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MY little Radio Control page

UHF RC system version 3

I recommend to use a USB interface with FTDI232 chipset, first install FTDI virtual com port driver:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
this type of interface can be purchased from me, but it is actually cheaper to get from spark fun :-)
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=718
or this one:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8551

a homemade RS232 converter can also be used if you have a normal serial COM port on your PC:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=316 datasheet:
http://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Components/ICL3232.pdf
page 6 bottom right show you a schematic of the ICL3232 and a few capacitors and how its RS232 level lines and 3V lines are connected.

a homemade serial converter is fairly easy to make for electronic geeks :-) you must find a way to supply the converter IC with 3.3V, do not steal power from the RX
its tiny 3.3V regulator is not designed to handle extra external devices, usb converters are USB powered so no problems here.

Connect SERIAL converter cable or USB cable to the TX or RX unit you want to upgrade.
the 4 pin connector connections can be seen on the pictures

3.30 Receiver
1 = data out of receiver board, 3.3V levels
2 = data to receiver board, 3.3V levels
3 = NOT CONNECTED AND NOT USED
4 = GND

3.31 Receiver
1 = data out of receiver board, 3.3V levels
2 = data to receiver board, 3.3V levels
3 = NOT CONNECTED AND NOT USED
4 = GND

download mcuboot RENAME e_x_e extension to exe, this mcuboot.exe is made using borland some PC's might need some DLL files,
in that case you will be notified, about their names, if so, inform me !! or google after them :-)

Select right comport, check your virtual comport number is right if you use USB, click OK

Browse to the HEX file you got via email, using OPEN.
remember the TX hex is for tx unit, and the RX hex is for the rx !!

File is accepted and loaded, pull down in window so you can see the black status area
click CONNECT

mcuboot now instruct you to cycle powersupply, thay means actually you POWER UP RX or TX unit NOW

Now you should be connected to the "secret" bootloader program

Click Program and see on screen and status area checksum bytes

after 7 sec your unit is upgraded, bootloader will exit and mcuboot will say Programming done,
now check firmware is working and new features work as expected.

you MUST read about the features of your new software so you know how to use it,
you must expect to perform new bind and new store failsafe after an upgrade.

feb 26 2009