Updating your Satlink WS-6933 allows you to add new satellites, refresh Transponder (TP) lists, and fix software bugs. Because this device uses a specialized Flash Loader tool, the process is more technical than a standard "plug-and-play" update. Preparation Checklist Before starting, ensure you have the following: USB to Mini-USB Cable: To connect the device to your PC.

Flash Loader Software: The desktop application used to push the update.

Latest Firmware File: Typically a .bin file (e.g., version 10.2 or later).

Device Driver: To ensure your PC recognizes the Satlink meter as a "COM port". Step-by-Step Update Guide 1. Install Drivers and Software

Download and install the Flash Loader and the device drivers on your Windows PC.

Open the Device Manager on your computer. Under "Ports (COM & LPT)," note the COM port number that appears when you connect your Satlink device. 2. Enter Download Mode

The device must be in a specific state to receive new software: Turn the device OFF. Press and hold the "Return" button. While holding "Return," flip the power switch to ON.

The screen should remain black, but the Power light will stay lit, indicating it is in Download Mode. 3. Flash the New Firmware Launch the Flash Loader program on your PC.

Select the correct COM Port that you identified in Step 1 and click Next. Choose the option "Download to device".

Click the "Open" or "Browse" icon and select your downloaded .bin firmware file.

Click Next to begin the process. A progress bar will show the status; do not disconnect the cable until it reaches 100%. 4. Verify the Update

Once finished, close the software and power the Satlink device OFF and then ON normally.

Navigate to System Setup > System Information (or similar OSD menu).

Confirm that the Software Version now reflects the newer version number. Important Tips & Troubleshooting

Backup First: If your software supports it, use the "Upload from device" option in the Flash Loader to save your current settings/TP list before overwriting them.

Manual TP Updates: If you only need to update a few satellite frequencies, you can often do this manually through the Transponder Setup menu without flashing the entire firmware.

Driver Errors: If the PC doesn't "see" the device, try a different USB port or reinstall the driver as an administrator. Digital satellite finder software update Process


Option A: Manual Blind Scan (Simplest)

  1. Connect the meter to an LNB on a fixed dish.
  2. Menu → Blind Scan → Select Satellite → Start.
  3. The updated firmware will scan faster (now supports 22 kHz and 16APSK better).

Method B: PC Connection (Legacy RS-232/Null Modem)

Older WS-6933 units require a serial connection:

This method is rarely needed for recent hardware revisions.


Step 1: Prepare the USB Drive

  1. Insert USB into PC.
  2. Right-click the drive → Format → File system: FAT32 → Allocation unit size: 4096 bytes.
  3. Copy the firmware .bin file directly to the root of the USB drive (not inside any folder).
  4. Rename the file to update.bin if the guide recommends it (case-sensitive – lowercase).

6. Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution | |---------|---------------|----------| | “File not found” | Wrong filename or file system | Ensure FAT32, root directory, exact name (case-sensitive) | | USB update freezes | Incompatible USB drive | Try another brand (older, smaller capacity like 4GB) | | PC doesn’t detect meter | Wrong cable or driver | Use data cable; reinstall PL2303 driver | | Meter won’t boot after update | Corrupted firmware or wrong model | Attempt recovery mode via RS-232; reflash original version | | “Upgrade mode” stuck | Power loss during flash | Contact technician – may need EEPROM reprogramming |

What you should do:

Current Latest Version (as of 2024/2025):

Most stable release is WS-6933_V2.0.8_20240315 for H/W V2.0. For older hardware, V1.6.2 is the final stable version.


1. The DVB-S2X & 16APSK Bottleneck

The most common request for WS-6933 firmware updates stems from an inability to lock specific transponders. If you are attempting to lock a modern high-efficiency transponder, no software update will help.

The WS-6933 hardware tuner is natively designed for DVB-S and DVB-S2 (QPSK/8PSK). Modern satellites (particularly high-throughput satellites like Eutelsat Konnect or Yahsat) are increasingly utilizing:

While the processor in the WS-6933 might theoretically be able to interpret the stream if the firmware were rewritten, the tuner demodulator hardware lacks the silicon logic to demodulate 16APSK or S2X signals. If you are scanning a frequency and getting "No Signal" despite strong carrier power on the spectrum analyzer, the issue is likely hardware obsolescence, not outdated firmware.

The "Bootloop" Risk

The WS-6933 updates via a USB stick plugged into the top port. However, the bootloader is sensitive to USB drive formatting.