Neptune Systems Apex Classic Firmware Update Info

The Latest Apex Classic Firmware Version is: 4.53_4D19

The firmware below is NOT compatible with the APEX 2016 or Apex EL models!

Version 4.53_4D19 brings new additions to the Apex Classic/Gold, Lite, and Jr Systems:

  • New FMM firmware – contains enhancements to the auto-detection of optical sensors. The new FMM version is 15. This is an essential update – update all FMMs after updating your Apex Classic/Gold/Lite/Jr to 4.53_4D19.
  • New COR firmware – The new COR firmware resolves an Aquabus communications issue that could occur in some specific system configurations, and also addresses a rare loss of IQ-Level settings after a power loss. The new COR version is 015. Updating CORs to version 015 is recommended.
  • New WAV firmware – WAV version 18 changes the behavior of Inverse mode on a WAV when used in conjunction with Trestles mode on another WAV. This WAV update is optional, but is recommended if you use Inverse mode with Trestles mode.
  • The keyword ‘Percent’ may now be used in If Output statements instead of the ‘Speed’ keyword used to conditionally test the output level/intensity of another output. See the sticky post on the Neptune System Community Forum for more details. If you have previously used the ‘Speed’ keyword in programming. all instances of ‘speed’ will be automatically be converted to the new syntax using ‘Percent’; for example, If Output COR_8_1 Speed < 95 Then OFF will be converted to If Output COR_8_1 Percent < 95 Then OFF.
  • Addresses an issue that sometimes would cause spurious reboots of an Apex Classic due to poor Internet or local network connectivity.

Important notes:

  • The firmware update is a two step process. After the firmware update has completed, wait at least 60 seconds, then update the web pages.
  • After updating your Apex Classic’s firmware and web pages, be sure to go to the Module setup page using the Classic Dashboard and update any modules which show as (OLD).

For more information or assistance, visit support.

How do I update my system?

If you’ve never performed a previous system update, that’s okay! Start by downloading the latest firmware available below and watching the Firmware Update tutorial guide to get a glimpse on what’s involved.

Firmware Update Download:

PC Windows Download:

Mac OSX Download:

Okay. So where do I start?

To Start, you can continue to follow the example in the tutorial video or read the walk through here. To begin, ensure a couple of small things first like you’ve downloaded the Firmware, Connected the Apex into your home WIFI router. The Apex should have a ‘Green’ and ‘Orange’ light on the Ethernet port when you’re connected. The Apex should also have a green ‘Status’ light. Let’s get

To update the firmware follow the following procedure:

  1. First, confirm Apex is directly connected to your to your home Wi-Fi router.
    1. Please do not do firmware updates over Wi-Fi
    2. If connecting to Apex to your home router is not possible, see here 
  2. Second, connect the computer you downloaded the firmware on too with your Wi-Fi router via an Ethernet cable. Disable the wireless on that computer.
  3. Disable ALL virus/firewall software on your computer
    1. PC: If you do not know how to do this, then restart your computer in “Safe Mode with Networking”
  4. Check to make sure DHCP is enabled on your Apex AquaController and restart.  To do this, go on your Apex AquaController Display screen and go to: System> Netsetup> DHCP> ON.
  5. In the NetSetup menu look for ‘Restart’ and click on it. This will cause your display to go blank and your system will restart. Wait for it to finish and return.
  6. Once that’s complete, go to your computer open the firmware folder and double click onto the Apex flash utility. This will open the ‘Apex Flash Utility program.
    1.  For PC:
      1. Start by searching for the Apex using the ‘Magnifying Glass’ button feature. If your Apex appears, click on it and press OK.
      2. Check to make sure you have the Apex username and password correct (The username and password is not the same as Apex Fusion)
        1. Default username is ‘admin
        2. Default password is ‘1234
      3. Next, click ‘Update Firmware‘.
      4. When the firmware has completed, the Apex will restart. Wait until it has finished restarting.  Click the ‘Magnifying Glass’ button.  If your Apex appears, click on it and press OK to make sure that the IP address did not change.
      5. Next Click ‘Update Web Pages‘.
    2. For Mac:
      1. Search for a controller using the “WiFi” icon in the bottom left-hand corner.
      2. When it appears on the window that slides down, click on it and press OK.
      3. Now, click ‘Update Firmware‘.
      4. When the firmware has completed, the Apex will restart. Wait until it has finished restarting.  Click ‘Update Web Pages‘.
  7. Once the updates are done go to your AquaController Display and go to System> Self Test. It should show the latest firmware version.
  8. Finally, clear the cache history in your browser (see below for your specific browser)

Instructions for Clearing Cache History