StroboPLUS HD | Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does my StroboPLUS HD require calibration?

Generally, your StroboPLUS HD will not require calibration and should remain perfectly accurate if it has not been damaged.

Unlike more modern Peterson strobes, legacy models such as the Peterson 400, 420, 450 and 700 do require occasional calibration.

If you require service, please open a support ticket and return the tuner for repair.

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Is the StroboPLUS HD discontinued?

Yes, the StroboPLUS HD is discontinued.

Our currently available tuners are the StroboStomp HD, StroboStomp LE, StroboStomp Mini, StroboPLUS HDC, AutoStrobe Model 490, AutoStrobe Model 490-ST, AutoStrobe Model 590, and SC-5000 II.

We do service discontinued products.

If you need to send your tuner in for repair, please open a support ticket.

All products returned for service must have a support ticket number on the outside of the box as well as on the accompanying paperwork on the inside of the box. If you have not registered your tuner, you must do so before returning it. Include a description of your problem. Please be specific about the type of malfunction as well as the conditions under which it occurs.

There is a minimum charge of $80.00 US plus a shipping charge for all Mechanical Peterson tuners received and a minimum charge of $40.00 US plus a shipping charge for all LCD Peterson tuners (unless subject to Peterson warranty). Payment options include PayPal, VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and Discover Card.

NOTE: For international (non-USA) repairs and for all Conn tuner repairs, a different procedure may apply. If you would like an advance estimate for service, you must include a request in writing with the tuner you ship.

Contact and Shipping Details:

For service of Peterson tuners:

Peterson Electro-Musical Products, Inc. 11601 South Mayfield Ave. Alsip, IL 60803 USA

TEL: 708-388-3311 (ext. 143) FAX: 708-388-3341

Email: techwest@petersonemp.com

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How do I read a strobe display?

Basically, the strobe image appears to travel to the left if your instrument is flat of the desired pitch and to the right if it is sharp. On earlier models such as the StroboStomp 1, StroboStomp 2, VS-1, VS-II and V-SAM, the strobe image travels upward if your instrument is sharp and downward if your instrument is flat of the desired pitch.

Adjust your instrument until the pattern is as close to still as possible. Strobe displays are 'real-time' and extremely precise. They require very fine tuning adjustments to stop the display because the frequency/pitch of any instrument is never totally stable.

You'll quickly learn to read the display, make the most precise adjustments and appreciate the high resolution that only a Peterson provides.

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Is the accuracy the same for all Peterson tuners?

Yes, the accuracy is within 0.1 cents (1/1000 of one semitone) as with all Peterson Strobe Tuners. An important thing to note is that Peterson Strobe Tuners have ultra high definition displays, so not only are they highly accurate in detecting a note but they have the ability to display that accuracy. Other products claim accuracy but do not have the high definition screen to display the level of accuracy in which they claim. If you cannot see the accuracy, it is of little value. Only Peterson provides High Definition Strobe Tuning.

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Peterson Connect does not detect my StroboPLUS HD in Linux environment.

Chrome needs access to /dev/hidraw*, so either set "chmod a+rw /dev/hidraw*" or start chrome as root with the --no-sandbox option

*Some Ubuntu based distros do not allow running Chrome as root with the --no-sandbox option enabled. -Running as root without --no-sandbox is not supported. See https://crbug.com/638180. You can however run Chromium as a normal user and invoke that option.

Some users have reprted a fix by adding a new udev rule as follows: KERNEL=="hidraw*", SUBSYSTEM=="hidraw", MODE="0664", GROUP="plugdev", ATTRS{idVendor}=="2368", ATTRS{idProduct}=="*SEE BELOW"

* Some Peterson products operate in two different modes with individual product id's for firmware update operations. Multiple rules may need to be created. Here is the list of Peterson USB product ID's

idProduct =

Stomp Classic = 8002
StroboPLUS HD = 0003
StroboPLUS HD Firmware Mode = 8003
StroboClip HD = 8004
StroboStomp HD = 8005
StroboPLUS HDC = 0006
StroboPLUS HDC Firmware Mode = 8006

If there is trouble connecting or reconnecting as a product is switching modes, ex: StroboPLUS HDC product id 0006 to StroboPLUS HDC Firmware Mode 8006 run the command:

"sudo chmod a+rw /dev/hidraw*"

This command will solve any "waiting on user input" or if the update button in Peterson Connect is unresponsive. The command may need to be executed more than once.

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What is my StroboPLUS HD’s Sweetened Tunings feature all about?

