Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

I have made this post into a video, its a lot easier for me to explain it this way.

Please see the link below.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwp1ZzylNEE

This problem has started to happen on our 2007 RC also, but we have figured out that just turning it off then back on seems to solve the problem.

All this started to happen right around the time where we implemented Kevin's ADC code.

If anyone can help us with this problem i would very much appreciate it.

- Bochek

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

This is very strange..... But not too strange.

I notice your use of Vista. That could be problem number one. Try getting a machine with XP loaded onto it, and installing a fresh copy of the loader. My guess is that your problem has something to do with how Vista is handling your COM port.

Just a guess.
Jacob

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

This definitely smacks of a communication problem, rather than a problem with the IFI hardware. I would recommend trying either a different USB/serial adapter or a different computer, and see if any of this behavior changes.

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Ah yes, I forgot about the adapter..... I replaced all of our programming machines with P3 laptops with REAL COM ports on them :p

The VEX cable works best.

Jacob

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

I have tried this with both a REAL com port, running windows XP, the usb -> Serial adapter running windows xp and the adapter running vista.... all have the same problem.

I had it working for a while after i posted the video, might have sent code about 10 times or so and then it just stopped working half way through a download.

Is there a possibility it has something to do with the timer interrupts in the code or something like that?

- Bochek

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Its been over an hour now since it has worked.

Dashboard works fine through the usb to serial adapter.

But I am still having problems with programing it.

Last time it stopped working was in the middle of a transfer. This has happened before and i solved the problem by leaving it unpowered for 10 mins or so then re-connecting it. It by default goes into program state and i send it code.

Not working this time around. It fails to connect every single time.

Its doing this from a PC with a serial port too.

I have tried holding the program button down while powering it on, (which turn on only the power led and the program led) and i still have the same problem.

I am 100% out of ideas right now

- Bochek

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Have you tried a different serial cable?

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Maybe your batteries are low, causing the microcontroller to reset.
Check your 12v and backup.

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Yes i have tried a different serial cable, 2 diferent ones actually... not only that but they all work fine on dashboard.

The batteries are fully charged. just came off charge this afternoon and they havent done anything but run the rc.

- Bochek

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Next time that it decides to cooperate with you, I would recommend re-downloading the Master Code, and then downloading the default code again. I'm curious if it might be a firmware issue.

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Where can i get a copy of the master code?

It not looking promising as to co-operating again...... its been a long time now....

Im currently seting it up to try it on my desktop.

- Bochek

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

http://www.ifirobotics.com/docs/frc-master-ver15.zip

If you haven't tried reloading the firmware before, then I wouldn't be all that surprised if this fixes some of your issues.

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Update:

Same thing on both my Desktop through the serial port and the usb to serial adapter.

I have also emailed IFI, Anybody know how quick they are with responding, i know its the weekend and all, but we only have 3 weeks left.

- Bochek

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Make sure you have no other programs using the data port (like dashboard). Make sure you are using the right COM port (using device manager).

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

is there any way to reload the firmware without using IFI loader, as it will NOT connect to the RC anymore at all.

and yes i am sure that no other program is using the port.

and i have checked in device manager to make sure i am using the correct port. I have even tried changing the port, rebooting and it still doesn't work.

- Bochek

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.

Re: Broken 2008 RC and IO?
 

Yep, so it turns out that $80 might not have been worth it.

Last night our 07 RC started doing the exact same thing, so we switched over to the 08, which, after receiving back from IFI, STILL doesn't work.

I have tried both of them on multiple computers. with and without serial ports.

With 5 days left to ship!

HELP!

- Bochek