# Bricked after the firmware update

If your Electra One MIDI Controller fails to start and remains on a black screen after attempting to power it on, it might be due to an invalid firmware image being uploaded to the device. This situation can make the controller appear "bricked," but it can be resolved by entering the bootloader mode and managing the firmware images directly.

# Symptoms of an Invalid Firmware Upload

  • Black Screen on Power-Up: The controller does not show any startup animation or lights; the screen stays black after powering it on.
  • Unresponsive Device: The Electra One seems unresponsive to button presses or other interactions under normal startup conditions.

# Recovery Procedure

  1. Prepare the Controller

    • Ensure that your Electra One MIDI Controller is not connected to any power source.
  2. Enter Bootloader Mode

    • Hold down the bottom-right button on the controller.
    • While holding the button, connect the Electra One controller to a power source using the USB cable.
    • Continue to hold the bottom-right button until the bootloader screen appears on the device.
  3. Manage Firmware in Disk Mode

    • Once in bootloader mode, you can select Disk Mode to access the device's storage directly from a computer.
    • Use this mode to upload a valid firmware image or remove the invalid one. Ensure to safely eject the device before disconnecting it from the computer.
  4. Select a Firmware Image to Boot

    • If multiple firmware images are available on the device, you can tap on the desired firmware image to boot from it.
    • This feature allows you to switch between different versions of firmware or recover from an invalid upload without needing a computer.

# Important Notes

  • If the bootloader mode cannot be accessed by holding the bottom-right button, this indicates a more severe issue that might not be resolvable through standard recovery steps.
  • In such cases, seek further assistance to avoid causing additional damage to your controller.

# Seeking Further Assistance

  • If you encounter difficulties entering the bootloader mode or managing firmware images, please reach out for support.
  • Alternatively, join the Electra One Community Forum (opens new window) to seek advice from other users who might have faced similar issues. Sharing your experience can also help others in the community.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of a black screen on startup due to an invalid firmware upload.