Firmware update not working - help please - I'm new!

Jonno · Post by **Jonno** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 7:27 am

I've got my MJLJ (V3 HW) running fine with the EDIS setup on my mini special.

However, when I try to update to the latest firmware, I get the following message:
'Can't read MCU', 'Forgot to set single wire mode?'

Normally my laptop has no trouble talking to the MJLJ.

Does anyone have any ideas of what I could try?
Or do I have a fundamental problem?

Thanks.

Gilesy998 · Post by **Gilesy998** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 11:45 am

It sounds like an upgrade to the latest firmware and tuner software might just help you. It's been modified to tackle some common comms issues, amongst other things. V3.2.1 is what you need to look for.

Jonno · Post by **Jonno** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:57 pm

Hi, thanks for the reply, but that is exactly what I am trying to do!

It's at the start of the update that the message comes up, and it gets no further.

Post by **brentp** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:17 pm

Are you using a usb-serial adapter? The hc08sprg.exe programmer has problems dealing with certain brands.

If so, try using a standard PC serial port and power the unit with a 9V battery. The good thing is that you only need to do this once!

Jonno · Post by **Jonno** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:22 pm

Brent, thankyou for the reply.

I'm using a standard RS232 port.

I'll persevere, and try the 9v battery option.

Fingers crossed.

Jonno · Post by **Jonno** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 5:07 pm

Still struggling with this....

Here's what I'm doing:

>hc08sprg.exe COM1 mjljunior_V3.2.1.s19
>Waiting for HC08 reset ACK...

(I then apply power - either 12V or 9V - it doesn't seem to make any difference)

> ...received 0x80(off-key)
>Can't read MCU info (forgot to set single wire mode?)

I've tried it over and over, there's no change.

Any ideas?

Post by **brentp** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 7:36 pm

Do you by chance have a different computer to try it out on? It's a long-shot, but there might be an off-chance it might work on a different computer.

let us know, and we'll dig deeper if that doesn't work.

Jonno · Post by **Jonno** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 8:25 pm

OK, just tried another laptop, same trouble.

The first one was running 2000, second one XP.

I'm wondering if it's the cable, although the tuning software talks to the MJLJ fine.

Do you know if all 9 need to be connected pin to pin?

Mine's a homemade cable, with 2,3 and 5 pin to pin.

Also, I've got a plastic connector at one end, so the screen is only connected at one end.
Could this be the problem?

I'll buy a proper lead tomorrow just to be sure.

Thanks.

Jonno · Post by **Jonno** » Tue May 01, 2007 11:44 am

Hi,

I went out and bought a new RS232 lead, all pins connected.

Same problem.

No change at all - same messages.

I'm a bit stumped as to what to try next.........

MartinM · Post by **MartinM** » Tue May 01, 2007 1:32 pm

Bit of a longshot, but you could try...

>hc08sprg.exe COM1:S mjljunior_V3.2.1.s19

...where the :S sets single wire mode, which is what it seems to be complaining about - but in many 10's of firmware updates, I've never had to do so....

EDIT:
- that doesn't seem to work at all

Try
hc08sprg.exe 1 mjljunior_V3.2.1.s19
hc08sprg.exe 1:S mjljunior_V3.2.1.s19
hc08sprg.exe 1:D mjljunior_V3.2.1.s19
hc08sprg.exe 1:? mjljunior_V3.2.1.s19

...but I'm fishing in the dark a bit here, but I suspect it's fairly safe - when you get 0xfc returned you should be OK to reprogram....

Jonno · Post by **Jonno** » Tue May 01, 2007 9:25 pm

Thanks for the ideas.

Tried them all with no luck, I'm afraid.

I never get anything different.......

Post by **brentp** » Wed May 02, 2007 1:24 pm

On recollection, There's a chance that you may have an RS232 transceiver that is marginal with the .01 uF capacitors. I've seen this once before.

So, for about 3+ years the MJLJ incorrectly specified the MAX232 compatible chip with .01uF charge pump capacitors- it should've been a MAX232A. (or a MAX232 with 1uF charge pump capacitors...)

This problem was revealed and corrected late 2006. So far I've seen this only once before- historically it hasn't been a problem; It's been demonstrated that the MAX232 seems to cope with the .01uF capacitors, likely due to the low baud rates we're using. If you are indeed being afflicted by this problem, it could be that your system is OK with 4800 baud (the MJLJ communication rate) but not 9600 baud (the hc08sprg.exe communication rate).

Check what RS232 transceiver you have- if you have a MAX232, try patching in 1uF capacitors in parallel with C3,4,5,6 and C10. Soldering them to the pads on the backside of the board is easiest. Tantalum capacitors are recommended.

Jonno · Post by **Jonno** » Wed May 02, 2007 5:25 pm

Brent,

Thanks for the information.

On inspection, it looks like I've got the MAX232 - googling the ST number on the top of the chip gets a data sheet which
specifies that it should be used with 1uF capacitors.

I have got some tanatalum 1uF capacitors, but they are polarised with a clear positive leg - which way round should they go?
Or should I get some non-polarised ceramic ones, like the 0.1uF ones?

Jon.

Post by **brentp** » Wed May 02, 2007 6:50 pm

Check the data sheet for the Max232, it will show the polarization.

I'll follow up with some more detail a bit later.

non polarized should work as well, I'll double check the data sheet

Jonno · Post by **Jonno** » Thu May 03, 2007 6:31 am

Brent,

I studied the schematic of the MJLJ board, and thought I'd found which way all 5 caps went.

I soldered them on, and tried it.

Some progress - 0xfc returned, but still can't read MCU info.

Then I saw your post, downloaded the datasheet for the ST232EBN chip, and found from the application
circuit that I have C3 and C4 with their polarity wrong.

When I get home tonight I'll turn them round and try again.

Thanks for your help - I'll report back.

Jon.