1 Topic by regisphilbin

  • regisphilbin
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Topic: X-frame 88 Firmware updated failed - Using X-ware 2.3h

I had a working X-Frame / 8802 system that I tried to connect via RS-232 to the X-ware 2.3h software.   It asked me to update the firmware due to it being out dated.... then it gave me a fault on my system which I've been unable to restore.  HEre are some screenshots:

Before (working):

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq152/eertddfgccvb/2012/Co/au%20-%20peaMM88/IMG_2477_zpsb4973ef0.jpg

After attempted Firmware update from X-ware 2.3h (fault):


http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq152/eertddfgccvb/2012/Co/au%20-%20peaMM88/IMG_2485_zpsb66b412a.jpg
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq152/eertddfgccvb/2012/Co/au%20-%20peaMM88/IMG_2486_zpscda14941.jpg
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq152/eertddfgccvb/2012/Co/au%20-%20peaMM88/IMG_2481_zpsaca1a55b.jpg

The X-ware dialog box says to be patient and that the firmware update should take around 30 seconds but I've waited minutes already and the dialog box is unresponsive. 

I've tried turning off the system and re-trying the firmware update but now it says the unit is reading from ROM.

Current State:
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq152/eertddfgccvb/2012/Co/au%20-%20peaMM88/1_zps8efca015.jpg
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq152/eertddfgccvb/2012/Co/au%20-%20peaMM88/2_zpsd1a09138.jpg

Any way to reset the system?  restore previous config? get the unit working again?

Last edited by regisphilbin (2013-06-05 22:53:18)

2 Reply by phils

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Re: X-frame 88 Firmware updated failed - Using X-ware 2.3h

I've found firmware upgrades to fail (although normal comms is ok) if using a USB/serial adapter.
Not sure if that's your situation, but if it is I'd try to find a "real" serial port on something.

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
                                                                                        - George Bernard Shaw

3 Reply by regisphilbin

  • regisphilbin
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Re: X-frame 88 Firmware updated failed - Using X-ware 2.3h

Phils,  You hit the nail right on the head.  I connected to another PC that had an onboard RS-232 port and voila,  the firmware update worked and I'm back up and running.  Thanks a bunch for your insightful suggestion.

4 Reply by ivorr

  • ivorr
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Re: X-frame 88 Firmware updated failed - Using X-ware 2.3h

Not all USB-RS232 adapters are created equal. Some rely on software emulation to operate, and will not work with the X-Frame 88. The best ones on the market use the FTDI FT232R chipset. FTDI puts a real UART in their chipset and it works flawlessly. My $8.00 generic adapter uses FTDI inside, and updating firmware on an X-Frame 88 works every time. The same chipset works wonderfully in USB-RS422/485 adapters too. Drivers are on FTDI's website.

If you look at the real, hardcore industrial adapters, they too use the FT232R set inside. It appears to be the industrial standard.

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing. -Socrates

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