# Ember Firmware v3.0 Beta

## Beta Firmware: v3.0.0 (2026-03-17)

This is the latest Ember firmware beta release. It contains experimental new features and improvements, but may also still have some bugs. If you are looking for the current Ember firmware stable release instead or installation instructions, please check [here](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/products/products/ember-camera/ember-firmware). 

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Use the v3.0 Beta App from [TestFlight](https://testflight.apple.com/join/5DwJh2jv) to connect to Ember FW v3.0. Switch the camera to Network Mode using [the instructions below](#network-connectivity) to use the camera with the app.  The App Store version of the app is only compatible with Ember FW v2.2 which can be found [here](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/products/products/ember-camera/ember-firmware).

To submit a bug report or feature request for the v3.0 beta firmware or App, please [Contact Support](https://freeflysystems.com/contact?system=ember\&topic=%5BEmber%203.0%20Beta%5D%20\&tag=ember3.0). If using the App, include your iOS/macOS Version and Device.

## New Features

Ember FW v3.0 includes major architectural changes to the image capture pipeline, user interface and settings, and network connectivity. These changes introduce new features, detailed below, and also pave the way for future development and improvements.

Under the hood, the camera firmware is now running a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) to more effectively manage many low-level tasks such as image capture, display, storage, and the user interface. This RTOS also communicates with a Linux-based network coordinator that consolidates WiFi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity.

### Image Capture Pipeline

The image capture pipeline (sensor readout, color processing, and encoding) has been reorganized to make better use of the available FPGA resources. This has two immediately benefits: decreased power consumption (approx. 6.5% lower at maximum frame rate) and increased maximum frame rates in cropped resolutions. The freed-up FPGA resources and power budget may also enable new features and improvements in future updates.

Increased maximum frame rates are available in horizontally-cropped resolutions (4K and below for Ember S5K, 2K for Ember S2.5K). The image capture pipeline can now make full use of the sensor's readout capability in these resolutions. New frame rates are indicated with the "overdrive" symbol in the on-camera FPS menu. That tables below list some examples of the new maximum frame rates for Ember S5K and S2.5K in cropped modes:

<figure><img src="https://3429200414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LaNHxABbg20hfA0zTDQ%2Fuploads%2FPEfmQXcfVQqsLhaPHjAR%2Fresolutions_001.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=ba0779e7-d295-4c76-a370-1b3108629221" alt=""><figcaption><p>Ember S5K Maximum Frame Rate Changes in 4K Cropped Mode (Partial List)</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://3429200414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LaNHxABbg20hfA0zTDQ%2Fuploads%2FF08OoPr0X6jEznTSy33e%2Fresolutions_002.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=fc50b310-708b-44cf-99b7-25dab1e21bd5" alt=""><figcaption><p>Ember S2.5K Maximum Frame Rate Changes in 2K Cropped Mode (Partial List)</p></figcaption></figure>

### User Interface and Settings

The on-camera user interface has been updated to better organized the growing number of settings. The most common settings (Width, Height, FPS, etc.) are still available as top-level menu items for quick access. Other settings have been grouped into their own submenus:

* **Lens:** When an active lens mount is present, this menu allows for changing the distance units and accessing Focus control. (Closing the menu also still enables focus control.)
* **Capture:** OETF, Color Temperature, Tint, and Saturation can be adjusted from this menu. It also has an option to Default the image capture settings separately from the system settings.
* **Display:** Clean Feed and Desqueeze can be enabled here.
* **Disk:** The active disk can be formatted from this menu. It also allows for switching between internal and external disk with the [Media Expander](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/products/products/ember-camera/media-expander).
* **Network:** WiFi and Ethernet settings can be configured in this menu, and a detailed network status is shown. WiFi can also be disabled from here.
* **USB:** Select between USB Disk and Network mode from this menu.
* **System:** Adjust fan and power settings, scroll wheel sensitivity, and the Date/Time from this menu. A full system settings default can also be triggered.

While recording with an active lens mount, Focus control is initially selected. Clicking the Select button now deselects Focus and allows scrolling to and selected Iris (aperture) control instead.

### Network Connectivity

The App now connects to Ember using a common network interface for WiFi, Ethernet, and USB. The "EMBER\_CTRL" virtual disk has been replaced with a USB network adapter running on the camera. See [below](#ember-app-connection) for more information on how to connect to the camera in Ember FW v3.0.

## Ember App Connection

For all connection methods make sure you've downloaded the v3.0 Beta App from [TestFlight](https://testflight.apple.com/join/5DwJh2jv). The App store version of the app is only compatible with [Ember FW v2.2](https://docs.freeflysystems.com/products/products/ember-camera/ember-firmware).

