Firmware issues

[Poppy828]

Has anyone encountered an issue with the latest firmware available for the Jr? I have been trying to download it to fix a controller issue I am having. However, when trying to run the files after extracting them from the zip file, I recieve a debug error. I am using winzip10 and use this program daily with no issues on any other zip files.

Any help is appreciated. My tank is suffering as of late due to unexplained pumps turning on and off when they want, heater, fan and lights. My pumps are on 24/7 and have been from day one. Ever since the recall on the DC-8, I have had problems. A bit frustrating to say the least.

Thanks.

 

[clp]

The update firmware program for the Jr. must be run from the command line. See the readme.txt file included with the download for instructions.

Curt

 

[Poppy828]

Thanks Curt. I realized that last night shortly after I posted. However, it was too late to delete the thread. I did not put 2 and 2 together at first. Sorry about the confusion.

Thanks,

Todd

 

[Poppy828]

Well after several failed attempts to run the firmware, I am coming here for suggestions before I throw this thing out. Supposedly, you are to recieve a message on the controller on the second line p[xxx] if the download is working. Well, I have tried many a times to no avail. All the command prompts are accepted on the pc, but I do not see the message I am supposed to see.

This is extremely frustrating. My lights are turning on and off when they want as well as the skimmer and heater. I came home today to a tank temp of 89. The heater never shut off, the fan did not come on and the lights did not shut off like it is programmed. Nothing on this controller works since the recall of the DC-8. Very unhappy with this unit as of late. Wife is fed up also.

Can anyone shed some light on this before I lose my tank?? Or mind???

Thanks

 

[laverda]

Why would you have your heaters adjusted so they can go that high. Adjust them a degree or two higher then what you would like your tank temp to be that way in the event of a failure you don't have to worry. Redundance/fail safe your systems as much as possable. I have 2 heaters only one should ever come on ideally, but if for some reason it does not come on or it is extra cold then the second one will kick in. Good luck sorting it out.

 

[Poppy828]

Well the heater is only set at 80. Ebo Jager. The controller is telling the heater to stay on for some reason. SO it's not a heater issue in the sense that I have it set to high. This issue never came about with the previous DC-8. The system ran flawlessly. I have everything set correctly and fail safed as much as possible.

 

[duncang]

am having similar issues with ac3pro and trying to update firmware. caurt has been assisting me but still no luck and things turn on and off inexplicably

does anyone know if the version display under self test will change once the firmware update is successful? Mine says Rev 3.00 9/1/05

thanks

 

[clp]

Poppy828,
I just tried to do the update using a USB to serial adapter and the update program does work correctly with it (my IO gear USB adapter was assign comm port 8). So the issue is not caused by the USB adapter.
Here are some things to check:
The upgrade cable should attach to the temp probe connector and your PC serial port.
You should type 'update_1B06.exe aquajr_1B06.enc -COMX' where X is the comm port # of your serial port.

duncang,
The two most common problems with updating the firmware in the 3 and 3 Pro are:
- Another DHCP server is running, and is responding the AquaController's bootloader dhcp request instead of the tftpd upgrade software. Disable all DHCP servers in your network.
- A firewall on your PC is preventing the tftpd for acting as a server. Temporarily disable any firewall (including the windows SP2 firewall) you may have running on your PC, and then try the update. Another option is to boot your PC in safemode with networking (press F8 after the bios finishes, and before windows starts booting). In safemode there should be no firewalls running.

Curt

 

[duncang]

Curt, I tried all of those things. I think I'm going to have to send it back to you so Neptune can upgrade it.

 

[duncang]

finally got it with help from a friend

 

[clp]

What was the problem?

Curt

 

[Poppy828]

Thanks to Curt's patience and help today, I got the firmware downloaded. Looks like I may have had a bad serial to usb cable. Once I hooked the cable directly from pc to controller it worked fine. Amazing that new things don't work sometimes. Guess that's electronics for you. Stupid bad cables.

Hopefully this will solve the problems. I just got home and plugged the controller back in with the new firmware. I am going to let it run for a bit and see what happens. Then I will try the other menu you wanted me to try Curt and let you know the results.

Thanks again,

Todd

Thanks again Curt.