I knew that there was the option to mail back VTeks back for firmware flashing, but what I was looking forward to was to perform user-serviceable firmware updates like DGTpi.
Serious Problem with V-Tek 300 clock.
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chessroboto wrote:
I knew that there was the option to mail back VTeks back for firmware flashing, but what I was looking forward to was to perform user-serviceable firmware updates like DGTpi.
I don't understand what you mean.
If you own a vtek300, and you want it to have it flashed with the latest firmware release, you can request it from the manufacturer, arrange a round-trip shipment of your clock to them, and you’ll get back an updated clock.
With the DGT pi, you can do this yourself.
chessroboto wrote:
If you own a vtek300, and you want it to have it flashed with the latest firmware release, you can request it from the manufacturer, arrange a round-trip shipment of your clock to them, and you’ll get back an updated clock.
With the DGT pi, you can do this yourself.
http://www.digitalgametechnology.com/index.php/support1/dgt-software/dgt-chess-computers/dgt-pi-1?mavikthumbnails_display_ratio=2
In my experience, it's been completely impossible to get a hold of VisualTek's customer support. I've emailed support@visual-tek.com four times over the last month and haven't had a single reply. I've tried calling their customer support phone number at 972-788-1144 and all I get is a machine. I've left multiple messages and haven't received a call back. I've tried using their support chat system, and had no reply. I tried doing the RMA process on their website, but when you get to page 11 of 11, the fields to enter your credit card details are greyed out and it's impossible to actually complete the process. Sadly, a micro-USB port and a firmware self-upgrade system would have avoided this entire situation.
For a chess clock that cost $150, whose homepage declares "Customer friendly technical support, ready to help" this has been incredibly frustrating. The clock itself is really nice -- honestly, the nicest I've ever owned -- but the customer support is effectively non-existent as far as I've been able to tell. As nice a clock as it is, I hate to say it, but I'd recommend buying something else if you believe you'll need firmware upgrades.
It may be that recent versions have the bugs worked out and you're less likely to need support. Barring the bugs in the earlier firmware, it's a great clock.
Nov 2, 2021
0
#66
chessroboto wrote:
If you own a vtek300, and you want it to have it flashed with the latest firmware release, you can request it from the manufacturer, arrange a round-trip shipment of your clock to them, and you’ll get back an updated clock.
With the DGT pi, you can do this yourself.
http://www.digitalgametechnology.com/index.php/support1/dgt-software/dgt-chess-computers/dgt-pi-1?mavikthumbnails_display_ratio=2
ChessRoboto,
At the time allowing the customer to upgrade the clock on their own would have gotten it banned from FIDE. Allowing ANYONE to upload code onto a chess clock is just asking for someone to warp the code to have the ability to cheat.
And let's be honest, the DGT Pi is a computer that masquerades as a chess clock.
Shelby Lohrman
ShelbyLohrman wrote:
chessroboto wrote:
If you own a vtek300, and you want it to have it flashed with the latest firmware release, you can request it from the manufacturer, arrange a round-trip shipment of your clock to them, and you’ll get back an updated clock.
With the DGT pi, you can do this yourself.
http://www.digitalgametechnology.com/index.php/support1/dgt-software/dgt-chess-computers/dgt-pi-1?mavikthumbnails_display_ratio=2
ChessRoboto,
At the time allowing the customer to upgrade the clock on their own would have gotten it banned from FIDE. Allowing ANYONE to upload code onto a chess clock is just asking for someone to warp the code to have the ability to cheat.
And let's be honest, the DGT Pi is a computer that masquerades as a chess clock.
Shelby Lohrman
And this is why we're here in the forum discussions.
As for the DGT Pi, I cannot see any allowed competition use for it outside the personal chess computer market.
Nov 3, 2021
0
#68
I think warabi was saying that they can not even get a hold of anyone at VTEK for an upgrade. That is the point of their post #65.
<<<<In my experience, it's been completely impossible to get a hold of VisualTek's customer support. I've emailed support@visual-tek.com four times over the last month and haven't had a single reply. I've tried calling their customer support phone number at 972-788-1144 and all I get is a machine. I've left multiple messages and haven't received a call back. I've tried using their support chat system, and had no reply. I tried doing the RMA process on their website, but when you get to page 11 of 11, the fields to enter your credit card details are greyed out and it's impossible to actually complete the process.>>>>
They are only complaining that the manufacturer that does the upgrades is unresponsive and for a $150+ clock that is frustrating, I can see their point.
I bought about 10 months ago. Would that clock need upgrading already? If if it does do they do it free of charge in a certain time period, say up to 1 year or better up to two years?
Very curious now since I took the leap and bought it.
<<The Tap N Set shows seconds once the time goes below one hour.>>
Exactly why the maker needs to expand the display which would be a major change I am guessing.
If he did that, the clock in my view would be a home run and blow everything else out of the water especially at that price.
I like to see seconds all the time regardless of the time left. But as you said it is not necessary but a matter of preference but I will not buy another clock that does not show seconds all of the time.