D415 FW-Update : Device is locked for update
For development purposes it is needed to overcome this locked state.
Especially for downgrading the D415-FW to an older version and testing and comparing performance and stability of the running system too.
Need regarding advice urgently please.
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Firmware update started
Firmware update progress: 8[%]RealSense error calling rs2_update_firmware_cpp(device:0x7fb6a000aea0, fw_image:0x55eed6775e60):
Device: 901313020970 is locked for update.
Use firmware version higher than: 5.15.0.2
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Hi Werner RealSense cameras have a limit of 20 firmware downgrades, after which they become 'locked for update' and can subsequently only be updated to a newer firmware than the one that is currently installed in the camera. This lock exists permanently for the lifetime of the camera.
This downgrade lock is described on page 101 of the current edition of the data sheet document for the 400 Series cameras.
https://dev.intelrealsense.com/docs/intel-realsense-d400-series-product-family-datasheet
The firmware is stored on a circuit board in the camera called the Vision Processor D4 V1. So it may be possible to reset the counter to zero by purchasing a replacement D4 V1 board, opening up the camera and swapping the board. The same problem would occur again in future though if repeated downgrades were performed. And replacing the board would likely invalidate the camera's sales warranty if it was purchased less than a year ago.
Instead of testing multiple firmwares, a stability strategy that you could consider is to apply a 'one version back' rule, where you use an SDK and firmware version that is one version older than the latest one so that there is time for any problems to come to light before you commit to adopting them.
The current firmware at the time of writing this is 5.15.1.0 and the previous version before that ('one version back') was 5.15.0.2, which is the one that you have apparently currently got installed in your camera. So a stable configuration should be provided by keeping the firmware that you currently have, and using SDK version 2.54.1 with it instead of the current latest 2.54.2.
Instability is more likely to occur if a particular SDK version is not used with the specific firmware version recommended for it in the Recommended Firmware section of a version's release information.
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Hi Alon Aside from replacing the Vision Processor D4 board as suggested to Werner, there is not a mechanism for resetting the firmware limit counter, unfortunately.
This restriction has been in place since the original RealSense camera model in 2014. Whilst there is not an official statement explaining the reason for it, my memory recollection from the past is that it is intended to help to stop the camera from being maliciously affected by software updates with bad intentions.
I would expect the next new firmware that is higher than 5.16.0.1 to become available around the end of September 2024 when the next RealSense SDK release is currently planned for. With the downgrade lock in place though, although you can still upgrade to newer firmwares it is no longer possible to downgrade to an older firmware than the one that is currently installed in your camera.
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Hi Marty
thanx for the quick reply.
I'm disappointed from the low quality of the product, but at least I know where I stand.
I have another related question:
My locked camera (its 435i) is not only locked for update, but also stopped completely showing its pictures in intel realsense viewer.
I can see it in device manager of windows 10, and even in the windows camera app I can see its video stream works fine.
but realsense viewer 2.91 does not show it.
is this the expected behavior of "locked" camera?
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A camera being locked for downgrades does not affect its ability to stream. It is important though that the firmware version installed in the camera is compatible with the RealSense Viewer version that you are using. Each Viewer version typically has a unique firmware version that is recommended for it.
The current latest RealSense Viewer version is 2.55.1. It does not yet go up to 2.91. Can you confirm which Viewer version you are using, please? The version number is shown at the top of the Viewer window.
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