A Sweetener is a set of cent offsets or a deviation from generic Equal Temperament interval spacing traditionally used in tuning. Tuners made by Peterson, including the StroboPLUS HD, contain many choices of Sweeteners, in other words, several presets with differing interval spacing relevant to the instrument being tuned. If you’ve never been happy with how your instrument tunes up with your present tuner, a Sweetener could be just the thing to change that without any modifications whatsoever. The StroboPLUS HD offers 92 unique and very accurate tweaks which often make all the difference.

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Is there a carrying case available?

We have carrying cases available that are very useful if you will be frequently traveling with your Peterson tuner. You may purchase your case directly from us at Peterson.

Cases are available for the AutoStrobe™ line, the StroboClip HD and the StroboPLUS HD/HDC.

AutoStrobe Soft Case

StroboClip HD / HDC Protective Case

StroboPLUS HD/HDC Case

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Is there a carrying case available?

We have carrying cases available that are very useful if you will be frequently traveling with your Peterson tuner. You may purchase your case directly from us at Peterson.

Cases are available for the AutoStrobe™ line, the StroboClip HD and the StroboPLUS HD/HDC.

AutoStrobe Soft Case

StroboClip HD / HDC Protective Case

StroboPLUS HD/HDC Case

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Which Peterson products work with Peterson Connect?

Currently, the following products are compatible with Peterson Connect:

StroboClip HDC
StroboStomp Mini
StroboPLUS HDC
StroboClip HD
StroboStomp HD
StroboStomp LE
StroboPLUS HD
Stomp Classic Pedal Tuner / Active DI

StroboClip HD

StroboStomp HD

StroboPLUS HDC

StroboStomp LE

StroboStomp Mini

StroboClip HDC

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How accurate is my StroboPLUS HD?

Your StroboPLUS HD is accurate to 0.1 cent (1/1000th of a semitone). It’s important to note, that unlike other tuners which list the detection accuracy as the main specification, the StroboPLUS HD detection AND display accuracy is 0.1 cent due to its high definition display.

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I often tune my acoustic instrument in a loud environment. What's available to help with that?

When tuning an acoustic instrument in an environment where you cannot control the background noise, like at a gig or loud band hall, a vibration pickup is a very nice alternative to using the built-in microphone.

A Peterson TP-3 clip-on tuning pickup is a very versatile device with a 1/4" connector that can be clipped onto any portion of the instrument that vibrates, such as the headstock of a guitar or the bell or lead pipe of a horn.

A Peterson Pitch Grabber Mobile Tuning Clip utilizes a 1/8" connector for use in mobile phones or tablets with software tuners.

For instruments with a flat resonating surface, you can use a suction cup tuning pickup to reduce ambient noise interference.

TP-3 Clip-On Pickup

Pitch Grabber Mobile Tuning Clip

Suction Cup Pickup

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How do I send my product in for repair?

If you need to send your product in for repair, please open a support ticket.

If you have not registered your tuner, you must do so before opening your support ticket.

All products returned for service must have a support ticket number on the outside of the box as well as on the accompanying paperwork on the inside of the box.

We strongly recommend shipping with tracking information and insurance.
Peterson Electro-Musical Products, Inc., and subsidiaries thereof, are not responsible for lost packages in transit to our repair facility.

Include a description of your problem in both your support ticket and paperwork included with your product. Please be specific about the type of malfunction as well as the conditions under which it occurs. Include your name, address, phone number, and email address on the accompanying paperwork.

There is a minimum charge of $95.00 US plus return shipping charges for all Mechanical Peterson tuners received and a minimum charge of $48.00 US plus return shipping charges for all LCD Peterson tuners (unless subject to Peterson warranty). If you would like an advance estimate for service, you must include a request in writing with the product you ship. If you choose not to have your product repaired, there is a $48 diagnostic charge plus return shipping.

Payment options include PayPal, VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and Discover Card.

Any balance is due within 30 days of the completion of the repair. After 30 days, a storage fee will be charged. After 90 days, your property will be considered abandoned and will disposed of at our discretion.

For international (non-USA) repairs and for all Conn and Node tuner repairs, please open a support ticket as different procedures may apply.

Contact and Shipping Details:

For service of Peterson tuners:

Peterson Electro-Musical Products, Inc.
11601 South Mayfield Ave. Alsip, IL 60803 USA
TEL: 708-388-3311 (ext. 143) FAX: 708-388-3341
Email: techwest@petersonemp.com

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What is the difference between an 'On-Board Sweetener' and a 'Preset'?

On-Board Sweeteners will be the only Sweetened Tunings that your tuner will be aware of when a custom configuration is loaded. All other Sweetened Tunings that came pre-loaded on your tuner will not show in your Sweetener List when a custom configuration is active.

