How to upgrade the software on a Stern Spike2 machine

Upgrading your Stern Spike2 pinball machine with the latest software package is pretty easy and straightforward.
You need a computer and an empty USB stick. And of course a Stern pinball machine :)

The Spike2 system was used in Stern pinball machines from 2017, starting with Batman 66.

If your game is installed with Insider Connect, then it's even more easy. You don't need an usb stick or computer anymore. If the machine is connected to the internet, it can check and download this itself.
Open the coindoor and press the black enter button to enter Test mode.
Navigate to the Stern Insider Connected Setup menu. Then navigate to the Software Update menu.
On that page it'll display if a software update is available and give you the option to download and install it.
You can select to install updates manually when they're available, or have them automatically install as soon as an update is available.

For games that are not connected to the internet there's a manual procedure:

Download the upgrade

Browse to Sterns support website and search for the latest version of the software for your specific machine. Take care of the differences between Pro, Premium and LE machines.
Compare the version number that's available for download with what is installed on your machine (this is displayed on the startup screen).

Download the software to your pc. You need to accept an eula before the download will start.
The update is compressed in a zip file. Either uncompress it, or if your computer allows it, enter the zipfile to see its contents. Inside the zip file are one or more SPK files.

Copy all the files to an usb stick. They have to be in the root folder, don't put them in a subfolder. The usb stick must be FAT32 formatted.

With the game switched off, open the backbox.
When working in the backbox, it's a good idea to ground yourself. In case you built up some static electricity it could cause damage. Just touching some metal in the backbox (like the big metal box over the power supply in the bottom right) should be enough.
Insert the USB stick in one of the usb ports in the center of the CPU board.
Now switch on the machine.

The machine will detect an usb stick is plugged in and start the procedure to update the game code.

When the files are correctly copied, your machine will present a similar screen: it has found a software update package. If the drive was not empty and multiple files are on it, it'll allow you to select which update you want to apply.
Should the usb stick not be FAT32 formatted, or if you didn't copy the files in the root folder, then you will not see this screen and be stuck at the previous screen. Then switch off the game, remove the usb stick and format and copy the files again.

There are several options on how to perform an update. Quick or Full, and with or without verification.
Use the buttons to select the option you want.

I always go for full and with verification. It takes a bit longer but then you're sure everything is correctly installed.
Press the black enter button to start the update process.
The machine will keep you informed of the different steps and the progress. Don't be alarmed when it seems to reboot, it will just continue again. Have patience and let it continue.

Once you've reached this point it's up to you again to do something.
I prefer to switch the game off, wait a few seconds untill most red leds on the CPU board are dimmed, and only then unplug the usb stick.
Then you can switch the machine on again. The update has not completed yet, it will continue.

You will notice the first startup takes a bit longer than usual. Have patience..

This step is important and let's hope nothing fails. The game will update the software on each node board.

After finishing, the latest update displayed a setup screen. Not all updates have this. Once this is saved, the game is completely updated and ready to play.
If you really want to be sure, you can power cycle the machine one last time.