Kinesis Advantage2 Keyboard Firmware 1.0.168 Beta Download

Posted at April 27, 2024 by PCI-DB Team

Kinesis Advantage2 Keyboard Firmware 1.0.168 Beta Description

Bugs fixed in 1.0.168

- Keypad LED now behaves properly when using Program Remap Mode to remap keys across layers.
- Status Report was sometimes delayed in correctly tabulating the number of keys remapped in the active layout.
- Custom programming of either of the two “Keypad Enter” positions in the Keypad layer was malfunctioning. For
direct editing now use the tokens [kpenter1] and [kpenter2] (see User’s Manual Section 13.1).
- Any key position can be disabled via direct editing using the [null] token.

To update the firmware, perform the following steps:

1. Obtain the appropriate version of Advantage2 firmware (“.upd” file)
2. If Power User Mode (PUM) has not been enabled, do so now (progm + shift + esc). All four LEDs will flash 4 times.
3. Open the v-drive (progm + F1).
4. Open the “firmware” folder.
5. Copy and paste the new firmware file into the firmware folder.
6. Rename the firmware file “update.upd”.
7. Optional: Unmount the v-drive.
8. Initiate Firmware Update (program + shift + U). The update process normally takes 10-12 seconds to complete, during which time the keyboard will be inactive.
IMPORANT NOTE: Do unplug or type on the keyboard during this step.
9. After 12 seconds, tap the Keypad key to test the keyboard. When the keypad LED illuminates the keyboard is active again.
10. Run a Status Report to confirm the new version of firmware was successfully installed.
11. If the keyboard does not wake up after 12-15 seconds, perform a Hard Reset (Right Ctrl + F9 while plugging it in).

About Device Firmware:

Applying a newer firmware version than the one already installed on your unit can bring various enhancements, include workarounds for diverse problems encountered by the device, and improve or add newly developed features.

On the other hand, downgrading the firmware version can recover the device’s functionality in the event of a software update either turning up faulty or causing the unit’s overall performance to drop. However, bear in mind that applying an older firmware isn’t recommended and might not always be possible.

When it comes to the update steps, due to the large variety of devices and numerous ways for installing a new firmware, it is recommended that you carefully read and understand the upgrade steps, and consider applying a different firmware only when you have familiarized yourself with the update method.

As the installation process is most of the times quite risky, this step should be taken by users that have the ability to successfully complete the update; regular users may initiate it at their own risk. Moreover, it’s best that this task be performed in a steady power environment such as the one ensured by a UPS unit.

Therefore, if you consider applying this release, hit the download button, take into account all the aforementioned aspects, and update the device’s firmware. Also make sure you constantly check with our website to ensure that you don’t miss a single new release. 

  It is highly recommended to always use the most recent driver version available.

Try to set a system restore point before installing a device driver. This will help if you installed an incorrect or mismatched driver. Problems can arise when your hardware device is too old or not supported any longer.

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