Sphere: Recovery Mode

Background

The Recovery Mode procedure allows firmware to be force loaded onto an encoder which is no longer functioning properly.

Some examples of this behavior include an encoder that is not recognizing video input from known good video sources and cables, or an encoder that is no longer streaming or visible in the Sphere app.

Although the Recovery Mode procedure will place all four encoders on the Sphere into this recovery state to accept a firmware reload, only the encoder which is having an issue requires a firmware reflash; the other encoders can be left unchanged, and will boot normally once the process is complete and the Sphere is power cycled.

Step 1: if you don't already have current Sphere firmware on the computer system which will be used to perform the Recovery Mode procedure, download the most recent firmware from here: https://teradek.com/pages/downloads#sphere

Step 2: power off the Sphere with the main System switch (A), and disconnect all video input sources (SDI or HDMI) from the Sphere.

Step 3: connect to the Sphere using the 10/100 Ethernet port (H) using either a direct connection to a computer with the Sphere firmware, or to a router.

NOTE: if you're connecting the Sphere to a router, make sure there are no IP address conflicts with other devices connected to that same router. The Sphere will use IP addresses 192.168.1.11 through 192.168.1.14 while in Recovery Mode, as described below.

Step 4: use a paper clip or similar narrow object to press the Reset button (F) located between the DC input and the PoE-capable Ethernet port:

Step 5: hold in the Reset button and turn on the Sphere with the main System power switch; continue holding the Reset button in until the video and codec LEDs blink alternately on all four encoders (i.e. the Video LEDs go on while the Codec LEDs are off, and vice versa), then release the Reset button.

Step 6: configure the computer with the Sphere firmware to have a static IP address in the same range as the Sphere, for example 192.168.1.50. Refer to your Mac or Windows operating system instructions for assistance in setting a static IP address.

Step 7: open a web browser and navigate to the IP address of the encoder that will be reflashed. The encoders in Sphere will have the following IP addresses while in Recovery Mode:

• Encoder 1 : 192.168.1.11
• Encoder 2 : 192.168.1.12
• Encoder 3 : 192.168.1.13
• Encoder 4 : 192.168.1.14

NOTE: advertisements will not appear in Bonjour while the encoders are in Recovery Mode -- you must manually type the IP address of the encoder into your web browser.

The following page should appear in your web browser:

 Step 8: select the Sphere firmware file from your computer and begin the firmware recovery process: 

Step 9: wait until the firmware recovery process has completed: 

Step 10: power off the Sphere with the System switch, then power it back on. All four encoders should start up and allow standard operation with the Sphere app.

If you're continuing to encounter issues with your Sphere, contact support@teradek.com and reference this article.