Malahit DSP2 – Firmware update

By 30 July 2021 Firware, Malahit DSP2, SDR, Tools 21 Comments

At first: You can´t do any permanent damage to the Malahit DSP2. If the firmware updates fails, the Malahit DSP2 remains in the DFU mode an can be flashed again.

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Download

I have received permission from Georgiy to upload the firmware to my server. You can download it here:

You can found the chagelog on the bottom of this page.

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Update – DFU mode

At first you must start the Malahit DSP2 in DFU Mode:

  1. Push the two encoder buttons at the same time and hold until step 4.
  2. Push the power button
  3. Release the two encoder buttons
  4. Release the power button
  5. If the LED of the Malahit DSP is blinking green and red, it is in DFU mode

If it don´t work, do it faster. If it is to slow, it don´t work.

Now the Malahit DSP2 should be in the DFU mode. You can plug in the USB cable to Malahit DSP2 and computer. If you open the device manager in Windows 10, you should see this:

Please note: You need a USB cable with data cables. A USB cable only for charging isn´t working.

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Update – STM32CubeProgrammer

Now you must start the tool STM32CubeProgrammer. If you don´t have installed it, you can find it here:

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Update – STM32CubeProgrammer – Windows 11

I tried to start the STM32CubeProgrammer x64 in Windows 11 and i got this error:

You have to start the STM32CubeProgrammer on Windows 11 as Admin, than it´s starts without error:

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Update – STM32CubeProgrammer – Connect Malahit DSP2

In the STM32CubeProgrammer you have to set the dropdown list to USB. Than you have to click on the refresh button right from the “Port USB1“

Than you have to click on the button “Connect“:

Now it should look like this:

Malahit DSP2 -Firmware Update – STM32CubeProgrammer – Flash firmware

Now you have to click on the “Erasing and Programming” button:

Now you can select the firmware file do you want to upgrade (you find all possible versions on the top of the page, extract the downloaded file first) and select the checkboxes “Verfify programming” and “Run after programming“. The firmware file can be a hex or a bin file, both file types are working.

At the end you must press the button “Start Programming“.

If you get this error, try to flash the same firmware file a second time. Perhaps you have to reconect the Malahit DSP2 to the computer to do it. Keep calm, the device remains in the DFU mode.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-35.png

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware – Changelog

Here you can find the changelog: Changelog (Перечень изменений) – Google Docs

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Changelog – Test 2.10 2021.07.24

  • fixed battery voltage indication
  • fixed behavior of encoder buttons at low supply voltage
  • protection against false switching has been made – for switching on by three, set switch 2 to the On position.
  • added test function – increased display frequency. This reduces noise and increases the number of frames per second; To enable this function, set switch 3 to On. The function may not work correctly, if so, please let me know
  • the level of interference from the display is slightly reduced
  • changed the distribution of frequencies to which the input high-pass filters are turned on
  • when HiZ is turned on, the power supply of the external active antenna is automatically turned off;
  • added indication of external antenna power on – now the ANT indicator is highlighted in red if this function is enabled
  • the algorithm for displaying the picture on the display, slightly reduces the level of interference
  • changed the panorama display mode from “Pan & WTF Disabled / Enabled” to “Pan & WTF Single / Always”, while the panorama image is now always present, but it is updated once (when the settings are changed) or always.
  • fixed attenuators bugs

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Changelog – Test 2.10 SAM 2021.07.31

  • SAM functionality

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Changelog – Test 2.10 2021.08.13

  • corrected voltmeter operation
  • added SAMU, SAML modes
  • increased interface display frequency
  • improved switching between menus – now it does not pause
  • optimized the WFM algorithm, the receiver began to work faster
  • improvements made to Pan & WTF Single mode
  • removed graphical artifact near the SQL indicator

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Changelog – Test 2.10 2021.08.16

  • improved suppression of interference from the display. Now in SSB, AM, NFM modes, noise reduction is automatically turned on. This slows down the speed of the user interface, but greatly reduces the clutter! This function is not used in WFM mode.

