NXT Brick clicks - reset button pushed...still clicking

Technical Technical Discussion
1

Folks,
I get the NXT click of death - hitting the reset button for 5 minutes with and without batteries, still clicking…any hope or is it dead?

Thanks

2

Hi,

OK, before I answer your question, I have a few for you. What programming language are you using? I have a lot more experience with RoboLab.

Have you contacted LEGO Education? If not, you might want to. They have GREAT tech support. They have helped me through many problems that I have had.

Have you re-downloaded the firmware? The “clicking noise of death” normally happens when you are in the middle of downloading the firmware. If you have not tried downloading the firmware, you should try it. You will hear the NXT starting to click–just let it go. Once it is done the NXT should make the powering up noise, and your computer should bring up a box telling you it is finished.

If that doesn’t work, you really should get in contact with LEGO Edu. They really are a great resource.

Hope that helps!

3

Thanks I’ll try downloading the firmware. I’m working in LabView

4

I don’t think I have ever programmed the NXT in Labview–but RoboLab is based on Labview, so maybe my advice will still work.:] I hope so. I am not sure if LEGO Edu. supports Labview, so you might want to check and see if NI will. Let me know how it turns out!!!

5

Similar to the advice you’ve already received, the clicking indicates that the processor is waiting for a firmware download. This is usually caused by an interrupted download of FW. The solution is usually to do the download again.

If the download tool does not list the brick as being ready for download, try pulling a battery on the brick, leaving it out for five seconds or so, then reinserting. If that isn’t enough, push the recessed reset button for around ten seconds. When the brick shows up in the format list, download a firmware.

It has been awhile since I’ve had to rescue a brick, so if my memory of the process isn’t accurate enough, search sites such as NXTasy.org or TheNXTStep.blogspot.com. They may have the documented steps.

Greg McKaskle

6

I ran into a problem last week when i could hear the programs changing but my screen was blank and could not see what program was running. I called LEGO support and was told the screens had been going bad on several bricks and i returned it to them and it was replaced. Call them, they were very helpful and very fast service.