Dark Fire Firmware Revert Utility 0.5.1 works

[Zipidy-fgn]

Hi guys, hope everyone's enjoying the new year.

As we had been contemplating here: https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=32640.msg241670#msg241670

I've successfully used the Firmware Utility to revert my Dark Fire firmware to the original (version 2.01.26 B) and back again to the newer Dusk Tiger (version 3.0.2). I've exchanged firmware versions back and forth a couple of times without incident. Guitar Rig 3 works, the Chameleon Tone Editor (v 1.0.9) works again, all without incident.

I'm running GR3 & RIP version 5.5 in Windows Vista home edition basic (32 bit) on a May 2009 edition Dark Fire.

Here are the direct links to download the Utility for those who are brave (or bored, as was my case)...

Mac: http://www.echoaudio.com/downloadfiles/private/GibsonGuitarFirmwareUtility_0.5.1_OS_X.zip

Windows: http://www.echoaudio.com/downloadfiles/private/SetupGibsonFirmwareUtility_0.5.1.exe

[photonutalan1-fgn]

Hi Zipidy,

Thanks for your testing and update  confirming this works (and thanks to matbard for his work in the original thread.)

Happy New Year to you; I hope you thaw out soon!

[MCK-fgn]

Thanks much indeed. I'm so on the fence with this. I think I still prefer the old DF. Somehow I just couldn't adjust well to the new clickstream. Also the loss of latching relay function in DT f/w is a killer for me. Then again the Chameleon stuff is just too fun to play with. Hope there was a happy medium. Maybe I'll go back for a while and see if I miss Chameleon editor at all. Lets see.


Thanks once again and happy new year!

[Zipidy-fgn]

Hope there was a happy medium

Yeah, I think this is the happy medium, inasmuch as the whole firmware change process takes about 90 seconds, so it's no big deal to switch back n forth as the mood dictates 

I hope you thaw out soon!

Haha, it's supposed to be a cold one tonight...

[photonutalan1-fgn]

OMG; now that's cold!!! It looks like you're dressed for it though (nice outfit).

FWIW, the current temperature in L.A. is 82F, and it's forecast to hit  a low of 79F at the end of the week. (Ducking and dodging) Hey, no fair, I can't make snowballs to throw back!

[Zummooz-fgn]

Thats a few now that say this works all Ok....thanks Zipidy

I went to DuskTiger Firmware before I purchased a VG-99,
So I'm using a lot more in Hex mode ie: battery, in-use most of time.
Is this the same way as in DarkFire Firmware 
Meaning use of battery in Hex mode!

As I never used my DF with DarkFire Firmware with my VG-99.

Ooooppps......probably a silly question 

You can keep your freezing whether 'Zipidy'....to cold for this little black duck  .....Cheers

[Sympodius]

This is great news. Thanks for testing

[Zipidy-fgn]

My pleasure  .

We should keep in mind, however, what arena warned us about here: https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=32124.msg240377#msg240377

The reason why you cannot revert back to DF firmware following upgrade to DT is because there is a 5% chance of complete and irreversible collapse of the guitar functions on re-installing the DF firmware.   And that is why the software to revert from DT to DF, although technically available, has not been released by Gibson.  Whether this will be resolved sometime in the future is anyone's guess.

I am certain that 5% is a risk no-one would want to contemplate.  I'm not at liberty to say where I got this information from but I assure you it is extremely reliable.

Edit: I noticed after I posted this that Elantric changed the title of this thread from the original, adding the word 'revert' into it. Elantric, this software when installed doesn't include this word AND this software would actually best be described as a firmware switcher, not simply a reverter. You have the option to change the guitar's firmware back n forth between the 2 versions at will.

Just sayin' 

[Elantric-fgn]

You have the option to change the guitar's firmware back n forth between the 2 versions at will.

That is interesting news?

I suppose I changed the title of this thread  after reading this:

"
I've successfully used the Firmware Utility to revert my Dark Fire firmware to the original (version 2.01.26 B) and back again to the newer Dusk Tiger (version 3.0.2). I've exchanged firmware versions back and forth a couple of times without incident. Guitar Rig 3 works, the Chameleon Tone Editor (v 1.0.9) works again, all without incident."

Also

I do NOT recommend "exchanging firmware versions back and forth" -

Any time you are writing to embedded flash memory when performing these re-writes is a risky proposition.

Sure try Dark Fire Firmware, or Dusk Tiger Firmware - but its best to select one version and stay there - to keep the outcome of Murphy's Law at bay!

