Spire V Eye Firmware Update Compatibility with GEO R5 Fix

Due to the limited number of Spire V boards we have in stock, for the time being, orders of more than on update will not be processed. This is to ensure as many affected users as possible get the update. If you have more than one Spire V, see below for specific instructions***.

This is a Refundable Deposit, less the cost of shipping, for the New Spire V Firmware. 

Effective August 6, all Spire V Loaders are shipping from Virtue USA include a new firmware update that increases feed rates for customers using the Eclipse GEO R5. 

The New Spire V 1.17 Firmware LED Flickers Red when powered on. The original Spire V Firmware is solid red when turned on.

This update is available to all Spire V customers. To get your update you have the following options:

1. Get the Update at the NXL. Bring your Spire V loader to an NXL event where Virtue will update it free of charge.
2. Get the Update Shipped to You and Pay Only Shipping after a Refundable Deposit. Add this Firmware Update to the cart and complete your purchase. We will immediately ship an updated Spire V circuit board to you, along with a return label to return your stock Spire V PCB to Virtue. Once your return is received, a refund of $33 will be refunded to your credit card. ($7 will be used the cover the cost of return shipping)
3. Get the Update Shipped to You with Free Shipping and a Refundable Deposit. Add this Firmware Update to the cart along with $39.95 or more of other Virtue products and when you return your stock Spire V PCB to us we will refund the entire $40 charge. Valid for continental US customers only.
   

A return label will be included with your order. Note, for the initial rollout, this will first be available in the USA. European customers will receive an update from www.virtuepb.eu once it is available in Europe through Virtue Austria. 

What's this Update About?
During the NXL Atlantic City Open, Virtue techs were informed of a compatibility issue with the new GEO R5. In the following weeks, our testing, which involved Planet Eclipse and multiple beta testers across the world we determined the Spire V eye firmware was not playing nicely with the bolt cycle timing of the GEO R5 resulting in poor feeding performance. 

Can I download or change this firmware by myself?
No, the eye logic on the Spire can not be adjusted or downloaded by anyone outside of Virtue.

Why do I have to pay a deposit?
The deposit is the fastest way to get an updated board to as many customers as possible without waiting for boards to be sent back to us first. 

Why do I have to pay shipping?
If you are at an NXL event, you do not need to pay shipping and can get your update there for free. Or if you order an additional $39.95 worth of other products you will not need to pay shipping either.  

What about the CTRL2? Are other Virtue loaders affected too?
A separate CTRL2 update and announcement will follow as well. G-force and accelerometer activated loaders like the CTRL1, Spire III/IV are not affected. The IR2 is not affected due to the higher position of the eyes in the loader.

***What if I have more than one Spire V loader?
If you have more than one Spire V loader, when you receive your updated circuit board with the return label, send back all of your other Spire V boards and we will update them and send them back to you as well.