Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

we had this exact problem!

We fixed it by either

A) hold down the prgm button while powering up the RC then when the first 2 leds light up release try to download

B) press download and while it is trying to download put it into program state...
(requires good timing but worked every time for us....) :D

hope this helps

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Just tried both of these options, still no luck.

- Bochek

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

hmmm im out of ideas have you tried to contact FIRST about the issue?

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

I'd try letting it sit overnight, and re-downloading the master code in the morning.

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

I have not yet contacted FIRST, but I have contacted IFI, no response yet.

I am suspecting that it has something to do with the code we are uploading to the RC. as everything was working fine until we started messing with interupts and kevin's ADC code.

hopefully IFI get's back to me soon, and if I don't hear from them by monday, i will contact FIRST as well as call IFI.

- Bochek

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Attacking this problem from an electrical standpoint, the wire connected to the battery appears to be just pressed into place on the battery terminals. As funny as this may sound, you might be getting just enough current to run the RC/OI until you need to program. Since the serial ports reguire a little different electronics, that may just be affected by the battery hookup. Try substituting aligator clips and see what happens.

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

I have tried fiddiling with the wires on the battery and i am sure they are getting a good connection.

I tried leaving it over night, and i still have the same problem.... no controller found. Its been a good 14 hours or more since i have been able to upload code. I am thinking its fried. Does anyone know if there is a way to erase all the memory inside the controller?

Or an alternative to IFI loader that might work? Hyperterminal? I allready tried JIFI loader.

- Bochek

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Oh the irony.

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Could your problem be a electrical issue with the program port?
We had a problem last year with the serial port that runs the tether connection. Had to send it back to IFI to fix. I suggest calling the tech support line and not waiting on an email.

IFI tech support
903.453.0801
903.453.0800

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

what i find odd is that our 2007 RC started doing this as well, but as of yet has not become this messed up.

I will call IFI tomorow morning.

- Bochek

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

EasyCPro has a built in downloader program, you could try using that. I think it does work a little differently than IFI Loader because it actually erases the memory before downloading again.

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

2 of us from winnovation went to help oregon robohawks with there code and they were having the same problem on a laptop with a usb to serial adapter but we popped it into a desktop with a real serial port straight into the mother board and it worked flawlessly for a good 2 hours....

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Well, after talking with IFI, we sent the board back to them. I just got an email from them today.

So it turns out it wasn't anything to do with us.

Too bad the shipping bill was close to 80 bucks.

- Bochek

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Phew, I'm glad it worked out for you. The $80 sure is worth being able to program :)

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

We have been using last years board up to now. So we have been programming.