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View Full Version : Code Download via Serial Issue

phrontist
12-01-2005, 16:30
Interesting problem I seem to have here. We're trying to download some code with IFI loader to the old controller and I'm getting instant "Failed to open port" errors. Any ideas? I've searched quite a bit and nothing seems to match this exactly. Tried all the obvious things... I think, such as switching COM ports and checking the connection...
cbolin
12-01-2005, 17:56
Hi,
I have one PC that will not load any of the .hex files from this year into either the new or old RC without creating code errors. It will load last year's .hex file. (I have tried numerous reboots, reconnects, power up/down, etc).

This same stubborn PC, when using the 'printf' function, will only print the first letter to the terminal window when using IFI Loader...it leaves out the rest.

However, I have no problem doing this from the other PCs in our lab. Go figure...

I can't explain this...not smart enough. Have you tried doing this from another PC?

Regards,
ChuckB
CJO
12-01-2005, 20:53
Two thoughts.
1) My understanding is that there is a firmware difference between the 2004 and 2005 controller.

2) Try the PIC1618 loader I posted on one of the other threads. "just search my posts). It can be a bit tricky, but it is the full microchip loader, as opposed to the adulterated IFI loader.
Anthony Kesich
12-01-2005, 20:56
Phrontist:
It might be due to the firmware on the old controller. I know it shouldn't make much difference, but maybe code written on MPLAB 7.00 only works with the new firmware. Anywho, if you haven't updated, you should do so anyways. Might help, might not, but it can't hurt.

Besides that, I don't know what else it could be.

-Tony K
phrontist
12-01-2005, 21:01
Phrontist:
It might be due to the firmware on the old controller. I know it shouldn't make much difference, but maybe code written on MPLAB 7.00 only works with the new firmware. Anywho, if you haven't updated, you should do so anyways. Might help, might not, but it can't hurt.

Besides that, I don't know what else it could be.

-Tony K

Good thinking, that's probably it...
CJO
12-01-2005, 21:02
Also, check out your install, there should be several .dll files installed, if not, re-install.
Joe Ross
12-01-2005, 22:57
I assume you've also made sure nothing else is trying to use the serial port? The palm hotsync program is a common culprit.
gnormhurst
14-01-2005, 21:51
Last year I had trouble downloading hex code using IFILoader. It would fail about 4 times out of 5. It turns out that the serial port on my Dell Latitude CPi didn't really quite work at 115Kbaud. I borrowed an IBM laptop and that worked fine, but I couldn't keep it.

My solution was to purchase a USB to serial converter (BAFO 810):
http://www.pcwebshopper.com/iobf810.html

See this thread on the IFI site:
http://www.ifirobotics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=91&highlight=bafo
Mr. Lim
14-01-2005, 22:12
I've been caught way too many times trying to use the IFI Loader while the CMUCam2 GUI was open =P...

-SlimBoJones...
phrontist
08-02-2005, 17:32
I'm really at a loss here. I get these errors instantly (see first post) regardless of wether the serial cable is connected. This leads me to believe the serial port is not configured at all, but I can't seem to figure out how to go about doing that in XP.