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+--- Thread: Problem after updating firmware. blue 8.32b (/showthread.php?tid=2315)
Problem after updating firmware. blue 8.32b - readbueno - 2017-09-05
Hi All, For the last couple of days, after finally getting a GPS antenna, I have been able to start testing 1935.
Everything appeared to be fairly normal with the "E" antenna although I had a lot of noise and interference on the ferrite antennas.
Early this morning I updated the firmware from blue 8.2 to the latest firmware listed, blue 8.32b.
The upload appeared to be successful.
However, although the station stats appear to have my station as running, I appear to be offline and it does not appear to be sending any signals?
The debug log is repeating the following sequence over and over again.
2017-09-05 11:17:45 109 | GPS: 1PPS deviation too high 307330. Reset counter!
2017-09-05 11:17:45 109 | AMP2: Set gain 6 on channel 0, op-amp 0
2017-09-05 11:17:45 109 | AMP2: Set gain 5 on channel 0, op-amp 1
2017-09-05 11:17:46 110 | GPS: 1PPS deviation too high 267908. Reset counter!
2017-09-05 11:17:46 110 | GPS: Bad accuracy, resetting smoothing.
2017-09-05 11:17:47 111 | GPS: 1PPS deviation too high 249264. Reset counter!
2017-09-05 11:17:47 111 | GPS: 1PPS inaccurate! Counter is 44268950, should be around 84000000
2017-09-05 11:17:49 113 | EVENT: GPS 1PPS counter is accurate again.
2017-09-05 11:17:49 113 | GPS: 1PPS OK
2017-09-05 11:17:50 114 | GPS: 1PPS deviation too high 40448537. Reset counter!
2017-09-05 11:17:50 114 | GPS: 1PPS inaccurate! Counter is 43500712, should be around 84000000
2017-09-05 11:17:50 114 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' deactivated
2017-09-05 11:17:50 114 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '0'
2017-09-05 11:17:50 114 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' activated
2017-09-05 11:17:50 114 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '1'
2017-09-05 11:17:50 114 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Done with 5 updates and 0 errors
2017-09-05 11:17:52 116 | GPS: 1PPS OK
2017-09-05 11:17:55 119 | AMP2: Set gain 5 on channel 0, op-amp 0
2017-09-05 11:17:55 119 | AMP2: Set gain 3 on channel 0, op-amp 1
2017-09-05 11:18:00 122 | RTC: Setting RTC from GPS time, time difference was -2s
2017-09-05 11:18:06 128 | ADC: Watchdog is pending since 2s (0x25 0x24 0x24) -> RESET -> (0x24 0x24 0x24)
2017-09-05 11:18:06 128 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' deactivated
2017-09-05 11:18:06 128 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '0'
2017-09-05 11:18:06 128 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' activated
2017-09-05 11:18:06 128 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '1'
2017-09-05 11:18:06 128 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Done with 5 updates and 0 errors
2017-09-05 11:18:07 129 | ADC: Watchdog is pending since 3s (0x29 0x28 0x28) -> RESET -> (0x28 0x28 0x28)
2017-09-05 11:18:07 129 | AMP2: Set gain 5 on channel 0, op-amp 1
2017-09-05 11:18:08 130 | ADC: Watchdog is pending since 4s (0x25 0x24 0x24) -> RESET -> (0x24 0x24 0x24)
2017-09-05 11:18:12 134 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' deactivated
2017-09-05 11:18:12 134 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '0'
2017-09-05 11:18:12 134 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' activated
2017-09-05 11:18:12 134 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '1'
2017-09-05 11:18:12 134 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Done with 5 updates and 0 errors
2017-09-05 11:18:18 140 | AMP2: Set gain 6 on channel 0, op-amp 0
2017-09-05 11:18:18 140 | AMP2: Set gain 2 on channel 0, op-amp 1
2017-09-05 11:18:28 150 | AMP2: Set gain 5 on channel 0, op-amp 1
2017-09-05 11:18:39 161 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' deactivated
2017-09-05 11:18:39 161 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '0'
2017-09-05 11:18:39 161 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' activated
2017-09-05 11:18:39 161 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '1'
2017-09-05 11:18:39 161 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Done with 5 updates and 0 errors
2017-09-05 11:18:40 162 | AMP2: Set gain 5 on channel 0, op-amp 0
2017-09-05 11:18:40 162 | AMP2: Set gain 4 on channel 0, op-amp 1
2017-09-05 11:18:45 167 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' deactivated
2017-09-05 11:18:45 167 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '0'
2017-09-05 11:18:45 167 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' activated
2017-09-05 11:18:45 167 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '1'
2017-09-05 11:18:45 167 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Done with 5 updates and 0 errors
2017-09-05 11:18:50 172 | GPS: Receive OK
2017-09-05 11:18:50 172 | EVENT: GPS data check ok.
