DragonOSD+ firmware upgrading
Posted: Tue 16 Feb 16 2010 1:24 pm
The DragonOSD+ has a built-in bootloader that allows firmware upgrades to be performed over a normal TTL-serial connection. In order to do this, you will need a serial -to-TTL converter (usually USB) and hook that up to the OSD board correctly. Additionally, you will need to software to upload the firmware via the bootloader, which also needs to be configured properly. Lastly, you will need the firmware file itself. Note that if you are running this in Windows 7 (and possibly Vista) it may be necessary to run this in Administrator mode if it crashes upon exit in normal mode. Either that of you should install it in a directory other than the Program Files directory.
The uploader software can be downloaded from the following link:-
http://mrmackey.no-ip.org/elektronik/ds ... nloads.php
Get the latest Windows installer (assuming you are using Windows), or the version that suits your operating platform (Linux and Mac also supported). [At the time of this writing, the latest version is 1.3.5 in file ds30_loader_100206.exe] After you have installed it, connect your serial-TTL converter which will show up as a COMx port. Open up the "ds30 Loader GUI", change the "View" to "Advanced Mode", and configure it as follows (using the appropriate COMx port and leaving out the Hex-file entry for the moment):- The firmware file is attached. Download that to a directory of your choice and on the Basic tab, point to that firmware file in the "Hex-file" selector.
Note: The baudrates on the RESET and TERMINAL tabs should be 115200 instead of 38400 from version 7.5BETA14 onwards.
Now, you normally want to click on the "Download" button on the top of the dialog window, and then power up the OSD for the upgrade to work. So make sure everything is connected. Click "Download", then power up OSD board. The green progress bar at the top right of the window should indicate how far the upgrade has proceeded. Having said that, if the system is configured and working properly, you should be able to click "Download" anytime after the OSD has booted up properly.
Bear in mind that only one application can make use of a COM port at any one time. So if you have a terminal program open to the COM port in question, the firmware uploader will be unable to use that same port and thus uploading will fail. As such, it is best to close all other terminal programs before firing up the uploader utility.
Daniel
note: For information about suitable serial-TTL converters, see viewtopic.php?f=7&t=63&p=699#p699 under the "Serial Port" post
The uploader software can be downloaded from the following link:-
http://mrmackey.no-ip.org/elektronik/ds ... nloads.php
Get the latest Windows installer (assuming you are using Windows), or the version that suits your operating platform (Linux and Mac also supported). [At the time of this writing, the latest version is 1.3.5 in file ds30_loader_100206.exe] After you have installed it, connect your serial-TTL converter which will show up as a COMx port. Open up the "ds30 Loader GUI", change the "View" to "Advanced Mode", and configure it as follows (using the appropriate COMx port and leaving out the Hex-file entry for the moment):- The firmware file is attached. Download that to a directory of your choice and on the Basic tab, point to that firmware file in the "Hex-file" selector.
Note: The baudrates on the RESET and TERMINAL tabs should be 115200 instead of 38400 from version 7.5BETA14 onwards.
Now, you normally want to click on the "Download" button on the top of the dialog window, and then power up the OSD for the upgrade to work. So make sure everything is connected. Click "Download", then power up OSD board. The green progress bar at the top right of the window should indicate how far the upgrade has proceeded. Having said that, if the system is configured and working properly, you should be able to click "Download" anytime after the OSD has booted up properly.
Bear in mind that only one application can make use of a COM port at any one time. So if you have a terminal program open to the COM port in question, the firmware uploader will be unable to use that same port and thus uploading will fail. As such, it is best to close all other terminal programs before firing up the uploader utility.
Daniel
note: For information about suitable serial-TTL converters, see viewtopic.php?f=7&t=63&p=699#p699 under the "Serial Port" post