1

90% Firmware Update Hang/Freeze FIX

Mike Fields

May 21, 2019 01:30

None

Follow

After a few hours scouring the Internet on complaints about upgrading the Sena firmware hangs at 90%, I went into troubleshooting mode and found the fix for everyone. No need to bash Sena or complain about sending back for a long RMA process. Tip to remember: I learned a long time ago, the older tech products run into issues when connecting a 2.0 device/cable into a USB 3.0 port. This worked for update firmware on my SMH10R to v5.1.2.

90% HANG PROBLEM SOLVED: Must use a USB 2.0 Port (NOT 3.0) on your computer with original USB cable. After a few seconds at 90%, you'll get a yellow pop-up screen instructing to hold center and + buttons until pop-up disappears. You do, it does, and completes to 100%.

Setup: Windows 10, x64, original USB 2.0 cable, USB 2.0 Port, run as administrator. I did a fresh uninstall/re-install of the program once I changed to a 2.0 Port. If you hang again during the process, simply unplug and force close the Sena program. But the key here is the yellow pop-up screen you didn't get before after being on 90%. This will appear after about 30 seconds at 90%, so no need to get angry again.

Drop a comment if this worked for you as well - you owe me a beer if it did - hope to see you around the Rockies.

 

~Mike F.

Colorado Springs, CO

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

12 comments

• 0
  
  peter hudson May 25, 2019 16:34

  My SMH10 stuck at 90% using windows 10, usb 2.0 and running as admin. Now it fails to power on at all.  Sena support chat said I should buy a new one since my unit is out of the warranty period.  I have a request in support but it has been a week with no response. 

  Peter Hudson

• 0
  
  Mike Fields May 28, 2019 00:59

  Peter, sorry to hear. Perhaps try a hard reset first. I had unplugged, uninstalled the program completely, reinstalled, then plugged into a 2.0 port and it prompted like a first time connection... worked the first try, despite a dozen fails prior using the 3.0 port. Good luck brother. 

• 1
  
  Roland Tobiasz May 01, 2020 21:00

  I signed up just to be able to thank you for the advice. It worked for me. Windows 10. Sena SMH10.
  
  As per being angry with Sena. Yes, I am angry with Sena.
  
  First I learn that I need to disable driver signatures during startup on my Windows for the device manager to work and now I get a heart attack when my Sena is stuck on 90% and then, as it seems bricked. In all a waste of many hours and frustration.
  
  Sena, You rock as a intercom developer and you suck at developing software to easily upgrade firmware. Just look around on the web, how many people are angry with you.
  
  BTW, I had to downgrade to 5.01 because the latest 5.12 software was just mercilessly draining my battery. At most my Sena would die after 1 hour.

• 1
  
  Mike Fields May 02, 2020 17:26

  Nice! Glad I helped at least one. The yellow screen is like out of the 90s. Good tip on the battery usage. Is there a way to replace the battery?

  I agree, for the price of these things... we need some better support to make them work!

• 0
  
  Roland Tobiasz May 02, 2020 20:45

  I think that you helped more than just one! I just tested the battery yesterday after downgrading and it lasted just under 2 hours. Better than before but still not good. I ordered on Amazon the following battery and it should arrive on Monday. 

   

  https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00IFXP5W2/ 

   

  I'll let you know if it helped or not once, I replace it. The SMH10 battery replacement seems to be fairly simple based on YouTube videos.
• -1
  
  Alberto Ottaviani May 09, 2021 20:16

  Are you kidding me!!!!! I need to downgrade to a 2.0 to do the update WTF!!! I already had to re-install the drivers, then deactivate the digital signature request, now I have to revert to a usb 2.0. Best of all after the update hung at 90% (more than 30min) the device won’t turn on anymore. So no finishing the update and the device is disabled.

  F.U and F Sena I’m buying a cardo and tell anyone who will listen about this shit

• 0
  
  Mike Fields May 10, 2021 03:58

  GFY. I don't give a F about your problems, I was a customer too trying to help others. Get your SHt right before you troll - better change your attitude or else no one will ever like you.

  Cardo IS the best, I threw my Sena in the trash long ago. 

• 0
  
  Bob Moschetti May 14, 2021 01:29

  Mike... You just cured my migraine!! This was kicking my @$$ until I found your post. I found a laptop laying around with a 2.0 USB port and BAM.... worked on first attempt!

  One exception, I got the yellow box at 55% on both of my Sena devices.

  I owe you a beer!

  And you are right... I am moving to a Cardio Mesh soon.

• 0
  
  Mike Fields May 14, 2021 02:52

  You bet Bob, glad I could help. VERY happy with the Cardo, but until then - enjoy.

• 0
  
  Alberto Ottaviani May 14, 2021 04:52

  I apologize Mike, I wrote that comment in anger, after 3 hours of frustrating attempts. I understand you were just trying to help. Sorry

• 0
  
  Mike Fields May 14, 2021 05:08

  All good buddy, we were all there. Enjoy your Cardo, I sure like mine.

  Domio is a SCAM. DO NOT go that route.

• 0
  
  BD January 30, 2023 13:51

  Just had this problem with one of my 2 SC2s. Firmware update v1.1 hangs on 21%. The first one worked fine on USB3, very weird. But now I get a fail, something is broken on the firmware I am afraid. How do I fix this?