Aputure has released new firmware for the STORM 80c, 1000c, and 1200x as well as the MC Pro lights. The STORM updates add some controls and rectify certain lighting behaviors.

For the MC Pro, new features such as 16-bit DMX profiles, advanced DMX transition smoothing, and new color science to expand the spectrum profile of the light have been implemented. All of the new firmware updates are available for download now on the Aputure website.

With these firmware updates the STORM and MC Pro lights will get fixes for fan control in the STORM 1200x, color transitions in the STORM 80c and 1000c, and DMX modes in the MC Pros. To add further value, Aputure’s engineers utilized the color mixing knowledge they gained in developing the STORM lights and applied it to the light engine already inside the MC Pro. The result is a spectrum that more closely matches the BLAIR-CG light engine in the STORM lights, particularly in saturated yellows and golds.

• The STORM 80c v1.7 firmware includes optimizations for Hue color adjustments and the removal of a temperature compensation algorithm, which will result in smoother, more accurate color and CCT adjustments.
• The STORM 1000c v1.4 firmware includes optimizations for Hue color adjustments which will result in smoother, more accurate color and CCT adjustments.
• The STORM 1200x v1.2 firmware includes improvements to fan control, DMX and CRMX connection, and an increased CCT control over DMX.
• The MC Pro v2.0 firmware includes the addition of adjustable DMX smoothing options, 16-bit DMX profiles, and a new color mixing algorithm to more closely match the BLAIR-CG spectrum in saturated yellows and golds.

STORM 80c Firmware Update V1.7

Download Version 1.7 here

Optimizations

1. Resolved: Hue color adjustments in HSIC+ mode for improved accuracy.
2. Removed: Temperature Compensation Algorithm (TCA).
3. Adjusted: Hue range in HSIC+ mode to 0° – 359.9° for expanded precision.
4. Resolved: Resolution issue in the RGBACL 16-bit DMX Profile for smoother control.

STORM 1000c Firmware Update V1.4

Download Version 1.4 here

Optimizations

1. Resolved: Hue color adjustments in HSIC+ mode for improved accuracy.
2. Adjusted: Hue range in HSIC+ mode to 0° – 359.9° for expanded precision.
3. Resolved: Resolution issue in the RGBACL 16-bit DMX Profile for smoother control.

Bug Fixes

1. Fixed the issue where, when brightness is greater than or equal to 0.4 and the light switches to high-speed mode, the fixture does not light up.
2. Fixed the issue where the fixture occasionally does not turn off when entering DMX mode.
3. Fixed the bug where lighting effects do not turn off when high-speed photography mode is enabled via app Bluetooth control.

STORM 1200x Firmware Update V1.2

Download Firmware V1.2 Here

Optimizations

1. Fan Startup: Optimized startup speed and error detection timing. Fans now spin for 2 seconds before entering PID adjustment, with a broadened low-speed detection threshold.
2. Fan Speed Process: Enhanced handling to address rare cases of fan error reporting.
3. DMX Connection Status: Improved BT connection logic for CRMX-TX state with DMX data, ensuring smoother status updates after DMX disconnection.
4. Increased Color Temp Range for DMX Control to 10,000K.
5. CRMX TX and RX switching has been improved.

Bug Fixes

1. Master-Slave mode moved to the Control Settings menu.
2. Batch Update moved to the Firmware Update interface.
3. DMX Status Bar: Replaced “White Light Standard” mode with “Studio Mode.”
4. DMX Effects Execution: Fixed issue where High-Speed Shooting mode could be activated via buttons during DMX effects execution.
5. Profile Flicker Speed: Adjusted flicker speed of Pulse and Fault Bulb in DMX-controlled profiles, with a default Speed parameter of 5 added.
6. CCT Lighting Effects: Added a default GM parameter value of 10 for effects with CCT control.
7. ETH-to-DMX Conversion: Resolved data refresh error causing momentary light flicker.
8. CRMX Reset: Fixed an issue where CRMX could not reset after being turned off (added reset and delay).
9. DMX Power Output: Addressed issue where DMX control of output power did not align with actual power output.
10. DMX-Controlled Effects: Differentiated control behaviors for XY-FX and CCT-FX, with CCT adjustments disabled by default under XY-FX profiles.
11. High-Speed Shooting and PWM: Fixed issue where combining DMX fade-in/out effects with High-Speed Shooting mode caused PWM dimming to freeze the light.
12. GM Parameter Transmission: Resolved GM parameter range issues for app compatibility.
13. Silent Mode: Fixed issue where custom lighting effects appeared excessively dim.
14. Master-Slave Upgrades: Fixed issues with slave units not turning off or failing to revert to their original Light Mode after flickering during upgrade failures.
15. Dimming Simulation: Resolved problem where dimming simulation failed to illuminate at the initial brightness level.

