Firmware upgrade path — how to go from v3.4 to v3.9 step by step

Upgrading Fairino firmware across multiple major versions requires going through intermediate versions. Skipping versions can leave your controller in a broken state — mismatched subsystems, communication errors between control box and robot arm, Chinese-only UI, or a completely inaccessible WebApp.

This guide is based on real experience from a community member who upgraded robots from 2021 with v3.4.0 firmware, with step-by-step guidance from Fairino Europe support.

Recommended upgrade path

v3.4.x → v3.5.2 → v3.5.4 → v3.6.1 → v3.8.3 → v3.8.5 → v3.8.7 → v3.9.1

Critical rules

Rule	Details
Before v3.6.1	You must upgrade through every intermediate version. Don't skip any.
After v3.6.1	You can make bigger jumps, but passing through v3.8.7 is still recommended.
Very old hardware (2021)	Max supported version may be v3.5.2. Newer firmware simply will not work.
Always use a laptop	Updating via teach pendant has known bugs — it freezes at 96% and corrupts the update.
Update stuck at 96%?	Usually means you're trying to jump too many versions. Go step by step.
QNX vs Linux	Check your controller type first: QX = QNX, LA = Linux. Wrong firmware = failed update.
Downgrade is possible	You can revert (e.g. 3.9.x → 3.8.7) by uploading the older firmware. Confirmed working.

Step-by-step upgrade procedure

1. Check your current version: WebApp → System → About. Note both Web version and Controller version.
2. Backup everything: Programs, points, tools, configuration. Export via System → Backup.
3. Download the next version in the upgrade path (see links below)
4. Upload via WebApp: System → Software Upgrade → Upload the software.tar.gz file
5. Wait 5-10 minutes — do NOT interrupt the process
6. Restart the control box (power off, wait 5s, power on)
7. Check for errors: If you see communication errors, Chinese UI, or missing features → do a Factory Reset
8. Factory Reset: System → General → Restore (bottom of page). This creates default config for the new version.
9. Restore your backup (programs, points, etc.)
10. Repeat for the next version in the path

Download links

Official download page: manual.fairino.support — Robot Software

Tip: you can access older versions by changing the URL — replace /latest/ with the version number, e.g. /3.8.0/

Direct links for versions not on the official page (shared by Fairino Europe support):

• https://fairino.support/download/v3.5.2/software.tar.gz
• https://fairino.support/download/v3.5.4/software.tar.gz
• https://fairino.support/download/v3.6.1/software.tar.gz

Web Recovery mode — if WebApp stops loading

If a failed update leaves the WebApp inaccessible (you can ping the controller but the browser shows nothing), use Web Recovery:

1. Connect your laptop to the secondary Ethernet port (the one NOT normally used for WebApp)
2. Set your laptop IP to 192.168.57.100 (or matching the recovery port subnet)
3. Open browser: http://192.168.57.2:8050
4. Upload the firmware file from the recovery interface

If the recovery port doesn't respond at the default address, try:

• http://192.168.58.33:8050
• http://192.168.58.34:8050

Boot loop after failed update

If the controller gets stuck in a boot loop (cycling red/blue/green lights), try:

1. Connect HDMI output from the control box to a monitor — it may show diagnostic info including the IP address
2. Try the web recovery port on the second Ethernet interface
3. As a last resort, contact your distributor — they may need to re-flash the controller via direct console access

What about subsystem updates?

The controller version normally updates alongside the main software — they go hand-in-hand. Updating servo driver firmware is not open to end users and can cause serious compatibility issues. Don't attempt it without direct guidance from Fairino support.