[ellum]

This is good news, I've been meaning to try out the DT OS but was hesitant. That being said, I have to agree with Elantric about writing to embedded flash memory. Yeah, it should theoretically work repeatedly, but Murphy is alive and well! (at least in my life )

[MCK-fgn]

I'm finally back to original DF firmware... now I need to recall how to use it.

[PLexxiTronic]

What made you decide to go back to DF from DT firmware?  (Just curious.  I, myself, never changed my DF from it's May 2009 version).

[MCK-fgn]

I was never very comfortable with the DT flow but now I'm finding I totally forgot the DF flow as well. I must agree its not as easy to recall as the DT flow either. The deal breaker for me in the DT firmware though is the fact that it does away with the latching relay control. I want to be able to set a certain pickup config and leave it locked in without the noisy EQ running. With the DT firmware you can't do this. So I'm back to DF... Will take a while to learn.


The other reason is that more than likely I will consider selling my DF with all its spares etc. Its better to put it to its original condition before sale.

[PLexxiTronic]

That makes sense. And, though I like my guitar, I, too, am considering selling my DF. That is why I learned to sell on eBay last month where I was able to auction my iPhone 4 for the same amount I originally paid for it over a year-and-a-half ago.

I prefer my DT and my Robot. But, if DF goes well, I may even consider trimming down further.

[MCK-fgn]

I love the DF and what it 'promises'. I'm just not over the moon with how high maintenance it is. The total play time I had on it in the last 3 years is not that much when you add it up. I took it out of storage and now I have sticky MCK and scratchy PU selector switch issues all over again. This guitar is like that old classic in your garage you tend to all year long just so you can take it out on the odd sunny Sunday... Priceless when it happens but...

[shawnb-fgn]

Thanks for testing this & sharing your results!!!   

In hindsight, I have to admit I've regretted upgrading my DF to DT firmware.   Although I like the DT flow much better, and the chameleon editor looked promising, I really miss the control the old DF clickstream provided - most notably to turn the piezo eq OFF...   It is too noisy.

In DF mode, I would only use the piezo EQ when playing straightup, without effects.  Which, frankly, wasn't too often.   

Whenever I had effects, I turned the DF piezo EQ off & did all EQ within the effects unit, as that had much greater control & was far cleaner.   

Since buying the DF, I've also purchased a VG99 and GR55, and am now deep into hex processing.   I have wanted to dust off the DF, revert the firmware & mount an external GK3 on it (to get S1/S2, as others have).   That's my project for today!

Since I've Borg'd (mounted a GK3 onto) my old Peavey Wolfgang, I've played very little DF.  Time to get reacquainted! 

Shawn 

[Zipidy-fgn]

I took it out of storage and now I have sticky MCK and scratchy PU selector switch issues all over again.

Yup, I feel ya. My DF and I are coming up on our third anniversary (as is this forum!), and I've come to love it as a "Special Needs" guitar. My expectations are low, and I have long since accepted that it is a delicate little thing requiring a level of maintenance and TLC not ordinarily needed by an instrument I paid four grand for.

Nonetheless, I still regularly change my firmware back n forth as my mood dictates: Sometimes I want to tweak every little aspect of its sound, and sometimes I just want to play guitar. I really love that, without all the bells n whistles, it remains a beautiful looking, amazing sounding Gibson electric guitar.

I remember back in the early days of this forum, I witnessed many members experiencing a variety of problems, ranging from the initial absence of a User's Guide to an unattended charger meltdown. Together we inadvertently learned the anatomy and neurophysiology of our Dark Fires. Guided by fellow forum members, we performed exploratory surgery on our new babies and most of us came out the other side with working guitars. The experience sobered us up from the elation and anticipation triggered by Gibson's 2008 marketing campaign. I now look back on the early days fondly.

I was one of the lucky ones who had almost no problems. Perhaps ole number 80 is simply more robust than some. Fiddling with the firmware is an individual choice. Make it an informed one and enjoy!

[photonutalan1-fgn]

Hi Zipidy,
Welcome back! We've missed you and your excellent and cogent contributions! You have been/are a major contributor! Thanks!
Best,
Alan

ps: My #355 is playing just great too (still using the original software though, but youv'e shown the way if I change my mind!) Bless you!

[MCK-fgn]

Great to see old buddies still sticking around. Also great to hear that your Dark Fire's are happy. So is mine for now.

[Johnnyurq-fgn]

Yes indeed nice to see we are all still lurking around and good to see Zipidy and MCK still around. Also good to see that our DF's are hanging together too.

I hope life has improved from your very eventful time last year MCK and all is well with you and yours.

For what it is worth my DF has never put a foot wrong (bar the odd minor glitch) and has spent the last year or so on the DT firmware, it is fine for my purposes.

