Step 1 - Program Zen Firmware
Everything you need to program the Cronus Zen firmware, including step instructions for both downgrading and upgrading.
Since Zen Studio Build 1.2.1-beta.119, you no longer need to download the firmware update tool separately - it is now built into Zen Studio (Tools > Firmware Update). If you are updating using a MAC, you will need to download a separate update tool: Mac Update Tool
DOWNLOAD ZEN STUDIO
First, you need Zen Studio version 👉 DOWNLOAD
ZEN LABELS
These are the names of all USB ports, buttons and LEDs, as well as the USB cable types. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these as they are used throughout this user guide and whenever you need support in the Cronus Community.
UPGRADE ZEN
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 🙂
2️⃣ Open Zen Studio v and go to Tools > Firmware Update, then click Yes. Don't worry about Bootloader mode until the next step.
3️⃣ 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".
9If 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.
5️⃣ If you're programming to the latest version , all you need to do is click "Continue".
DOWNGRADE ZEN
You can also downgrade the firmware for reasons such as repair, firmware memory space reset, or simply testing a new feature of a firmware release. This enables you to test for bugs and report them effectively to the Cronus Community Support Team, so it can be fixed as quickly as possible 👍
6️⃣ This is the final confirmation that your Zen will be upgraded be upgraded to . Click "Begin Update".
7️⃣ Zen will now start to flash the firmware. This part takes around 20 seconds.
8️⃣ Once the firmware update has successfully completed, Zen's RGB LEDs will flash RED, GREEN, and BLUE. and you are ready to start using Zen Studio (go to Step 9).
9️⃣ You are now ready for Step 2 - Setup Zen Studio. You should have Zen Studio v already open, so now you need to connect the PROG mini-USB cable from your PC to the Zen. This is for settings, configuration, and programming scripts and GamePacks with Zen Studio.
Without the PROG mini-USB cable connected, Zen Studio will say "Device Disconnected in the status bar (lower left), and you will NOT have any access to the GPC Library, Scripts, Gamepacks, M&K Settings. or any plugins.
NO DEVICES FOUND
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 (see image above), 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).
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.
TROUBLSHOOTING
Problem programming Zen's firmware? This guide addresses every known Firmware Problem 👈