Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Choosing an RF Module? What modules work? What is compatible with the 9x?
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ShowMaster
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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

All good news!

I'll know how it goes right after the coffee kicks in.

How I hope it'll go!
A quick recheck.
From what your posting, all I need to do is carefully recheck my 9xr Pro 3 connections and module power source, external 6v to the module connector 3+,4-, and in the Maint mode, use update multi, select the blue hex file I loaded on the sd card, and long push enter.
Watch the bar advance and no error message!

Seems so easy now thanks to your help.




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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by MikeB »

That should work, or, as I mentioned, just plug the module in normally (not one pin osffset :mrgreen: ).

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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

MikeB wrote:That should work, or, as I mentioned, just plug the module in normally (not one pin osffset :mrgreen: ).

Mike.
Yes!
That's why notes with big warnings and coffee and breakfast first.
Also shut all the phones off so those #%*+~ telemarketers don't distract my focus before powering on!
They've started already

I'll try it within the hour.


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Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

Got a flash failed?

Clk to pro pin 5 to module pad 2 as shown in PDF.
Same for Pro data pin 1 to module pad 1.
Also pro pin 4 to module pad 4
Module powered by external 6v sources to module 5 pin, pin 3 + pin, pin 4 - pin.
Powering the module from external source light green led constant.

All connection cables are clearly marked now and each step noted as to cables, pins, and power source to use.

Turn on the X9Pro in Maint mode, tabs out and select update multi.
Change the file option to hex and select the orange multi blue file used prior.
Program!
Bar starts and then fails?

I'm confident the bootloader flashed and no connections or incorrect power was applied?
Sorry, again for the issues?
The last successful time due to me loading the bin file, you had me try another option. These steps were never done by me this way?
You had me force the bootloader at Xpro power up.

Image
Image
Image

Image
Image



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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

In the meantime Mike, I installed the successfully flashed module board into the black module case.
That and the antenna will be range and flight tested this week.
111 f today, ugh!
I still have 2 white modules left and one other orange if I can find it!
Fully committed as long as you can hang in there.[emoji33]



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Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

FYI, but I'm sure you know about it Mike, but it interested me.

While I was at it, I opened a white module and it has a green board.
It has R1 and R2 soldered in place.
They show 1000 and read 100 ohms on my meter. Ok, googled it and 1000 is 100 ohms on the 4 digit SMD chart.
I don't use enough of them but now I know.
Tricky, but I shot a iPhone picture thru one eyepiece in my mag scope.
Image

The processor is a 32D4.
Image

The RF deck looks different than the blue board ones?
Image

Just killing tech time.

Hopefully all the or some of the pictures are of use for reference?






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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by MikeB »

I think you are confused.
You seem to be using the PDI connections, that need the "Update Xmega" option, then using the "Update Multi" option.
Once you have used the PDI connections and the Pro Mini to get the bootloader in the chip, you don't need the PDI connections anymore.
Remove them, then put the module in its case and plug it in.
Then use the "Update multi" option to flash the module.

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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

So sorry to seem so dense!
I'll give it a try.



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Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

Success!

Really makes sense now Mike, I just got caught in a Pdi flashing loop?

I now have one to use and one to loan out to those that own a tx that can support it.

As quick bind test to my umx plane, I selected DSM Auto and it selected dsmx-22 and bound. Rssi Telemetry was also there!

Wow have I got some notes to simplify and save!
I sure heated up the orange multi thread this week!
Hopefully my mistakes will help others to avoid them and you won't have to do this again! I think I pretty much did it all wrong that's possible. A tribute to your knowledge and patience!




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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by MikeB »

Good it is all clear and working now.

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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by jhsa »

ShowMaster wrote: Wed Aug 30, 2017 12:15 am
caught in a Pdi flashing loop?
If you are Portuguese, you will find this funny, specially if you are over 50 ;) :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

Now I'm curious about that Pdi Jhsa?

Had I used the pro mini or the 9xr Pro update Xmega, but not both after attaching the 4 module pad wires to flash the bootloader.
Then removed the wires, put the reassembled module in my pro and used the update multi and hex file ( all blue in my case), it would have been fast and easy!
Something Mike was saying but not sinking in at my end!

I did however get reintroduced to ersky9x again and do find its menu structure more intuitive than opentx.
Nice work Mike.


A green board is still on the list as that's what my friend owns that started this.
Having 2 working blue board updates now, I'll let him try one first.

Mike needs a rest I'm sure! Sorry again all the trouble at this end Mike.







