iBasso ReadMe Flash Software

Specifications

• Model: DAP DX180
• Manufacturer: iBasso
• Compatibility: Windows PC
• Port: Thunderbolt 3 or USB A
• Price: $500

Product Usage Instructions

Installation of Driver and Firmware:

1. Download the Tools zip file and follow the instructions in the ReadMe to install the driver and flash software provided by iBasso.
2. Create a folder named C: DX180 on your computer.
3. Open the firmware (FW) zip file and double-click on the IMG file.
4. Select all the files, copy them (Control + C), and paste them (Control + V) into the C: DX180 folder.
5. Create a sub-folder called Root within the C: DX180 folder.
6. Launch the flash tool by navigating to C: Program Files (x86)QualcommQPSTbinQFIL.EXE.
7. Choose Flat build, browse for the required file in the C:D X180 folder, and load the XML file.

Flashing the Firmware:

8. Hold down the Play button or middle button on the DAP and connect it to your PC using a Thunderbolt port.
9. Launch the Flash tool, choose DOWNLOAD, and wait for the process to complete without disconnecting the DAP.
10. Once you see “FLASH DOWNLOADED,” unplug the DAP and power it on.

Data Wiping and Factory Reset:

• Leave QFIL open and do not complete the setup on the DAP.
• Hold the power button to access the Power off Reset options, then select Factory Data Reset three times.
• Choose Reboot System Now to start the power-up process.
• Complete the setup on the DAP.

1. Follow the directions in ReadMe in the Tools zip file to install the driver and flash software. I am not going to put in all the steps here because IBasso already has done a good job. Once the driver and software are installed we are ready.
2. Create a folder called C:\DX180.
3. You will want to open the FW zip file
4. Double-click the IMG file and you will want to select all the files after selecting copy/Control + C
5. Paste/Control + V into the folder you created c:\DX180
6. Create a sub-folder called Root -> C:\DX180\Root
7. C:\Program Files (x86)\Qualcomm\QPST\bin\QFIL.EXE to launch flash tool
8. Now you need to choose Flat build and in Select Programmer hit Browse and go to c:\DX180 and it will find the file it needs itself. Goto Load XML and it will find the correct file on its own.
9. Now you are ready to flash the latest FW onto the DAP. Hold down the Play button/middle button and keep holding it while at the same time you plug in the USB cable from your PC. Keep holding it until you see a port appear. Best to use a Thunderbolt port vs a USB A port.
10. We are now ready to flash the DAP. Choose DOWNLOAD and the process will start. Do NOT unplug the DAP while it’s being flashed or you could have a $500 paperweight.You should see FLASH DOWNLOADED and at this point the DAP now has the FW installed. You can unplug the DAP and power it on now. Before we wipe data several times we will need to get 2 files off the DAP so leave QFIL open.
    NOTE: If you are having issues with FLASH not being successful it is likely Windows is not detecting the DAP correctly. Check your Device Manager and you will likely see this: If you have a Thunderbolt 3 port that is the best one to use as I have NEVER had any issues. If you do not try the following:
    A. Unplug DAP from USB and restart your PC
    B. Plug the USB cable into the different USB port
    C. Power on DAP and then power off
    D. Hold the PLAY button for a bit and then plug it into the USB cable
    E. Goto Device Manager and see if that “!” is now gone
11. Unplug the DAP from the USB and power it on but do NOT complete the setup on the DAP. You may have to hold the power button longer than what you normally do.
12. Push the ower button to bring up Power off Reset options and hit Restart as soon as you do hold down the upper button and keep holding until you see this:
13. Use the volume wheel to select WIPE Data/Factory RESET and select Factory Data Reset
14. Push in on the power button once you select Factory Data Reset. Do this 3 times.
15. Choose Reboot System Now and push volume/power button to start power-up
16. Now complete the setup on the DAP

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if Windows is not detecting the DAP correctly during flashing?

A: If Windows is not detecting the DAP correctly, try the following steps:

1. Unplug the DAP from USB and restart your PC.
2. Plug the USB cable into a different USB port.
3. Power on the DAP and then power it off.
4. Hold the PLAY button for a bit and then plug in the USB cable.
5. Check Device Manager to ensure proper detection.

Documents / Resources

iBasso ReadMe Flash Software [pdf] User Guide ReadMe, ReadMe Flash, ReadMe Flash Software, Software

References

• User Manual