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  1. #1
    Service Manager 5,000+ Posts tsbservice's Avatar
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    General Firmware question

    Hi Folks, I have some obscurity regarding Base and Special FWs.
    Namely for older models, let say B224e for example, latest Base FW is from 2016.
    After that there is like 20 newer Special FWs.
    Do I have to keep machines with latest Special FWs, or may sit on latest Base if NO specific problems?
    Also in therms of general security which FW version is better to be installed?
    Waiting for your expert advice, KM tech support doesn't sound very clear on this.
    A tree is known by its fruit, a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost, he who sows courtesy, reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.

    Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.

    I don't reply to private messages from end users.

  2. #2
    Certified Konica Expert 2,500+ Posts
    General Firmware question

    Synthohol's Avatar
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    Re: General Firmware question

    Personally if there are no problems with the copier scanning faxing anything like that I leave the firmware alone if there's an issue that the firmware would fix yes I will upgrade it but being that you're not having any problems the special firmwares are strictly designed to fix specific issues not to be used as just general use the oldest adage I know is if it ain't broke don't fix it
    We know a thing or two because we've seen a thing or two.
    Also don't ask me for files without a contributor badge.

  3. #3
    Service Manager 1,000+ Posts
    General Firmware question

    guitar9199's Avatar
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    Re: General Firmware question

    Quote Originally Posted by Synthohol View Post
    Personally if there are no problems with the copier scanning faxing anything like that I leave the firmware alone if there's an issue that the firmware would fix yes I will upgrade it but being that you're not having any problems the special firmwares are strictly designed to fix specific issues not to be used as just general use the oldest adage I know is if it ain't broke don't fix it

    Which is NOT to be confused with my late brother's "Rules For Construction"

    Rule 1: Cut it large, then kick it into place.
    Rule 2: If it ain't broke, you're not trying hard enough.
    Rule 3: "Level and Plumb" aren't so much rules...as they are "Guidelines".
    Rule 4: If you're always carrying something, the foreman won't find something for you to do.
    Rule 5: Let the younger guys do the ladder work.
    Rule 6: Let the skinny guys do the crawlspace work.
    And finally... Rule 7: If it jams...FORCE it! If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway!


    ...I miss my little brother.

  4. #4
    IT Manager 10,000+ Posts bsm2's Avatar
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    Re: General Firmware question

    If it ain't broke Don't FIX IT! (Don't Break IT)

  5. #5
    Service Manager 5,000+ Posts tsbservice's Avatar
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    Re: General Firmware question

    Quote Originally Posted by guitar9199 View Post
    Which is NOT to be confused with my late brother's "Rules For Construction"

    Rule 1: Cut it large, then kick it into place.
    Rule 2: If it ain't broke, you're not trying hard enough.
    Rule 3: "Level and Plumb" aren't so much rules...as they are "Guidelines".
    Rule 4: If you're always carrying something, the foreman won't find something for you to do.
    Rule 5: Let the younger guys do the ladder work.
    Rule 6: Let the skinny guys do the crawlspace work.
    And finally... Rule 7: If it jams...FORCE it! If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway!


    ...I miss my little brother.
    Quote Originally Posted by bsm2 View Post
    If it ain't broke Don't FIX IT! (Don't Break IT)

    Thanks for your input. Anyway, I failed to see what it gives about my question.
    A tree is known by its fruit, a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost, he who sows courtesy, reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.

    Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.

    I don't reply to private messages from end users.

  6. #6
    Field Supervisor 500+ Posts
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    Re: General Firmware question

    Quote Originally Posted by Synthohol View Post
    Personally if there are no problems with the copier scanning faxing anything like that I leave the firmware alone if there's an issue that the firmware would fix yes I will upgrade it but being that you're not having any problems the special firmwares are strictly designed to fix specific issues not to be used as just general use the oldest adage I know is if it ain't broke don't fix it
    Well there’s your answer right there!

