Revolution Radio Control - Revision history

EricTimberlake: /* Tools */

2026-03-15T07:49:33Z

Tools

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:49, 15 March 2026
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	'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zigbee Zigbee]''' is extremely similar, but is the one most people haven't heard about, because it's more low key utilitarian in scope. If you have a smart electrical meter on your house it may be part of a '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_mesh_network large Zigbee mesh network]''', for instance. In our case, the Revolution Throttle is a Zigbee Controller. You use the menu to select "linking", then on the decoder end, you press the "link" button for a short period. This causes the Throttle and decoder to pass cryptographic keys with each other and they are then "linked". Because Zigbee is a mesh network, you can repeat this process with addition decoders.		'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zigbee Zigbee]''' is extremely similar, but is the one most people haven't heard about, because it's more low key utilitarian in scope. If you have a smart electrical meter on your house it may be part of a '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_mesh_network large Zigbee mesh network]''', for instance. In our case, the Revolution Throttle is a Zigbee Controller. You use the menu to select "linking", then on the decoder end, you press the "link" button for a short period. This causes the Throttle and decoder to pass cryptographic keys with each other and they are then "linked". Because Zigbee is a mesh network, you can repeat this process with addition decoders.

	= Tools =		= Tools to Update Firmware and Sound Files =

	[[file:Revolution Downloads Screenshot.png\|400px\|thumb\|right\|Downloads page as of 2026]]		[[file:Revolution Downloads Screenshot.png\|400px\|thumb\|right\|Downloads page as of 2026]]

EricTimberlake: /* Step 2 - Starting the upload (Where we will use a special mode of "linking" */

2026-03-15T07:44:18Z

Step 2 - Starting the upload (Where we will use a special mode of "linking"

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:44, 15 March 2026
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	Once the "Load/Program" process is completed, the dialog window will update to say, "'''Searching Target Device Signal'''". You should also note that the red LED on the Programming Adapter changes from a steady state to a rapid blinking state! If you do NOT see the LED blinking, something is wrong! (See hints towards end of article..)		Once the "Load/Program" process is completed, the dialog window will update to say, "'''Searching Target Device Signal'''". You should also note that the red LED on the Programming Adapter changes from a steady state to a rapid blinking state! If you do NOT see the LED blinking, something is wrong! (See hints towards end of article..)

	=== Step 2 - Starting the upload (Where we will use a special mode of "linking" ===		=== Step 2 - Starting the upload (Where we will use a special mode of "linking") ===
	[[File:Revoprogram 4.png\|200px\|thumb\|right\|Transfer Successfully Finished]]		[[File:Revoprogram 4.png\|200px\|thumb\|right\|Transfer Successfully Finished]]
	Move to your staged device - you should have it powered up and at a minimum the "link" button attached. In the photo further up the article you will note a speaker, a motor trigger wires and the link button all attached to the decoder so all the features can be easily tested after the upload process is completed.		Move to your staged device - you should have it powered up and at a minimum the "link" button attached. In the photo further up the article you will note a speaker, a motor trigger wires and the link button all attached to the decoder so all the features can be easily tested after the upload process is completed.

EricTimberlake: /* Bluetooth */

2026-03-15T07:25:40Z

Bluetooth

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:25, 15 March 2026
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	==== Bluetooth ====		==== Bluetooth ====
	'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth Bluetooth]''' should also be familiar - You tell your Bluetooth end node to advertise itself (like a link button!) to be open to linking. Then you initiate a search on the controlling device, your phone, for instance, to '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth#Implementation_2 initiate the link bonding and key generation]'''. ~~Now~~ we have a point to point link between the phone (controller) and the bluetooth device, usually '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_speaker#Bluetooth speakers]''' or '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_headset#Bluetooth headphones]'''.		'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth Bluetooth]''' should also be familiar - You tell your Bluetooth end node to advertise itself (like a link button!) to be open to linking. Then you initiate a search on the controlling device, your phone, for instance, to '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth#Implementation_2 initiate the link bonding and key generation]'''. Unlike WiFi, instead of you deciding on the SSID/password credentials, the nodes being link figure all that crypto key data transparently for you. Once linked, we have a point to point data link between the phone (controller) and the bluetooth device, usually '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_speaker#Bluetooth speakers]''' or '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_headset#Bluetooth headphones]'''.

	==== Zigbee ====		==== Zigbee ====

EricTimberlake: /* Loading the Windows tool "PC Software v1.1" */

2026-03-15T07:03:11Z

Loading the Windows tool "PC Software v1.1"

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:03, 15 March 2026
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	Pay attention to the link button! It is a single momentary contact push button that shorts pins 1-3 to pin 2 of the link connector on the decoder. The connector is a 3x Micro '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JST_connector JST]''' or '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molex Molex]''' PicoBlade connector which are functionally identical. A link button is included with every decoder purchased from Revolution.		Pay attention to the link button! It is a single momentary contact push button that shorts pins 1-3 to pin 2 of the link connector on the decoder. The connector is a 3x Micro '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JST_connector JST]''' or '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molex Molex]''' PicoBlade connector which are functionally identical. A link button is included with every decoder purchased from Revolution.