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Changelog – Test 2.10 2021.08.17

  • Waterfall bandwith increased from 160khz to 192khz

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Changelog – Test 2.10 2021.08.25

  • added Pseudo Stereo function. Added Pseudo Stereo button to Audio menu
  • added the ability to switch audio output in the HARD menu – added the Audio out button. Ph + Sp – headphones and speaker, Phone – headphones, Speaker – speaker
  • added PGA BST function to HARD menu. This function can be useful when receiving strong signals and receiving congestion. When overloading, you must select the Disabled position.
  • changed the arrangement in the frequency bar under the spectrum
  • changed the behavior of the receiver with a short press on the power button. Now, with a short press in the receiver, the touchscreen is turned off, the spectrum and waterfall work similarly to the Pan & WTF Single option.
  • the lower operating frequency has been reduced from 50 kHz to 20 kHz.

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Changelog – 2.10D 2021.08.26

Alle changes between 2.0 and all test version to 2.10D are included:

  • fixed battery voltage indication
  • fixed behavior of encoder buttons at low supply voltage
  • protection against false switching has been made – for switching on by three, set switch 2 to the On position.
  • added test function – increased display frequency. This reduces noise and increases the number of frames per second; To enable this function, set switch 3 to On. The function may not work correctly, if so, please let me know
  • the level of interference from the display is slightly reduced
  • changed the distribution of frequencies to which the input high-pass filters are turned on
  • when HiZ is turned on, the power supply of the external active antenna is automatically turned off;
  • added indication of external antenna power on – now the ANT indicator is highlighted in red if this function is enabled
  • the algorithm for displaying the picture on the display, slightly reduces the level of interference
  • changed the panorama display mode from “Pan & WTF Disabled / Enabled” to “Pan & WTF Single / Always”, while the panorama image is now always present, but it is updated once (when the settings are changed) or always.
  • fixed attenuators bugs
  • corrected voltmeter operation
  • added SAMU, SAML modes
  • increased interface display frequency
  • improved switching between menus – now it does not pause
  • optimized the WFM algorithm, the receiver began to work faster
  • improvements made to Pan & WTF Single mode
  • removed graphical artifact near the SQL indicator
  • correction of S meter was introduced depending on the range. Now the S meter is accurate enough
  • improved suppression of interference from the display. Now in SSB, AM, NFM modes, noise reduction is automatically turned on. This slows down the speed of the user interface, but greatly reduces the clutter! This function is not used in WFM mode.
  • added Pseudo Stereo function. Added Pseudo Stereo button to Audio menu
  • added the ability to switch audio output in the HARD menu – added the Audio out button. Ph + Sp – headphones and speaker, Phone – headphones, Speaker – speaker
  • added PGA BST function to HARD menu. This function can be useful when receiving strong signals and receiving congestion. When overloading, you must select the Disabled position.
  • changed the arrangement in the frequency bar under the spectrum
  • the lower operating frequency has been reduced from 50 kHz to 10 kHz.
  • span increased to 192 kHz.
  • changed properties of USB audio devices – now IQ 192kHz, simple audio – 48kHz.

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Changelog – Test 2.10E 2021.10.08

  • Fixed the scale with the image often – the scale is made in the color of the panorama, added horizontal lines
  • Improved retro-scale – brought to v1.10C
  • EMI reductuin function added: decreased noise by changing display frequency
  • fixed moving from AUDIO menu to other menus – now without delay
  • Gradual volume increase on power on
  • Improved dead band 380-403,3MHz
  • Changes The encoders work differently – now you can use the audio encoder independently. The settings are changed with the frequency encoder
  • Sleep time option was removed from Visual menu
  • added color scheme for waterfall – now there are three modes of work – classic, black-white and white-black

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Changelog – 2.10E 2021.10.24

  • Fixed the scale with the image often – the scale is made in the color of the panorama, added horizontal lines
  • bugs fixed
  • Improved retro-scale – brought to v1.10C
  • EMI reductuin function added: decreased noise by changing display frequency
  • fixed moving from AUDIO menu to other menus – now without delay
  • Gradual volume increase on power on
  • Improved dead band 380-403,3MHz. Changes
  • The encoders work differently – now you can use the audio encoder independently. The settings are changed with the frequency encoder
  • Sleep time option was removed from Visual menu
  • added color scheme for waterfall – now there are three modes of work – classic, black-white and white-black
  • The selection of deviation width in WFM was made – Standart or 80kHz

