DENAFRIPS 12th ANNIVERSARY
FPGA FIRMWARE UPDATE - MAC OS
DENAFRIPS DAC's FPGA firmware can be updated by using a Windows OS or MacOS computer over the USB port by a person with good computer knowledge. Most customers will be able to do it because it's fairly straightforward.
Please go through the following guide and requirements for the FPGA firmware update. Should you need further assistance, please contact us.
THIS FIRMWARE UPDATE GUIDE IS FOR macOS
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- Tested in macOS Catalina, Monterey, Ventura
WHAT IS REQUIRED?
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You would need the following items in order to proceed:
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A macOS Computer/Laptop with USB port
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Standard USB2.0 Cable
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Internet Connection (To download the driver and firmware packages)
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DENAFRIPS DAC
FIRMWARE UPDATE TOOL - FUT​
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Please submit the FPGA Firmware Request form (link here) the obtain the correct FUT from DENAFRIPS/Vinshine Audio.
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The FUT will be shared with you via email within 24-48hrs upon receiving the submission.
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WARNING
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Please note that flashing the incorrect firmware will brick the product. Please do not use any firmware obtain from unknown sources.
BEFORE WE BEGIN
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You will need to allow the Mac computer to execute the firmware update tool/command. Please go through the following steps.
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STEP 1: Go to System Preferences -> Security & Privacy
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STEP 2: Check the 'Allow apps downloaded from:' information. If the 'Anywhere' option is not shown, proceed to step 3.

STEP 3: Launch 'Terminal' app from Launchpad / Search

STEP 4: Enter the following command in the 'Terminal' app. The script will allow programs to be run from any source.
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sudo spctl --master-disable

STEP 5: Enter the Mac computer login password, and press 'Enter' key. Thereafter, close the Terminal.

STEP 6: Go to System Preference -> Security & Privacy. Unlock the 'Lock', and select Allow apps downloaded from: Anywhere, as shown in the following window

STEP 7: You have successfully enabled the Mac computer to allow for Firmware Update. Proceed to the following steps
LET'S GET STARTED!
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STEP 1: Plug in the USB cable from the Mac Computer to the DAC USB input port.
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STEP 2: Power up the DAC. Turn it on by pressing the STANDBY button once. Select the USB input, USB LED illuminate. The USB DAC should be detected in System Report
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Mac->About This Mac->System Report
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STEP 3: Getting the DAC into firmware update mode.
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At the DAC, press the STANDBY button once to turn on the DAC. Select USB input, USB LED On.
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The computer shall detect the USB DAC. At this point, press the STANDBY button once to turn the DAC into STANDBY mode. Note that STANDBY LED on.
Thereafter, toggle (press and release) the following button several times. This will enable the DAC into Firmware Update mode.
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Ares II/Enyo/Ares 12th - Phase Button
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Pontus/Venus/Terminator/Terminator Plus - Mode Button
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The Mac computer shall detect the USB HiRes F-20 Configuration device in System Report*
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*Please refresh the System Report information if the System Report had already been opened.

STEP 4: Locate the downloaded FUT zip file. Unzip the folder. Launch 'Terminal' app.
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Note: The path to the FPGA Firmware Tool cannot not content 'space' or 'special character'. It's recommended to put the FUT folder on the Desktop path.

STEP 5: Drag & Drop the Update_FPGA_USB.sh file to the 'Terminal' app

STEP 6: Press 'Enter' key @ 'Terminal' app to begin the Firmware Update. FPGA firmware update may take up to 5 minutes to complete. Please do not interupt the FPGA update process.
The following details will be shown to indicate the firmware is updated successfully.

STEP 7: Once the firmware is updated successfully, close the 'Terminal' app. Power off the DAC completely by turning off the power supply and/or unplug the power cord.
Wait for 15 seconds, power on the DAC. Select USB, USB LED illuminate. The DENAFRIPS USB DAC should be detected. Play some test tones to make sure the DAC is operational.
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STEP 8: Go to System Preference -> Security & Privacy. Unlock the 'Lock', and select Allow apps downloaded from: App Store and identified developers, as shown in the following window.

Congratulation! You've successfully updated the FPGA firmware! Enjoy the music!
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TEAM VINSHINE AUDIO
HAVING TROUBLE WITH LATEST M2 CHIP?
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It is understood that the Mac M2 chip necessitates additional steps to complete the firmware update process. If you encounter the following error during the firmware update, kindly continue reading.
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./xprogmac bad cpu type in executable
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STEP 1: Enter the following Command in Terminal. This allow the M2 Mac to install Rosetta
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softwareupdate --install-rosetta
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STEP 2: Enter 'A' to agree with the installation. The Rosetta 2 will be installed within seconds.


STEP 3: Re-run the firmware update Script to update the DAC.