Lectrosonics DBSM Digital Transcorder
Specifications
- Product: DBSM & DBSMD
- Manufacturer: Lectrosonics, Inc.
- Upgrade Feature: Record and Transmit
- Release Date: August 2025
Instructions
This document outlines the procedure to upgrade your non-U.S. DBSM firmware to enable the new record and transmit feature.
These instructions should be followed exactly. Attempting to bypass steps or load the incorrect firmware into a unit may result in the unit not functioning properly. If this occurs, we can help, but it will be at the unit owner’s expense, including shipping costs both ways. If you have any questions, please contact the factory.
Check Your Model Number and Firmware Versions
Find the model number engraved on the transmitter housing, which indicates which non-U.S. version you own. If this model is listed in the following table, you may proceed. Otherwise, do NOT follow these instructions. If you are located outside of the United States or Canada, and your transmitter’s model number does not include /E01 or /E09, please email service.repair@lectrosonics.com or call 505-892-4501 for more details.
Eligible Model Numbers
| DBSM/E01 | DBSMD/E01 |
| DBSM/E09 | DBSMD/E09 |
Power the transmitter on. Press MENU/SEL to open the “TopMenu” page. Select “Setup…”, then “About” to open the About page.
Note your current firmware version numbers. This is critical for selecting the correct update files. Two version numbers will be displayed, for example, “2.10/2.00”. The first number is your microcontroller firmware version number, and the second is your FPGA firmware version.
Download the Firmware Update File
DBSM & DBSMD firmware downloads are here: https://lectrosonics.com/firmware-dbsm-dbsmd/
Use the following table to identify the proper firmware update zip file for your transmitter using the FPGA version number you noted in step 1.
Non-U.S. Market
| /E01 | /E09 | |
| v1.xx | dbsm_e01_m108-f102-b2.zip | N/A |
| v2.xx | dbsm_e01_m211-f201-b2.zip | dbsm_e09_m211-f201-b2.zip |
Format the microSD Card
- Your microSD card must be formatted with the FAT32 file system.
- On a Windows-based system, launch File Explorer and select the SD card. Right-click to open the context menu and choose the “Format…” option. Selectthe File system “FAT32 (Default)” in the dialog box and click “Start”. When formatting is complete, click “OK” and then “Close”.
- On a macOS system, launch Disk Utility and select the SD card. If the card is already formatted as “MS-DOS (FAT)”, then you do not need to do anything. If the card is in another format, click the “Erase” button. Select Format “MS-DOS (FAT)” in the dialog box and click “Erase”. When formatting is complete, click “Done” to close the utility.
Set the DBSM to default settings.
- Press the power button to turn the transmitter on.
- Press the MENU/SEL button to open the “TopMenu”.
- Select “Setup…” and press the MENU/SEL button to open the “Setup…” menu.
- Select “Default” and press the MENU/SEL button to open the “Restore?” page.
- Use the DOWN arrow key to select the “Yes” option and press the MENU/SEL button to restore factory default settings.
- Press and hold the power button to turn the transmitter off.
Select and Install Microcontroller Firmware
From the following table, select the proper microcontroller firmware file for your device using the version number information you noted in step 1. Copy the selected firmware file to the SD card you prepared in step 3.
Non-U.S. Market
| /E01 | /E09 | |
| v1.xx | dbsm_e01 v1_08.hex | N/A |
| v2.xx | dbsm_e01 v2_11.hex | dbsm_e09 v2_11.hex |
- Open the battery door and insert the prepared microSD card into the SD card slot. Install a fresh battery (or 2 batteries in the DBSMD) and close the door.
- Press and hold the up and down arrow buttons, then press the power button to power the transmitter on. Use only fresh batteries!
- The bootloader main menu will appear on the LCD. Highlight the “Update” option and press the MENU/SEL button.
- A list of available files on the SD card is displayed. Select the microcontroller firmware file you copied onto the SD card and press the MENU/SEL button.
- The firmware file will be installed. When finished,d you are prompted to remove the SD card from the transmitter.
Select and Install FPGA Firmware
From the following table, select the proper FPGA firmware file for your device using the version number information you noted in step 1. Copy the selected firmware file to the SD card you prepared in step 3.
Non-U.S. Market
| /E01 | /E09 | |
| v1.xx | dbsm_fpga_v1_02.mcs | N/A |
| v2.xx | dbsm_fpga_v2_01.mcs | dbsm_fpga_v2_01.mcs |
- Open the battery door and insert the prepared microSD card into the SD card slot. Install a fresh battery (or 2 batteries in the DBSMD) and close the door.
- Press and hold the up and down arrow buttons, then press the power button to power the transmitter on. Use only fresh batteries!
- The bootloader main menu will appear on the LCD. Highlight the “Update” option and press the MENU/SEL button.
- A list of available files on the SD card is displayed. Select the FPGA firmware file you copied onto the SD card and press the MENU/SEL button.
- The FPGA firmware file will be installed. When finished, you are prompted to remove the SD card from the transmitter.
Confirm Firmware Versions
The final step is to check the version numbers reported by the About page. If these match the firmware files you installed, the new feature is available. These should be
| Firmware Version Series | Installed Firmware Versions |
| v1.xx | 1.08/1.02 |
| v2.xx | 2.11/2.01 |
Power the transmitter on. Press MENU/SEL to open the “TopMenu”. Select “Setup…” and press MENU/SEL to open the “Setup…” menu. Select “About” and press MENU/SEL to open the About page. Note the microcontroller and FPGA firmware versions.
FAQs
What should I do if I encounter issues during the upgrade process?
If you face any difficulties or have questions, please contact the manufacturer for assistance to avoid any potential problems with the unit.
Documents / Resources
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Lectrosonics DBSM Digital Transcorder [pdf] Instructions DBSM-E01, DBSM-E09, DBSMD-E01, DBSMD-E09, DBSM Digital Transcorder, DBSM, Digital Transcorder, Transcorder |