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Changelog – 2.10F 2021.12.24

  • changed color of backlighting of indicators ATT, VOL, FLT
  • changed work of DC Reject
  • fixed the logic of switching the window type in WFM, now the type does not depend on working with other types of modulation
  • fixed error when sweeping the frequency down – now it is impossible to sweep below the minimum frequency
  • the NCO function has been introduced – now it is possible to rebuild the viewfinder within the spectrum. Added NCO function to HARD menu
  • the CAT interface has been completely redesigned, the reaction speed has been significantly increased. A reaction to new commands has been introduced. Now you can control the volume, range, type of antenna input, enable or disable LNA.
  • fixed image error of MPX spectrum

Malahit DSP2 – Firmware Changelog – 2.20A 2022.01.22

  • HARD menu name changed to RADIO
  • fixed high-pass filter switching bug with NCO enabled, present in firmware 2.10F
  • improved CAT, in terms of issuing information from the receiver to the PC, including data on the S-meter
  • added the mode of monitoring and scanning of memory cells, in the BAND menu
  • indication of broadcasting and amateur bands on the frequency scale and in the spectrum window has been introduced
  • in SSB, AM and NFM the volume is increased by 5 dB

21 Comments

  1. Georgy

    Thank you very much!

    Reply
  2. Walt Novinger

    If the update does not work properly, can we follow the same process to re-install the original file to which you linked? Danke sehr!

    Reply
    • Manuel

      Yes, you can upload the same file again oder the older firmware, if you want. I had the first time problems too.

      Reply
      • Walt Novinger

        Thanks for the quick reply!

        Reply
  3. Dmitriy

    It is important press “disconnect” after upload firmware. Otherwise Malahit remains in DFU mode.

    Reply
    • Manuel

      For me it´s working to push the power button aftr the flash, than the the dfu mode was closed.

      Thank you for the feedback, i add it today to the page.

      Reply
    • sjaak

      After Programming is ready, i just wait some minutes… and it’s disconnect itself (ver.28) out of DFU mode.
      Ready to use..

      Reply
  4. Dan

    People are still having problems using STCube32. Contrary to what is shown in one of the Malahit videos, there is no “DFU” icon that appears on the left. You just have to be sure that the DSP-2 shows up in the USB Devices list first, then the process should work fine.

    Reply
  5. Pete.

    I’m having troubles with the upgrade. I get to this step

    “Now you have to click on the “Erasing and Programming” button”

    However, when I push that button, nothing happens. The screen does not change to where I select the new file to upload.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Manuel

      But the device is connected? You can see it on the top on the right site, there should be a green circle.

      Do you unpack the file?

      Reply
  6. Massimiliano

    unfortunately I have not solved the update!
    After connecting the STM32 Cube Programmer with the Malahit I started updating with the firmware 2.10 test released on July 24, but during the update it went into error because some hexadecimal string is not correct: Malahit block result (it did not turn on anymore) .
    After a minute of panic, I noticed that fortunately the DFU mode function worked and then I reinstalled the original firmware (2.0) which instead installs perfectly and the Malahit works. Then I proceeded to install the various releases one by one, continuing with the release 2.10 test of July 31st (with SAM) result: another error.
    So I reinstalled the original firmware (2.0) again to not create conflicts in Malahit. Then I tried to install the various remaining releases one by one: 2.10 Test of 13 August – 2.10 Test of 16 August and the latest firmware 2.10 Test of 17 August with the novelty of the spectrum analyzer band extended to 192Khz: result: none of the 2.10 releases from July 24th to August 17th are working!
    During the update they go into error and the Malahit crashes. At each upgrade gone bad I always reinstalled the working firmware (2.0) Fortunately DFU mode provides the possibility to reinstall the original firmware otherwise the malahit had become a nice ashtray.
    From this second experience I understood that:
    1 – the firmware released on the page http://mini-whip.de/2021/07/30/malahit-dsp2-firmware-upgrade/ one of them does not work for me: only this “Malahit DSP2 2.0 Firmware” is working and can be reinstalled on the contrary, it is always what saved me from the brick Malahit
    2 – it is not a software update problem (as the STM32 Cube every time I install version 2.0, the procedure succeeds perfectly, otherwise it would not have been successful as it happens with the other firmware.
    Now I understand why with DfuSE it updated only with firmware 2.0 while with the other firmware it behaved strangely with a very fast upgrade which then in reality was not performed (see my video). STM also updates him only with firmware 2.0. The difference between DfuSe and STM32 is that while DfuSE an incorrect firmware does not update it at all or rather (pretends) STM 32 Cube Programmer instead proceeds to update even with corrupt firmware and blocks the Malahit fortunately the DFU mode allows you to recover

