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Re: DM42 Firmware V3.5 available

Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2018 10:58 pm
by rprosperi
Thomas Okken wrote:
Sun Mar 25, 2018 7:13 pm
Actually, the code at https://www.swissmicros.com/dm42/free42/ just builds a test version that runs on a PC console. It does not build an actual installable firmware, and the tools needed to do so, and to debug the firmware, are also still missing.
This shows just how much (little) I know; I just found it and looked around a bit and saw there was Free42 code plus some SM code, and well, you know what happens when you assume...

Still, a clear sign that the rest is coming... but I'd frankly rather SM spend their precious time on enhancing the DM42, and later, once 'done' (in the same sense that Free42 is done), sharing a stable and static set of code makes sense for others to explore and dabble with. YMMV (that's the plural 'Your', not aimed specifically at Thomas).

Re: DM42 Firmware V3.5 available

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:27 am
by HPMike
Regarding the new flashing from FAT, can I simply copy the flash bin file to the DM42 FAT drive, and then later on connect it to a USB power source such as my iPad charger to do the firmware update from FAT ?

Re: DM42 Firmware V3.5 available

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 3:43 am
by rprosperi
HPMike wrote:
Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:27 am
Regarding the new flashing from FAT, can I simply copy the flash bin file to the DM42 FAT drive, and then later on connect it to a USB power source such as my iPad charger to do the firmware update from FAT ?
Yes, you can do it later, just be sure you have the USB cable connected to a PC or power adapter to guarantee you have enough power (and the update process may also need to run at the higher speed) for the flash update process.

Re: DM42 Firmware V3.5 available

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 4:57 am
by mcc
Hi,

Does the firmware refuses to try an update to its next version if someone forgets to connect to USB power?

Cheers
Meino

Re: DM42 Firmware V3.5 available

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 7:18 am
by grsbanks
mcc wrote:
Mon Mar 26, 2018 4:57 am
Does the firmware refuses to try an update to its next version if someone forgets to connect to USB power?
Try it and see...

Re: DM42 Firmware V3.5 available

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 7:23 am
by Walter
grsbanks wrote:
Mon Mar 26, 2018 7:18 am
mcc wrote:
Mon Mar 26, 2018 4:57 am
Does the firmware refuses to try an update to its next version if someone forgets to connect to USB power?
Try it and see...
:lol: Not yet, not yet ... !

Re: DM42 Firmware V3.5 available

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 1:19 pm
by mcc
Hi,

i think it is not so funny for those actually forgetting to connect it to USB power
and the underpowered flash procedure corrupts the flash on a low level, where only
a ISP or HVP can help...

Cheers
Meino

Re: DM42 Firmware V3.5 available

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:06 pm
by Walter
mcc wrote:
Mon Mar 26, 2018 1:19 pm
i think it is not so funny for those actually forgetting to connect it to USB power
and the underpowered flash procedure corrupts the flash on a low level, where only
a ISP or HVP can help...
Seems not too many people forgot this connection so far. ;) Did they read the manual perhaps?

Anyway, that's called learning by experience -- while this won't help, however, in decoding IVP and HVP. What did you want to tell but didn't dare to write?

Re: DM42 Firmware V3.5 available

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:39 pm
by mcc
Hi Walter,

hrrrmmm...sorry. Techno speak mode wasn't cancelled, where it should have been.... ;)

ISP: In-System-Programmer
An ISP is a tool, to low-level program an uC (microcontroller), which already is soldered
into a circuit.
Other terminus technicus: In-circuit programmer.

HVP: High voltage programmer, where "high voltage" is every voltage above 5V/3.3V (depends
on the system) and NOT something to make sparks and buzzing arcs from. ;)
I dont know, whether are used outside the ATMEL-world.
These are tools which allows to "reset" a uC.
ATMEL chips (ATmega...) have "fuses" which one can "burn" programmatically to prevent others
from reprogramming or reading the flash. "Burning" those fuses can done with a normal, not-HV-programmer
...also accidentically...and the poor DIY girl/guy has one desktop decoration more and one chip to play/program
with less. In those cases a HVP becomes handy: It totally nullify (write zeroes/FFs) to everything, which can be
programmed of such a chip. This way, the flash contents get lost, but the hardware is saved.

Here are some examples:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-system_programming
https://mightyohm.com/blog/2008/09/ardu ... rogrammer/

By the way: In case of a calculator of this price tag (not meaning, that the DM42 is not worth each single EURO it costs!!!
I LOVE this gem! -- but about 200 EURO are 200 EURO) I think "learning by experience" is little too harsh -- especially for
those, who do this experience -- especially when checking for USB-power (the routine is already in the firmware) and quiting
the firmware update process if only the battery is there, seems to me a not too complicated task for a magician like David, whose
magic was one of the main reasons, why we all got these wonderful piece of technique.

Only my two cents...your currency may vary... ;)

Cheers
Meino

Re: DM42 Firmware V3.5 available

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 3:17 pm
by Walter
mcc wrote:
Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:39 pm
In case of a calculator of this price tag (...) I think "learning by experience" is little too harsh -- especially for
those, who do this experience -- especially when checking for USB-power (the routine is already in the firmware) and quiting
the firmware update process if only the battery is there, seems to me a not too complicated task for a magician like David, whose
magic was one of the main reasons, why we all got these wonderful piece of technique.
I concur. Nevertheless I've to repeat that the manual states in bold print: Connect the calculator to the PC. If you don't it isn't the fault of the manual. Of course, the procedure could be made foolproof ...