[V1.69] QRD Ferrox M5 Firmware Version 1.69 Release
![[V1.69] QRD Ferrox M5 Firmware Version 1.69 Release](http://qrdgame.com/cdn/shop/articles/FERROX_M5_750x.png?v=1784789681)
QRD FERROX M5 Firmware Update
Controller Firmware V1.69 / USB Dongle Firmware V1.35
This firmware update is recommended for users who experience connection instability, host recognition issues, or reconnection problems when using the QRD FERROX M5 with the included 2.4GHz USB Dongle.
This release focuses on improving the connection logic between the controller, USB Dongle, Xbox consoles, and Windows PCs.
Download QRD FERROX M5 Firmware V1.69
Watch The Tutorial Video Before Updating
Key Update: Xbox / PC Recognition Optimization
If the controller connects through the USB Dongle but the Xbox console or PC recognition is unstable, this firmware supports switching the compatibility key group.
After the controller is connected through the USB Dongle, press and hold:
A + X + LB for 3 seconds
The controller will vibrate once. The USB Dongle may briefly flash, and the host device may show a short disconnect and reconnect. This is normal during compatibility key switching.
This function is designed to improve host recognition in certain Xbox or PC environments where the USB Dongle is detected but the controller connection is not maintained correctly. The factory document states that the controller uses a default key group and can switch to additional key groups after connecting through the receiver.
Recommended usage:
If the controller is not recognized properly, repeat the key-group switch once or twice, then wait for the controller and dongle indicators to return to a steady light.
What This Firmware Improves
1. More Stable 2.4GHz USB Dongle Connection
When the USB Dongle is inserted into the host device, the dongle LED will flash slowly and enter connection mode. When the controller is in standby mode, pressing the HOME button starts the connection process. After the connection is successful, the controller vibrates once, and both the controller indicator and USB Dongle LED remain steady.
This update helps improve the connection flow between the controller and dongle, especially when switching between Xbox, PC, Switch, and Android devices.
2. Improved Auto Reconnection After Standby
The controller can automatically reconnect to the previously paired USB Dongle after being woken up with the HOME button. This is useful when the controller enters standby or when the dongle is reinserted into the host device.
3. Optimized Power-Off Logic
The controller will automatically power off if it cannot connect within 60 seconds. If the controller is already connected but no buttons are pressed for 30 minutes, it will also power off automatically.
This helps reduce unnecessary battery drain when the controller is left idle or unable to complete connection.
4. Confirmed Firmware Update Method
The controller and USB Dongle must be updated separately.
USB Dongle update:
Open the Dongle firmware tool, hold the Dongle pairing button, then insert the Dongle into the PC USB port. When the tool shows READY, click update. When Successful (offline) appears, the update is complete.
Controller update:
Open the controller firmware tool, hold the Y button, then connect the controller to the PC with a USB data cable. When the tool shows READY, click update. When Successful (offline) appears, the update is complete.
Important Notes
- Please update both Controller Firmware V1.69 and USB Dongle Firmware V1.33.
- Use a Windows 10 or later PC for firmware updates. The factory document notes that systems below Windows 10 may not automatically install the required receiver driver correctly.
- Do not disconnect the controller or USB Dongle during the update process.
- Use a USB data cable, not a charging-only cable.
- After updating, if the controller does not reconnect automatically, re-pair the controller and USB Dongle once.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Joystick Drift Appears After Firmware Update
Firmware V1.66 removes the automatic joystick calibration function from the QRD FERROX M5 controller.
After the first successful firmware update, the controller may temporarily show slight joystick drift because the joystick center position has not yet been manually calibrated.
This is normal and does not mean the controller is damaged.
Please continue to the manual joystick calibration tutorial below and complete the calibration once. After the first manual calibration is completed successfully, the controller will save the correct joystick center position and the joystick should remain stable during normal use.
Please do not skip this step after updating the firmware.
Problem: Controller Cannot Power On After Firmware Update
The controller may remain in firmware update mode if the Y button was still being held when clicking the UPDATE button.
During the update process, the Y button is only used to let the controller enter firmware update mode. Once the firmware program shows the UPDATE button, the controller has already been recognized by the computer.
At this point, you must release the Y button first, and then click UPDATE.
If you continue holding the Y button while clicking UPDATE, the controller may stay in update mode after the firmware update is completed, causing it to appear unresponsive or unable to power on.
Problem: C++ Error Appears When Opening the Firmware File
Some Windows computers may show a Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library error or Debug Assertion Failed error when opening the firmware update file. Especially certain laptops, Windows 7/8, or Windows 10 devices. ->> Tutorials
Recommended Solution
If a C++ error appears, please do not continue opening the firmware file directly.
Please follow these steps:
- Do not double-click the firmware EXE file directly.
- Right-click the firmware EXE file.
- Open it with WinRAR or 7-Zip.
- Extract all files to a new folder, such as Desktop / FerroxM5_Update.
- Keep all extracted files in the same folder.
- Do not move or delete any files inside the folder.
- Right-click the update tool and choose Run as administrator.