2007 vs 2006 controller

[psh]

What is the difference between the 06 and 07 controller? As far as I can tell it is the same hardware, but the Readme for the 2007 code has this curious comment in it:

1/08/2007
- Added FRC_MASTER_V13.BIN to zip file
- This version will work with the new modems. Previous versions will
- not allow the new modems to be hot swapable.

I presume this means the master code for the 06 and 07 are effectively the same given the above caveat. If this is correct, how can I upgrade the master firmware? I am under the impression that the IFI loader's interaction primarily replaces the code in the Slave processor.

Thanks for your help,

>Per

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by psh

If this is correct, how can I upgrade the master firmware? I am under the impression that the IFI loader's interaction primarily replaces the code in the Slave processor.

If you load the master firmware bin through the ifi loader, it will flash the master processor.

[Jim E]

Have I missed something here? Where can this new .bin file be located?

This seems like an important note that many teams would miss. I'm assuming the shipped KOP controller already contains this file, correct?

[gnirts]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

If you load the master firmware bin through the ifi loader, it will flash the master processor.

Originally Posted by Jim E

Have I missed something here? Where can this new .bin file be located?

Right here:

Originally Posted by psh

- Added FRC_MASTER_V13.BIN to zip file

Good luck,

Robinson Levin

[eugenebrooks]

Originally Posted by psh

What is the difference between the 06 and 07 controller? As far as I can tell it is the same hardware, but the Readme for the 2007 code his curious comment in it:

1/08/2007
- Added FRC_MASTER_V13.BIN to zip file
- This version will work with the new modems. Previous versions will
- not allow the new modems to be hot swapable.

I presume this means the master code for the 06 and 07 are effectively the same given the above caveat. If this is correct, how can I upgrade the master firmware? I am under the impression that the IFI loader's interaction primarily replaces the code in the Slave processor.

Thanks for your help,

>Per

The version number of the master code for the 2006 season
was 12. It was something that was checked during inspection,
the version number appears briefly on the OI display upon
startup. Version 13 must be an update for the 2007 season.

[psh]

Thanks for your help! When we entered the 2006 season we upgraded one of our 2005 controllers. If you recall, this required the box to be sent out since the processor was changed. This year we wondered if we would be able to salvage both of our 2006 controllers going forward, since the hardware appeared to be the same.

This is good news since it would give us three controllers to work with.

>Per

[mtaman02]

Yeah the only difference between one one years controller setup and anothers is the Software and sometimes Hardware contained within.

[finni]

Originally Posted by psh

upgraded one of our 2005 controllers. If you recall, this required the box to be sent out since the processor was changed.

does any one know if it is still possible to sent out the '04 or '05 controler to besent out to get upgraded to the new chip

[mtaman02]

I'm pretty sure all controllers can be sent back to be upgraded, If all else fails go to IFI's website and ask this question on their forum =).

[Gary Dillard]

I see that all the posts in this thread were prior to the firmware changes later in the season, so I would like an update to this question.

We fried something in the telemetry circuit last year; the controller works fine on tether but won't communicate on radio. During eliminations at regionals we had to borrow an RC from IFI, as noted in this post. For fall off-season competitions and projects we plan to use our 2006 controller. Here's the question: do I need to do anything other than download our code for the 2007 robot to this controller in order for it to work with the 2007 modem?

If yes, can you point me toward instructions that a controls poser like me can understand? Thanks.

[Cuog]

I don't work for IFI so no promises here but I believe the Hardware in the 06 is the same as the 07, all you should have to do is run the latest .bin file in ifiloader, load that onto the controller then follow the instructions it will pop up and download the User code and you should be good to go.

[AdamHeard]

What about using the 2005 controller. We want to use it in our prototype robot.

I remember there were some differences in programming for it (settings in MPlab?) but it has been so long.

[Cuog]

I don't think that you can use the 2005 controller as it has a different internal PIC and likely cannot run the new mastercode.(Thats something that you will need to contact IFI about)

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by Cuog

I don't think that you can use the 2005 controller as it has a different internal PIC and likely cannot run the new mastercode.(Thats something that you will need to contact IFI about)

It's an offseason event so the only interface w/ the field will be enable/disable and autonomous... and the pinout hasn't changed i believe.

So, if I just get the 2005 code from Kevin Watson's site, It'll work fine right?

(I remember a setting that had to be changed in Mplab from 05 to 06 though... was that bc of the new PIC?).

[Cuog]

Yes you will need to follow the settings how to for the older controller because of the PIC