Firmware update for the v2 model

TL;DR step by step guide:

1. find a SD card - any will do, can be empty, does not need to be empty, max 32GB, formatted to FAT32 (virtually all cards you buy are already formatted this way)
2. insert it into the slot, refer to your printed manual about the correct orientation instead of looking at a random image on the web, as different models have different orientation of the SD card
3. power the unit on, wait 10 seconds (check that the orange "RDY" LED blinks), power the unit off
4. remove the card, put it into the PC, open the file update.htm, follow the instructions
5. have fun! :)

This update brings fixes, improvements and some new channels. It is only for the v2 model because it is mainly related to MIDI support and SD card, which the v1 does not have. Most of the new functionality is demoed here. Many thanks to all who submitted bug reports or emailed me their suggestions!

You need a micro-SD card. There are two variants of v2 model, the SD card slot is "flipped" in the newer one - your printed manual shows the correct orientation. Also, in the wooden boxed model, or older DIY kits that don't necessarily have the wooden box but are enclosed in the PCB case (as opposed to plastic shell or acrylic sandwich) it may be hard to remove the SD card as the slot is quite deep, check out this simple trick. Only 32GB cards or smaller have been proved to work (they need to use SDHC format, not SDXC). A discussion relevant to SD cards and updating is going on here, feel free to ask questions if needed.

To avoid damage, please always power the unit OFF while inserting or removing the card. After you put the SD card in Gecho and power it on at least once, there will be file "update.htm" created on the card. Open it in your browser and follow the instructions displayed on screen. It is very simple, just download both files (firmware and config) and run the channel #44112233 (key in these numbers and press SET).

Firmware update for both models

Hi Guys, this time both v1 and v2 models are getting more fun! Not sure which model you have? Check in the FAQ. Many thanks to everyone who submitted bug reports or suggestions. There are always more new ideas than fit in a single update, but keep them coming :)

How to update your unit

Nothing changed about the process; the v1 is updated automatically using the app, for v2 you need a micro-SD card (see the previous article for detailed instructions). After you put the SD card in Gecho and power it on at least once, there will be file "update.htm" created on the card. Open it in your browser and follow the instructions.

Why are Gechos out of stock (often)

While the truth about plumbuses is now out, it may still be a mystery how Gechos are made. Let me try to illustrate what is involved and why it takes so long to make them.

The new firmware is out

Hi Guys, the update is out and it has been tested by a few of you already, thanks for your help! So I think it is safe enough to publish it. In any case, you can revert back to the original one at any time (B3 in service menu), as it never gets erased, Gecho has 3x 1MB "slots" reserved for the firmware; one from the "factory", and two more for updates, used alternatively.

To find your current firmware you can run the channel #4112:

If your firmware is 1.0.115 or older, this manual applies.

Gecho v2 Settings leaflet explained

The leaflet that you received with your unit contains many settings and it is often not obvious from the name alone what every one of them does and how to use it. Please check this detailed explanation, and if something is not clear, feel free to ask in the comments below or on the forum.

Settings marked as WIP (work in progress) may not be implemented in your current firmware version yet. To avoid confusion and need for multiple printed versions of the manual, the place for these settings has been reserved.

Gecho v2 shipping update - August

The production went well

Everything arrived in mid August - boards, accessories and other material - so we could finally start building Gechos for you! The first bunch of parcels was sent on their way and some people already received theirs.

Please be patient, we're doing what we can! To get an idea when you are likely to receive your parcel, check your order page - if you don't know where it is, check your inbox for recent newsletter, it might have ended up in spam or promotions tab. If your order is relatively new, please wait a few days for the next newsletter.

Gecho v2 production update - August

PCB Assembly is done

And the boards are on the way to us. Can't wait! :)

The software is pretty much ready as well

During last month, I've been focusing mainly on getting the firmware to a complete enough state. It is never entirely done, as usually by implementing one thing, two more ideas come to mind :) But there was a few key things to get done for version 1.0 that will be shipped with your units.

Gecho v2 production update - June

Because you asked for Lime Green

We added a new colour to silicone buttons selection. Hope you like it! :)

Gecho v2 production update - May

During the past three weeks we were busy (apart from shipping whales), with designing, testing and planning the production of new lizards.

Silicone buttons

The production samples have arrived. Ain't they beautiful? :)

Three colours for now - translucent, sunflower yellow and bordeaux violet. We may add more later. Lime green or neon green has been suggested, only we cannot agree on an exact shade, please help!

The final Gecho v2 prototype

Since the previous update about v2 that was posted in August last year, it took 3 more revisions to get here. Although the first prototype of Gecho v2 has been completed, blueprints verified by our skilled hobbyist friends who hand-assembled their own boards, and it even passed CE/FCC testing with flying colours, so we could go ahead with the production - it was just not good enough. It needed a small upgrade or two. And, things tend to turn more complicated than they appear :)

Thanks to everyone for encouraging comments, questions and feedback during the past few months, it has been very helpful and contributed a lot to shaping the new model.