Fnirsi-1014d Firmware Update
Before diving into the technical steps, it is vital to understand the benefits. FNIRSI has released multiple firmware versions since the 1014D’s launch. You might be running version 1.0.1 or 1.0.2, while the latest stable versions often reach 1.0.4 or higher (special editions like 1.0.51 for modified hardware). Here is what an update brings to the table:
Have a unique issue? Visit the EEVBlog FNIRSI-1014D master thread or contact FNIRSI support directly with your hardware ID.
To update the firmware on your FNIRSI-1014D digital oscilloscope, follow these steps to ensure a safe and successful installation. Note that using the wrong firmware file can cause display issues like a shifted screen. Preparation Download the Firmware : Visit the FNIRSI Software Downloads page or the Manuals & Firmwares section to find the latest official Verify File Name : The firmware file must be named FSI-1014.bin for the device to recognize it during startup. Hardware Connection
: Use a high-quality Micro USB data cable to connect the oscilloscope to your PC. Update Procedure Enter USB Export Mode Turn on the oscilloscope. Navigate to the menu and select the USB Export USB Connection Access the Drive
Your computer will recognize the device as a removable USB flash drive. Open the drive and delete all existing files to ensure a clean install. Transfer the Firmware FSI-1014.bin file onto the oscilloscope's drive. Finalize the Update Safely eject the USB drive and unplug the cable. the oscilloscope. the device again. The system will automatically detect the
file, verify its integrity, and write the new firmware to the internal FLASH memory. This usually takes less than one minute. Alternative: Open-Source Firmware For advanced users looking for extra features, there is an open-source project GitHub (pecostm32)
that offers alternative firmware and a bootloader. This allows for a startup menu to choose between different firmware versions. FNIRSI-1014D FNIRSI 1014D - How to do a Firmaware Upgrade Tutorial 3 Jun 2021 —
The FNIRSI-1014D Go to product viewer dialog for this item. provides a robust firmware update system that allows you to easily refresh the internal software via a simple USB drag-and-drop process. Core Update Features
Dual Screen Compatibility: Official updates typically include two .bin files to support the different LCD screens used in production. If your screen appears shifted after an update, you simply load the other version to fix it.
Safety Net: Loading the "wrong" official version will not brick your device; it only causes a display offset that is reversible by reflashing.
Automatic Installation: Once the FSI-1014.bin file is copied to the internal storage and the device is power-cycled, it automatically detects and installs the update. Latest Version & Source
Current Stable: The most recent official version is V3.0 (dated Oct 6, 2021).
Official Downloads: Files are available on the FNIRSI Software Download Page.
Community Enhancements: If you are looking for advanced features, the pecostm32 GitHub repository offers open-source alternative firmware that includes a bootloader for switching between multiple firmware versions. Update Steps fnirsi-1014d firmware update
Connect the oscilloscope to your PC via a USB "A to A" cable.
In the device menu, select MENU > USB export to make it appear as a drive. Copy the FSI-1014.bin file to the drive root.
Eject the drive, disconnect, and power cycle the device to begin the 20-second installation.
Updating the firmware on a FNIRSI-1014D digital oscilloscope introduces several functional improvements and maintenance fixes. The official updates primarily address hardware compatibility, while community-driven "custom" firmware adds entirely new user-facing features. Official Firmware Update Features
Official updates from the FNIRSI support site (such as Version 3.0) typically focus on:
Hardware Compatibility: Versions are often optimized for different display hardware used during production; installing the correct one fixes screen alignment issues like the display shifting or cutting off.
Bug Fixes: Addresses known system stability issues and potential boot freezes.
Calibration Improvements: Refines the accuracy of measurement readouts, such as voltage and current levels. Community/Custom Firmware Features
Open-source projects like the pecostm32/FNIRSI_1014D_Firmware on GitHub add features not present in the original software:
Startup Bootloader Menu: Allows you to choose between multiple firmware versions at startup by holding a specific button during power-on.
Modified Interface: Provides a new "Basic Function Interface" with a rearranged waveform display area and simplified measurement slots.
Open Source Control: Enables power users to modify the oscilloscope's behavior, including custom logos and grid configurations. How to Update FNIRSI 1014D - How to do a Firmaware Upgrade Tutorial
To update the firmware of your FNIRSI-1014D Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Before diving into the technical steps, it is
, you generally need to place a specifically named file on the device's internal storage and restart it. While official support can sometimes be inconsistent, community members and technical forums like EEVblog have documented the process extensively. Latest Known Version
As of April 2026, the most recent stable official firmware version for the remains v3.0 (often dated around October 2021). Firmware Update Procedure
Obtain the Firmware: Download the latest firmware file, typically named FSI-1014.bin, from the FNIRSI Software Download page or community-verified links. Connect to PC : Connect your FNIRSI-1014D to your computer using a USB "A" to "A" cable.