    Reply
    • Manuel

      Du you have read the last note on the page? Some Malahit DSP2 owner have to flash the test firmware 2 times and after the second time, it´s working. I think this is exactly the problem you describe…

      Reply
  7. Sergio

    A new release was just published: M2_FW2_20_A.bin
    Something that brings DSP2 closer to the new DCC https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1I2RkEzatjQJN6kuSoIItEh3DcCtWlYuG

    Reply
    • Manuel

      Thank you for the information, Manuel is currently unavailable for private reason and can´t update the site himself. I think he don´t check the telegram channel at the moment.

      Reply
  8. Serge

    On the Malachiteam website, in the “FAQ” section (https://malahiteam.com/en/faq/) in the last paragraph there is an answer to what to do if you have problems with the firmware of the radio.
    Quotation:
    “I have a problem updating the firmware. The Stm32CubeProgrammer program does not see the radio receiver.

    First, make sure the receiver is visible to the computer. On the computer, go to Control Panel \ Hardware and Sound \ Devices and Printers – there must be a MALAHIT RECEIVER DFU device or similar. If the device is not visible, then try replacing the USB cable.

    After that, try to flash the radio according to the video instructions. If Stm32CubeProgrammer gives an error when connecting, then the likely cause is a conflict of drivers for the computer. You need to download and install the Zadig program from the link – https://zadig.akeo.ie/. After that launch Zadig, select the Options tab, then List All Devices. In the list that appears, select MALAHIT RECEIVER DFU, in the right part of the working field (in the direction of the arrow) select the type of driver WinUSB and click the Reinstall Driver button. After completing the procedure, close Zadig and try updating the receiver firmware again. if the action did not help, then updating the version of Stm32CubeProgrammer – https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/stm32cubeprog.html .”

    Reply
  9. MARTIAL

    moi apres une mise a jour mon malcitte ne salume plus pkoi et que faire pour le ralume plus il ne reconais plus le prt USB comment fire merci

    Reply
    • Serge

      This is very strange, as George (one of Malachiteam’s developers) reports that reflashing is perfectly safe. I think you should contact the developers. Here’s the link https://malahiteam.com/en/contacts/. Here you can write a message to the development team. I’m sure they’ll find a way to solve your problem.

      Reply
  10. DanS

    What does “Function PGA BST” mean and what does it actually do? 73.

    Reply
    • Sergio

      As you can read some lines above:
      added PGA BST function to HARD menu. This function can be useful when receiving strong signals and receiving congestion. When overloading, you must select the Disabled position.

      Reply
      • DanS

        Hi Sergio. I know that’s what is written. My question worded differently is what is PGA BST the abbreviation for? Probably not Professional Golf Association (PGA). What does enabling and disabling actually do in the radio, technically speaking? 73.

        Reply
        • Sergio

          Hello DanS.
          Here you can find the Manual but it’s not update:
          https://malahiteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/manual_malahiteam_en.pdf
          It says:
          7.43 Function PGA BST
          This function allows you to create a surround sound effect. The use of this function is possible when
          using all types of modulation, except for WFM, and only when listening to headphones.

          So: only with headphones and not with commercial broadcast…
          In fact if you enable it in WFM, the audio output will mute.

          Why PGA BST?
          maybe professional golf has nothing to do with it but it’s nice.
          We would have to ask to Georgiy.

          I try: Preamp GAin BroadcaST…
          I don’t know

          Reply

Leave a Reply