[amsat-bb] Re: LVB Tracker Firmware v0.9

[Gould Smith]

Hello Alan,

Both the USB and Max232 chip are connected to the same data pins on the 
microprocessor, so they are both trying to talk to the main routine.  It is 
no recommended to have both the USB and Serial chip in the unit at the same 
time.

This will also draw extra current that wasn't planned for with the heat 
sink.

I will be sending out an email to the BB later tonight about the upgrade.

73,
Gould


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Alan" <ve4yz at mts.net>
To: "'Howard Long'" <howard at howardlong.com>; <amsat-bb at AMSAT.Org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 6:21 PM
Subject: [amsat-bb] LVB Tracker Firmware v0.9


> Hi Howard and the group...
>
> I successfully updated my LVB from v0.7 to v0.9
>
> The question is: if you only use the LVB Tracker with a USB cable, can you
> leave the MAX232 chip installed?
>
> Here is why I ask...
>
> After the successful update, replacement of the USB board and 
> recalibration,
> I ran a pass and the LVB behaved normally.  I then realized I left the
> MAX232 installed.  The installation and DIY assembly instructions suggest
> you run either the USB board or MAX232 serial but not to have both
> installed.  Or I cannot read or comprehend the instructions???
>
> The AMSAT fully assembled USB version of LVB Tracker including the case
> requires a lot of extra steps to do a firmware upgrade.  To remove the USB
> board from its socket so that the MAX232 chip can be installed and used, 
> you
> have to remove the motherboard from the case.  This is the only way for 
> the
> USB connector to clear the case so that it can be pulled straight up and
> out.  Afterwards, to remove the MAX232, there is not enough clearance for 
> a
> chip puller so you fiddle around with a small screw driver or something
> similar to pry out the chip.
>
> BTW, I took this opportunity to try to upgrade via the USB port and can
> confirm it is flaky.  The serial upgrade took less than a 1 minute of
> processing time to upload the firmware and verify.  Using the USB only 
> took
> about 1 hour (yes I waited ) and did not verify 100% ( 5 errors - flipped
> bits - found in my case ).
>
> Thanks... Alan
>
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