Firmware update for Modern Robotic modules

[TheSaberedTortoise]

Hey everybody,

Do the modules have firmware, and, if so, are there updates for them? We are working on debugging some of the issues we've been having. (runaway robots, etc...)

Thanks

[Alec]

Runaway robots... that's by design.

Sorry guys, I just couldn't resist... bad Alec, bad!

[skatefriday]

Hey everybody,

Do the modules have firmware, and, if so, are there updates for them? We are working on debugging some of the issues we've been having. (runaway robots, etc...)

Thanks

The modules do have firmware, but unfortunately
the modules do not support firmware updates (hardware
limitation (the required headers don't exist))

[mhaeberli]

skatefriday,
I (perhaps mis-) remember that the Core Device Discovery utility (at least for some module types - like a motor controller) offered firmware updates as an option.
Martin Haeberli
Mentor, FTC 7593, TigerBots

[5294-jjkd]

According to Modern Robotics, apparently the 2.0 firmware includes support to field-upgrade firmware: http://www.modernroboticsinc.com/firmware-update

[FTC6389]

According to Modern Robotics, apparently the 2.0 firmware includes support to field-upgrade firmware: http://www.modernroboticsinc.com/firmware-update

WOW... Especially this first year, and after there have been so many issues, don't you think this should be offered to ALL FTC teams for free???

<sigh>

- The Lazybotts

[Cheer4FTC]

WOW... Especially this first year, and after there have been so many issues, don't you think this should be offered to ALL FTC teams for free???

+1

[aklego]

This should be handled as a recall of a defective product and there should be zero expense to teams. Prepaid mailing boxes, express shipping, etc.

[FTC8881]

From MR e-mail (but not on their site),

The updates made on the CLM and CDIM in addition to allowing the modules to be field upgradable are minor fixes and tweaks to improve efficiency. Any modules purchased from this point on will contain firmware version 2.0.

FTC Team 8881

[korimako]

From MR e-mail (but not on their site),

The updates made on the CLM and CDIM in addition to allowing the modules to be field upgradable are minor fixes and tweaks to improve efficiency. Any modules purchased from this point on will contain firmware version 2.0.

FTC Team 8881

I thought the original motivations for the module firmware updates were to address the timing/reset issue of one of the chips. I don't see any mention of this now?

So we're supposed to pay $20 for "minor tweaks" and the ability for 'possible' future upgrades to the CLM,CDIM modules?

[JimRumbaugh]

I thought the original motivations for the module firmware updates were to address the timing/reset issue of one of the chips. I don't see any mention of this now?

So we're supposed to pay $20 for "minor tweaks" and the ability for 'possible' future upgrades to the CLM,CDIM modules?

I just purchased a new motor and servo controller which I confirmed have firmware version 2.0. I found that you can do a fast power cycle using the new firmware and SDK version 1.6. Also, with this fix the firmware can be upgraded from your PC as new versions are released in the future. While it is annoying to pay for this, it is a big improvement.

[Varun Singh]

I just purchased a new motor and servo controller which I confirmed have firmware version 2.0. I found that you can do a fast power cycle using the new firmware and SDK version 1.6. Also, with this fix the firmware can be upgraded from your PC as new versions are released in the future. While it is annoying to pay for this, it is a big improvement.

Can anyone else confirm this find with the new firmware (I don't think the SDK matters)? I don't want to pay extra and send in everything if it doesn't significantly improve stuff. Thanks!

[FTC5501]

I would hope FIRST would weigh in on this as teams have spent way too much money with MR already for the quality of products that we have received. There becomes a point where I feel like we are all being taken advantage of by MR.

[FTC6389]

Can anyone else confirm this find with the new firmware (I don't think the SDK matters)? I don't want to pay extra and send in everything if it doesn't significantly improve stuff. Thanks!

Hi Varun,

We can confirm. With RC running, unplug and replug USB cable, almost instantly everything is back up

- Lazybotts

[FTC6389]

Hi Varun,

We can confirm. With RC running, unplug and replug USB cable, almost instantly everything is back up

- Lazybotts

Power cycle also.

- Lazybotts