Smartboard Controllers being bricked

[FragglePete]

Afternoon all,

 

We've got a large number of Smartboard M600 Boards with a SBM685 controllers. Due the recent change with Smart stopping us activating the older versions of Smart Tools we've rolled out 19.1 basic across the site. Initial testing before roll out seem to verify everything worked ok as long as teachers setup a Smart Account which was linked quite happily with Microsoft Office. During the process and setting up of some rooms a Firmware update was offered and we did this but it failed. Which resulted in all the lights coming on the pen tray and the board no longer responding. We can't re-apply the firmware as per their support article as it just not recognised. It looks like the controller has been bricked.

 

We're now getting reports of several other boards doing the same, and we know for certain that we didn't allow the firmware to occur - so maybe the software offered the update to a regular user and they click yes and instant fubar! So, for now I've applocked the SMARTFirmwareUpdate.exe from running to stop others doing this - but I've got at least 5 boards now that appear dead.

 

I've raised a ticket with Smart, but ended up phoning them to chase and while not very helpful, they are looking into it but these are out or warranty now so I fear the worst presently. I'm just staggered these recent update has potentially bricked the controllers. These were all working until we starting using the newer Smart Tools - conspiracy to upgrade?

 

Any thoughts? Anybody had any luck in a similar situation.

 

Pete

[3s-gtech]

Get a quote for a new controller. It’ll make your eyes water. I suspect they’re stuffed though - not the sort of thing you can fix with a top-hat flash or a simple board replacement IME.

[FragglePete]

So, an update - following a phone call from Smart, they told me they would look into it. And, today I get an e-mail saying that they will replace the controllers FoC for us. So, obviously a problem with this. However, we've just discovered another 2 boards that have gone down in the same way. These must have happened before my Applocker tweak fell into place. It would appear, the teachers were mindlessly clicking on things and doing the Firmware upgrade themselves (not reading the prompts). Hopefully, I can get all 5 replaced by Smart, but well done to them for making this offer.

 

Still, be wary of Smartboard M600 Series with the SBM685 controllers and the Smart 19.1 download - don't let it upgrade your Firmware!

 

Pete

[FragglePete]

Further update. Smart have agreed to replace all 5 controllers that we're showing as bricked. Nice. Just going to be a bit of a task getting those replaced quickly.

 

Pete

[ifarmery]

I’ve had the same issue, thought it was my fault! Just reported to SMART thanks to you

 

Ian

[FragglePete]

They have also followed it up with the following advice....

 

Please for any other M685s who need to run a firmware update, please do the update manually.When the pop up appear, do not run the firmware update automatically.

 

Go manually to the folder and lunch the firmware update from therem the USB connection should be a direct one.

 

Pete

[FragglePete]

So, finally got around to installing a new controller in one of our Smartboards - doesn't take too long, a little tricky but board has to be removed from the wall to fit (2 man job). You then have to run their Smart Calibration tool which sets the serial number, checks everything over, etc - so far, so good. All working again in one location, four more to do.

 

Pete