Well, shoot. I'm really hoping USB works. The EPROM is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I'm hoping to have my Axe up and running again that night.
I used USB with this method as directed from Fractal support:
Use MidiOx and jumper pin method. One you load the FW with that method, backup ALL user/downloaded presets and load the factory presets/defaults. Then retry/reload as usual. I believe gen.2 Axe II's have an EPROM in them but would need confirmation on this... anyone?
Here are the instructions I got from Matt:
WARNING/AVIS! REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. SHOCK HAZARD! RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE! TO REDUCE RISK DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS.
Instructions for qualified service technician:
1. Remove the screws holding the cover. Lift the cover slowly and note the fan wires running from the cover to the motherboard.
2. Disconnect the fan wire connector noting the location of the connector.
3. Locate the enclosed EPROM. Install the EPROM in the empty socket in the motherboard noting the orientation of the EPROM. The socket will have an indexed corner. Be sure to install the EPROM so that the indeces align.
4. Locate the enclosed 2-pin jumper. Place the jumper over the FLASH BOOT header J26.
5. Connect the power and turn the unit on. The unit should automatically show the firmware update screen.
6. Install the latest firmware. IMPORTANT: FRACTAL-BOT CANNOT BE USED TO INSTALL FIRMWARE DURING EMERGENCY RECOVERY. For instructions on how to use MIDI-OX or SNOIZE, see
http://support.fractalaudio.com/inde...ysex-librarian
Firmware includes an "Update Guide" with other information you should review.
7. Once the firmware update is complete, power the unit off and disconnect the power.
8. Remove the 2-pin jumper from J26. The EPROM can be left in the socket.
9. Reconnect power and turn the unit on and make sure it boots properly. Turn power off and disconnect power.
10. Plug the fan connector into the fan header and reinstall the cover. Make sure to orient the cover so that the fan is over the heatsinks.