MC Pro Firmware Update 2.0

Released 02-20-2025
Download V 2.0 on Sidus Link and Sidus Link Pro. New DMX Chart for HSIC+ and 16-bit DMX Profiles here.

Features

1. Added DMX Status Screen to display Profile Name/Number, Battery level, CRMX Signal Strength, and DMX Address
2. Added HSIC+ Manual Light Mode (Intensity, CCT, +/- Green, Hue, Saturation)
3. Added HSIC+ profile for 8-bit and 16-bit DMX Profiles. Download DMX Chart here.
4. Added 16-bit DMX Profiles 12 thru 24. Download DMX Chart here.
5. Added DMX Smoothing Options: Smooth, Super Smooth, Off.
6. Reset Sidus BT Button shortcut: Press and Hold Red Scroll Knob to go to Sidus Reset menu.
7. Factory Reset Button shortcut: Press and Hold MENU/RETURN to go to Factory Reset menu.
8. Added advanced CRMX functionality
   1. Added “CRMX RX/TX” option to CRMX Settings.
   2. Added CRMX “Not Linked” indicator to the interface with clear differentiation from “OFF”.
   3. Added Linking Key option to the CRMX Settings.
   4. CRMX TimoTwo chip is now named “MC Pro – XXXXXX”
   5. Revised CRMX Settings with “Link” and “Unlink All” buttons.

1. Added Studio Mode, bypassing battery power when plugged in via USB. 
2. Added Reset CRMX and Reset Sidus BT options to Factory Reset

Optimizations

1. Incorporated Yellow Diode Calibration for improved spectral reproduction and more accurate and saturated yellows.
2. Updated Manual Light Modes tint control from “G/M” to “±G”.
3. Changed “HSI” to “HSIC+” in Light Modes and profiles to reflect CCT parameters.
4. Updated DMX Profile Menu to include profile numbers, DMX resolution, and total channels labeled as “Ch”.
5. Added wireless protocol connection status to Light Mode and Menu displays.
6. Revised text for Sidus Bluetooth to use “On/Off” instead of “Enable/Disable”.
7. Renamed Profile 5 to HSIC 8b.
8. Updated Firmware process to avoid requiring a BT reset post-update.
9. Changed Hue in Light Modes to show “0” degrees instead of “360” degrees.
10. Renamed “Custom FX” to “Sidus FX”.
11. Renamed “SYS Settings” to “System Settings”.
12. Renamed “BT” references to “Sidus BT”.
13. Changed “Hold Last Settings” to “Hold Last Look” for DMX Loss Behavior.
14. Updated “CRMX Settings” menu to include red scroll UI.

Bug Fixes

1. Fixed CRMX Signal Strength Indicator activation.
2. Fixed DMX Data Priority issues.
3. Fixed Sidus Link inability to control the MC Pro if Wired DMX or CRMX data was used first. A Factory Reset is no longer required.
4. Fixed bug where removing Hardline DMX and selecting Light Mode did not stop the “No Data” warning.
5. Fixed Manual GEL Mode functionality.
6. Fixed DMX Menu causing light output to turn off when not connected to DMX or CRMX.
7. Fixed MENU/BACK button usability when Sidus Link toggles the lamp to “OFF”.
8. Fixed Sidus BT bug where it displayed on, even though it was not. 
9. Fixed text behavior when connected to Sidus Link and toggling “OFF” in-app.

The STORM and MC Pro firmware updates are available for download now at www.aputure.com. Due to the nature of these particular firmware releases, the STORM lights must be updated over USB-C and the MC Pro must be updated using Sidus Link connection.