How to update Talko 2 and Teletype firmware

Update the firmware on an RP2040-based Talko 2 or Teletype from your browser using a ready-made .uf2 file. You do not need to compile the firmware or install a development environment.

Open the firmware uploader in desktop Chrome or Edge. Uploader documentation is also available.

What do I need?

A desktop computer running Chrome or Edge, a USB data cable, your device powered according to its normal setup, and a UF2 firmware file intended for that exact device and hardware version. Safari and Firefox do not support this uploader.

Use Talko 2 firmware for Talko 2 and Teletype firmware for Teletype. The uploader is shared, but the firmware files are not interchangeable. This guide covers the RP2040 models; do not assume it applies to an older Talko.

The firmware already on the device must support remote entry into its bootloader. That is what allows an update without reaching the internal BOOTSEL button. A blank board or firmware without this support needs the model’s manual bootloader procedure.

Where do I get the firmware?

Use the ready-made UF2 release supplied by Polaxis for your device. If it is supplied in a ZIP archive, extract the archive first and select the .uf2 file inside.

Talko 2: open the Talko 2 firmware download package and download the UF2 file. Sign in with your Polaxis customer account if prompted. The package currently lists version 1.3, Talko2_v1_3.uf2.

Teletype: the ready-made UF2 download link will be added here when available.

For Teletype source code and build instructions, the planned repository is TeleTypeController on GitHub. Building from source is optional.

How do I update?

  1. Connect the device to your computer with a USB data cable. Close serial monitors and any other application using its USB serial port.
  2. Open the firmware uploader in Chrome or Edge.
  3. Under 1. Connect Device, click Pick Device. Choose your device in the browser’s serial-port chooser.
  4. Under 2. Start Bootloader, click Reboot to Bootloader. The serial port disappears and a drive named RPI-RP2 should appear in Finder or File Explorer.
  5. Under 3. Confirm/Pick Drive, click Pick RPI-RP2 Drive. Select the RPI-RP2 drive itself, rather than a folder inside it, and allow the browser to write to it when prompted.
  6. Under 4. Upload Firmware, click Select UF2 File and choose the correct firmware file for your device.
  7. Click Write UF2 to Drive. Leave the USB connection and power in place while the file is written. The device normally restarts automatically, and the RPI-RP2 drive disappears.
  8. Wait for the device to restart, then check that it operates normally. For Teletype, reconnect in the configuration app to check the firmware version and saved mappings.

The device is not listed. What should I check?

Make sure you are using desktop Chrome or Edge and a data-capable USB cable. Try another USB port or cable, and close applications that may already have the serial port open. A charge-only cable can power a device without providing a data connection.

Why does the serial port disappear?

That is expected after Reboot to Bootloader. The device switches from its normal USB serial connection to the RPI-RP2 drive. Continue with Pick RPI-RP2 Drive.

The RPI-RP2 drive does not appear

Check Finder or File Explorer. If the device did not enter bootloader mode, its installed firmware may not support remote reboot. Follow the bootloader instructions for your exact model, or contact Polaxis for help. Once RPI-RP2 is available, you can select that drive in the uploader or copy the correct UF2 onto it manually.

The browser cannot write to the drive

Confirm that you selected RPI-RP2 and granted write access. On macOS, check System Settings → Privacy & Security → Files and Folders and allow Chrome or Edge access to removable volumes if that option is shown. If your computer is managed by an organisation, its permissions may restrict access.

Do I need to keep the uploader or configuration app open?

No. The uploader is only used to install firmware. Teletype’s configuration app is a separate tool for assigning notes, knob functions and MIDI channels. Save those settings on Teletype, then close the app and play. Saved settings are retained after power-off during normal use.

Will an update keep my settings?

Check the release notes for the firmware you are installing. Settings compatibility can change between versions, so note your current mappings or take a screenshot before updating. Check them again afterward.

Before publication: add the Teletype firmware download link and validate the full update procedure on Talko 2 and Teletype, including settings retention for the supplied releases.




How to add the FRAM module to Kraftor

This guide explains how to retrofit the FRAM 1.0 module in a Kraftor. The module is installed on the underside of the main PCB, so the enclosure, optional speech board and display assembly must first be removed.

Before you start

  • Disconnect USB, power and every other cable from Kraftor.
  • Work on a clean, non-conductive surface and take normal anti-static precautions.
  • This retrofit requires careful soldering. If you are not comfortable soldering small electronics, ask a qualified technician to install the module.

