I’m working with the Nanlux 5000B for the first time, prepping them for a series I’m on.  Gotta say- updating these was a giant PITA and for no reason.  When you download the firmware, there are instructions inside.  It says we are supposed to put all the files on the root directory of a flash drive (this is accurate).  Then turn the unit on, navigate to Fixture Settings>Firmware Update, and it should see the firmware and give you one last confirmation screen.  Every time I got to that screen, the unit froze completely.  Nothing worked at all.  

After the usual suspects were explored (smaller flash drive, fresh reformat to FAT32, etc) I was finally provided the answer by G Markham on the Lighting Console Programmers and DMX Techs Facebook group I’m a member of:

Power the unit off.  Insert the drive.

Press and hold menu and power the unit on.

The unit bypasses the rest of the software and immediately goes into the final prompt to choose the firmware to update to.  With this different approach, the unit responds and allows the update.

Bonus- it accepted my 256gb drive by starting this way.

Getting to this answer took hours of time, which are taken away from my prep time.  Hopefully, this answer will find you when you need it!  

Any other new-ish lights that you’ve found need weird answers like this to update them or just get them running well?  It’s always my intent to have this website be a space for any such answers.  Please comment and save others from more frustration!  Happy programming!

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Mark LaPierre is a programmer in film, television and theater based out of Albuquerque.  He grew up in live entertainment and has been a designer/programmer for musicals, concert dance, live music, circus and corporate.  Mark is a proud member of IATSE, an ETC Eos trainer and an enthusiastic trainer of many other platforms and subjects.  He offers remote console coaching in 30 minute to 4 hour times as well as a full range of training in person.  If you enjoy his content, please consider commenting on his posts on the website to appease the Algorithm.