7096 Upgrading Problem

[Bryan]

Roger:

I know you are not a computer guru, but is there any way of getting help from the programmer in Germany on my issue with the 7096. Ever since I bought it I have never been able to flash a new update to the controller. Because of this I don't get the advantage of using the new features. This is the error message received.

I have done a bit of embedded programming as a hobbyist and have the tools to reflash the unit, but reluctant to do so as don't want to "brick" it.

 

[rvitko]

I will see what I can arrange, if you don't hear back by Monday please bump this thread.

 

[Bryan]

Thanks Roger.

 

[rvitko]

Here is the answer I got from Axel Tunze, I am sorry it is not better news, it will need to be sent back in for reprogramming.

"This message will be displayed, if the 7096 has got a higher software version as now 1.1.0.6 installed. This can happen, if during an earlier update process the USB plug were disconnected or there was a loose connection. It is caused by open connections during the installation process. By this the unit can write a higher program version number by random, e. g. 3.5.7.0, or any other no which is created by random. The system does not install an older program version (current is 1.1.0.6). The system does not know this high program no. is wrong. The version is displayed at the left side down of the 7096-software when the unit is connected. There he will see such his current program no. The customer can do nothing to solve the problem. We can do this in Germany only. We have to renew the software by a special adapter. This happens very rare. Until now I have heard this happen the second time since we've started with the 7096."

 

[Bryan]

Roger:
As opposed to me sending it in, can they send me/you a replacement ATMEGA8 with the proper bootloader installed. I think they should know what this means. Replacement processor.

Or can they send me the bootloader hex file and I can flash/reprogram the chip myself. I have the programmer.

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

Bryan,

I think the best solution is having your dealer or distributor exchange it, shipping from Germany is quite expensive so they are not practical solutions. They should get you a new one and send that one in to be reprogrammed provided it is in good condition overall.

 

[Bryan]

Problem is I bought it mail order a number of years ago. Can't see the local distributor giving me a replacment. No way they can fire me off a replacement chip?, it's easy enough to replace. Even better the file and I can reprogram it myself.

 

[rvitko]

Let me see if I can arrange something, bump this thread if you don't hear back by Thursday.

 

[Bryan]

Thanks Roger, I can pay for the price of the replacement chip and any shipping etc.

 

[Deester]

I had the exact same error as the OP.

Have a look at post#10 in this thread below -

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2057984

Try that and it should reflash the 7096 correctly ... worked for me.

Cheers,

Dee.

 

[Bryan]

Hmm, that is what i did and that is the standard procedure for doing updates, in my case it would not work because the chip boot loader or EEPROM was corrupt and would not accept a new update.

 

[Deester]

Hmm, that is what i did and that is the standard procedure for doing updates, in my case it would not work because the chip boot loader or EEPROM was corrupt and would not accept a new update.

Hi Bryan,

I had the exact same error from avbootloader, the higher version one (highlighted in red on the pic uploaded).

I had to try it a few times, but was able to get it reflashed and working again.

 

[Bryan]

I tried and tried with no luck, ended up trying to program it a different way and "bricked" it. Live and learn. Roger is helping me out on it so all should be good.