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

[Alan]

Thanks Howard and Gould for the speedy responses.  MAX232 removed and
business as usual using v0.9

I appreciate Howard's comment about not upgrading unless you have existing
problems, however, some of us like to "run around while carrying scissors".
In the old days I always installed version X.00 of a new operating system
rather than waiting for X.01

I have found one re-occurring problem in that SATPC32 when launching
ServerSDX does not always "see" the virtual serial port used by the USB/LVB
and required a shutdown of SATPC32 and ServerSDX.  Turning the G5400B OFF
and ON and then restarting SATPC32 usually results in a ServerSDX
connection.  Perhaps the LVB timing change will resolve this problem.  Time
will tell. 




-----Original Message-----
From: Gould Smith [mailto:gouldsmi at bellsouth.net] 
Sent: May 27, 2008 6:44 PM
To: Alan; 'Howard Long'; amsat-bb at AMSAT.Org
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] LVB Tracker Firmware v0.9

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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