'Presets' allow you to combine any of the On-Board Sweeteners with other settings that your tuner offers such as Concert A, Global Cent Offset and Transposition. Up to 10 presets can be stored for quick access on your hardware. You can access these other settings by hovering your mouse over the Preset and clicking the gear icon.

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Is the red light in the upper left corner supposed to be on?

The red light will only be lit when firmware is being downloaded, or the metronome feature is active and playing.

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Where should I put the vibe clip?

The clip is best placed so that it is close to a bone and making good contact with your body. This way, the pulse will travel through your entire body.

Common places to clip the vibe are:

On your belt line at the small of the back next to your spine, on the back of your collar, on your side next to your hip bone, or on your shoe.

Remember, always place the barrel of the vibe toward your body for the most effective beat transfer.

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Will the old desktop version of Peterson Connect still work?

Yes, the legacy desktop Peterson Connect app will still communicate with our servers to search for new firmware and configuration information for your device. This is a convenience for early adopters of the technology and will be minimally supported and no longer distributed.

WARNING: Running the standalone desktop app and the Chrome add-on concurrently can cause USB driver conflicts and result in corrupted data. Uninstall or disable the Peterson Connect Chrome add-on before opening the older standalone desktop application.

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My StroboPLUS HD does not respond when tuning acoustically or the internal microphone does not seem to work.

Try cleaning the input jack with a small brush or q-tip lightly dampened in alcohol. The microphone is disabled when a cable is connected to the input jack. The StroboPLUS HD may occasionally mistake any dirt or debris in the input jack for a physical connection.

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Windows 10 Virus Protection and Peterson Connect

There are reports of virus protection software like Windows Defender, Norton and McAfee blocking Google Chrome from accessing your Peterson product via Peterson Connect. Temporarily disabling these porgrams will allow Google Chrome to read and write data to your device. Please do so at your own discretion. Accessing the Peterson website, then diabling antivirus software immediately before connecting the USB cable is one way to minimize web traffic while your antivirus software is disabled. Enable your antivirus software after receiving updates but before navigating to other websites.

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Which browsers support Peterson Connect?

Google Chrome, Chromium, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Vivald and Comodo Dragon all support Peterson Connect which is built on webHID, a feature more and more browsers are adopting. As other browsers incorporate the webHID feature, Peterson Connect will immediately work in that browser. Those who prefer a different browser can design sweeteners and presets in any browser. Only the data transfer to your device relies on Peterson Connect.

Peterson Connect will not function in Safari. Custom Configuration, Sweetener Design, and Tempo Map designer will function in Safari, but Safari does not support webHID therefore data transfer to your device is not possible.

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I charge my StroboPLUS battery to full but it switches to one bar when I disconnect.

Some of the latest run of StroboPLUS tuners ( May/June 2015 ) may incorrectly read the remaining battery life. Our engineers are working on a firmware update to address it. Your battery is actually charging to full in an hour or two but when you unplug, the software doesn't read the remaining battery life correctly. Other than the incorrect graphic, your StroboPLUS will work normally and the battery will last as long as any other StroboPLUS. We will send an email to all registered users when a new firmware update is ready.

Update: July 9, 2015 - This issue has been resolved as of firmware update 1.1.6.

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Is the StroboPLUS HD rechargable?

Yes, the StroboPLUS HD is rechargeable via the USB port.

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What is the global cents offset range of the StroboPLUS HD?

The global cents offset range of the StroboPLUS HD is: +/- 50 cents

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What should I do if my new Peterson product doesn't seem to work properly?

If you've first tried all of the solutions offered here, please contact Peterson directly. It is important that you do NOT return the product to the store in which you purchased it without Peterson instructing you to do so. If your unit is problematic, we would like to limit the chances of another customer purchasing the returned unit. Always arrange for product service or replacement directly with Peterson.

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How do I adjust Tempo in 1/10th BPM on my StroboPLUS HD Metronome.

While adjusting tempo, press in on the select wheel and HOLD while turning the wheel to the right. This will allow selection in 1/10th BPM. HOLD in while turning to the left to revert to whole BPM selection.

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I am having trouble with the basic functions of the user interface. ( Tuning and Select Sweeteners )

Here's a short video on the basics of using your StroboPLUS HD.

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Windows 10/11 presents "USB device can't be recognized" error when I plug in my tuner.

If Windows 10 or 11 presents the error "USB device can't be recognized" when your tuner is plugged in, this is usually caused by a corrupt automatic driver installation.

A restart of your computer will usually solve this issue.

