Firmware Problems
Is your Zen firmware version displaying as 0.0.0? Does the update tool say No Devices Found? Does it say your firmware is incompatible with Zen Studio? are you getting a Network Error warning? This page has everything you need.
If the update tool displays "No Devices Found" and you are 100% sure you have connected Zen to your Windows PC correctly, using the micro-USB cable connected to the CONSOLE/PC USB Port, and the OLED screen says "Zen Bootloader", try the second longer micro-USB cable that came with your Zen, and be sure to use the onboard USB ports of a desktop computer, not the front extension ports (all laptop/notebook USB ports are onboard).
Now let's take you through this step-by-step....
1️⃣ Connect the Zen to your PC from the CONSOLE/PC USB Port using the short (12") micro-USB cable (If using a desktop, use the onboard USB ports, preferably USB3 or any USB port labelled "SS").
Zen's OLD screen now should display the Zen GearHead logo. You you now jump to Step 2.
If you leave the Zen alone for 30 seconds, the OLED screen will start "snowing". Don't panic, this is the screensaver to protect against any screen burn, just like any modern OLED TV 🙂
2. Open Zen Studio v and go to Tools > Firmware Update, then click Yes. Don't worry about Bootloader mode until the next step.
3. The update tool should display "No Devices Found". Now hold down Zen's small blue reset button while connecting the short micro-USB cable from your PC to Zen's rear CONSOLE/PC USB port. Keep it held until the OLED Message Screen displays "Zen Bootloader".
4. If the Zen is detected correctly, the update tool will now display "Collective Minds Cronus ZEN", the serial number, and the firmware version or your Zen. Clicking the detected device will take you to the next screen.
5. If you're programming to the latest version , all you need to do is click "Continue".
6. This is the final confirmation that your Zen will be upgraded be upgraded to . Click "Begin Update".
7. Zen will now start to flash the firmware. This part takes around 20 seconds.
8. Once the firmware update has successfully completed, Zen's RGB LEDs will flash RED, GREEN, and BLUE.
9. If it still displays "No Devices Found", try using a powered USB hub (the Cronus MK Switch works great). This will likely solve the problem. If it doesn't, as a last resort, try another Windows PC and if it still won't connect, sadly it means your Zen has likely developed a fault. You should return it to the original point of purchase for a new replacement under its warranty.
You are not running the latest firmware or you're not running the latest Zen Studio software. You will only ever see this message when one or the other is out of alignment.
The latest versions are:
Firmware: Zen Studio:
If the Zen firmware version is showing as 0.0.0, it means it is corrupt (interrupted programming, bad USB cable, updating using a Mac etc.). Follow the instructions on this page to downgrade to the oldest firmware and then upgrade to the newest.
If you have tried other USB cables and as a last resort, another Windows PC and it still shows as version 0.0.0, sadly it means your Zen has developed a fault. You should return it to the original point of purchase for a new replacement under its warranty.
Reasons for a Network Error:
Not connected to the internet or your modem needs resetting
Security software is blocking the download (Temporarily disable Anti-Virus and/or Firewall)
Your ISP is blocking access to our server (Use a free VPN like ProtonVPN)
Reasons for an Unexpected Error:
- The CONSOLE/PC (micro-USB) cable is not connected correctly or is faulty
- Bad USB port on your PC (usually low power)
- Not connected to the internet or your modem needs resetting
- Security software is blocking the download (Temporarily disable Anti-Virus and/or Firewall)
This is a Windows error and usually means that the USB cable is bad, or the power on the USB port is too weak, or the firmware is corrupt.
Steps to resolve:
- First, make sure you are using Zen Studio version .
- Perform a Hard Reset.
- Update the firmware to
- If you were able to program the firmware in Step 3, then whatever problem you had is now solved. Still bad? OK....
- If you couldn't program, try another micro-USB cable and connect to a different USB port on your computer. Make sure the cable is firmly connected to Zen's CONSOLE/PC port, and the PC USB port should be on-board (not an extension cable) and USB3.0 (it's usually blue or labeled SS).
- If you still get the error at this point the only way to be sure if the Zen has developed a fault is to try another PC.
If you have tried other USB cables and as a last resort, another Windows PC and it still shows as USB device not recognized, sadly it means your Zen may have developed a fault. You should return it to the original point of purchase for a new replacement under its warranty.
Click here for the Cronus Shop's warranty and return policy.