Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Connecting up 861v4 to HD621

I have looked for answers by searching. My search talents may be lacking because I know the answers must be here somewhere. But here goes out a request for answers.

(1) When updating firmware on the 861 and the HD621 is connected to the 861 do they update at the same time or do you need to update the firmware on each device separately?

(2) When connecting the digital RCA cables from the HD621 to the 861 what goes where? My 861 has the IE42 card. I have D1 thru D6 on the IE-42 card and 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 on the HD621.

(3) Do both systems have to be running the same version of firmware? My 861 is a v4 running the latest v4 firmware. I am guessing that the HD621 is probably loaded with v6 firmware.

(4) There are two Meridian comms DIN connectors on the back of my 861. One upper and one lower. Which one do I use for the HD621?

(5) After the holidays I want to do the firmware update from v4 to v6 on my 861 and I want to do it the best way. Should I upload the v6 firmware and do a fetch and then build on that based on a printout I took from the v4 settings?
OR
Should I upload the v6 firmware and NOT do a fetch. Just build it from scratch in the application. If I do build it from scratch do I select an 861v4 from the list to the left to start the build from scratch or should I choose an 861v6 from the list to the left.

Curious because from a hardware standpoint it is still an 861v4.

Thanks!

As I understand it, the 861v4 is and end of line product. So can't be upgraded to a v6 (and the just announced v8).
You need to check you have the latest firmware for your individual products.

Meridian did to a trade in for v4 to v6 and you got to keep the old v4 although it can't be traded again. That may be over now.

There is plenty of information on Duncan's site, link on top of page.

Thoughts, Chris

Thanks Chris,

I am going to have to stick with my 861v4 for some while. So I need to make what I have now work.

Thanks again!

(A1) Do you mean firmware or the configuration file? Either way they are uploaded to the 861 and the HD621 seperately

(A2) You can configure the IE42 card to have 2 sets of 3 digital inputs for multichannel input or 6 seperate digital inputs or a combination of the two the numbers define the number of the input but the numbers on the outputs of the HD621 define which channels are on that output. 1/2 is L/R mains 3/4 is centre/LFE 5/6 is sides 7/8 is rears IIRC when the HD621 is set to output 6 channels rather than 8 the 5/6 is set as "surrounds" which inputs you connect the HD621 to on the IE42 depends on how you confirgure it in the M-Config programme.

(A3a) No the firmware is quite different for 861 and HD621.
(A3b) The latest firmware for the 861v4 is the same as for an 861v6.
(A3c) The latest firmware for the HD621 is 1.10 IIRC.

(A4) Either should work, or daisy chained off another Meridian unit which is connected to the controller in the system.

(A5a) I don't have an 861 but I think you should just be able to reload your existing config file after the firmware update.
(A5b) If you need to do a fetch so you can read your old config file I would tend to do it before the firmware update or you may well wipe it.


To quote another HH'er Meridian is not plug and play, read the manual, read it again and when you think you understand it read it again for luck!

Regards Richard

Just for clarity JPB is asking about updating the firmware the v4.25 to v6.03 (not the hardware). A firmware update is possible as the v6.03 firmware for the 861 supports both the 861v4 and 861v6 hardware. Firmware versions numbers and hardware version number are not necessarily related.

Regards,
Carl

Thanks everyone for the great answers!

Can you help with my Q5 (see first post) as well?

I was told it is best after updating the 861 firmware to v6 that it is best to build and upload a completly new configuration file. That is why I'm asking.

Where can one download the lates frimware 6.03 for the 861 and firmware 1.10 for the HD621?

Thanks Again

Hi,

This is the safest way and what I did.

You can not download firmware anymore you need to speak to your Meridian dealer (or any Meridian dealer) that can supply.

I'm sure someone will be able to sort this out for you.

Regards,
Carl

Thanks Carl,

Great. Should I build the new configuration file based on a fetch? Then just add speakers and sources and configure.

Or

By not doing a fetch and dragging the new cards and 861 from the left into the workspace at the right?

Thanks!

Try this:

Update firmware
Re TYPE
Fetch into new Mconfig file
Check / install cards as required
Add speakers
Add source equipment
Configure bass management
Calibrate
MRC (if you use it, I do)

Save the file, I name mine with a date & short description so I have an archive.

Regards,
Carl

Thanks again for all the great help and support.

I know I must seem dumb but I have conflicting answers of the following question and I can�t get it straight.
The RCA connections on the HD621 still have me confused.
The 861 is version 4 hardware and the HD621 properties is set to 5.1 (6 channel) output.
I have the IE42 card.
I configured the card to create MD2 using digital inputs D4, D5 and D6

The HD621 has 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 digital outputs.

Does 1/2 go to D4?
Does 3/4 go to D5?
What connects up to D6? 5/6 or 7/8?

What is 1/2 - Front Left and Front Right?
What is 3/4 - Center and Sub?
What is 5/6 - Left Side and Right Side?
What is 7/8 - Rear Left and rear Right?

Thanks again everybody and happy holidays.

Not the most obvious place to look. Hidden WiKi - Setup Meridian Preamp with HD621

Thanks,

I saw that a few days ago but the information does not work for my 861. That shows that a different combination of connectors making up MD1 and MD2.

I am using mine configure as MD2 and it uses D4, D5 and D6 and that does not align itself with what was said in this article?

Thanks!