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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by jhsa »

ShowMaster wrote: Wed Aug 30, 2017 3:25 pm
I did however get reintroduced to ersky9x again and do find its menu structure more intuitive than opentx.
Nice work Mike.
And it is still getting better and better ;) :)

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Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

In 108f temp today I test flew the two blue board orange multi fw upgrade flying my umx Pitts.
The outcome was 100% successful with both.
I did a antenna test I have to repeat, but this is the first outcome.
Having a module shell that can use the internal handle pro antenna, I did a test vs the external one.
My 1 ft rssi was 29- 31.
Flying using the external antenna, my lowest rssi for max safe distance and altitude, was 8.
Repeating the same test at the same appropriate distances with the internal antenna, I got a lowest 6.
At no time did I have any los of link or control (dsmx mode).
The test is flawed because the modules are of different ages.
The next testing will be to swap the boards in the module cases and try it again. Then see if the numbers follow the boards or antennas.
In either case for now, no issues and never a rssi of less that 8 or 6.
Maybe on a cooler day the numbers will be a new low range altogether?

Having rssi telemetry when flying a Spektrum receiver plane was reassuring being that our field does have an area that seems to claim them?
I didn't have logging on or a programmed low rssi alarm setup but that's next now that I have the option.

Good also, is these modules sitting in a drawer for several years doing nothing, have been put into service flying my Pitts thanks to Mike's hard work.








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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

I seem to have lost the link to the multi ersky9xr pro r221 fw that went along with the multi mod?
Help.
I see a 220?




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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by MikeB »

Test versions of r221 are here: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4676. R220 is currently the last released version.

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Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

Thanks Mike. I thought that was the page but with all I was doing st the time, I couldn't remember where I got r221 or why?
So I see ersky9x wants to download r220 for the pro.
Is r220 what I want to recommend for a stable but multi mode fw to use?

Thanks as always




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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by MikeB »

To get full Multi support you need a r221 test version. Don't forget to put "Multi.txt" on the root of his SD card.
I've just answered on the other thread.

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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

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I just saw your reply there and delegated my cross post here.

Yes, thank you for reminding me about the root files addition.
I have that in my notes.


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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

New questions.

The next and planned final action, is to carefully reread all the info on his green board and upgrade its fw to multi.
He will want his back and I'm loaning him a tested blue board conversion to give me time to study up on the different connections and Pdi file to use.
I was thinking I'd just load the green Pdi sketch in my pro mini and use it to flash the bootloader. Then reassemble the board in its case and use UPDATE MULTI and the green the hex file.

However, I only see in r220 a UPDATE XMEGA option that wants to use a .bin file.

So if I'm thinking of using pro with r220 fw and from what I've read, I won't want to use the pro mini to flash the bootloader, but instead use the pro and that procedure outline in Mike's Pdi PDF.

I'm not looking to add that new procedure vs using the pro mini, but I probably with caution, try it since it's all r220 offers?
Others may ask about it and I should know how to do it.

I actually have a beta green board I can practice on first Mike.

I'm fully educated now on how to NOT connect the modules 3.3v processor to the TX's 9v power pin, ugh!

So, no pro mini needed with r220 fw?
Ask twice, electrons travel faster than the smoke!
Off to read the first page post info again.




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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by MikeB »

First, for information, the XMEGA processor has a dedicated 4K bootloader area that is in addition to the 32K "normal" flash memory.
As I recall, putting the bootloader on shouldn't compromise using the "Update XMEGA" option, and the bootloader should continue to be available. So it is probably a good idea to put the bootloader on anyway. If the radio is updated to r221 later, then the "Update Multi" option will then work.
With the bootloader on, you may still be able to use a FTDI type device to update the module, as well as using the "Update XMEGA" option from the radio.

There is only one "Pdi sketch" for the Pro Mini, not a "green" or "blue" one.

To access the 4 pads/vias on the "green" module, I've made up a cable where the "module" end has a 4-pin header where I've bent the pins to match the pitch of the pads/vias on the module. This avoids soldering to the module, so less chance of damage if you need to connect to the module several times. All I need to do is plug the 4-pin header in to the module and make sure they are all connecting.
The other end of the cable also has a pin header so I can choose what signals/power to connect in case I want to use my AVRISP-II, which needs the 3.3V from the module to work. Otherwise I only connect Ground and the two signals.

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Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

I'll make up the header plug. I don't want to lift any pads on his green board or in the future.


Please let me outline again what I'm going to do.

Both board colors,
Add the telemetry wire and cut the trace if needed on the processor pin as outlined in your photos and info.

Attach either soldering or a header, wires to flash the processor.

In my case I'm going to use a Arduino pro mini with the PDI sketch loaded to flash the bootloader.

On the green board the pads for R1 & R13 need a resistor or short added if missing. You show a 10 ohm and my beta board has 100 ohms there now.
Is adding a resistor safer? A short is easier.

Flashing bootloader
The pro mini is powered using the module boards 3.3v buss and the board is externally powered via the 5 pin module connector.
Proper board connections are made.
The PDI sketch on the pro mini should flash the bootloader into the boards processor, confirmed by a once per second pro mini led flashing.

Once the board has the bootloader loaded, all board connections are removed and the board is put back in the module case.
The module in my case, will be put into my 9XR pro with ersky9xR r221 fw loaded.

Then the green or blue board orange multi .hex file is loaded onto the pro's sd card in the firmware folder.