Enable USB Export: On the oscilloscope, go to MENU → USB export. The device should appear on your computer as an approximately 8GB external drive.
Transfer the File: Copy the FSI-1014.bin file directly to the root directory of this drive.
Safety First: Eject or unmount the drive properly from your PC to ensure the file is fully written.
Initiate Update: Disconnect the USB cable, turn the oscilloscope off, and then back on. The device will detect the update file at startup, display a progress bar for about 20 seconds, and then reboot automatically. Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Screen Shift/Offset: There are two different screen hardware versions for the
. If your screen appears shifted or distorted after an update, you likely need the "other" version of the v3.0 firmware provided by FNIRSI to match your specific display.
Black Screen/Non-Booting: If the device fails to boot after a bad update, some users recommend opening the device to manually format the internal SD card or using a firmware loader tool to restore the original data.
Alternative Firmware: For advanced users, open-source reverse-engineered firmware exists on GitHub, which sometimes offers improved features like custom boot loaders.
The Evolution of the FNIRSI-1014D: A Study in Firmware Lifecycle and Community Innovation
The FNIRSI-1014D has established itself as a staple in the "budget oscilloscope" market, favored by hobbyists for its dual-channel capabilities and integrated signal generator. However, as is common with affordable electronics, its hardware is only as capable as the firmware governing it. The story of the FNIRSI-1014D’s firmware updates is one of essential maintenance, manufacturer-side hardware shifts, and a remarkably active open-source community that has pushed the device beyond its original design. The Utility of Firmware Updates Verdict on process: Clunky, but stable
At its core, firmware provides the fundamental instructions for how a device interacts with its hardware and external inputs. For an oscilloscope like the 1014D, firmware updates serve three primary roles: fixing inherent software bugs, improving performance (such as waveform stability or calibration accuracy), and expanding compatibility. Without these updates, users often face persistent issues like voltage readout inaccuracies or screen distortion. Manufacturer Updates and the Hardware Fragment
The official firmware lifecycle, reaching up to version 3.0, highlights a peculiar challenge in Chinese electronics manufacturing: hardware fragmentation. Throughout the 1014D’s production, FNIRSI used different LCD panels, leading to a situation where a "one size fits all" update could actually break a device.
This is why official updates often come in two versions. If a user installs Version A and finds their screen "shifted" or distorted, they must switch to Version B. The update process itself is relatively straightforward—connecting the device to a PC via USB, enabling "USB Export" mode, and replacing the FSI-1014.bin
file on the internal storage. However, the lack of consistent customer support from the manufacturer has often left users to troubleshoot these screen-shifting issues through community forums. Firmware vs. Software | IBM
Here’s a concise breakdown of what makes the FNIRSI-1014D firmware update process interesting, based on common user experiences and technical discussions.
Let’s get the elephant in the room out first. Updating the 1014D is not like updating your phone.
Verdict on process: Clunky, but stable. I’ve done it three times. No bricks. But FNIRSI really needs a USB bootloader.
Gather your tools:
The FNIRSI-1014D has taken the DIY electronics and professional repair world by storm. It is a budget-friendly, dual-channel tablet oscilloscope that packs a punch, offering a 100MHz bandwidth, a 1GS/s sampling rate, and a large 7-inch TFT LCD screen. However, like any sophisticated piece of digital measurement equipment, its performance is dictated not just by the hardware, but by the software running inside it—the firmware.
If you own a 1014D and have ever experienced a bug, a laggy interface, or wished for a new feature, you have likely stumbled upon the need for a FNIRSI-1014D firmware update. This process, while slightly different from updating a smartphone, is crucial for unlocking your oscilloscope's full potential.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know: why you should update, how to identify your hardware revision, the step-by-step flashing process, common pitfalls, and where to find reliable firmware files.
If you own a FNIRSI-1014D, you know the drill. It’s the budget oscilloscope that shocked the market: a 10.1-inch IPS display, dual-channel, 100MHz bandwidth, and 1GSa/s sampling—all for under $200. But for the first year, users had a love-hate relationship. The hardware was a steal; the software was… beta.
Then came the firmware updates. Not the usual “bug fixes and stability improvements” nonsense. I’m talking about fundamental personality changes.
I decided to risk bricking my unit to see if the latest update (v1.0.5 as of this review) turns a decent scope into a great one—or just rearranges the deck chairs on the Titanic.