	[[File:Revo setup 1.jpeg\|none\|1000px\|thumb\|right\|The Basic setup for uploading ~~and testing~~]]		[[File:Revo setup 1.jpeg\|none\|1000px\|thumb\|right\|The Basic setup for uploading Fw using Parallels Windows 11 virtual machine on an Apple M1 laptop]]

	== Setup "PC Software v1.1" to transfer files ==		== Setup "PC Software v1.1" to transfer files ==

EricTimberlake: /* Step 2 - Starting the upload (Where we will use a special mode of "linking" */

2026-03-15T07:00:42Z

Step 2 - Starting the upload (Where we will use a special mode of "linking"

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:00, 15 March 2026
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	Move to your staged device - you should have it powered up and at a minimum the "link" button attached. In the photo further up the article you will note a speaker, a motor trigger wires and the link button all attached to the decoder so all the features can be easily tested after the upload process is completed.		Move to your staged device - you should have it powered up and at a minimum the "link" button attached. In the photo further up the article you will note a speaker, a motor trigger wires and the link button all attached to the decoder so all the features can be easily tested after the upload process is completed.

	The link button has '''DUAL FUNCTIONALITY'''. A ''very short'' press doesn't do anything. A ''medium'' length press puts the decoder in standard linking mode. A '''''LONG PRESS''''' (what we want to do in this case) triggers a special upgrade mode and will immediately link with the USB Device Programmer and start transferring the staged file embedded in the Programming Adapter. ~~You~~ should be able to see the transfer progress updating in the "PC Software v1.1" window.		<big>The link button has '''DUAL FUNCTIONALITY'''. A '''''very short''''' press doesn't do anything. A '''''medium''''' length press puts the decoder in standard linking mode. A '''''LONG PRESS''''' (what we want to do in this case) triggers a special upgrade mode and will immediately link with the USB Device Programmer and start transferring the staged file embedded in the Programming Adapter. As you are pressing and holding the decoder link button, watch the decoder LED. After 1/2 second of pressing the link button, it will flash quickly, KEEP pressing the link button for approximately 4-5 seconds and it shifts into FW update mode. The LED will blink much slower and upon release of the link button you should be able to see the transfer progress updating in the "PC Software v1.1" window.</big>

	The USB Device Programmer red LED should still be blinking at a fast pace.		The USB Device Programmer red LED should still be blinking at a fast pace while the file transfer is in progress.

	'''<big>At this time, press and HOLD the link button. The decoder LED will first flash quickly, then after a few seconds will slow down - that's the sign you have entered the second "programming mode". Release the link button and observe the "PC Software v1.1" window to monitor the transfer process.		'''<big>At this time, press and HOLD the link button. The decoder LED will first flash quickly, then after a few seconds will slow down - that's the sign you have entered the second "programming mode". Release the link button and observe the "PC Software v1.1" window to monitor the transfer process.

EricTimberlake: /* Updating the throttle vs. a decoder */

2026-03-15T06:53:20Z

Updating the throttle vs. a decoder

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:53, 14 March 2026
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	=== Updating the throttle vs. a decoder ===		=== Updating the throttle vs. a decoder ===
	[[File:Throttle update dialog.jpeg\|300px\|thumb\|right\|confirmation dialog]][[File:Revolution throttle update status.jpeg\|300px\|thumb\|right\|update status]]		[[File:Throttle update dialog.jpeg\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Throttle FW update confirmation dialog (LONG PRESS)]][[File:Revolution throttle update status.jpeg\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Revolution throttle FW update status]]

	Updating the throttle Firmware is a similar process with just some minor variations.		Updating the throttle Firmware is a similar process with just some minor variations.

EricTimberlake: /* Updating the throttle vs. a decoder */

2026-03-15T06:52:11Z

Updating the throttle vs. a decoder

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:52, 14 March 2026
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	=== Updating the throttle vs. a decoder ===		=== Updating the throttle vs. a decoder ===
			[[File:Throttle update dialog.jpeg\|300px\|thumb\|right\|confirmation dialog]][[File:Revolution throttle update status.jpeg\|300px\|thumb\|right\|update status]]

	Updating the throttle Firmware is a similar process with just some minor variations.		Updating the throttle Firmware is a similar process with just some minor variations.
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	If something is wrong and you can't see any progress happening, use the MENU and ON/OFF button together to reset the decoder. DO NOT do this "mid transfer"! It may brick your throttle! Only do this if something is amiss and the process never starts at all.		If something is wrong and you can't see any progress happening, use the MENU and ON/OFF button together to reset the decoder. DO NOT do this "mid transfer"! It may brick your throttle! Only do this if something is amiss and the process never starts at all.

