SPARK MAX turning off when trying to update firmware

Technical Programming
1

We are using the new SPARK MAX motor controllers and when I tried to update the firmware on 2 of them they came on for a few seconds then turned off and didnt come back on even when we turned power on the robot. Does anyone know what happened?

2

It sounds like the firmware update process was interrupted mid-update and corrupted the firmware.

You can easily recover the device by following these steps:

  1. Without power connected (neither USB or 12V) hold down the Mode Button.
  2. While still holding the Mode Button, plug the MAX into the computer through USB.
  3. Wait a couple seconds for the MAX to enumerate. The Status LED will be off, this is expected.
  4. Release the Mode Button and open the Client application. The MAX will not connect, this is expected.
  5. Navigate to the Firmware tab and click Load Firmware and select the latest firmware file.
  6. Click Continue.

This should get you back up and running. One possible cause for an interruption can be a loose USB connection. Try not to move the USB cable during firmware updates. You can also try a different cable or USB port on your computer.

3

This worked for one of the two but the other it did not work for

4

When plugged into the computer in recovery mode, do you see “STM Device in DFU Mode” in the Device Manager under Universal Serial Bus controllers?

5

no i did not

6

Are there any listings in the Device Manager when plugged in or any errors? Show me a screenshot if you can.

Try flipping the orientation of the USB-C connector in the SPARK MAX.

7

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8

Is the button stuck, in other words, do you feel it click when you press it?

We may need to transition over to [email protected]. Please send me an email.

9

Hey David, I’m working with Galen now. The device is clicking when you press the mode button in, but the device does not “connect” to USB (no connection sound when you plug it in). I checked against another Spark Max and I do get the connection sound and a USB Serial device in device manager. With the one that is not working, nothing comes up in device manager at all.

10

Thanks for the update! It looks like I’ll need to take a look at the MAX in person. Send me a direct message, or have Galen send me the original order number for this MAX. We’ll get a replacement and a return label to you as soon as we can.

11

Thanks, working on that. Finding the original order number now. Galen will send it to you via e-mail. Fortunately we have spares :slight_smile:

12

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