How to add software to your Blair Digital Chanter

Choose what you'd like to do:

Firmware is the engine that runs your chanter — keeping it up to date ensures the best performance and access to the latest features.

  1. Download the Blair Digital Bagpipes app

    Go to blairbagpipes.com/downloads and download the app for your computer (Mac or Windows). If you're using Chrome and the download doesn't start properly, right-click the link and choose "Save As" instead.

  2. Download the latest firmware

    Download the current firmware file (a ".bdc" file) from the same Downloads page, then load it into the app you just installed.

  3. Connect your chanter

    Plug your chanter into your computer using the supplied USB cable. For best results, plug directly into a USB port on the computer itself rather than through a keyboard or hub.

  4. Put the chanter into Updater mode

    On the chanter, go to Main Menu > Advanced > Updater. Your chanter's serial number will be displayed, and the app should show a green check confirming it has detected the chanter.

  5. Press Update in the app

    In the Blair Digital Bagpipes app, press "Update Chanter." Leave it connected and don't disconnect the USB cable until the process finishes.

  6. Disconnect and play

    Once the update completes, disconnect the chanter. Your firmware is now up to date.

Good to know

  • Windows users: if the app doesn't detect your chanter, you may need to install the STMicroelectronics Virtual COM Port driver first, then check Device Manager under "Ports (COM & LPT)" to confirm it's recognized.
  • If your chanter is running older firmware (v1.12), there's a separate "Sensors.bdc" file you may need — check the Downloads page notes for your specific version.

Your chanter has memory for 6 extra instruments (depending on their size) beyond the 3 inbuilt sounds. Here's how to add more.

  1. Download the Blair Digital Bagpipes app

    Go to blairbagpipes.com/downloads and download the app for your computer (Mac or Windows), if you haven't already. If you're using Chrome and the download doesn't start properly, right-click the link and choose "Save As" instead.

  2. Browse and download instruments

    On the Downloads page, browse the available instrument sounds (extra bagpipe and smallpipe types) and download the ones you want.

  3. Load the instrument file into the app

    Open the Blair Digital Bagpipes app and load the instrument file(s) you downloaded. Note: you may need to unzip the files first before loading them into the app.

  4. Connect your chanter

    Plug your chanter into your computer using the supplied USB cable. For best results, plug directly into a USB port on the computer itself rather than through a keyboard or hub.

  5. Put the chanter into Updater mode

    On the chanter, go to Main Menu > Advanced > Updater. Your chanter's serial number will be displayed, and the app should show a green check confirming it has detected the chanter.

  6. Press Update in the app

    In the Blair Digital Bagpipes app, press "Update Chanter." Leave it connected and don't disconnect the USB cable until the process finishes.

  7. Disconnect and play

    Once the update completes, disconnect the chanter. Your new instrument will appear in the chanter's instrument menu, labeled "Usr."

Good to know

  • All instrument downloads are optional and complimentary — you don't need to install every one, just the sounds you actually want.
  • Windows users: if the app doesn't detect your chanter, you may need to install the STMicroelectronics Virtual COM Port driver first, then check Device Manager under "Ports (COM & LPT)" to confirm it's recognized.