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Firmware Upgrade

Rate Hike runs on a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 and is upgraded by copying a .uf2 firmware file to the Pico while it is in bootloader mode. No special tools or software are required — the Pico mounts as a regular USB drive.

What you'll need​

Procedure​

  1. Power off your Eurorack case and remove Rate Hike, or otherwise expose the back of the module so you can reach the Pico.
  2. Hold the BOOTSEL button on the Pico (the small white button on the board).
  3. While holding BOOTSEL, plug the micro-USB cable into the Pico and into your computer.
  4. Release the BOOTSEL button. A new USB drive named RP2350 (or similar) will appear on your computer.
  5. Drag the .uf2 file onto that drive. The Pico will automatically copy the firmware, reboot, and the drive will disappear.
  6. Unplug USB, reinstall Rate Hike in your case, and power up.

That's it — the new firmware is now running.

Settings and calibration​

Your ADC calibration and stored settings live in a separate region of flash from the firmware, so they are preserved across upgrades. You won't need to recalibrate after flashing.

Troubleshooting​

  • The drive doesn't appear: Make sure you're holding BOOTSEL before plugging in USB, and keep it held until the cable is fully connected. Try a different USB cable — some micro-USB cables are charge-only and don't carry data.
  • The drive appears but the file won't copy: Eject the drive and try again. The Pico bootloader is strict about file format; only .uf2 files built for the RP2350 will work.
  • The module behaves oddly after upgrading: Power-cycle the case once. If the issue persists, re-flash the firmware.
Found a bug or want a feature?

Reach out via bowl-modular.com or DM @bowl.modular on Instagram. Bowl Modular is a one-person operation, so you'll be talking directly to the person who built the firmware.