#### USB

By Default, Ember's USB is configured to Disk mode, which gives access to the SSD where clips are stored. To connect to Ember over USB for use with the App, you'll need to switch USB mode using the on-camera UI by navigating to USB > USB Mode and changing it to Network. You can also change Boot USB if you want the camera to boot in Network USB mode for future uses.&#x20;

The App will automatically connect to Ember when the USB Mode is set to Network. ✅

{% hint style="success" %}
If you're only using Ember with your iOS/macOS device (nice!) You can switch USB Mode by holding the 'Select' button as you insert the USB Cable. You must have the USB connected to one of the devices already. This will save the change as well.
{% endhint %}

#### Wifi

To connect to Ember over Wifi, connect to Ember's Wifi network in your device's Settings > Wifi.

Ember's Default Wifi Network (SSID) is `Ember-######` and the default password is `emberis#FAST`

The App will automatically connect to Ember when the iOS/macOS device is on Ember's Wifi Network. ✅ If you're having trouble finding Ember's Wifi network, ensure the Wifi Symbol is Green on the bottom UI bar. You can restore the Wifi SSID and Password to default by using System > Default on the camera UI.&#x20;

#### Ethernet Direct

To connect to Ember over Ethernet, Connect an Ethernet cable to Ember and your target device. If you connect an Ethernet cable directly to your iOS or macOS device, you'll need to manually assign your ethernet adapter an IP address in Ember's Static IP subnet.&#x20;

For **iOS and iPadOS** Navigate to Settings App > Ethernet > `ADAPTER NAME` > Configure IP and set this to 'Manual'.&#x20;

For **macOS** Navigate to System Settings App > Network > `ADAPTER NAME` > Details > TCP/IP > Configure IPv4 and set this to 'Manual'.

For **both iOS/iPadOS and macOS** you can assign an IP address in the following range to the `IP Address` field: `10.42.0.2 – 10.42.0.255`.

And you can assign the value `255.255.255.0` to the `Subnet Mask` Field.

Valid configurations on iOS and macOS look like the following:

<div><figure><img src="https://3429200414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LaNHxABbg20hfA0zTDQ%2Fuploads%2FEE19TXMjxr2ZB64ZeLtf%2FScreenshot%202026-03-11%20at%204.31.31%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=eaee8f18-bfd1-4bcb-a0c5-fcc081763311" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://3429200414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LaNHxABbg20hfA0zTDQ%2Fuploads%2FB4bA9So7jJmLLmGcnJNF%2Fconfig.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=cd7127fb-2207-4177-a5e0-4de6e5d4155e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

From here you can return to the App; the App will automatically connect to Ember when the iOS/macOS device's IP address is in Ember's subnet. ✅

#### Ethernet + Router

When using Ethernet with a router and the App running on a device connected to the router, you'll need to configure the App to tell it what Ember's DHCP assigned IP address is.&#x20;

To find Ember's DCHP IP use the on-camera UI to navigate to Network > Ethernet DHCP IP. You'll have to scroll to reveal the value.\
\
In the Ember App you can press the 'Connect Button' on the Camera Preview and type in your custom IP address. You can leave 'Auto' Enabled; This enables the App to detect Ember when connected by more conventional methods, or when Ember and The Ember App Device are connected to a router.&#x20;

{% hint style="success" %}
To avoid checking the Ethernet DHCP IP every time you connect through a router, consider assigning Ember a Static IP address. Contact your network administrator to set this up.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://3429200414-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LaNHxABbg20hfA0zTDQ%2Fuploads%2F73mmvGX8Qgh0NQHy4YsG%2FIMG_DBBEEE89CD4F-1.jpeg?alt=media&#x26;token=f57e953b-60ff-4a34-a047-5e35ca278bd4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Other Network Settings

#### User Static IP

User Static IP is useful in more advanced network topologies. This should never be used over having your Wi-Fi router assign a static IP, as there should only be one IP authority. If the default value for this IP address is in your network's subnet consider changing it to avoid any conflicts.&#x20;

#### Wifi Channel&#x20;

Wi-Fi operates in the 2.4 and 5GHz spectrum on a fixed number of ‘channels’ which Wi-Fi access points operate on to provide service to users. Different channels have different abilities but what's relevant for Ember users is as follows:

**5GHz** Channels provide more bandwidth for less choppy live preview, and faster exports.&#x20;

**2.4GHz** Channels provide further range but should only be used with Live Preview Disabled.

### Network Troubleshooting

* Make sure you are not connected to Ember on multiple interfaces or from multiple devices
* Always use a USB 3.0 Cable or higher when connecting to Ember
* A router assigned DHCP IP address may be persistent for up to 24 hours after the last time you were Ember was connected to it, but after that you should expect Ember to be assigned a new DHCP IP address.
* An Apple Silicon Mac with M2, M1 Pro, or M1 Max or newer – or iOS/iPad OS device on our supported devices list – is required for Live Preview, Playback and Export to work.
* Ember Firmware v3.0 Uses 10.42.0.1 As it's Fixed Static IP Address for all interfaces, whereas Firmware v2.1 used 10.42.0.1 for Wifi and 10.42.1.2 for Ethernet. You may need to update your custom IP address.
* When connecting to the camera over the network, you won't have access to stabilization. Switch the camera to disk mode to have direct file access to support stabilization and other advanced features.&#x20;