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Propeller Mini not accepting uploads — Parallax Forums

Propeller Mini not accepting uploads

asid61asid61 Posts: 6
edited 2014-04-26 13:17 in Propeller 1
I'm sure this has been asked before, but I haven't been able to turn it up in a google search yet.

I bought 2 Propeller Mini boards last week and I finally got the change to wire them up. I made sure I had the right driver software before plugging it into the computer via the Prop Plug. The Progp Plug registers in Devices as COM12, but when I try to upload a basic program it tells me there is no propeller board attached. I have tried with both chips and confirmed that they are both not accepting a program. I then connected a 12v power supply to the VIN pin to see if powering the board would help. To make sure it is on, I am using an LED on the 5v pin (I am using an external 12v supply to power it).
When I select "check hardware", the Prop Plug flashes once and then a message pops up saying that the IDE cannot find a propeller chip.

Any ideas on why this is not working?

Comments

  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2014-04-15 22:23
    The Prop Plug does not provide power for the boards. You will always need a power source when using the Prop Plug as the programmer. Many of the newer Propeller boards can draw power from the USB connection but the Prop Plug doesn't have this ability.

    When you connect 12V to Vin, you're also connecting the ground connection from the 12V supply right?

    For now, I'd leave the LED off the 5V pin just to be sure it's not causing a problem.

    Do you have a volt meter so you can check the 5V and 3.3V lines?

    It's often a good idea to take a picture of your setup so we can double check your connections.
  • asid61asid61 Posts: 6
    edited 2014-04-19 11:37
    Duane Degn wrote: »
    The Prop Plug does not provide power for the boards. You will always need a power source when using the Prop Plug as the programmer. Many of the newer Propeller boards can draw power from the USB connection but the Prop Plug doesn't have this ability.

    When you connect 12V to Vin, you're also connecting the ground connection from the 12V supply right?

    For now, I'd leave the LED off the 5V pin just to be sure it's not causing a problem.

    Do you have a volt meter so you can check the 5V and 3.3V lines?

    It's often a good idea to take a picture of your setup so we can double check your connections.
    Yeah, I tried powering with an external 12v supply. I'll leave off the led and get a picture later today.
  • rmvsinthetarmvsintheta Posts: 2
    edited 2014-04-20 11:28
    Same problem here- just got my Propeller Mini yesterday, soldered the headers, hooked up a 9V battery to the Vin and GND terminals, and tried to program but I get the error: "no propeller chip on port COM11". I'm using Adafruit's FTDI friend (set to 3.3V logic) instead of the prop plug (they're based on the same FTDI232 chipset I believe), and apparently it should work, according to this resource: http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-20871.html

    Here's a few snaps of my setup:
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  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-04-20 12:07
    It should work if you get the Tx, the Rx, and theDTR and RTS right. That last one, the RTS might be a world of hurt if you go it wrong. (default is DTR, not RTS)

    An RS232 DIY proven by Parallax might be easier.
    pdf
    pdf
    SerialtoPropeller.pdf
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  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2014-04-20 12:35
    You want to change the "Propeller Reset Signal" to RTS.
    In the Propeller Tool this can be found under:
    Edit\Preferences\Operation\Propeller Reset Signal > Select "RTS" from drop down menu and then click "Accept".
  • rmvsinthetarmvsintheta Posts: 2
    edited 2014-04-20 17:31
    Ah, thanks Duane! Worked like a charm. Took me a little while to find it in SimpleIDE: Tools>Properties>General>Reset Signal.

    Much appreciated!
  • asid61asid61 Posts: 6
    edited 2014-04-22 17:14
    Here are some pictures of my setup.
    I tried changing the reset protocol, but it still wouldn't detect the propeller chip. The FTDI (Pro Plug) is working, but the computer doesn't detect that there is a propeller hooked up.
    The power supply is 9v, but measuring with a multimeter it gives 12v.
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  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2014-04-22 18:36
    You want to make sure the reset signal is set to "DTR" in the Prop Tool.

    If the reset signal is correct, then I'm inclined to suspect the Prop Plug.

    There is one other thing you could try. With the reset signal set to "DTR", press the reset button on the Propeller Mini half a second before pressing the F7 key to identify the Propeller. If the Propeller is sending serial signals when the PC is attempting to communicate with it, it can occasionally interfere with the PC's ability to find the Propeller. By pressing the reset button half a second prior to having the PC attempt communication, you block whatever serial output the Propeller may be sending. I doubt this will work since the new Propeller Mini shouldn't be sending any serial signals anyway.