What you need

  • FRAM 1.0 module
  • Small screwdriver suitable for the four PCB screws
  • Fine-tip soldering iron and electronics solder
  • Tweezers and a magnifier, if available

Installation

1. Open the Kraftor enclosure

Hold the lower part of the enclosure. Gently pinch both sides of the top cover to release the clips, then lift the cover away. Do not force the plastic.

Pinching both sides of the Kraftor top cover to release it
Pinch both sides of the top cover and lift it away.

2. Remove the speech board, if fitted

If a speech board is installed, carefully remove it and put it somewhere safe. The photos show a VaxVox board, but the same step applies to another compatible voice board. Handle the board by its edges.

Kraftor opened with the optional VaxVox speech board removed
Remove the optional speech board before continuing.

3. Lift the display assembly

Gently lift the display assembly out of the enclosure. Keep it close to Kraftor at this stage so that the connecting wires are not pulled or strained.

Kraftor display assembly lifted while its wires remain connected
Lift the display carefully while its wires are still connected.

4. Disconnect the display

Disconnect the display assembly from the main PCB. The Grove connector has a small locking tab: press and hold the tab to release the connector, then pull the connector straight out—never pull on the wires.

Kraftor display assembly disconnected from the main PCB
Disconnect the display assembly and set it aside.

5. Remove the four PCB screws

Remove the four screws securing the Kraftor main PCB. Keep the screws together for reassembly. Their locations are circled in the photo below.

The four screws securing the Kraftor main PCB are highlighted
Remove the four highlighted screws.

6. Move the main PCB away from the rear panel

Carefully slide the PCB away from the rear panel and lift it only as far as necessary to reach its underside. Avoid putting stress on the sockets, controls or remaining wiring.

Sliding the Kraftor main PCB away from the rear panel
Slide the PCB away from the rear panel to access its underside.

7. Position and solder the FRAM module

Locate the FRAM footprint on the underside of the Kraftor PCB. Position the FRAM 1.0 module exactly as shown, with the module aligned to the footprint and sitting flat against the PCB.

Close-up of the FRAM 1.0 retrofit module
The FRAM 1.0 retrofit module.

Solder the module to the matching pads on the Kraftor PCB. Use only enough solder to make clean joints, and check carefully for bridges between adjacent pads before reassembly.

FRAM 1.0 module soldered to the underside of the Kraftor main PCB
Correct position of the FRAM module on the underside of the Kraftor PCB.

8. Reassemble Kraftor

  1. Return the main PCB to its original position and reinstall the four screws.
  2. Reconnect the display exactly as it was before, then place the display assembly back in the enclosure. (You will need to push the wires under the PCB)
  3. Reinstall the speech board, if one was fitted.
  4. Refit the top cover and make sure both sides clip into place.

Reconnect Kraftor and check that it starts and operates normally. If it does not, disconnect it immediately and inspect the FRAM orientation, solder joints, connectors and wiring before trying again.




How to update or load a firmware on Kraftor ?

 

  • Open the plastic case by gently squeezing the top part and lifting it while holding the lower part.
  • Install your voice board
  • Connect Kraftor to your computer via USB.
  • Double-click on the reset button
  • A new drive named “KraftoBOOT” will show up on your computer, and the MIDI LED will start to glow gently
  • Drag the firmware ending with “.UF2” to the “KraftoBOOT” drive
  • Done! : Kraftor will restart using the newly installed firmware

Kraftor uploader

If you just want to update the firmware without changing the voice board, you can also do everything remotely via USB without opening the case.
Use this small utility in your browser : 

You can run the utility one line here  https://deladriere.github.io/samd21_UF2_uploader/

or access the source code here :

 

 




How to update or load a firmware on Emy & Terminal ?

Option 1 ( requires the Emy version 2.1 or bigger to be installed first)

  • Download the firmware
  • Save it on the SD card with a name that makes sense to you (like “emy.bin” )
  • load it from the code>flash menu.
  • If changing the add-on vox :
    • switch the power off
    • install the add-on vox
    • re-apply power

Note This function simply

  • copies the firmware “blalbla.bin” to “firmware.bin”
  • reboots the system
  • deletes the firmware.bin
  • keeps the original with its name.

You can keep all the firmware on the microSD card and call them whenever you change the add-on vox

Note : Change the firmware before changing the add-on vox

Option 2

  • Download the firmware
  • Save the firmware exactly as “firmware.bin” on the SD card (and not “blabla.bin”)
  • Re-apply power