New firmware (which must take the form of a .bin file) is uploaded onto the Make Controller Kit via USB. These can be downloaded from the MakingThings site, or you may create them yourself.

There are just a few steps:

• Erase the current program to put the board in upload mode. This is done by making contact between the two pins labeled ERASE.  Connect these pins with a piece of metal to erase it.
• Unplug and replug the board to reset it.  When you plug it back in, the board should pop up in the list on the left as a "Samba Board".  mchelper will automatically switch to the "Uploader" view when you select a Samba Board in the list on the left. 
  • Note: the first time you connect the board in its erased state, Windows users will get another "New Device Detected" warning.  Allow Windows to automatically install the appropriate driver and you should be all set.
• Select the .bin file you want to upload, and click Upload to begin the upload.  The status bar will show the progress of the upload. When it's complete, you're running your new firmware. 
  
  • Note: Make Controller v1.0 boards need to be unplugged/replugged for the computer to recognize that a USB device has been removed/replaced.

The mchelper "Uploader" view.

Note - on OS X as of 10.5 (Leopard), changes were made to the USB system that do not permit uploading.  Check the Upload Helper for a solution.

Once you've uploaded new firmware, the "Uploader" view will close, and switch back to the dialog or summary view. 

You may want to give the board a quick test to confirm it's working.  A good way to do this is to send an OSC message from the "Dialog" view.  When the board pops up in the list on the left, try typing

/appled/0/state 1

and then pressing Send.

You should see one of the LEDs on the Application Board light up. Then, if you send

/appled/0/state 0

you should see it turn off.