    Do you have another PC you try to use with the Propeller?
  • asid61asid61 Posts: 6
    edited 2014-04-23 19:25
    Duane Degn wrote: »
    You want to make sure the reset signal is set to "DTR" in the Prop Tool.

    If the reset signal is correct, then I'm inclined to suspect the Prop Plug.

    There is one other thing you could try. With the reset signal set to "DTR", press the reset button on the Propeller Mini half a second before pressing the F7 key to identify the Propeller. If the Propeller is sending serial signals when the PC is attempting to communicate with it, it can occasionally interfere with the PC's ability to find the Propeller. By pressing the reset button half a second prior to having the PC attempt communication, you block whatever serial output the Propeller may be sending. I doubt this will work since the new Propeller Mini shouldn't be sending any serial signals anyway.

    Do you have another PC you try to use with the Propeller?

    I set the reset protocol to DTR, and it didn't help.

    There's no reset button on the propeller mini, or at least I can't find it on there. When I do a hardware check though, the prop plug flashes once before the "no devices found" message pops up.

    I do have another PC. I'll try that now.
  • ForrestBForrestB Posts: 5
    edited 2014-04-23 20:22
    I'm no expert, but think your 7.5V, 100 mA power supply may be underpowered. The data sheet for the Propeller Mini states a VIN should be 'regulated 6.5-12 VDC @ 1A'
  • CharlesLundbergCharlesLundberg Posts: 1
    edited 2014-04-25 10:15
    Are baud rates the same?
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-04-25 10:57
    The LM2940-3 is a LDO regulator which will accept input voltages down to 5.5 volt. 7.5 will work just fine as I drive most of my propeller projects at this voltage withe the same Regulator.

    I'm worried that the OP said a 9V supply when he showed a picture of a 7.5 volt supply.

    Could the + and - have been swapped?
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-04-25 11:01
    Baud rates do not come into play when identifying or programming a Propeller chip. The Propeller tool takes care of that since it's being programmed at the default RC oscillator value.
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-04-25 11:02
    CharlesLundberg wrote: »
    Are baud rates the same?

    Welcome to the forums!

    Baud rates do not come into play when identifying or programming a Propeller chip. The Propeller tool takes care of that since it's being programmed at the default RC oscillator value.
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2014-04-25 11:13
    Publison wrote: »
    The LM2940-3 is a LDO regulator which will accept input voltages down to 5.5 volt. 7.5 will work just fine as I drive most of my propeller projects at this voltage withe the same Regulator.

    I'm worried that the OP said a 9V supply when he showed a picture of a 7.5 volt supply.

    Could the + and - have been swapped?

    I think the concern was about the supply current. 100mA is below the recommended 1A suggested. It would seem strange to me if 100mA weren't enough allow one to interface with the Prop but I suppose it's worth considering.
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-04-25 11:16
    Good catch Duane! I didn't notice the 100 mA.
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2014-04-25 11:29
    I don't have a Propeller Mini, but when I power a QuickStart with 5.9V from my bench top supply, it only pulls 30mA. It sure seems like 100mA would be enough for a simple program.
  • asid61asid61 Posts: 6
    edited 2014-04-26 12:58
    The power supply is listed at 7.5v. However, when measured with a multimeter under no load it reads 12v. My dad says that is because it's not regulated, but I figured the propeller onboard regulator would bring it down to 3.3 regardless. I can go hook up a hugh current 12v power supply though, so I'll try that next.
    I tried it on the other computer and it didn't work, unfortunately.
    Is there any way to check if the propeller itself is working?
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2014-04-26 13:17
    My guess is the Prop Plug doesn't work (if you've tried this on both Propeller Mini boards).

    Before giving up on the Prop Plug, I think you ought to try a different power supply. Try to find one which outputs between 6.5V and 12V with up to 1A of current.

    Depending on how new your Prop Plug is, you might want to give Parallax a call to see if they will replace it (after trying a different power supply).

    I have at least three Prop Plugs and a Prop Clip but I think I'd be tempted to purchase one of the inexpensive FTDI devices of ebay if I were you. A lot of them include a 5V power source from the USB power. If you use the 5V to power things make sure they don't draw a lot of current.

    If you haven't tried your Prop Plug on both boards, make sure you do.
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