Old ION Files

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

Oh, what a welcome answer. I have been worrying that I might have to send the unit back.

I think there may be a way to have the mother board update and bring the whole thing up to date. I'll ask service.

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.

It is an ION 1000 with one RJ45 unfortunately. PN: 4310A1012)

I've downloaded The 271,938KB v2.9.2 update but system won't read that USB drive.

When you say no upgrade program, were you referring to just software or is there any way we can get a motherboard etc (no pun) upgrade?

That was referring to the hardware upgrade program. But it kinda is true for software as well. 2.9.3 was the last software version released for that hardware generation.

Since your older Ion runs Windows XP make sure you use a USB drive formatted as FAT16 or FAT32 and a smaller disk size rather than a bigger one (i.e. if you have the choice between a 4GB and a 64GB drive, go with the 4GB one).

The downloaded installer needs to be copied to the root of the USB drive (rather than in a folder) and if you're updating from a software version older than 2.3 you will need to unzip the installer and have the exe file on the USB drive.

That was referring to the hardware upgrade program. But it kinda is true for software as well. 2.9.3 was the last software version released for that hardware generation.

Since your older Ion runs Windows XP make sure you use a USB drive formatted as FAT16 or FAT32 and a smaller disk size rather than a bigger one (i.e. if you have the choice between a 4GB and a 64GB drive, go with the 4GB one).

The downloaded installer needs to be copied to the root of the USB drive (rather than in a folder) and if you're updating from a software version older than 2.3 you will need to unzip the installer and have the exe file on the USB drive.