MadModder
Gallery, Projects and General => How do I?? => Topic started by: Chuck in E. TN on March 12, 2013, 01:55:14 PM
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I somehow have managed to mess up my Shumatech DRO-550. It all started with erratic scale readings on first the Z and then the Y Axes. After several days spent cleaning, disassembling, reassembling, and testing, I finally got all axes working again.
Next, I had trouble with the bolt hole function. I had entered the bolthole parameters, and to familiarize myself with the process, was stepping through the hole locations with the DRO when I noticed the hole locations were not plotted correctly. I decided to erase the DRO and reload it with the latest version of OpenDro.
Here's where I have serious problems. When I completed the original build, I was running a desktop with XP Pro on it. Now I'm running a laptop with Win7 Home Premium 64 bit. So no serial port. I have tried to no avail to load the latest version of OpenDro on the DRO-550. I have tried both AMTEL's SAM-BA and Bossa. Neither program will connect to the DRO-550.
I even dragged an older Dell Desktop out of storage, loaded XP Pro, SP3, updates, SAM-BA, and Bossa. No communication from either program using USB or serial. The only problem I can see is SAM-BA does not offer the USB connection. Both programs see comm 1 but will not connect. I think it is a driver problem, but I'm not sure.
Somebody please help! I am a retired computer tech, and a very long time ago I was an electronics tech, so I know my way around computers and such. But, this has me baffled. I have become used to using the DRO on my mill and was just getting ready to try setting it up on my lathe.
Anyone else have this issue? The DRO-550 seems stuck in programming mode or the current load has become corrupt. HELP! I have a lot invested in the DRO-550 and the Shumatech group and website don't seem to want to help. I posted to the Shumatech group over 24 hours ago and my post has not appeared yet. I have e-mailed Steve S. with no response.
I have also been corresponding with Rick Sparber, but even his help hasn't got me going again.
Chuck
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Chuck when you say you erased the DRO, do you mean you erased the Atmel processor?
How did you erase the processor if you did?
Could this be a fuse issue with the Atmel?
Sorry for the questions but I'm not too familiar with this particular app but do know a bit about Atmels...
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The DRO program has an option in the command/functions to update if connected to a computer, or erase current load to prepare for reload. Also, the main board has a reset/programming switch built in. I have tried both. I had issue when I first built it about 3 years ago, but can't remember how I fixed it.
The board for the dro has a built in usb interface and a DB9 serial connector, either can be used to interface to a computer to load the program. Neither interface will connect.
Hope that helps.
Chuck
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Chuck,
Have you tried a replacement Atmel chip?
Failing that, are all the power rails present and correct...? :zap:
Maybe check those first before replacing the processor.
If you have a spare processor, maybe worth jury rigging a breadboard with it on and whatever peripherals are needed to program it and then try loading a program...that ways it proves a pc, programming software and comms? :coffee:
Sorry this seems a ball ache approach but as I said I'm not familiar with the DRO stuff.... :scratch:
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Not possible for me to replace the AMTEL chip. It's surface mount and I can't see the leads, let alone unsolder/solder them. That's from a guy that taught NASA level soldering and multi-layer circuit board repair som 40 years ago...
Maybe Scott Shumate can repair it, I can't. Sad. I have a lot of money (to me) tied up in this thing, and have enjoyed using it for 2-3 years.
Chuck
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Not sure if this is any help but here's the software loading instructions (http://www.shumatech.com/web/products/dro-550/software).
I have the older DRO-350 with the DPU-550 upgrade so can't really help with details.
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I have sucessfully reprogrammed my 550 with the help of a member from another forum. He provided me with the origional programming software which had to be installed on an XP machine to work. All's well...
Chuck
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Good to hear you got it working.... :thumbup:
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Just wanted to add my voice to this as this thread turned up when I was searching for a fix.
I couldn't get the firmware onto my boards for love nor money. In the end, I fired up an XP machine and it all worked first go.
PK
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And an update, PK. Mine is still working fine. Never did figure out what caused it to screw up. I wish I'd bought 2 when I got mine.
Chuck