Click Windows/Start button

Select Power

Select Shut Down

After your computer powers off, restart your computer, plug in your tuner, and the USB drivers should install automatically.

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My LCD screen is going dim.

The LCD screen of your Virtual Strobe Tuner may go dim for a short time right before the battery runs out. Although the batteries may not be old, check to see if replacing them corrects the LCD brightness.

Powering the unit with the provided or suggested power supply can also help determine if the LCD screen is in fact failing. If the LCD is still dim after changing the batteries or plugging the unit directly into a wall outlet, please open a help ticket so we may assist you further.

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What is the range of Hz calibration or Concert A calibration of my StroboPLUS HD?

The Hz calibration range of your StroboPLUS HD is 390Hz to 490Hz. The default setting is Concert A 440Hz.

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I've registered my StroboPLUS HD or Stomp Classic but the website will not allow me to configure or update my device.

In order for the website to be able to program your device over the USB connection, it first has to "register" the internal ID, so it can perform the USB communication.

Although you may have registered your warranty and serial number, until the site gets a read on your connected device for the first time, it cannot pair that physical device to your warranty registration and serial number and therefore will not allow it to be programmed. This is called 'pairing'.

Be sure to be logged in to the same account in which you registered your warranty. If using Peterson Connect for Google Chrome, you will be asked to 'pair'

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I've purchased the metronome upgrade. How do I install it?

Installing your purchased metronome requires USB communication with your StroboPLUS via Peterson Connect. Login to your account using an approved browser, connect your StroboPLUS with the provided USB cable, accept the HID prompts for connection, and you will be prompted to install the metronome.

Click here to read more about Peterson Connect.

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How do I find out how far out of tune my guitar is in cents?

Pluck a string and adjust the cent value by simply adjusting the cent control until the strobe image is stationary (only fluctuating around a fixed position and not shifting in one direction over time). In this case, you are tuning the tuner to the instrument. When the image comes to rest, the accompanying numeric cent display indicates the distance from 00.0 cents.

The following video shows this process using a StroboPLUS HD.

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I've registered my product warranty but it's not showing up in the list of products that I can configure.

In order to configure your device, the Peterson website needs to have previously paired your device with your warranty via Peterson Connect when your device is connected via USB. If you've registered your product but have not yet connected, you'll need to do that before you are able to configure your product. When the website detects your device it will prompt you to pair with your product's serial number. If the website detects your device while registering your warranty, it is automatically paired.

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Not finding an answer? Open a support ticket for personalized support of your Peterson product.

Product Manuals

StroboPLUS HD Quick Start Insert

StroboPlus Owners Manual

StroboPLUS Steel Guitar

StroboPLUS Metronome Manual

StroboPLUS Manuale Italiano

Pedal & Lever Harp Tuning with StroboPLUS HD

Peterson Proposition 65 Warning

StroboPlus Manual 2014 German

StroboPlus Quick Start German 2014

Not finding an answer? Open a support ticket for personalized support of your Peterson product.

Firmware History

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.1.12

Thursday, May 4, 2017 3:01:00 PM EDT

Various bug fixes and performace improvements.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.1.11

Sunday, March 5, 2017 8:45:00 AM EST

Fixes Connectivity Issue on Windows & Linux machines.
Required for Chrome Peterson Connect v1.2.0 and up.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.1.10

Monday, December 5, 2016 10:45:00 AM EST

Adds / Corrects offsets to BFB Sweetener for 5, 6 & 7 string Buzz Feiten Bass.
Other minor bug fixes.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.1.9

Monday, March 14, 2016 5:04:00 PM EDT

Fixes a bug that affects Accent Patterns for Metronome Upgrade.
Other minor bug fixes.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.1.7

Friday, September 4, 2015 3:08:00 PM EDT

Various offsets for Accordion Sweeteners have been corrected.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.1.6

Thursday, July 9, 2015 10:00:00 AM EDT

Fixes an incorrect battery level reading that occurs on units from a recent production run. ( June 2015 ) Otherwise, it is the same as 1.1.4.
Update will reset custom configurations but you will be prompted to reinstall your saved configuration immediately after update.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.1.4

Monday, June 15, 2015 1:31:00 PM EDT

The time required for holding the power button in order to shut down has been reduced from 2 seconds to: 1.5 seconds or 0.8 seconds if no edit menus are active.
Pressing the select button ( pushing in on encoder wheel ) will increment through each of the parameters until the parameter you want to edit is blinking, then edit the value by rotating the select knob. Some users found this easier than turning the encoder wheel to select a parameter to edit. Both ways work for backward compatibility.
Bug fix: If “Preset” was the last selection in Strobe-Tune or Audio-Tune modes, then when first entering Metronome mode, the BPM menu was not locked in the edit menu, as it is supposed to be.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.1.3

