Black screen after firmware update Cobalt 1

[Rva]

I recently got a Cobalt 1 from a friend of mine. I think it is one of the older versions of the Cobalt1 since it does have 1 button which stopped working(which is fine). It worked perfectly until I decided to update it's firmware which was an outdated version. I followed the instructions on how to update the firmware from the atomic aquatics website for windows machines. When I tried to update the firmware it said something along the lines off "Firmware update failed". The screen on the Cobalt then instantly turned black and has been unresponsive ever since. The battery was plenty full while updating the firmware.

 

[RonR]

The black screen and the message mean that the new firmware wasn’t written or the copying was interrupted for some reason. The "boot code" is inherent to the processor, so what is needed is to get the firmware copied and restart.

The first thing is to try the update again. Because there is no firmware running, it is necessary to unplug the battery to put the Cobalt in bootloader mode. Then you can try the firmware update again just by plugging the USB adapter without the battery being installed. Here is a link to instructions for removing and replacing the battery: Dropbox

The Windows program should be able to see the Cobalt when you are connected via USB and you can try again. Afterwards you will need to unplug USB and re-install the battery.

This Windows program has not been maintained or updated, but it still seems to work for most people. If you still have problems and have access to a Mac, the Mac updating program for the Cobalt 1 is a bit easier to use and might be worth a try.

The Cobalt 2 doesn't require any specific program for updating firmware, but the Cobalt 1 does.

If the non-working button is due to a corroded magnet, that is a very easy fix. You can check this out by removing the top cover and trying the switch with another magnet. Dropbox
If this works, then all you need to do is to obtain a replacement magnet. Let us know if that's the case.

Ron

 

[Rva]

Thanks for the fast reply.

I first tried updating the cobalt again on the windows program. This failed for some reason since I got no response when drag and dropping the file on the cobalt.
I then borrowed a macbook from a friend of mine and tried again. It did actually work this time. Thank you very much for the help.
About the buttons I did actually already switch the select and up button so know the select button works only the up button does not work. I can still navigate trough the systems fine with the down button though.

Ruben

 

[RonR]

We had the same issue trying the Windows program here. I suspect that the program not being maintained means it has not kept up with Windows changes. The Mac program has been more stable.
Yes, so long as you are not doing manual initiated gas switching during dives, there is nothing you can't do without the UP button, it just takes more button presses.

Happy you were able to solve the update issue.

-Ron

 

[tursiops]

I almost wish I had a Cobalt. RonR's response time and help are remarkable.