I figured out on my own by reading posts what to buy, download and how to flash a few months ago when the Q8 was the hot topic. With clear instructions and the right equipment it really is “easy”. I didn’t find it “easy” nailing down all my (stupid) questions, but digesting tons of posts…I finally got it.
That being said…
If the EXACT hardware and software is provided, and a special thread is created to describe the supplied hardware/software necessary, I suspect it will actually be very easy to follow along and get a successful outcome.
Much of my time spent and confusion was from putting together different dated posts that sometimes didn’t correspond to current reality. I also found it more mechanically tedious than mentally difficult. Tiny wires falling off, putting wiggly wires in tiny holes, programming clips that didn’t seat correctly every time…etc.
Once actually set up with all the right stuff, it will/could be as easy as Hank describes: plug in the USB programmer, start the programming flash program, direct the flash program to the hex file you want/need, touch the six pins to the six D4v2 vias (you will have to hold them there with a steady hand), send the flash command…and if it’s successful, the light will be programmed in a few seconds and ready to power up with a new UI.
There is definitely a learning curve when teaching yourself, but I suspect most if not all will not have much trouble if they are just mindful to follow the steps.
Terry Oregon had successful results just a few minutes after finally having all the correct info and programs necessary. I liked how he overcame the pin key being too thick by angling the pins!
After I figured it out, I flashed my two Q8’s and my DS4 in under 30 mins, and most of that time was spent futzing around with the wires—the actual flashing was pretty straight forward and quick. We are going to discuss this for days, but when people get the kits and instructions it will all be over quicker than Christmas morning.
It’s actually kinda neat that you can be a part of your own little Tesla moment—hacking the UI of a sophisticated and complex torch.