Updating firmware

[Fulano]

Yes, I can enter the bootloader pressing the left key. What I mean is that I read that presing the up key you could choose the frequency (16, 20, 24 mhz). I can't do this.

[dmitri]

Then update the bootloader first with the icsp cable and then update the MegaDrum firmware through the bootloader.

[Fulano]

Well, now that I have time I'm struggling with this overclocking issue.
I have replaced the 20 mhz crystal for a 16 mhz one. I've made the icsp cable. And I'm trying to update the bootloader using ponyprog.
I have the I/O port setup in Serial Si Prog API and Com1.
The device is set in AVRmicro Atmega32.
In configuration and security bits, I have the error 24, it can read the device, if I press ignore, it shows the screen. I set it as in this picture:

I press Write, and the same error 24 appears (device missing or unknown device). After a few ignores it closes.
Then I try to send the bootloader file. I open it. And in the command menu, write all. I get the same error 24. After pressing ignore, it starts writing. Sometimes it says writing failed. And sometimes it remains stuck at 90%.

What am I doing wrong?

Could anybody post a step-by-step on how to configure ponyprog and send the bootloader?

thanks

[dmitri]

When you try to program it do you provide power to Atmega?

[Fulano]

[quote]When you try to program it do you provide power to Atmega?quote]
Yes, sure. It's connected via usb.

As I said in other thread, the information in this forum isn't organized in a logical way. Consequently, those people (as I am) who know little about electronics must re-read different threads in order to know how to do things; because most of the time you suppose we already know it. For instance, you say send this file with ponyprog, supposing we all know how to use and configure it.

Due to this "lack of complete" information I'm unable to update the bootloader. I'll tell you what happened. It's a newbie mistake. I had those problems related to overclocking exposed above. To solve them I need a programming cable. I saw your documentation and found the schematics to make the isp cable (for the LPT port) and the icsp cable for the (Com port) As my computer doesn't actually have a LPT port, I made the icsp cable to connect through com port. Then I realized that the board by Synthex (I don't know yours) has the isp cable (lpt) for the Atmega and the icsp (com) for the pic. So I made the wrong cable, having always the writing failure message. I'll make the isp cable and use another computer and I'll try to update the bootloader. Btw, I can still enter the bootloader and update the firmware, I have replaced the crystal with a 16 mhz one, but when I send the file 32_16_32 my megadrum never displays the message of a correct updating. Is that because I have the wrong bootloader?

I don't mean to criticise. I think you Dimitri has done a really good job designing the megadrum and sharing it with us. I know you have to cope with all of our doubts all the time, and that must be time consuming. I think you could consider to redesign the main page (schematics, firmware, etc.) providing a more accurate and thorough description on how to build the module, always taking into account the step-by-step side for those who know little about it. At the same time, as Synthex is selling his kit he should do the same. I think you two are those who best know how to build the megadrum, and having a look at the different threads in this forum you can have an idea where people is having trouble and include the solutions in your tutorial or guide.

Thanks

[dmitri]

When you try to program it do you provide power to Atmega?quote]
Yes, sure. It's connected via usb.

As I said in other thread, the information in this forum isn't organized in a logical way. Consequently, those people (as I am) who know little about electronics must re-read different threads in order to know how to do things; because most of the time you suppose we already know it. For instance, you say send this file with ponyprog, supposing we all know how to use and configure it.

Due to this "lack of complete" information I'm unable to update the bootloader. I'll tell you what happened. It's a newbie mistake. I had those problems related to overclocking exposed above. To solve them I need a programming cable. I saw your documentation and found the schematics to make the isp cable (for the LPT port) and the icsp cable for the (Com port) As my computer doesn't actually have a LPT port, I made the icsp cable to connect through com port. Then I realized that the board by Synthex (I don't know yours) has the isp cable (lpt) for the Atmega and the icsp (com) for the pic. So I made the wrong cable, having always the writing failure message. I'll make the isp cable and use another computer and I'll try to update the bootloader. Btw, I can still enter the bootloader and update the firmware, I have replaced the crystal with a 16 mhz one, but when I send the file 32_16_32 my megadrum never displays the message of a correct updating. Is that because I have the wrong bootloader?

If the bootloader is without clock selection, then your bootloader came with a fixed 20MHz frequency and won't work at 16MHz.

I don't mean to criticise. I think you Dimitri has done a really good job designing the megadrum and sharing it with us. I know you have to cope with all of our doubts all the time, and that must be time consuming. I think you could consider to redesign the main page (schematics, firmware, etc.) providing a more accurate and thorough description on how to build the module, always taking into account the step-by-step side for those who know little about it. At the same time, as Synthex is selling his kit he should do the same. I think you two are those who best know how to build the megadrum, and having a look at the different threads in this forum you can have an idea where people is having trouble and include the solutions in your tutorial or guide.

Once you complete your MegaDrum, and having the best knowledge of where the problems may come from(since you've encountered them), and having a good understanding of how accurate and thorough descriptions should be, will you volunteer to create all the required web pages and documents? I will review it, make corrections if necessary, and publish/post it.
You can also create a thread here called e.g. 'FAQ from Fulano' and I'll make it sticky.