running on EFI, 2nd edition..... it's alive

Man, Im stuck. Trying to get the firmware loaded on to my MSII V3 board (step 40). An error message keeps popping up. I'm nearly positive everything is soldered correctly up to this point. I passed the loopback test and I get correct voltages and grounds where they're supposed to be. I think I may have a bad daughterbaord?? Congrats to you.

What's the error message?

Reading C:\Program Files\MegaSquirt\Firmware\MS-II\Monitor_v2.33.abs.s19:
C:\Program Files\Metrowerks\CodeWarrior CW12_V3.1\MSIIC_Proj\bin\Monitor.abs
Detected MS-II (HCS12) code.
Entry point: 0x0000
Code range : 0x4000-0x3cafc0,
File read successfully.

Opened comm port 3 at 115200.
ERROR: Could not read status code, 0x0D 0x00
Elapsed time: 3.06 seconds


I was just testing the 2.33 version, I am aware of later versions but they all failed.

Sounds like you've got the wrong COM port selected, you don't have the boot jumper on, or you have your MS powered off.

Basically, your computer isn't able to talk to your MS.

What is MSextra?

I had the jumper on for sure, not too sure about the com port, MS powers on by use of the stimulator correct? had that on. BTW using a 8 packAA powersource.

It's been a while since i've messed with it. Got a little discouraged and really busy with school so I'm a little rusty trying to remember all the details. I know I spent about 3 pretty full days troubleshooting.

Hmmmm...

MSExtra is a different version of the firmware. Generally, the extra code has more features than the regular code. The main difference being that MS Extra isn't officially supported by bowling and grippo.... it's a different set of guys who take the regular MS code and "improve" it. Unless there is a specific feature of the Extra code that you need, I would stick to the regular code releases... especially for the MSII where so far the extra code doesn't offer alot of advantages as it's pretty new.

Yes, the MS will turn on as soon as you plug in the simulator. Normally I'd point a finger at the simulator power supply, but the 8xAA power pack should work nicely. Maybe just take a quick second with a voltmeter to check what the power supply voltage is with the MS powered on.

I'm leaning towards a problem with the COM port. I believe that the MSII's come with a version of the firmware already loaded. It's probably an old version, but you should still be able to fire up megatune and connect with your MSII. Maybe try to see if you can get megatune to work (remove the boot jumper).

Are you using a regular serial port or a USB to serial adapter? Do you know how to check your COM port assignments using windows device manager?

using a usb/serial adapter. I dont know how to check the com port. What I did (hope I dont make a fool of myself here) was to do the loopbacktest on all of my usb ports untill I found one that worked. Then I continued to use that one. Can you explain using device manager to check the com port? I'm pretty computer literate and could probly figure it out but help helps.

OK, USB adapter adds a bunch of complexity.

Is it a USB adapter that has been confirmed than works with MS? There are some out therre that don't.

Did you install the system drivers for the USB adapter? Usually they come with a software/driver CD.

To check COM port assignments the easiest way is by using the device manager.
For windows XP:
- Click the right mouse button on the "My Computer" icon and select "Properties"
- Click on the "Hardware" tab
- Click on "Device Manager"
- In device manager Click on the "+" beside where is says "ports"

In here it will show you some information on port assignments. With my laptop USB adapter is says something like "USB Serial port adapter (COM5)"

I used the adapter that DIY sells and recomends

Yes, I installed the driver

Thanks for your help, I'm gonna see what I can find out this weekend. I'll be sure and give you an update.

tylerrocks said:

I used the adapter that DIY sells and recomends

Click to expand...

You should have the exact same adapter that I have then. Is there a blue LED that lights up on it?

Mine seems to work great. I hope to upgrade to the v2.86 firmware tonight using it.

I'm sure you've checked this, but make sure your using a 9 pin straight through cable and not a null modem cable, when I went to buy my cable i grabbed the first 9 pin one i saw which happened to be null modem, doesn't work.

I think bottlefed70 advice will probably set you right.

Steve.

starchiefus said:

I'm sure you've checked this, but make sure your using a 9 pin straight through cable and not a null modem cable, when I went to buy my cable i grabbed the first 9 pin one i saw which happened to be null modem, doesn't work.

I think bottlefed70 advice will probably set you right.

Steve.

Click to expand...

Great advice.

In this case, the serial adapter will be plugged right into the MSII with a USB cable going from the MSII/Adapter to the computer so not likely the cause of his problem but definately something important to keep in mind.

Bought the cable from DIY as well. I checked it and it is a straight through. I'm gonna work on it this weekend, I'm just too busy/tired with school and work to do much in the week. But THIS weekend I'm getting a brand new G-Force tranny and the stang is comming OFF the jackstands and ON the road for the first time in ~6 months. That'll give me some modivation.