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Troubleshooting Cortex upgrade

This article outlines common issues that may prevent a Cortex upgrade from starting or completing successfully, along with recommended actions to resolve them.

Most upgrade issues are related to the USB flash drive, file structure, or interruption during the upgrade process. Following the guidance below can help restore normal operation and allow the upgrade to proceed.

If the issue cannot be resolved using these steps, contact Emesent Client Support for further assistance.

 

No Upgrade Image Found

The most common causes of issues starting the upgrade are related to the USB flash drive or incorrect file structure.

If Upgrade Payload Firmware page does not find the upgrade files, the issue is likely with the USB device. Check the following:

Not all Cortex upgrades require a BSP update. If no BSP update is detected during the installation process, this is expected and you can proceed to the Hovermap image upgrade.

 

Confirm USB file system format

Hovermap requires the USB drive to be formatted as exFAT, which is compatible with all Hovermap systems.

Formatting to exFAT in Windows:

  1. Insert the USB drive into your computer.

  2. Open File Explorer, right-click on the drive, and select Format.

  3. Under File System, choose exFAT.

  4. Click Start and confirm when prompted.

Formatting will erase all data on the drive. Back up any important files first.

Inspect the USB port and connector.

  • Visually check both the USB drive and Hovermap’s USB port.

    • Ensure there is no dirt, dust, or physical damage such as bent or corroded pins.

    • Use a flashlight if needed to inspect the port.

Test with a different USB drive.

Try another known-good USB device to rule out hardware failure through process of elimination.

 

Persistent Red Flashing Light

If the status LED continues flashing red after startup, the upgrade may not have completed successfully or the system may have encountered a critical fault.

During normal startup, the rear status LEDs will briefly flash red while Hovermap initialises. If startup completes successfully, the LEDs transition to slow pulsing Emesent blue within approximately 90 seconds, indicating the system is ready for operation.

During a firmware upgrade, Hovermap may flash red for up to 20 minutes while the upgrade files are installed. Hovermap will then restart and flash red again for approximately 90 seconds as part of the normal startup sequence.

What Hovermap is doing Status LED How long Is this normal?
Installing firmware Flashing red Up to 20 minutes Yes
Restarting after upgrade Flashing red ~90 seconds Yes
Ready for use Slow pulsing Emesent blue — Yes

If the LEDs do not transition to slow pulsing blue and remain flashing red, contact client support. 

If power was lost during an upgrade or an error occurred, attempt to recover Cortex by following the Cortex Recovery Guide for ST and ST-X.

 

Contact Client Support

If the issue persists, Contact Emesent Client Support

When contacting support, include the following information:

  • Hovermap serial number

  • Current Cortex Version

  • A description of the issue

  • The steps already attempted to resolve the issue

This information helps expedite troubleshooting and resolution.