Hi Brian,
Thanks for e-mail re Problems connecting and updating software.
As far as I can tell, ( I may be wrong), there is nowhere in the
software updating instructions that specify to disconnect the BBB from
the Controller Card., the picture may infer that, but the instructions
in Step11 and under i imply that one could leave the BBB connected to
Controller board.
Also updating instructions Step 1 under i … recommend to use Class
10 Micro SD cards. (May be an issue, may be not)
I think that if Walt implies that by trying to update the SD card into
the BBB whilst it is still connected to the Controller Card, might
"toast"either BBB or Controller board, then several ROV ers may have
"toasted"equipment , myself being one!!!
I am still waiting to receive my Class 10 cards and try out to see if
using class 10 or Class 4 makes any difference or solves my
software/operation issues.
I am not a “softie” or know the ins and outs of software/electronics.
I think your instructions should be very specific.;
IE- When updating software use Class 10 SD Cards …and …remove
the BBB from the Controller Board. …Do not use “recommendations” or
"inferences" …be very specific, No assumptions.
I don’t know for sure yet if my Controller Board or BBB or both are toast.
Is there a way that I could check out if my BBB and controller card are
functioning and operating correctly?
But for me to replace them would cost approx US$250 not including
shipping and custom duty etc . I can’t afford that. (at least $400 Canadian)
I have had my ROV working OK for previous year, it was only when I
updated to the new version software(30.01.3) that my problems started.
Shaughan
Brian,
I previously sent this, but not sure if you received?
Hi Brian,
Thanks for your reply.Spent several hours over the weekend trying to
trouble shoot my ROV.
I appreciate your efforts, it is difficult to diagnose from a distance,
with information provided by an amateur like myself.
I 'll try and summarize.
First set of Tests using the 30.01.3 software (which was downloaded on
to Class 4 Micro SD Cards, which I think is the problem)
Whether I try to run off the FLASHED emmc or the Micro SD Card I get
similar results.
Using a Surface Power Supply Adjustable 12vdc 20amp supply
Using 100ft tether.
For Both scenarios ; Notes
Surface Voltage Voltage at DB25 Connector Cockpit Display
Voltage Displayed on Cockpit
USB Not Connected
Using Flashed emmc; USB Not Connected 13.89vdc
13.55vdc Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Using Micro SD Card USB Not Connected 13.90vdc
13.54vdc Not Applicable
Not Applicable
USB Connected
Using Flashed emmc; USB Connected 13.84vdc
Fluctuates 12.7v to 13.2 No Connection/Display unknown
Initial Power Up sequence of BBB
The BBB has 5 Blue LEDs . One Power LED and four USER LEDs, USR 0 ,1,
2, 3.
Initially: all 5 LEDS on ,the four User LEDs being Solid On.
After a few seconds the 4 User LEDs go off then start to blink randomly.
Still blinking after several minutes.
ESCs Do Not power on, no LEDs light up.
The ROV does NOT “Boot-Up”.
Using Micro SD Card USB Connected 13.88vdc
Fluctuates 12.6v to 12.95vdc No Connection/Display unknown
Initial Power Up sequence of BBB
The BBB has 5 Blue LEDs . One Power LED and four USER LEDs, USR 0 ,1,
2, 3.
Initially: all 5 LEDS on ,the four User LEDs being Solid On.
After a few seconds the 4 User LEDs go off then start to blink randomly.
Still blinking after several minutes.
ESCs Do Not power on, no LEDs light up.
The ROV does NOT “Boot-Up”.
Then I did a full Power Cycle by depressing the Power Button on the BBB
for about 20 seconds.
Basically the same result for both scenarios either running only off the
FLASHED emmc or the Micro SD Card.
Initial Power Up sequence of BBB
Initially: all 5 LEDS on ,the four User LEDs being Solid On.
After a few seconds the 4 User LEDs go off then start to blink randomly.
Then after a couple of minutes the 4 User LEDs start to blink
sequentially< (which is correct)
ESCs Do power up, LEDs light up.
The ROV does “Boot-Up”.
The Cockpit Display comes on.
Voltages 13.85vdc
Fluctuates 12.66v to 13.2vdc Cockpit Display On 11.6vdc
All functions operate via keyboard
When For/Backward Thrusters on only
stabilizes @ 10.2vdc
When vertical Thruster on only stabilizes @ 10.6vdc
When both Thrusters and vertical on together
stabilizes @ 9.6vdc
Next tried to use my original 2.51 software on the SD Card only .Initial
power up similar to using either scenarios of the 30.01.3 software.
Similar surface and DB25 voltages .
The ROV did not Boot Up.
Even on doing a Power Cycle the ROV did NOT Boot Up.
Cockpit Screen did not show up.
ESCs did not power up.
The Controller Card would still have the 30.01.3 Arduino firmware. I was
unable to update to the 2.51 version
Observation;
After successfully performing the initial 30.01.3 software upgrade.
And successfully updating the Arduino Firmware as shown/displayed on the
Firmware Updating Screen Then powering down.
Have not since, been able to Boot Up in the correct manner (only by
doing Power Cycle on BBB card).
Unable to re-update the Arduino Firmware, either the 2.51 version or the
30.01.3 versions.
I don’t think I have power/voltage problems?
The voltages do not drop sufficiently enough to stop the operations of
the controller card.
I don’t know if separating the voltage connections to the DB25 plug
from, ground 4to7 together, to 4 and 7 separate. Similar separating 5to6
together, 5 and 6 separate, would make any difference?
I am not sure of the technical differences between the Class 4 and Class
10 Micro SD cards other than each cards’ ability to down load data,
either at 4MBPS or 10MBPS.
I think that by using the Class 4 instead of the Class 10 SD cards I may
have corrupt data on the cards ?
I think a solution would be to erase the Arduino Controller Card
Firmware and start again with a correctly FLASHed SD Card (Class 10).
I don’t see any Reset /Reboot buttons on the Controller Card.
Is there a ’ Hack" on the card that I could do to erase the Firmware ?
best regards
shaughan