to Update Mode

  5. Press A to enter

  6. Press → then A to confirm

The device reboots into update mode. The LEDs display “UP” in green.

Added in version 1.2.0: Starting with firmware version 1.2.0, it is possible to enter Update mode by holding the Menu button while powering on the device. The LEDs display “UP” in red.

Step 2: Transfer the Firmware

  1. A USB drive named RPI-RP2 appears on your computer

  2. Drag and drop the .uf2 firmware file into this drive

  3. Wait for the transfer to complete

  4. The PGB-1 automatically reboots when finished

Step 3: Verify

  1. Press Menu → System Info

  2. Confirm the new version number

User Data

Note

Data Preserved Firmware updates do not erase your projects or samples. Your data remains intact after updating.

Reset Procedure

Use when the device is unresponsive or won’t turn off.

  1. Locate the Reset button (leftmost hole on the bottom edge)

  2. Use a paperclip to press the button

  3. The device will restart

Data Loss

Changes to the current project will not be saved when resetting.

Forced Firmware Update Procedure

Data Loss

Because of a hardware glitch, this procedure is not available for the first batch of PGB-1. However, starting with firmware version 1.2.0, it is possible to enter Update mode by holding the Menu button while powering on the device.

Use when the device won’t boot normally, standard update procedure fails, or the device is stuck or froze.

Prerequisites

  1. Make sure the device is off (power switch to right, cyan LED off)

  2. If the device won’t turn off, use the Reset Procedure first

  3. Have USB cable and firmware file ready

Procedure

  1. Connect PGB-1 to computer via USB

  2. Hold the Boot button (rightmost hole on bottom, use a paperclip)

  3. While holding Boot, turn on the device (power switch left)

  4. Release the Boot button

  5. The RPI-RP2 drive should appear

  6. Drag and drop the firmware file

  7. Wait for reboot

Troubleshooting Updates

RPI-RP2 Drive Doesn’t Appear

  • Try a different USB cable

  • Try a different USB port

  • Ensure you’re in Update Mode (LEDs show “UP”)

  • Try the Forced Update procedure

Update Seems Stuck

  • Wait at least 5 minutes

  • Do not unplug the cable

  • If nothing happens, use Reset then try Forced Update

Version Doesn’t Change After Update

  • Verify you used the correct .uf2 file

  • Check the file wasn’t corrupted during download

  • Try downloading the firmware again

  • Try the update procedure again

Device Won’t Start After Failed Update

Use the Forced Firmware Update Procedure to recover.

Best Practices

  1. Don’t interrupt: Let the update complete fully

  2. Use good cables: Poor cables cause failed transfers

  3. Check power: Ensure laptop is plugged in or has good battery

  4. Close applications: Minimize computer activity during update

  5. Read release notes: Know what’s new before updating