Tina2/2S Firmware

[CrazyIvan]

Can this 1.21 firmware be installed to an Entina model Tina2 or just Weedo models?

Possibly, but I think it would be a risk to try it, until somebody risks trying it and reports back. I would expect an Entina machine to refuse to recognise a Weedo or Weefun update (and vice versa), but you never know...

(Note that the firmware in question is Weefun not Weedo.)

What would you expect to achieve by installing it, if it did install? The change log doesn't amount to much so far as I can see, nothing which has caused me any problems on my Entinas anyway. Looks like you might extend your maximum Z to 102.5mm (from observation, I think there is currently/originally a 10mm reserve for bed levelling, which seems excessive – even 7.5mm seems excessive).

The golden rule I fly by is not to fix what ain't broke. I do not risk firmware updates unless it is to address a specific problem I'm having and I'm absolutely sure the update will cure it.

[CrazyIvan]

WARNING: SEE SUBSEQUENT POSTS

I see the firmware currently available for download from the Entina website is:

Tina2: ENTINA_TINA2_FactoryFile_ENG_240410.zip*

Tina2S: ENTINA_TINA2S_FactoryFile_ENG_240410.zip*

* Downloads direct from Entina, link might break if Entina update their website or release newer fimware.

I can't confirm "240410" means 10th April 2024, but the Tina2 and Tina2S downloads were "23.4.6" in the Wayback Machine capture on 5th Feb 2024, and had changed to "240410" by the next capture 21st April 2024 – that looks like a smoking gun. There is no more history on Wayback Machine.

I can't find any change log for the Entina version of the firmware, but I would put big money on it being just a roll-out of the same firmware as Weefun but with the Entina splash screen.

Anybody know how to find out what firmware revision is currently installed on our machines?

Somewhat disconcertingly, I note the Tina2 download .zip is well over a gigabyte in size, when the Weedo firmware mentioned at the start of this thread is 1MB! My broadband is only a few megabits/sec, so that will take a while. I assume most of that is to support WiFi, 'cos it certainly isn't needed just to run the LCD menus and interpret the Gcode.

NB: Wayback Machine has not archived the actual downloads (for obvious reasons!). If anyone has the previous downloads, please message me and we'll find a way to archive them for the community.

[KenW]

The golden rule I fly by is not to fix what ain't broke. I do not risk firmware updates unless it is to address a specific problem I'm having and I'm absolutely sure the update will cure it.

Care to explain? You seem pretty gung-ho about disassembling the printer(s), and firmware updates are usually recommended not least for security.

[CrazyIvan]

The golden rule I fly by is not to fix what ain't broke. I do not risk firmware updates unless it is to address a specific problem I'm having and I'm absolutely sure the update will cure it.

Care to explain? You seem pretty gung-ho about disassembling the printer(s), and firmware updates are usually recommended not least for security.

I like to know I have a way to revert. With hardware, you can see what you're doing and I don't do anything I can't reverse. Reassembly can be tricky at times, but it can be done (if sufficient care is taken with the disassembly).

Firmware is a different matter. Unless you can gain physical access to (and control of) the firmware storage memory (which is difficult even with the right equipment, or impossible if the manufacturer has locked it down with cryptographic access control), you are reliant on the built-in firmware update process... which is itself part of the firmware. The update process is only reversible if you have the previous update file, and if the manufacturer has not prevented older firmware being installed over a newer one.

Then, if something goes wrong with the update process, you could be left with a non-working machine and no access to the firmware update process – ie "bricked" (as useful as a house brick).

There are only security threats if you have the unit connected to the Internet. Using them (as I do) purely to print Gcode from SD card, there is no issue. If you register the WiFi onto your home network, make sure it can't get through your router onto the Internet (block it in the router's firewall, or falsify the unit's network gateway and DNS address), or perhaps use it on a separate subnet or an independent (non-Internet) WiFi network (there are a variety of way to isolate units from Internet access, but I'm not an expert).

Therefore, yes: I am reluctant and cautious about firmware updating, and very much not "gung-ho". I would only be tempted if I had a real problem and/or there was a lot of evidence online that people had done it successfully and had not imported new problems. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't.

[KenW]

I've been trying to get information about the 240410 firmware, by emailing support @ Enitina and through the Tina2 user groups on FB. Support's initial response was (I paraphrase) "what firmware?"!

When I pressed for version history, they basically said they do not recommend installing firmware unless instructed.

Meanwhile I was asking (in the FB user groups) whether anyone had experience of installing it, and (so far) nobody has bitten.

Most interesting, I got (what seems to be) an official response on FB:

To ensure the best user experience and prevent potential issues, we have removed the firmware after a customer inadvertently flashed an incorrect version, resulting in damage to the WiFi module.

If you encounter any difficulties using the device due to firmware-related issues, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to provide prompt assistance and ensure a seamless resolution.

(but at the time of writing, the firmware files are still available to download from the Entina website)

I have not 'encountered any difficulty' using my Tina2 or Tina2S, but I only use them via micro-SD and have never tried connecting by USB (let alone WiFi). I speculate that firmware updates are about WiFi functionality and security, and Entina did not build in adequate version management (slight variations in the controller board modules resulting in incompatibilities).

I thought I had found a bug: using the menus to manually exercise XYZE, XYZ move OK but E doesn't (even with the Bowden tube disconnected so the filament is free to move). I later found out there is a safety interlock which disables the E motor (extruder) while the nozzle is cold.

[KenW]

I see the firmware currently available for download from the Entina website is:

Tina2: ENTINA_TINA2_FactoryFile_ENG_240410.zip*

Tina2S: ENTINA_TINA2S_FactoryFile_ENG_240410.zip

It has been pointed out to me the above downloads are the contents of the SD card, not the installed firmware. Therefore they contain sample pre-sliced models, manuals and guides, and install files for Cura and Wiibuilder for Windows, Linux, and Mac.

[CrazyIvan]

OMG!

That explains why the downloads are so big.

Somewhat disconcertingly, I note the Tina2 download .zip is well over a gigabyte in size, when the Weedo firmware mentioned at the start of this thread is 1MB!

It seems I would have lost my bet had anyone accepted it!

I've added an advisory to the original post. Sorry all.

[slybunda]

Iv not upgraded to this firmware, the current one I'm on seems to have no issues so will carry on with it
Eyeing up that new elegoo creation carbon thingy now