Ubuntu Linux SmartieParts problem [SOLVED]

[AaronWhiting]

I've installed a SmartieParts board and connected to my Ubuntu computer.

Then following the instructions how to flash your 9x I got as far as trying to install the first hex file that eePe downloaded (using the default settings) . It finished with an avrdude error message.
I wasn't running eePe with root permissions, but have been since.

If I turn on my Tx I only get a flashing "EEPROM ERROR" message.

Trying to run any other commands though eePe I get messages like this:

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avrdude: error: programm enable: target doesn't answer. 1 
avrdude: initialization failed, rc=-1
         Double check connections and try again, or use -F to override
         this check.


avrdude done.  Thank you.


=================================================================================
AVRDUDE done - exit code 1

"lsusb | grep libusb" returns:

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Bus 008 Device 006: ID 16c0:05dc VOTI shared ID for use with libusb

I appear to have communication problems but don't know where to start. Are my current problems due to the EEPROM error, or is there something else?

Either way, how do I get my transmitter working again and eePe/avrdude communicating with it properly?

[gohsthb]

I can tell you right away this is not a problem with Ubuntu or the connection from the computer to the programmer. The key here is the "target doesn't answer" Try removing the smartie board and cleaning the contact points on the board. You can use a qtip and alcohol, or a pencil eraser seems to work well. Then when you put the board back make sure the pogo pins are straight and that the board gets seated all the way down on the plastic connectors.
-Gohst

I thought the these directions had been posted somewhere? Anyone know where to find them?

[AaronWhiting]

Thanks Gohst. I'll try that as soon as I get a chance and get back to you on results.

Yes, these directions have been posted in many places, including in the SmartieParts installation guide. I thought my connections were good, but will check again. Your quick isolation of the problem for me is getting me in the right direction quickly. Thanks.

[AaronWhiting]

I cleaned and checked the connections (several times).
I even lifted the main board and checked that the pogo connectors were making contact with the correct parts of the main board, but still have the same problem.

Trying to read from the transmitter giving avrdude the "-F" option I get this.

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Started AVRDUDE
avrdude -c usbasp -p m64 -F -P usb -U eeprom:r:/tmp/temp.hex:i
=================================================================================

avrdude: error: programm enable: target doesn't answer. 1 
avrdude: initialization failed, rc=-1
avrdude: AVR device initialized and ready to accept instructions
avrdude: Device signature = 0x000000
avrdude: Yikes!  Invalid device signature.
avrdude: Expected signature for ATMEGA64 is 1E 96 02

avrdude done.  Thank you.


=================================================================================
AVRDUDE done - exit code 1

If my problem is with the connection between main board and programmer, how did I manage to erase my Eeprom?

Could the fact that I have an Eeprom problem be affecting the communication with avrdude?

Any other ideas?

[Kilrah]

Which version of the smartieparts board are you using? Do you have the radio powered up when flashing?

[AaronWhiting]

Doh! I am such a noob!

No, I didn't have my Tx powered up!
I was following the wiki to the letter. It never said to power up, so I assumed that the 5v from USB was enough.

Now working. Thanks so much, and sorry for the trouble.

[Kilrah]

The latest version of the smartieparts board doesn't power the radio from usb anymore, which is why I asked about the version. The guide likely hasn't been updated yet as the change is quite recent.