Spark Upgrade Guide

This page details how to update the firmware on the Vortex Spark.

It is important to keep the Spark up to date to avoid bugs and use the latest safety fixes.

  • Use a data-capable USB cable, power-only cables won’t work.
  • Windows will notify upon successful connection
  • Mac may work but is not officially supported.
  • With the Spark plugged in, navigate a Google Chrome browser to lightshow.lol and click the Connect Device USB icon:

Note: Other browsers may work if they support WebSerial

  • Chrome will popup a new window, select USB JTAG/serial debug unit from the list
  • When the Spark connects the Device Updates panel will appear, press the Update Firmware Now button to update the Spark:

  • Let the firmware flash complete, unplug the Spark, then flip the power switch to check that it turns on  

  • Cycle through all of the modes to verify the flash was successful

Troubleshooting

It doesn’t work! If you encounter any other issues, try refreshing to page and unplugging and reconnecting your spark. Although it shouldn’t be necessary, make sure the power switch is in the ON position while it is plugged in.

It still doesn’t work! Join our discord and ask for help!

Force update

If the Spark begins to connect but gets stuck, or the Spark is corrupted and unable to update for some reason then a Force Update may solve the problem.

To perform a Force Update Follow these steps:

To Force Update you must not connect with the USB Icon!

  1. Unplug, restart the Spark, plug it back in
  2. open new lightshow.lol tab, do not connect the Spark
  3. Use the ‘Select Device’ dropdown near the Connect USB button to pick Spark
  4. Press ‘Insert’ on your keyboard to get an update window
  5. Click update to forcefully update the Spark