Instructions | DAFM SYNTH - Upgrade Kit

1

Download the STM32 Flash Loader Demonstrator

Download the software from here. You must sign up first. Sign up and download are free.
2

Insert the USB-to-Serial Converter

Turn your DAFM SYNTH off and disconnect it from the power supply. Insert the USB-to-Serial Converter as shown in the pictures.

DAFM SYNTH DIY KIT

DAFM SYNTH - ASSEMBLED (you need to disassemble the case and remove all screws and spacers first). Some assembled synths do already have the upgrader integrated in the board and no USB serial connector is found. In this case connect the USB directly to the USB connector without the external upgrader.
3

Prepare the microcontroller to flash the new firmware

BOOT0 must be selected as 1. Use the Jumpers or the toggle switch in the microcontroller.

BLUE PILL

GREEN PILL

GREEN PILL (F401). Turn the synth on, push and hold the BOOT0 switch and then push the reset switch
4

Connect the USB-To-Serial Converter to the PC

Connect the USB-To-Serial Converter to the PC and turn the DAFM synth on.
5

Start STM32 Flasher Loader Demonstrator

After that you should be able to select the corresponding COM port. Once done click on next. If no COM port appears, close the STM32 Flasher Loader, press the reset button in the microcontroller and launch the STM32 Flasher Loader again.
6
Check the microcontrollers total memory
If it is shown that the microcontroller has 128 KB you can click next and continue with the upgrade (it does not matter when or which synth you purchased).

If it shown that the microcontroller has 64 KB, remember that:
- All DAFM synth DIY Kits can be upgraded if you exchange your microcontroller with a "Green Pill - 128 kbytes microcontroller"
- All assembled DAFM SYNTHs purchased between January 21, 2020 and May 1, 2020 can be upgraded if you exchange your microcontroller with a "Green Pill - 128 kbytes microcontroller"
7

Download the new firmware to the microcontroller

Follow the instructions in the pictures. You have to select one of the two firmware bin files you can find in the project page (normal or reversed) to match with the directions of your rotary encoders. Remember to select bin files type in the file selection menu.
8

Finishing

During the download the progress bar is blue. After a successful download the progress bar becomes green and you can close the STM32 Flasher Loader. Remember to disconnect the USB-to-Serial Converter and bring BOOT0 again to the 0 position using the jumpers (blue pill) or the toggle switch (green pill).

BLUE PILL

GREEN PILL

Discussions

KASSER SYNTHS wrote 07/04/2021 at 20:57

Hi Marshall, nice to hear from you. Some chips in the Blue Pill I bought had more memory than expected. This happened during 2020 long after you bought your synth. At this moment there is no easy way to update your synth. Have you tried the new ARCADE version that uses the YM2151 chip? This chip is an improved version of the YM2612/YM3438 with more audio channels and better audio quality.

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Marshall L'Amour wrote 05/30/2021 at 02:24

Hey, I purchased from your first batch. What's this "last hope" mentioned in the overview? Or else, what's your recommended course of action to get mine more up-to-date?

Are you sure? yes | no

DAFM SYNTH - Upgrade Kit

Discussions

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