2017-09-05 11:18:50 172 | GPS: Everything OK
2017-09-05 11:18:51 173 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' deactivated
2017-09-05 11:18:51 173 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '0'
2017-09-05 11:18:51 173 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' activated
2017-09-05 11:18:51 173 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '1'
2017-09-05 11:18:51 173 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Done with 5 updates and 0 errors
2017-09-05 11:18:51 173 | AMP2: Set gain 3 on channel 0, op-amp 1
2017-09-05 11:18:57 179 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' deactivated
2017-09-05 11:18:57 179 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '0'
2017-09-05 11:18:57 179 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' activated
2017-09-05 11:18:57 179 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '1'
2017-09-05 11:18:57 179 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Done with 5 updates and 0 errors
2017-09-05 11:19:04 185 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' deactivated
2017-09-05 11:19:04 185 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '0'
2017-09-05 11:19:04 185 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' activated
2017-09-05 11:19:04 185 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '1'
2017-09-05 11:19:04 185 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Done with 5 updates and 0 errors
2017-09-05 11:19:06 187 | AMP2: Set gain 6 on channel 0, op-amp 0
2017-09-05 11:19:06 187 | AMP2: Set gain 5 on channel 0, op-amp 1
2017-09-05 11:19:14 195 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' deactivated
2017-09-05 11:19:14 195 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '0'
2017-09-05 11:19:14 195 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' activated
2017-09-05 11:19:14 195 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2', expert '1'
2017-09-05 11:19:14 195 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Done with 5 updates and 0 errors
2017-09-05 11:19:16 197 | AMP2: Set gain 5 on channel 0, op-amp 0
2017-09-05 11:19:16 197 | AMP2: Set gain 3 on channel 0, op-amp 1
2017-09-05 11:19:26 207 | AMP2: Set gain 6 on channel 0, op-amp 0
2017-09-05 11:19:26 207 | AMP2: Set gain 5 on channel 0, op-amp 1
2017-09-05 11:19:34 215 | ADC: Watchdog is pending since 2s (0x25 0x24 0x24) -> RESET -> (0x24 0x24 0x24)
2017-09-05 11:19:34 215 | REMOTE-CONFIG: Server '2' deactivated
This morning I tried updating again, and the result is the same.
I have read through most of the forums, looking for anything similar or related, but I have not been able to find anything.
I have of course tried switching it on and off and rebooting, all the LED sequences and beeps and the temperature of the chips seem to be O.K.
The signals, see:-
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ptqxgiuhulrxpmr/Screenshot%20from%202017-09-05%2013%3A42%3A18.png?dl=0
Again this seems to keep repeating this strange waveform and the numbers are just leaping about randomly.
I am now at a dead end, I don't know what else to do!
Thanking you all in advance for any help.
Kindest regards,
Brian.
RE: Problem after updating firmware. blue 8.32b - readbueno - 2017-09-05
After doing some tests with a multimeter. It appears C430 is now a short circuit and L403 is now open circuit, R405, the closest path to ground still reads 82 ohms?
My test equipment, little experience with failures in SMD parts and lack of replacements for these components doesn't permit me to come to any further conclusions at present.
Something has caused C430 to fail and it appears that L403 has acted as a fuse?
I will try to get replacements as quickly as possible and hope that not too much else is damaged.
Obviously, without L403 there is no power to the amplifier for the E antenna. Therefore no signals!
Any suggestions gratefully accepted.
Brian.
RE: Problem after updating firmware. blue 8.32b - readbueno - 2017-09-05
Even after replacing the broken parts it still does not function corrrectly.
I am extremely disappointed that after only two days of very limited use I am now left with a useless, but very expensive ornament.
My technical skills are not sufficient to even start trying to analyse the circuit boards and the chips.
Judging from the position of the faulty components and the fact that the smpsu has also developed a fault, it now only works at about 4.3 volts off-load and much less than that if there is anything in its output? My guess would have to be some sort of mains voltage transient?
Is there anyone out there willing to help, or do I just put my name down again for another chance at getting a new unit in time for next years "season?"
Has anyone else had a problem like this?
Brian.
RE: Problem after updating firmware. blue 8.32b - mwaters - 2017-09-06
(2017-09-05, 18:02)readbueno Wrote: Even after replacing the broken parts it still does not function corrrectly.
I am extremely disappointed that after only two days of very limited use I am now left with a useless, but very expensive ornament.
My technical skills are not sufficient to even start trying to analyse the circuit boards and the chips.
Judging from the position of the faulty components and the fact that the smpsu has also developed a fault, it now only works at about 4.3 volts off-load and much less than that if there is anything in its output? My guess would have to be some sort of mains voltage transient?
Is there anyone out there willing to help, or do I just put my name down again for another chance at getting a new unit in time for next years "season?"
Has anyone else had a problem like this?
Brian.
Hello Brian,
I'm very sorry to hear about your difficulties. From reading this forum, and perhaps
http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?board=115.0 you may not have to "get back to the end of the line". I thought that I read that in some cases, you may be able to get a replacement sooner than you think. Perhaps an email to Egon would be in order.
