Old ION Files

Question

Woops. Bought a used ION. It's in good shape bur very old. (The back has just two DMX outputs - which is ok for us). 
 Unfortunately, it is an earlier file system and will not load any of our current (and up to date) Element 2 files! 
 These have several home-built Fixture Profiles. 
 Does ECT have any conversion process' where I can get my Fixture Profiles from the Element 2 into the ION? 
 On this subject, will the old ION pick up new commercial Fixture Profiles?

eos moderator · Answer

Yes, those files can be converted and what's even better, you can convert them yourself. With your Element or a current Nomad version do a File > Save As. You will get the choice of three different formats. "esf" is the one the old Ion will be able to read. 
 
 Regarding fixture profiles: the older software branch doesn't get updates anymore, but if you patch a channel with the new fixture type on your Element and safe as "esf" you can transport those newer profiles back to your older console. 
 There's even a support article about his: support.etcconnect.com/.../Merging_Eos_v3x_Fixture_Profiles_into_v29x

eos moderator · Answer

There used to be an upgrade program but it was discontinued almost 5 years ago. 
 The best way to know which hardware generation you have is to check how many network ports (RJ45) you find at the back of your console. If you have one, that's the older generation and the latest software possible is 2.9.3, and there are no software updates anymore. If there are two network ports you can update to current 3.x software, but starting from summer 2027 there would be no further software updates for that generation.