To set up the date and time the easiest way to use uRemote, and sync the time under the uRemote settings menu. About the front panel issue… Well, if you have USB drive connected to the device, you should able to use the front panel buttons. To update the firmware on the device, I suggest you to use the network update method. https://cymaticaudio.com/images/downloads/manuals_and_brochures/uTrack24_FirmwareUpdate.pdf