Wednesday, July 18, 2012

SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

One of the things I like about the SMH10 is that the firmware can be updated as Sena fixes bugs or adds new features. The firmware is software on the device that makes it work. For example with the April 2012 update to v4, they added 4-way intercom and 3-way phone-intercom conferencing. The 3-way phone-intercom is interesting as it means you can bring your intercom partner into the phone call. The current version right now is v4.1. You can read the release notes here for v4.1.

To update the firmware, you have to have Sena’s management software installed. To download it, you must have first registered your product which is relatively simple. It only requires a name, email, country, model, purchase date, and purchase place.

The software to update the SMH10 software is on Sena’s website here: http://www.senabluetooth.com/support/pre_download_document.php

After registering, you can enter your email address to get to the software. At the time of this writing, there is software for both Windows and OSX. I downloaded the Windows 7 64-bit version since that matches my computer. They have a very complete site with both a PDF manual for the software and videos here: http://www.senabluetooth.com/support/SMH10_Manager_Software_Manual.php

With the software I can enable and disable features in addition to updating the unit’s firmware. My units came with v4.0, so I updated them to v4.1.

The update process was simple. From the time I downloaded the software until I had both units updated was about twenty minutes. Easy.

These are the steps I followed. It looks like a lot, but again, it about twenty minutes to do it all.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

The blue light is on, so it is all charged up and ready to go!

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Run the software after downloading it. Click Next

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Click Install

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

It will copy a bunch of files and start installing a driver.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Connect the SMH10 to the computer with the supplied microUSB cable.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

The SMH10 should be off when connected. The light will turn red.

Click Next

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

It will copy some files

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Click Install

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

It will copy more files

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Click Finish

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Start the software and follow the onscreen instructions below.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Holding the phone and jog dial in until the LED flashes violet (a few seconds)

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Click F/W Update

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

It will check the Sena site for new firmware available. In my case, I had v4.0 and v4.1 was available. I clicked Yes

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

I saved it to the default location

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

It handled the download for me.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Click OK

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

It starts the update procedure

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Press and hold the phone button.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Firmware update begins. While this is in progress, don’t unplug it. I went and got a drink. It took a minute or two.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Press and hold the jog dial and phone button.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Click ok. I followed the advice and re-paired my phone.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Since I have two, I clicked yes and followed the above procedure for my second SMH10.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

If you click Device Setting, you can enable and disable features.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

I wanted to enable VOX Intercom, so the intercom to my wife would start with me talking instead of having to push the jog dial. It will then end after 20 seconds of silence. This works great, so I can keep both of my hands on the handlebars.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Click Save and then OK.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Settings will be saved after the device restarts.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Unplugged and then turn off and on to get new settings.

Sena SMH10 Firmware Update v4.1

Re-pair and ready to use again. A very easy process.

4 comments:

  1. This is awesome! Takes you through the entire process of upgrading firmware on a Sena. Thanks.

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  2. Thanks. That's the first info I've seen that actually shows anyone what the firmware settings look like. I have 2 'A' versions and 1 'B' version and am never sure if it's worth opening the B or keeping it as an unused spare.
    Now if SENA makes an Android app to access the Device Settings while on the road either USB or better, by Bluetooth, that would be a real incentive.

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  3. Thanks. That's the first bird's eye view I've seen of what is in the Device Settings. I have a NIB Model B that I was not convinced I should use it myself or try to sell it. I already have a pair of Model A SMH10's that do just fine.
    Now if SENA has an Android app that let's someone change the Device Settings via Bluetooth while on the road, that would be an incentive.

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    Replies
    1. You can change most of the settings from the device itself while on the road. No need for the app even though it would be neat. Check the manual for specific instructions,

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