    Only use special firmware to fix specific issues. Otherwise use the latest mass release firmware available.

    Always read the release notes for the firmware.

    I don’t generally update firmware unless required.

    The only exception at on at the moment is the new i models which are having many updates at present so I always do them.

  7. #7
    Service Manager 5,000+ Posts tsbservice's Avatar
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    Re: General Firmware question

    Quote Originally Posted by tech51 View Post
    Well there’s your answer right there!

    Only use special firmware to fix specific issues. Otherwise use the latest mass release firmware available.

    Always read the release notes for the firmware.

    I don’t generally update firmware unless required.

    The only exception at on at the moment is the new i models which are having many updates at present so I always do them.
    Thanks for your opinion, though exclamation mark is a bit unnecessary.

    1. I read and still think over what Synthohol answered as he is the one of first members here from who I expect and wait for opinion.
    2. I always read(if possible) BEFORE take actions especially FW updates.
    3. For example: Bizhub C258

    Latest Base FW G00-W4

    Special Firmwares AFTER latest Base version:
    - GC1-W4 38 Fixed issues
    - GC2-W4 40 Fixed issues
    - GPA-V1 87 features(countermeasures) are included
    - GP2-W4 128 features(countermeasures) are included

    I truly understand the concept behind "if it works don't fix it", just not convinced enough how I will proceed at the moment.
    Any other thoughts on this subject are Welcome and are much appreciated.
    A tree is known by its fruit, a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost, he who sows courtesy, reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.

    Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.

    I don't reply to private messages from end users.

  8. #8
    Service Manager 5,000+ Posts
    General Firmware question

    copier tech's Avatar
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    Re: General Firmware question

    Quote Originally Posted by tsbservice View Post
    Hi Folks, I have some obscurity regarding Base and Special FWs.
    Namely for older models, let say B224e for example, latest Base FW is from 2016.
    After that there is like 20 newer Special FWs.
    Do I have to keep machines with latest Special FWs, or may sit on latest Base if NO specific problems?
    Also in therms of general security which FW version is better to be installed?
    Waiting for your expert advice, KM tech support doesn't sound very clear on this.

    I update all may machines when each firmware is released this is important as keeping the fw upto date prevents future issue before they arise!

    The key to being a good engineer is to carry out a PM (Preventative maintenance) each time to attend a call out.

    You can also upgrade to the latest function version, so good features enabled AirPrint being the main one that springs to mind.
    Let us eat, drink, and be merry, because tomorrow we may die!

    For all your firmware & service manual needs please visit us at:

    www.copierfirmware.co.uk - www.printerfirmware.co.uk




  9. #9
    Service Manager 5,000+ Posts
    General Firmware question

    copier tech's Avatar
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    Re: General Firmware question

    Quote Originally Posted by bsm2 View Post
    If it ain't broke Don't FIX IT! (Don't Break IT)
    This Is like saying well my car ain't broke so i'm not taking it for a service!


    Let us eat, drink, and be merry, because tomorrow we may die!

    For all your firmware & service manual needs please visit us at:

    www.copierfirmware.co.uk - www.printerfirmware.co.uk




  10. #10
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    Re: General Firmware question

    Quote Originally Posted by copier tech View Post

    I update all may machines when each firmware is released this is important as keeping the fw upto date prevents future issue before they arise!

    The key to being a good engineer is to carry out a PM (Preventative maintenance) each time to attend a call out.

    You can also upgrade to the latest function version, so good features enabled AirPrint being the main one that springs to mind.
    I disagree with this.

    The key to being a good engineer is to be aware of potential issues and take appropriate action.

    If you are running any form of solution on the device such as safeq, paper cut etc, you have to be careful with firmware updates as some can prevent solutions from running.

    I’ve seen updates that introduced more problems than they cured!

    Everyone has their own opinion but as an engineer with 37 years experience I will always leave firmware as it is until required.

    I have found this to be the best policy for me.

    No more comments from me on this issue.

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