Overview

Knowing the firmware version of your Just Add Power Omega, Ultra, and MaxColor Series devices is often required when adding or replacing devices, troubleshooting system issues, or verifying compatibility within an established system.

This article describes several methods for identifying the firmware version installed on an Encoder or Decoder.

Firmware Version Formats

• Bx.x.x: Commonly found on Omega and Ultra Series devices.

• Ax.x.x: May be encountered on devices in older installations.

• MAX vX.X.X: Used on MaxColor Series devices.

Methods for Checking Firmware Version

Select the method that best matches your level of access to the system:

• Network Access Available: Use the webUI to view the firmware version directly from a web browser.

• On-Site at the System: Use the Diagnostic Screen when network access is unavailable.

• Telnet Access Available: Use the CLI Command to retrieve the firmware version from the command line.

Method 1: webUI

Best for: Systems where network access is available.

1. Open a Web Browser
   Use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

2. Enter the Device IP Address
   Type the IP address of the Encoder or Decoder into the browser address bar.

3. View Device Details
   Navigate to Device > Device Details.

   

Method 2: Diagnostic Screen

Best for: Quickly identifying firmware when you are physically on-site and do not have network access.

This method uses the on-screen diagnostic splash that appears when video input is removed from an Encoder.

1. Identify the Active Source
   From any display connected to an Omega, Ultra, or MaxColor Series Decoder, determine which source is currently selected.

2. Locate the Encoder
   Go to the physical location of the Encoder connected to that source.

3. Disconnect HDMI
   Unplug the HDMI cable from either the source device or the Encoder.

4. View the Diagnostic Screen
   Within approximately 10 seconds, the connected display will show the Just Add Power diagnostic splash screen.

5. Locate the Firmware Information
   In the bottom-right corner of the screen, note the firmware date or version displayed.

6. Identify the Firmware Version
   For Omega and Ultra Series devices, use this reference chart to correlate the displayed date with the corresponding firmware version. MaxColor Series devices display the firmware version directly.

Method 3: CLI Command

Best for: Systems where Telnet access is available or when performing advanced troubleshooting.

1. Open a Telnet Session
   Connect to the Encoder or Decoder IP address on port 23.

2. Run the Version Command
   At the command prompt, enter:

   cat /etc/version

3. Review the Output
   The returned value indicates the firmware version currently installed on the device.