Tuesday, September 2, 2014 9:47:00 AM EDT

Bug fix for metronome upgrade only. The tempo menu will now properly start after a power cycle in either the TENTHS or UNITS menu, based on how it was last used.
Fixes a bug that first appeared in versions 1.1.0 to 1.1.2 that did not correctly apply offsets to more than one of the same note in the same octave. Versions 1.0.9 and previous did not have this bug and worked correctly.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.1.2

Tuesday, May 6, 2014 1:16:00 PM EDT

Various Bug Fixes
Corrected offsets for the LA6 sweetener.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.1.1

Monday, April 7, 2014 9:42:00 AM EDT

There are two additional pedal steel guitar Sweeteners added. SH6 & SH9 - Sid Hudson’s settings for E9 and C6.
Sweetener value shows for the indicated preset, while selecting a preset.
Version 1.1.1 was released concurrently with version 1.1.0 and contains all features from version 1.1.0 listed below.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.1.0

Monday, April 7, 2014 9:42:00 AM EDT

Added 32 Metronome Practice Patterns. These patterns are accessed via the preset button at the end of any user defined presets.
Metronome Practice Patterns allow saving a tempo setting for each pattern. Select the pattern, set the tempo and hold the preset button. The right most digit in tempo will go in circular pattern to show that the tempo was saved as part of that preset.
There are now 60 additional user defined metronome presets allowed, for a total of 70.
Presets wrap upward, but not downward, in all modes.
In metronome mode, the settings show for each preset and are implemented immediately as the indicated preset is changed. Earlier firmware versions required you exit the preset selection menu to see the preset parameter values.
The “E” (edited) icon is displayed when the current parameter settings do not match the last saved values of the indicated preset, in Metronome mode.
The meter parameter display is updated to the first bar of a tempo map when a new tempo map is first selected. A bug in previous versions had displayed the previous value until the bar value changed.
A user controlled ROOT parameter has been added for each sweetened tuning (temperaments included) for both audio and strobe tuning modes. Select the sweetener and hold the selector knob in and rotate it until the Note indicator says C which is the default root. Release the selector knob and rotate it to the root note you desire. The Sweetener name will now flash alternating between the root selection and Sweetener. The root will be set back to C whenever you change the Sweetener or restart the StroboPlus, it is not saved.
Tympani tuning: “TYM” has been added to available sweeteners. This setting adjusts the strobe pattern to be more readable while tuning tympani drums.
The offset for note Bb in temperament RAM was changed from -1.4 to +1.4. This was an error in previous releases.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.0.09

Wednesday, July 17, 2013 1:02:00 PM EDT

Timeout for editing a parameter is increased from 4 seconds to 8 seconds.
Timeout for selecting a parameter is reduced from 4 seconds to 3 seconds.
When the backlight transitions from “Active” to “Inactive” levels, it now fades between these levels, instead of an abrupt change in the light level.
The timings for switching the backlight from the “Active” level, to the “Inactive” level, have been adjusted slightly as necessary to account for the other changes.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.0.08

Tuesday, April 16, 2013 4:31:00 PM EDT

Tempo selection in Metronome Mode defaults to whole units and not tenths for BPM.
Note display default is now the sharp ( # ) version of en-harmonic equivalents. Previously a combination of sharps and flats ( #/b ) were used.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.0.06

Monday, March 4, 2013 4:41:00 PM EST

Always defaults to Auto Note detection when Strobe Tune mode is started.
Peterson Connect now supports characters P and L for custom octave names ( Pedal and Lever indicator for Steel ).
Octave icon will NOT show on the display when a custom note name and octave are specified in Peterson Connect.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.0.05

Monday, February 18, 2013 4:24:00 PM EST

Bug fix for inability to turn on when battery level is too low.
Battery charging indicator improved.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.0.04

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 5:14:00 PM EST

Tap Tempo now works with selected Accent Pattern in Metronome Mode.
The Voice for the Audio Tune mode is a sawtooth below C7. At C7 and above it uses a sine wave.
Pressing and releasing the power button when a Tempo Map is selected will set the bar value to 1. This is a shortcut for getting back to the start.
Several changes to the battery charging and battery level indication.
StroboPlus can be powered with USB power, even if the battery is not installed.
The battery ICON does NOT show if the battery is NOT installed.
Various Bug Fixes.

StroboPLUS HD Version 1.0.03

Saturday, January 5, 2013 2:03:00 PM EST

Initial Release.