Answered: Can't download master code or test program

VEX V5 Technical Support OFFICIAL Tech Support
1

I just got my programming kit and cannot get the download to work. My initial symptoms were just like those described in Zanevsky’s message from April 22:

 "I am getting the following message whenever I try to download EasyC programs to the micro-controller: "To enable download, make sure that power is on and the serial cable is connected."

 "The power on the controller is on, the battery is charged and connected, the cable is attached to the computer. The LEDs on the Vex microcontroller are:

BATT POWER: rapidly blinking green
PGRM STAUS: steady green
Rx 1 STATUS: off
Rx 2 STATUS: off
The amber light above the 4 LED’s: off.

 "When I turn the robot off and on, nothing changes. I have tried rebooting the computer. I have also tried downloading the default HEX code and the master code, but they can’t download – the same message appears."

I have checked all the connections and tried both of the available USB ports on my computer; I’ve also tried all of the possible COM port designations, just in case. I’ve powercycled the controller and restarted my machine several times.

Then, I read Zanovsky’s message and tried the IFI loader, but I got different results than he did from that. When I selected “controller verification,” I got the message saying "controller verified. But when I tried to download the master code with the IFI downloader, the terminal window showed an unending stream of gibberish (I let it run for several minutes before shutting down the IFI loader) and the prgm. status light on my controller went out. The amber light still has not come back on. So now I have only the battery light, on green and blinking rapidly.

I should mention that twice, trying different COM ports, I got a message that suggested I should “hold down the PROG button until the program status light shows solid orange and ensure serial cable is plugged in” or something like that. I could not find a button labeled PROG. I tried holding down the little button on the programming module, but that seemed to have no effect.

Please help! I was very excited to get my programming kit and am anxious to start working with it. I’d really like to get a quick answer!

Tbird

2

Did you verify the IFI Loader was set to the correct Com Port (it must be the one your PC is using for the USB Adapter)?

3

I have checked COM ports numerous times using the procedure given in the instructions. I have also tried changing COM port designations in case there was a problem there somehow and I have tried the software on a different computer.

None of this has worked.

Does this mean the programming module or cable is bad? If so, how do I get a replacement? (This is a brand new module, ordered just over a week ago.) And how do I get my controller back into RC mode so I can work my robot that way while I wait for my replacement?

TBird

4

Please see our Forum post “Programming light is always on“. The instructions in the Vex Master Code ver 7 zip file have been updated. Follow the updated instructions for downloading Master Code and then User Code.

5

Rickey, I have download the new master file. I can get some comms between teh computer and the controller, I’ve Verified the controller and it completes, I then download the V7 of the Master BIN and it appears to “talk” but come with an error in the bottom left saying :
unknown device ID (0).

Will try downloading from site again.

6

Does the Status Bar move across the IFI Loader Window?

7

Rickey, No, There is not Status Bar / Progress bar at all. I do see that it opens the port, establishes communications then I get the Device unknown

8

Did you find your USB Adapter listed under your Ports in the Device Manager? What was it called and what COM was assigned to it?