Although due to life changes at home and my poor health I haven't been on the forum much in the last year. Just popped by when I could.

Bad news is that the above means I had to pack in gigging last December so gone from 40 odd gigs a year to none, bit of a bummer but a necessary evil and hopefully not permanent if the doctors get it together and sort me out.

So I reckon the DF and a few other guitars will be going, but on the plus side I now have the Line 6 dream rig consisting of the JTV-69, POD HD500 and the DT25 combo plus with the new updates Line 6 posted recently it all works ever better flawlessly in fact.

So if the DF gets sold I will be buying new toys for recording with at home, PC upgrades and so forth.

Shame Gibson and Henry couldn't have taken a leaf out the Line 6 book.

[DF400-fgn]

Indeed good to see some folks still checking in and sounding off now and again. Although I have clearly had a controversial relationship with my DF, it still hangs on my wall. With 14 other guitars lurking about, I don't get around to touching it very often. I did, however, pick it up just yesterday. To my pleasant surprise, it still works great and even held a charge after several months.

I wish I was more inspired to play it, as it is a beautiful guitar.

[MCK-fgn]

...
I hope life has improved from your very eventful time last year MCK and all is well with you and yours.
...
Although due to life changes at home and my poor health I haven't been on the forum much in the last year. Just popped by when I could.

Bad news is that the above means I had to pack in gigging last December so gone from 40 odd gigs a year to none, bit of a bummer but a necessary evil and hopefully not permanent if the doctors get it together and sort me out.

I am sorry to hear of your health challenges. I wish you a full and quick recovery in the least of time with no permanent impact. Please keep in touch!


Thanks for asking about me. Since last year we are in a constant free-fall. Things are getting worse and worse. Hope a turnaround will come soon. This is also why I have not been around much of late. Trying to get things sorted out but health issue with my daughter is the worst of our concerns.

[Johnnyurq-fgn]

I am sorry to hear of your health challenges. I wish you a full and quick recovery in the least of time with no permanent impact. Please keep in touch!


Thanks for asking about me. Since last year we are in a constant free-fall. Things are getting worse and worse. Hope a turnaround will come soon. This is also why I have not been around much of late. Trying to get things sorted out but health issue with my daughter is the worst of our concerns.

Thank you for your kind words MCK and I very sincerely hope that your young daughter has a speedy return to good health and good fortune.

Also I hope that you are finally on an up in the roller coaster ride that you have had recently, as you are a good person I hope and know that Karma will pay you back in spades. Keep strong and healthy for your family.

My health issues are rather inopportune as 2 years ago my wife became disabled and I now try to work from home because I am now her full time carer, so my poor health does not help. I have to stay strong and healthy for her sake as much as my own.

But I am getting a little stronger and the doctors are working on sorting things for me, which reminds me some CT scans etc over the next wee while so answers may appear and a way forward becomes clear.

Anyway I didn't want to bum anyone out with my issues as i am sure we all have our challenges in life that we are dealing with, so s'all good for now.

Still in two minds about selling on the DF but new toys are attractive especially ones that help fill the void from not gigging.

Anyway I will for sure be hanging around and joining in where my knowledge can be helpful and I can certainly recommend the Line 6 "dream rig" option it really is so very flexible. Especially once I added a GK3 for my GR-55, I sold on my VG-99 and kinda regret that so anyone about to make that decision think very hard before selling on their VG-99.

I reckon I will be looking for one again in the coming months.

Peace and good health to you all and long may your DF's last and work well.

[pokrass]

Hi of all!
Sorry for my English.
I Flash my guitar to Dusk Tiger Firmware and lost Dark Fire Firmware Revert Utility.
I like this firmware but I want to have utility to change it.
Can anybody give a working link to Dark Fire Firmware Revert Utility?

[shawnb-fgn]

HOLY CRAP...   

I kept putting off reverting my DF back to DF firmware.  Now you're right, none of the links work.   

This is what I HAVE found, thus far, and this took some digging:

Gibson Darkfire pages (well hidden on their site, cannot navigate there or find it in search...):
http://techstore.gibson.com/dark-fire/
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul/Gibson-USA/Dark-Fire/Software.aspx

RIP version 2 (DT) software downloads (including Chameleon editor & RIP 5.5 drivers):
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul/Gibson-USA/Dusk-Tiger/Software.aspx
http://techstore.gibson.com/robot-interface-pack-rip-version-2/

Echo Audio drivers for the RIP, from the Echo site.  These actually go up to version 5.8, and state they support the Gibson RIP:
http://echoaudio.com/pages/windows-drivers

I have not found the revert utility.   I do not know if you need to have the different DF firmware laying around in order to use it.  Will keep digging... 

Shawn