I don't know how static sensitive the boards are. But even though the humidity here (SW MO) has been above 50%, I did most of the work on the anti-static mat here. I guess it's a moot point now, but is the air very dry where you live? The lower the humidity, the more important it is to use grounded antistatic mats and/or wrist straps when handling static-sensititive devices. Sometimes just a few volts can destroy an IC.
RE: Problem after updating firmware. blue 8.32b - readbueno - 2017-09-06
Hi mwaters, Thank you very much for your concern and your PM, I am unable to reply because I don't seem to have permission?
I have accepted your request in my CP.
Your link also just gets me to the "WXforum.net » Weather Station Hardware » Blitzortung" and not to any particular post.
I have been in touch with Egon about something else and I have mentioned my problem in a email I sent to him this evening.
Funny you should mention humidity, as far as I can tell the system failed just after our first rainfall in nearly six weeks.
Normally I have found that chips in circuit are not nearly as sensitive as chips on the loose, the most dangerous time appears to be from when you remove it from the safety of the bag and the foam, if it has any, until the time that you get it safely soldered into its new situation.
Living in the boonies, as I do, our mains voltages can be a bit haphazard, although it has improved from the times when you could tell when your neighbour was making coffee or had switched the oven on by the strange patterns on the TV. ;-) We now have Digital TV, so maybe we still don't have that much improvement with the voltages? :-)
The advantages are of course, that we don't get the same types of interference that you can get in a city.
In my short operating time I was getting quite good efficiency on my signals and it was a post in one of the forums that inspired me to upgrade the firmware, at that time, to see if there was any improvement!
I am still hopeful that my board can be returned to full working condition. Unfortunately, I am limited these days in my use of good test facilities and the tools to trace the fault.
I have a multi-meter and that will do the basic stuff, but I am not really of an age to understand the ins and outs of micro-controllers and the shaky hands and failing eyesight makes working on surface mount stuff a bit tricky. I am working my way systematically though the schematics and just using basic ohms law stuff to get the broken bits fixed.
However, software and broken bits with little more than three legs may prove to be too much.
It is late here and I must go.
Catch you again soon,
Brian.
RE: Problem after updating firmware. blue 8.32b - mwaters - 2017-09-06
(2017-09-05, 14:33)readbueno Wrote: After doing some tests with a multimeter. It appears C430 is now a short circuit and L403 is now open circuit, R405, the closest path to ground still reads 82 ohms?
My test equipment, little experience with failures in SMD parts and lack of replacements for these components doesn't permit me to come to any further conclusions at present.
Something has caused C430 to fail and it appears that L403 has acted as a fuse?
I will try to get replacements as quickly as possible and hope that not too much else is damaged.
Obviously, without L403 there is no power to the amplifier for the E antenna. Therefore no signals!
Any suggestions gratefully accepted.
Brian.
Brian,
I was just studying the schematic. Here are a couple of thoughts.
If the coax between the two boards was shorted, that would blow L403.
Same thing if the E-field board was shorted.
As for C430, perhaps a HV spike from the E-field board?
RE: Problem after updating firmware. blue 8.32b - kevinmcc - 2017-09-06
Have you disabling the E-Field channel and see if you can get anything on the H-Field?
RE: Problem after updating firmware. blue 8.32b - mwaters - 2017-09-06
(2017-09-06, 23:08)kevinmcc Wrote: Have you disabling the E-Field channel and see if you can get anything on the H-Field?
This is a GREAT idea!
IIRC, you only have one H-field antenna. If that's the case maybe add a second H-field antenna.
RE: Problem after updating firmware. blue 8.32b - readbueno - 2017-09-06
Hi again, There is not a short on the coax.
The E-field board has a BAT54s (two zener diodes) on the antenna side and they are both intact and they are in parallel with the red led that goes to ground via a 2.2k resistor on the output side to the main board the red led still lights up. The 3.3mh inductor on that board is also O.K. therefore I think pcb_17.1 has survived.
I have tried using the different channels one by one with the rest disabled, the results while different are not what one would expect on any of them.
Both pre-amps do appear to function. I still think it is pcb 19.c?
I will have another look at the main board tomorrow, there are four identical channels for the most part, maybe I will get lucky and find something easy to replace! ;-)
O.K. After a very late night, I had another look this morning and I am loath to start swapplng things about, after my tests on the individual channels I think the problem
is with the logic or micro-controller, both of which are beyond my pay-grade.
I have written some ideas below.
Brian.
RE: Problem after updating firmware. blue 8.32b - mwaters - 2017-09-06
(2017-09-06, 21:27)readbueno Wrote: Hi mwaters, Thank you very much for your concern and your PM, I am unable to reply because I don't seem to have permission?
[snip]
You're welcome. Let me check my forum settings and see if I can fix that.