Firmware Update | Fnirsi-1014d

The FNIRSI-1014D is a popular, budget-friendly, dual-channel handheld oscilloscope. Its firmware story is a classic example of the open-source hardware community clashing with the realities of budget Chinese manufacturing.

Here is the full story of the FNIRSI-1014D firmware situation, broken down into the key phases: the "Paperweight" era, the Community Resurrection, and the official update wars.

The Update Process: A Nerve-Wracking 8 Minutes

Let’s get the elephant in the room out first. Updating the 1014D is not like updating your phone.

• The Tool: You need a FAT32-formatted SD card (not included, but hidden under the back stand).
• The Ritual: Download a .upd file, rename it to fw_1014d.upd, put it on the card, insert it while the scope is OFF, then hold the “Wave Gen” button while powering on.
• The Anxiety: A white progress bar appears. It moves slower than a hangover. For eight minutes, the fan whirs ominously. If the power flickers, you own a $200 paperweight.

Verdict on process: Clunky, but stable. I’ve done it three times. No bricks. But FNIRSI really needs a USB bootloader. fnirsi-1014d firmware update

"No Update File Found" or "SD Card Error"

• Cause: The SD card is not FAT32, or the file name is wrong.
• Fix: Reformat the SD card. Ensure the .bin file is the only file in the root directory. Try a different smaller SD card (4GB or 8GB).

Phase 1: Prepare the SD Card

The FNIRSI-1014D is picky about SD cards. It usually requires FAT32 format with a Master Boot Record (MBR) .

1. Insert the microSD card into your PC.
2. Right-click the drive in Windows Explorer and select Format.
3. Set File System to FAT32.
4. Set Allocation Unit Size to 4096 bytes (or Default).
5. Uncheck "Quick Format" (perform a full format to clear bad sectors).
6. Click Start.

The “Interesting” Part – Why It’s Not a Standard Update

Unlike most oscilloscopes, the FNIRSI-1014D doesn’t update via USB drive or direct software connection. Instead:

1. Hidden Micro-USB Port – It’s inside the case, labeled “P6” on the PCB. You must open the back cover (voids warranty sticker) to access it. The Update Process: A Nerve-Wracking 8 Minutes Let’s

2. Windows-Only Tool – Requires FNIRSI-1014D Upgrade Tool.exe (often flagged by antivirus as suspicious). Works only on Windows 7/10.

3. Bootloader Mode – You need to short two pads (P7) on the PCB while powering on, then release after the PC detects the device.

4. Brick Risk – Interrupting power or USB during the 2-minute flash process can brick the scope. Recovery requires desoldering the flash chip. The Tool: You need a FAT32-formatted SD card

Post-update touch screen is inverted or not working

• Cause: You flashed the wrong hardware revision firmware (e.g., V4.2 firmware on a V4.3 unit).
• Fix: Immediately re-flash the correct firmware for your hardware version.

Advanced: Third-Party and Open-Source Firmware

There is a cult following for the FNIRSI-1014D that has produced custom firmware. Notably, the envox and open-dso projects offer enhanced features like higher FFT bins, network streaming, and bug fixes that FNIRSI has ignored.

Warning: Flashing third-party firmware voids your warranty and carries a bricking risk. However, if you are adventurous, these projects often provide superior performance. Always read the project's hardware compatibility matrix.

Best sources for FNIRSI-1014D firmware:

1. The Official FNIRSI Forum/Support Page: Navigate to fnirsi.com and look for the "Support" or "Download" section.
2. Banned Vendor Sites: While controversial, forums like EEVBlog have massive threads dedicated to the 1014D. Users share verified firmware files and links. (Search: "EEVBlog FNIRSI 1014D firmware").
3. GitHub Repositories: Some open-source enthusiasts mirror the official firmware. Ensure the repository is reputable.
4. Direct from FNIRSI support: Email support@fnirsi.com with your hardware revision and current firmware version. They often send the correct file directly.

File format: You are looking for a .bin file. Sometimes it comes in a .zip or .rar archive containing the firmware and a .txt readme.

The Heroic Fixes (Bravo, FNIRSI)

1. The Cursor Lag is DEAD. On original firmware, moving cursors felt like dragging a cat through mud. Update 1.0.4+ made cursor response instant. This alone is worth the update.
2. Trigger Stability on Noisy Signals. Old firmware would false-trigger on ripple like a nervous heart. The new algorithm (they claim a rewritten trigger engine) actually holds steady on a 5mV/div signal. It’s not a Rigol, but it’s no longer guessing.
3. FFT is Usable. Previously, the FFT was a joke—a jagged mess with no peak hold. Now? You can actually find a 10kHz tone in a switching supply noise. It’s basic, but it works.