Do not use Firmware V30 for DM1x/41

Firmware updates will be announced in this forum. The forum is marked as read-only, so if you have a problem with a new version then please report it in either the "DM1x/DM41 Usage tips, tricks and questions" forum or if you think it is a bug, then in the "DM1x/DM41 Bug reports" forum.
grsbanks
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Do not use Firmware V30 for DM1x/41

Post by grsbanks »

A problem in V30 firmware for the DM1x and DM41 models has been identified.

The problem causes excessive load on the battery, which is depleted far sooner than it should be.

Investigations are under way to determine the cause of this problem, but in the meantime we recommend that you downgrade to V29 firmware.

Details of the V29 firmware can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2192
There are only 10 kinds of people in the world: those who understand binary and those who do not.
AlanW
Posts: 14
Joined: Sat Mar 07, 2020 6:35 pm
Location: UK

Re: Do not use Firmware V30 for DM1x/41

Post by AlanW »

That explains why I have had to replace the battery of my new dm15L after about 2 months, and when powered on the low battery indicator was on and the display blanked shortly after each key press. E+ON gave a battery reading of zero, and shortly afterwards the calculator went into a deep sleep, only to be re-awakened with a new premium battery, which gave a reading of 3.05V. However after about a week the battery is at 2.775 volts, which suggests about a month's run time down to 2V. Obviously battery life depends on how much usage the calculator is getting, so this isn't very scientific. I'm curious to know what other people have seen. Is the problem with high standby current? Presumably the problem occurs on older calculators which behaved normally, until the upgrade. Mine's only ever had V30 on it.

I'll take a look at how to flash the firmware. Probably leave it a day or two just in case any fresh news come out on the subject.

EDIT: Programming issue SOLVED eventually. Might be you have to hit reset very quickly after message comes up

Update: I tried to Flash it and it failed to program. However battery voltage now down to 2.6V after flash attempt. Recovered later to 2.715V

Update2: Serial Console works, but battery dropped to 2.45V. I am wondering whether the Canon Camera cable I am using is fully wired. Perhaps it lacks the power wiring. I don't have another cable with the correct connector to try at the moment.

Update3: Ordered another cable, hopefully will arrive next week.

Update 4: Got new cable: Battery voltage still drops during serial console but perhaps not as much. Tried to program several times. Goes into Serial Console when reset pressed, but no programming appears to take place. Calculator eventually goes to PR Error. On E-ON version is still V30. Out of ideas. Looks like I'm stuck with V30. I know the comms works, because communication works fine with Putty and the hp15c simulator. I'm using 38400 baud with Putty. What baud rate does the updater use. Computer on latest Win 10 update. Any ideas anyone, I'm kind of stuck.

Update 5: Tried different computer with new cable. First time failed to program. Tried again and SUCCESS. I did press the Reset button immediately the message came up on the screen this time (getting impatient). Anyway, downgrade to V29 now complete. It'll be interesting to see if there is any difference in battery performance.

Thanks
Alan
johanw
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun May 24, 2020 6:41 pm

Re: Do not use Firmware V30 for DM1x/41

Post by johanw »

I had the same issue: I had recently ordered a DM15 that came with v30, and it took several tries before the firmware update tool recognized my calculator but I finally succeeded in flashing v29 firmware. I used a mini USB cable from an old phone.

I just ordered a DM15L and got confirmation it was being sent out today (on sunday, what a service), I'm curious with what firmware it will arrive.

Edit: the unit arrived today and it came with v30 installed. This time the update program recognised the unit directly (using the same cable) so I could flash v29.
michel_b
Posts: 34
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2019 10:07 pm

Re: Do not use Firmware V30 for DM1x/41

Post by michel_b »

grsbanks wrote:
Fri May 22, 2020 3:27 pm
A problem in V30 firmware for the DM1x and DM41 models has been identified.

The problem causes excessive load on the battery, which is depleted far sooner than it should be.
Jeez I reported this on February, 27.

Only took 3 months before it got confirmed ;)
Mr_Plant
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2020 4:27 am

Re: Do not use Firmware V30 for DM1x/41

Post by Mr_Plant »

Hahah my DM16 has been in hibernation through furlough.. a bit like myself.. only had it since about jan/feb time
So was a bit unimpressed when I dusted it off and powered it up today to find the battery totally flat after it being switched off for 4 months or so...

Anyway was glad to read that this is probably a firmware problem as you guessed it .. mine shipped with v30.
About to downgrade to v29 soon.

Any news on the v31 fix?

Updare: Managed to regress to v29 with no problems then restored my programs.
grsbanks
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Location: Preston, Lancs, UK
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Re: Do not use Firmware V30 for DM1x/41

Post by grsbanks »

David is working flat out on getting the DM41X out of beta phase so this is comparatively low priority, especially as the work-around dosn't involve much of a sacrifice. But it will be fixed, I just don't know exactly when!
There are only 10 kinds of people in the world: those who understand binary and those who do not.
elfrinjo
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed May 06, 2020 2:44 pm

Re: Do not use Firmware V30 for DM1x/41

Post by elfrinjo »

Good evening!
I just downgraded and stumbled over a small documentation-detail while setting the date:
On the DM-16, the [SST] key is called [GSB].
The image on the instructions page shows the correct key-position but it could be a bit clearer in the text.

Kind Regards, Jörg



PS: I just realize it is only on the DM-12 and -15 labeld [SST]
Mr_Plant
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2020 4:27 am

Re: Do not use Firmware V30 for DM1x/41

Post by Mr_Plant »

Noticed the point about the clock setting too - initially confused me!!

Yeap I get the beta code comes first and is high priority - as v29 is totally ok there is no rush..

All good here!
DMaier
Posts: 20
Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2017 5:09 am

Re: Do not use Firmware V30 for DM1x/41

Post by DMaier »

Through a process of careful scientific analysis, not easily distinguished from mere procrastination and sloth, I would like to propose the theory that the V30 power drain issue does not necessarily affect the DM41/DM41L. (Evidence: just replaced batteries in a bunch of dead DM1x's; the DM41's seem to be fine.)
Michael
Site Admin
Posts: 261
Joined: Wed Apr 05, 2017 11:31 pm

Re: Do not use Firmware V30 for DM1x/41

Post by Michael »

True. The DM41 is not affected by this issue. V30 is perfectly fine for DM41L/DM41
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