updating apex issues

pgravis · Nov 16, 2015

Don't get me wrong, I love my apex, but if we have the technological ability to control our tanks from the cloud, then updating these things should be easier. The process seems super archaic to me. I don't have the ability to have my controller plugged into my router, so I use the gaming adapter, which is fine, although I would have paid extra for built in wifi ability! So, awhile ago I asked for some tips on how to update the controller, which today I finally got around to trying. One issue I encountered right away is that my mac laptop does not have an ethernet port. So I borrowed a thunderport-cat5 adapter from a friend and tried a couple different ways to get this thing updated. I kept getting the response that the controller was unable to be unlocked or something like that. Seems weird that my phone can update wirelessly on its own, but I've got to hack a network to try and get my apex to update! Anyway, just a bit of frustration and ranting! If you've made it through the rant, does anyone have any suggestions? Can I unscrew my apex computer from its mount and physically bring just it to my router? Do I also need to bring the controller and a way to plug it in? Or another way? I'm open to anything...well, anything that I can understand technologically speaking. Thanks

Lenny_S · Nov 16, 2015

I agree, it should not be this hard to update the firmware in the Apex. But until they address that we're stuck with what it is. I ended up getting a 25' cat 5 cable so I can connect the base unit to my router just for updates, the rest of the time it's connected wirelessly. And if it's feasible and you have the 12v adaptor, you can just take that to your router and update it with the latest firmware and web pages. After the base unit is updated you can connect it back to the other components and update the firmware in each of those (display, EB, PM2, etc...) through the display or the web client.

ngvu1 · Nov 16, 2015

They have 50 feet, 100 feet, 200 feet CAT5 cables. They are pretty cheap nowadays.

; A lot cheaper than sending in the corrupted firmware Apex for repair and 1 week of wait!
The computer that you start the firmware upgrade process can be connected to the router wirelessly. The apex is the only thing that needs to be connected to the router using the wire......

pgravis said:
If you've made it through the rant, does anyone have any suggestions? Can I unscrew my apex computer from its mount and physically bring just it to my router? Do I also need to bring the controller and a way to plug it in? Or another way? I'm open to anything...well, anything that I can understand technologically speaking. Thanks

pgravis · Nov 16, 2015

Thanks to both for the replies, My apex is in the basement and my router is on the first floor, unfortunately it would take more than 50 ft but if I get desperate that 200 ft might happen! and it is cheaper than a corrupted unit.