Power on the pro with the trim tabs out to get into the Maint mode. Select update multi and select .hex file mode.
Then in the menu select the board color orange multi .hex file, and if all goes well after pushing enter, a guick progress bar will show and the flash is done. If no failure is displayed it's a success!

I don't plan on doing many of these upgrades but I'm sure it'll happen a few times in the future after I've forgotten how I did it.
With your posts my notes or reading this post if ok, it should go well in the future.
Hopefully not any future updates will be necessarily and this is good enough as it is now to deal with the umx receiver planes.
Working ok for my Pitts now, my and others main concern, that own this module. The lucky ones own a tx that can run supporting fw.





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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by MikeB »

That all looks exactly correct. If you have the choice, I'd fit resistors (100 ohm) rather than a short. With the resistors it means you should be able to use a 5V FTDI device, otherwise you would need to add a resistor in the FTDI Tx signal. Being able to use a FTDI device is a useful "fallback" position.

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Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

Great!
I don't have any SMD resistors stocked. Maybe I can wedge in 2ea 1/4 w 100 ohm ones in somewhere?
Maybe I can buy locally some 1/8 or 1/10 watt axial lead 100 ohm resistors.
No inexpensive source for just 2 SMD resistors.
I'll see what I can make work.

My knowledge of SMD parts sizes is limited. From my picture of R1 & 13, what physical SMD size would these be?
I guess measure across the pads and use that measurement against posted sizes.








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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by interestingfellow »

ShowMaster wrote: Thu Sep 07, 2017 10:33 pm Great!
I don't have any SMD resistors stocked. Maybe I can wedge in 2ea 1/4 w 100 ohm ones in somewhere?
Maybe I can buy locally some 1/8 or 1/10 watt axial lead 100 ohm resistors.
No inexpensive source for just 2 SMD resistors.
I'll see what I can make work.

My knowledge of SMD parts sizes is limited. From my picture of R1 & 13, what physical SMD size would these be?
I guess measure across the pads and use that measurement against posted sizes.

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can you yank a couple off some trash device?
I'm pretty sure I have a few at home. What values can it be between? or can it only be *100ohm?

I can mail them to you monday, if you have the patience! ;D
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Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

I had the same idea and found several, all I need.
When I was installing my 9Xtreme board in a th9x last year, I bought some damaged boards from Steven (smartiparts) to practice smd rework.
Checking these boards I see several 100 ohm ones I can use.
I forgot I had them in storage.
So, I'm good to go.
Thanks for the idea and the parts offer.
I also agree with your idea of collecting discarded or damaged boards with smd parts.
Great source for them.

I see a burned up esc's and crashed receivers being discarded at my field or chargers plugged in reversed to out 12v charging station. Some have protection, other just start making a popping sound and smoke.
The smd resistors there should be ok for parts but not the caps? Usually they are the larger size ones as well.

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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by ShowMaster »

My friend wants to be able to use 9xr pro's internal handle antenna.
I had a beta module that I've converted and he saw mine.
I don't think I've ever seen a module shell available with the required rear coax connector and cable for sale.
I do see a orange version dsm module however with that connector for the pro.
Is this the same electronics just in the different shell?
His orange module is still stock as I haven't flashed it to multi yet. He's using my spare.
I'm thinking he can buy the pro dsm module and I'll flash it and he can sell off his stock one with the antenna.
If he can find a Taranis owner they may want it, but probably flashed with multi I'm sure.
That or another pro or Taranis owner that doesn't mind the antenna on the back.
I really don't want to get involved with helping a second party, but will help him with what ever it takes.

Best senecio is find a pro module shell.
Any ideas on this situation are welcome.



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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by MikeB »

Yes, same electronics, different case (AFAIK).
Probably best to get one and re-flash it to be able to use the internal antenna.

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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by MikeB »

I was going to suggest one of these modules: https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-dss ... ation.html to get the case, but it is out of stock!

It occurred to me that the "Update Multi" option should be able to flash a Pro Mini with the PDI program. I just tried it and it failed, although it did read the processor signature. A quick investigation showed the Pro Mini bootloader is slower to respond, so all I needed to do was increase a timeout in maintenance mode and then it flashed the Pro Mini OK.

So, once I've posted a new test version of ersky9x, it should be possible to do all the flashing without needed a FTDI at all.
1. Use "Update Multi" to flash the Pro Mini with the PDI program.
2. Use the Pro Mini to flash the bootloader to the Orange module.
3. Use "Update Multi" to flash the Orange module with the Multi firmware.

Of course, if you have a Pro Mini with the PDI program in it, operation (1) doesn't need to be done again, and once you have the bootloader on the Orange module you don't to do operation (2) again.

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Re: Orange Module running MULTI protocol

Post by jhsa »

Mike, you rock :) I am very interested in flashing Pro-Minis with the radio, but for other projects :)
are you going to post some explanation how to do it?

Thanks

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