Reload of Firmware on Nextbase DUO (not HD version)

[sydc]

Hi,
I am hoping someone on the forum may be able to help me here. Does anyone know how to reload the firmware on a Nextbase DUO (not HD version) after a failed firmware update? The dash cam will not turn on and screen will not illuminate. I have spoken to Nextbase support and they have said that these units are no longer supported and no spares or firmware updates are available. Your help would be much appreciated. SydC.

 

[kamkar]

You should be able to flash with any supported firmware for that particular model, and i assume those are still available from the maker.
I am not familiar with the brand myself, but normally the firmware file are called something .bin
So that .bin file you but on a empty memory card, if that card are 32GB or less no problem, if your card are a larger model it most likely need to be formatted in the camera.
32 GB cards ans smaller are formatted by a PC in FAT 32 which most cameras need, but larger memory cards a PC will format to Ext FAT
If you have a larger card and it have been in the camera, you can try and look at its properties it should then figure as FAT 32, if that is the case you can put the .bin firmware file on the memory card, and the camera should then update when you power it on with that memory card in the camera ( often a LED will flash fast while the flash go on, after that the camera will reboot and start recording wit the default values.

You should also be able to use any old memory card, i often use old 8 and 16 GB memory cards ( SDHC ) and i have yet to experience a camera that dont work in.

If you have a larger memory card and it is exfat, then there are also some software that can format it to fat32 instead, but ill be damned if i can remember the name of that software right now.

In some cases often seen with Ambraella based cameras if the camera is "bricked" you need to load a new firmware with the camera commented to a PC and using a little software called USB direct, and not least a firmware file that are named something .elf.
The correct .elf file are a must have as USB direct are not meant for using the regular .bin firmwares.

I sort of fear you are needing to go the USB direct route, but then you need the .elf file to re-flash with, and those also have to be for the particular model of camera so usually you get those from the maker too.

 

[SawMaster]

I learned the hard way (via "bricking"a brand new cam permanently) to not load any firmware or FW updates unless you've got a known-to-work copy of the existing FW at hand, as well as any loader or .elf files you may need to get your cam running again. And then you proceed as if you are a surgeon doing open-heart surgery or you don't do it at all I always go by the rule "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" especially regarding things computerized. If I'm happy with what my cams are doing I leave them alone

Novatek cams are hard to permanently brick- they can most often be brought back to life. Ambarella cams aren't as 'user-friendly' in this matter, but sometimes they can be resuscitated. What processor does this cam have? I have some bookmarked posts and threads regards this stuff which I will post here once I know which kind you need. No promises that they will do the job, but maybe they will. I don't have any FW though, so if you need that it will have to come from someone else.

Phil

 

[M8TJT]

Yep, I'm an "If it ain't broke don't fix it" sort of guy.
When someone asks if you have the latest firm/software, the reply should be "Why. Does it address the problem that I now have?" If not, then doing that won't fix it.
And as for attempting upgrade via WiFi? Self flagellation springs to mind.

However, in the case of the OP it seems that a reload is the only viable option.