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Chapter 18 - Firmware Updates

Firmware updates give UNA new features and bug fixes. Midicake ships them periodically.

This chapter walks the update process end to end.

The short version: back up your patches first (using CONNECT), then use Teensy Loader to flash the new firmware, then load your patches back. Everything else in this chapter is detail on top of that flow.

Checking your current firmware version

UNA's version is displayed on the BIOS screen. To reach it:

  1. From any mode, hold the CONTROL Knob for 3 seconds (Chapter 17). UNA drops into BIOS.
  2. The version line reads v.MAJOR.MINOR.BUILD - for example, v.0.18.1517.

Before you update - back up your patches

Always back up before updating. Updates are designed to preserve your patches, but better safe than sorry.

Backup is via Midicake CONNECT at connect.midicake.com. The workflow:

  1. Connect UNA to your computer with a USB-C cable.
  2. Open connect.midicake.com in a Chrome or Edge browser (WebSerial-supported browsers).
  3. Connect grants a device connection prompt - approve it.
  4. Click Backup. Connect reads your patches and Globals out and saves them as a file on your computer.

Store the backup file somewhere safe. If you ever want a "roll back to this exact state," this is your restore point.

Chapter 14 has more on Connect for patch management generally.

Will my patches survive the update?

Yes. Firmware updates do not erase your patches. Installing new firmware leaves your patches, banks and Globals exactly as they were. You shouldn't lose work because you installed an update.

The only things that deliberately erase patches are the ones you choose: FACTORY RESET in BIOS, or holding the reset button while UNA boots (Chapter 17).

Back up before every update anyway. Not because we expect to lose your patches, but because a backup costs thirty seconds and a Connect export lives happily on your computer forever. Chapter 14 covers backup and restore.

Updating with Teensy Loader

UNA runs on Teensy, and firmware updates use the standard Teensy Loader application - a free download from PJRC, the Teensy manufacturer, at pjrc.com/teensy/loader.html. Install the current version; you don't need a specific one.

<!-- TODO: -- > Updating from inside Connect is coming. A future release will let Midicake Connect flash firmware over USB, so you won't need Teensy Loader at all. Until then, the steps below are the way.

Step 1 - Get the firmware file

Download the current firmware .hex file from the midicake.com/downloads page.

Step 2 - Install Teensy Loader

Install the Teensy Loader application from PJRC's website. It's a small, standalone program available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. No drivers needed.

  • Windows: https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader_win10.html

  • Mac: https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader_mac.html

  • Linum: https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader_linux.html

Step 3 - Put UNA into Program mode

  • Connect UNA to your computer with USB-C.
  • On the rear panel of UNA, press the Firmware Update button (the small recessed control near the USB-C port).
  • UNA's display goes blank and the unit stops responding to controls. That's expected - it's waiting for a new firmware image.

Step 4 - Load and upload the firmware

  • Open Teensy Loader.
  • Open the .hex file you downloaded - use the "Open Hex File" option, or drag the file into the app window.
  • Teensy Loader detects UNA and shows "UNA connected" (or similar).
  • Click Program in Teensy Loader (or press the Firmware Update button on UNA's rear panel again - Teensy Loader treats both as the trigger).
  • Progress bar fills. Takes about 10 seconds.

When the flash completes, UNA reboots automatically and your patches load as before.

Step 5 - Restore patches (only if you need to)

Your patches should be exactly as you left them. If something has gone wrong and you want to put your backup back:

  1. Reconnect UNA to your computer.
  2. Open connect.midicake.com.
  3. Click Restore and select the backup file you made in step 1.
  4. Connect writes the patches back.

If the update fails

Firmware updates are pretty robust - the Teensy platform is designed to survive a bad flash. If something goes wrong (power interrupt, wrong .hex file, disconnect mid-update), UNA won't be permanently broken. Options:

  • The unit reboots into partial firmware. Just re-run the update - press the Firmware Update button and flash again.
  • The unit won't boot at all. Hold the Firmware Update button while connecting USB-C. UNA enters Program mode directly, without needing to boot the existing firmware. Then flash normally.
  • Teensy Loader doesn't see UNA. Try a different USB-C cable (some are power-only). Try a different USB port on your computer. Try restarting Teensy Loader.

If none of those work, contact Midicake support (midicake.com/contact-us) - where we can help can guide recovery.

Cross-references

  • Chapter 14 - Patches & Banks (Midicake Connect for backup / restore).
  • Chapter 17 - BIOS Mode (where the version is displayed).
  • Chapter 19 - Troubleshooting, if the update leaves UNA misbehaving.