	~~[[File:Throttle update dialog.jpeg\|none\|300px\|thumb\|left\|confirmation dialog]]~~
	~~[[File:Revolution throttle update status.jpeg\|none\|300px\|thumb\|left\|update status]]~~

	== Errors and Caveats ==		== Errors and Caveats ==

EricTimberlake: /* Step 2 - Starting the upload (Where we will use a special mode of "linking" */

2026-03-15T06:49:36Z

Step 2 - Starting the upload (Where we will use a special mode of "linking"

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:49, 14 March 2026
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	=== Step 2 - Starting the upload (Where we will use a special mode of "linking" ===		=== Step 2 - Starting the upload (Where we will use a special mode of "linking" ===
			[[File:Revoprogram 4.png\|200px\|thumb\|right\|Transfer Successfully Finished]]
	Move to your staged device - you should have it powered up and at a minimum the "link" button attached. In the photo further up the article you will note a speaker, a motor trigger wires and the link button all attached to the decoder so all the features can be easily tested after the upload process is completed.		Move to your staged device - you should have it powered up and at a minimum the "link" button attached. In the photo further up the article you will note a speaker, a motor trigger wires and the link button all attached to the decoder so all the features can be easily tested after the upload process is completed.

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	It should be noted that this special link mode is for pairing to the USB Device Programmer, which then knows to download the "staged" file. It does not erase or alter already established credentials..		It should be noted that this special link mode is for pairing to the USB Device Programmer, which then knows to download the "staged" file. It does not erase or alter already established credentials..
	a
	When it is completed, it will note "Transfer Successfully Finished" similar to the screen shot below.. This is a good sign!		When it is completed, it will note "Transfer Successfully Finished" similar to the screen shot below.. This is a good sign!

	~~[[File:Revoprogram 4.png\|none\|800px\|thumb\|left\|Transfer Successfully Finished]]~~


	After the process is completed, simply power cycle the decoder and test to your satisfaction.. In the very first photo, I have a decoder with a motor, a speaker, input triggers, and a link button.. This is just a PARTIAL test setup - a full setup would have a number of LED's attached to the headlights and the function outputs.		After the process is completed, simply power cycle the decoder and test to your satisfaction.. In the very first photo, I have a decoder with a motor, a speaker, input triggers, and a link button.. This is just a PARTIAL test setup - a full setup would have a number of LED's attached to the headlights and the function outputs.

EricTimberlake: /* Sending the staged file from the Programming Adapter to the target */

2026-03-15T06:48:32Z

Sending the staged file from the Programming Adapter to the target

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:48, 14 March 2026
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	=== Sending the staged file from the Programming Adapter to the target ===		=== Sending the staged file from the Programming Adapter to the target ===
			[[File:Revoprogram 2.png\|200px\|thumb\|right\|Step two in the upload process]]
	Once the "Load/Program" process is completed, the dialog window will update to say, "'''Searching Target Device Signal'''". You should also note that the red LED on the Programming Adapter changes from a steady state to a rapid blinking state! If you do NOT see the LED blinking, something is wrong! (See hints towards end of article..)		Once the "Load/Program" process is completed, the dialog window will update to say, "'''Searching Target Device Signal'''". You should also note that the red LED on the Programming Adapter changes from a steady state to a rapid blinking state! If you do NOT see the LED blinking, something is wrong! (See hints towards end of article..)

	~~[[File:Revoprogram 2.png\|none\|800px\|thumb\|left\|Step two in the upload process]]~~

	=== Step 2 - Starting the upload (Where we will use a special mode of "linking" ===		=== Step 2 - Starting the upload (Where we will use a special mode of "linking" ===

EricTimberlake: /* Setup "PC Software v1.1" to transfer files */

2026-03-15T06:47:54Z

Setup "PC Software v1.1" to transfer files

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:47, 14 March 2026
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	== Setup "PC Software v1.1" to transfer files ==		== Setup "PC Software v1.1" to transfer files ==
	[[File:Revoprogram 1.png\|~~400px~~\|thumb\|right\|A PC Software v1.1 screen shot BEFORE inserting the USB Device Programmer]]		[[File:Revoprogram 1.png\|200px\|thumb\|right\|A PC Software v1.1 screen shot BEFORE inserting the USB Device Programmer]]
	So, now you should have Windows (real or virtual) running, the USB Programming Adapter inserted into a USB port.. When you insert the USB Programming Adapter there are two LED's of note. A blue LED that indicates power and a red LED that indicates various states of use.		So, now you should have Windows (real or virtual) running, the USB Programming Adapter inserted into a USB port.. When you insert the USB Programming Adapter there are two LED's of note. A blue LED that indicates power and a red LED that indicates various states of use.