The hxc_fw_installer.hex file is the initial installer required to flash the HxC bootloader onto a Gotek floppy drive emulator. Installing this hex file is the first step in converting a standard Gotek drive into one that can run HxC Floppy Emulator firmware, allowing it to work with vintage computers, synths, and CNC machines. How to Use the Installer File
To use this file, you must connect the Gotek drive to your PC using a USB-A to USB-A cable (for Artery-based chips) or a USB-to-Serial TTL adapter (for STM32-based chips).
Preparation: Download the HxC firmware archive and locate the hxc_fw_installer.hex file.
Connection: Connect the Gotek to your PC. For Artery chips, use the Artery ISP Programmer tool; for STM32, use STM32 CubeProgrammer or DfuSe.
Flashing: Use the programming tool to select the .hex file and flash it to the device. Hxc-fw-installer.hex
Completion: Once flashed, the Gotek should display "Ldr" (Loader). You then complete the installation by placing the final firmware file (*.upd) and an EXCHANGE.BIN file on a FAT32-formatted USB stick and inserting it into the drive. Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Missing File: If you cannot find the .hex file, ensure you have extracted all files from the official zip archive provided by HxC2001.
"Ldr" Displayed: If your device is stuck on "Ldr", it means the bootloader is installed but the final firmware update from the USB stick hasn't finished.
Alternatives: If you prefer a free, open-source alternative, many users flash FlashFloppy firmware instead, which uses a different .hex file but similar serial programming methods. The hxc_fw_installer
For a visual walkthrough on preparing your Gotek and installing custom firmware, this guide is helpful:
⚠️ Important: This guide assumes you have a device already running HxC firmware (or a bootloader) and you want to update it. Flashing the wrong firmware can brick your device. Double-check your hardware model.
hxc-fw-installer.hex is the Intel HEX firmware installer file used to update or install firmware on the HxC Floppy Emulator family of devices (commonly HxC Floppy Emulator boards, Gotek-based emulators, and related hardware). The HxC Floppy Emulator is a device that emulates floppy disk drives by reading disk images (ADF, IMG, DSK, etc.) from USB drives or SD cards and presenting them to legacy hardware.
Cause: You are trying to flash the installer HEX to the wrong microcontroller or at the wrong base address. ⚠️ Important: This guide assumes you have a
Solution: Verify your device’s flash origin:
0x00000000 or 0x080000000x080000000x00000000Cause: Missing drivers or the HxC isn’t in DFU mode.
Solution: