Firmware FAQ and Upgrade Solutions

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Firmware FAQ and Upgrade Solutions
Posted on: 24.08.2008 by
FAQ

How do I update my firmware?

Please visit this post to learn how to update your firmware:
http://www.djranking s.com/2008/08/1...-100-firmware/

If you have problems please visit this thread:
http://www.djranking s.com/community /sho...=7732#post7732


Which firmware version does your VCi-100 have?
Version 1.1
the firmware with the "ramp up problem"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2Y509VQVEQ

the jog wheel touch sensor turns off when the wheel stops turning, not when you release your finger.

Version 1.2
-VCI-100's with a green sticker on the back are firmware version 1.2
- this version solved the ramp up problem but still has several bugs including
* the fourth FX buttons send out the same midi message as the right headphone cue button.


Version 1.3
The firmware found in all VCi-100SE controllers that was designed by Ean Golden.

You can tell if you have 1.3 by following these steps.

1) connect your vci-100 to a computer but dont start traktor.

2) Click the button that is at the top right hand corner of the left jog wheel (its next to the filter knob for deck A).

3) If this button's light toggles on and off then you have 1.3 (the same button on the right deck will not toggle on and off.

Here are a few of the changes made in 1.3

general improvements:

* Eliminated the problem where the 4th FX buttons trigger other buttons (cue)
* added midi in functionality to the loop buttons
* added a note on to the jog wheel in scroll mode

performance:

* turned the filter knobs into double knobs (0-127 on the left and right side)
* added a "freeze function" to the bottom of each fader and top of the fx knobs. this sends out a 127 message only at the end of the movement
* added inverted messages to the faders (this allows an effect to be turned on by turning the fader down- not possible otherwise)
* added unique values to the FX buttons (these were used for direct FX selection- now added in Traktor Pro)


Problems updating your firmware?

first some basic rules:

  • serial to serial cables work perfectly and have reliable results (use one if you can!)
  • You must use a standard serial cable- not a null modem cable
  • serial to usb cables have very erratic results and cause problems (see bellow)
  • the com port your device is on needs to be between 2-8 (when using a USB)
  • follow the order of plugs and power very carefully




Everything works but at the end you get the following message:

Opening port 'COM3' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Error No 15060: Error while opening the port
Error No 15026: Unable to open comms
Error No 15061: Error while closing the port

You have the wrong COM port selected. Each USB port has different COM address, so make sure you have the right one selected. COM 3 is usually a serial while 2, 4, 5 are usually one of the USB ports.


Everything works but at the end you get the following message:

OS: Windows XP [Admin]
FDT API initialised: version 4, 02, 00, 008
Clock Frequency (External) = 24.0000MHz, Clock Mode = 0, CKM = 1, and CKP = N/A
Connecting to device 'H8/3052F' on 'COM3'
Configuration:
'BOOT Mode' connection - using emulated interface
Opening port 'COM3' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Initiating BOOT SCI sequence
Attempting 9600
Attempting 4800
Attempting 2400
Attempting 1200
Error No 15024: Boot failed

this seems to only be happening to people with a usb to serial cable. if at all possible try a different cable or use good old serial port on someones computer. There was a also a report that this error was corrected when making sure the firmware kit is seated completely down on the board. This requires removal of the harness next to the header so it can sit down completely.

if you must use a USB to Serial, read this


If you are using a USB serial cable plug it in to a USB port

Now run device manager, if you don't know how to do this follow this link.

[ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Device_Manager"]Device Manager - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia@@AMEPARAM@@/wiki/File:Vista_Device_Manager.png" class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d7/Vista_Device_Manager.png/220px-Vista_Device_Manager.png"@@AMEPARAM@@en/thumb/d/d7/Vista_Device_Manager.png/220px-Vista_Device_Manager.png[/ame]

Now expand the ports branch,
(See thumbnail 1)

If you are using a built in serial port its is most likely assigned to COM 1,
Check that there are no ports with the same number, if another device is assigned the same COM port number you will have to change it to use another number.

If you are using a USB serial cable then it will appear in the list called something like "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port", if you are confused about which one it is remove your USB-serial cable from the USB port, then you should see that device disappear from the Ports tree.

Now right-click and open the properties of the Port you are using, and the click the port setting tab. (See thumbnail 2)

Check that your settings are the same as in thumbnail 2. If they are not change them.

Now if you need to change the serial port number click the advanced button. (See thumbnail 3)

You can now change the Com port number that is assigned to the serial port in the drop down menu. Select a number in the range of 2 - 8 that is not in use.

Click ok in the advanced settings window, then ok in the properties window.

If you are using a USB serial cable unplug it then plug it back in to the same USB port.

Now repeat the instructions in Ean's video.

You get a time out error

Clock Frequency (External) = 24.0000MHz, Clock Mode = 0, CKM = 1, and CKP = N/A
Connecting to device 'H8/3052F' on 'COM3'
Configuration:
'BOOT Mode' connection - using emulated interface
Opening port 'COM3' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Initiating BOOT SCI sequence
Attempting 9600
Received immediate response from device: 0xAA
Using micro-Kernel : 'C:\Program Files\Renesas\FDT4.02\kernels\ProtB\3052\Renesas\1 _2_00\uGen3052.cde'
Downloading and verifying micro kernel...
Device is erasing...
Erase Timeout value set to 21 seconds
Error No 15068: Error while reading timed response
Error No 15047: The device has not confirmed its erasure
Error No 15019: Download() failed

In the directory which you installed FDT, there will be a file called "FDTAdvancedSetup.exe". You can use this file to adjust the delays sent by FDT.

Essentially, a USB connection is way quicker than a serial connection and as such, sometimes your connection will be too quick for the software. The connection gets ahead of the instructions and the instructions get lost resulting in time outs.

So, back to FTDAdvancedSetup... go into this, you will see two boxes you can click on: "connection settings" and "configure serial port...". Click the "configure serial port..." box. In here, you will see a box "enable serial port delay fix". You want to make sure that's checked. Then where it says delay value, enter 1000 or something (1000 worked for me, you may need to go higher depending on the cable). Disregard where it says the lower the value the better, that doesn't really apply to us as we're just downloading the file, not doing live programming.

This should fix all those time outs and connection errors when using a USB to serial adapter.


After performing the set up steps and connecting the firmware header, the jog wheels still light up blue. When I touch them they turn red.

this is the only thing that would indicate there is something physically wrong with the firmware kit.
  • Check to make sure the kit is seated properly on the board in the right place(including removing the cable as shown in the video)
  • make sure its connected to the computer serial port or usb port.

If your unit will still not start up in boot mode (the unit is on but the wheels dont light up) then there is something wrong with the kit. Email us (service at djranking s.com) and we will send you a new one promptly.
Caryl Kilbride
19.01.2011
Originally Posted by photojojo
Are you certain you're in boot mode? Hold the VCI on it's side when you're doing the upgrade so there's no chance the buttons or jogs are touching anything.
I believe I'm in boot mode. I had the vci upside down on a couch cushion and no lights were on. Just to be sure, I held it up in the air making sure no buttons or jogs were touched and tried it again twice like that.

I follow the instructions in the video too, so this troubleshooting is making it look like my usb-serial cable is not good for this (I was warned). I'll try any suggestions anyone has. I hope to get access to a desktop pc with serial in early February. Either way, I will post here if/when I am successful in the 1.4 updgrade for the benefit of anyone following this.

thanks,
rite
Ethelyn Vallelunga
19.01.2011
Hi

Now my VCi is on 1.4 but since then I have pops and other sounds when touching FX buttons 1-4 or the shift button.

What can i do?

I already cancelled a gig because I can not work like this with the vci.
Can not go back to 1.3 quickly either because I lent the little thingy which we used on the pcb and sent it back already.
Leeanna Ayla
19.01.2011
Are you certain you're in boot mode? Hold the VCI on it's side when you're doing the upgrade so there's no chance the buttons or jogs are touching anything.
Caryl Kilbride
19.01.2011
hi photojojo and vovad,
thanks for the input.

I did change the port number - checked the device manager to see which port the usb-serial is in. I tried each usb connection on this laptop to see if any of them would work. I changed the com number each time to what the device manager showed. no luck.

I had not tried the advancedsetup settings before my post but tried them just now - no luck. I tried values of 1000, 10, 100, 100000. I can see the higher values make it go slower, but i get the same result - 'boot failed'

I bought the usb-serial from ebay (of course)
USB 2.0 TO RS232 SERIAL DB9 9 PIN CABLE ADAPTER GPS FTA from Texas. I won't blame the seller because this community does warn against using serial to usb cables...

If there is another thing to try, please let me know. Otherwise, I'll look for access to a desktop pc and try this with a serial to serial cable.

thanks,
rite
Lyman Graffia
18.01.2011
Just wanted to let everyone know I had success with this serial to usb cable:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812156008

I experienced a similar issue to you rite, it was solved by changing the port com(I believe it needs to be above 4? for usb or something... mine was set to 1 or 2 I don't remember)

Long story short change the port com and see if that works, if not try another cable. I know the cable above works, it comes with a driver disk that I installed just to be safe.
Leeanna Ayla
17.01.2011
Originally Posted by dead_devil_66
So....i finally managed to update it. Using my old pc and the serial-to-serial cable. Seems that the pitch fader notes are of the pitchbend type, now. It's really stupid and problematic that the usb-to-serial doesn't work!! If i need to program a chip that has a serial connection, im screwed if i cant get an old pc!


on a side note....how many pitch steps, at the 8% range (8 up and 8 down) do you guys have? 0.04??
Download the latest mapping and I believe they should be correct. I tink Midifidler posted the exact changes needed to make in a thread as well if you don;t want to use the DJTT mapping.

EDIT: Here's that thread with a stripped down mapping
http://djranking s.com/community /showthread.php?t=21391

Originally Posted by rite
Hi,

Trying this with a usb to serial with a pc laptop. Tried each port, tried a powered hub in different configurations (serial, vci or both in hub or not, every combo of usb ports). I guess the answer is that I need to find an old pc and a serial to serial cable...

Here's what I get, anyway:

Clock Frequency (External) = 24.0000MHz, Clock Mode = 0, CKM = 1, and CKP = N/A
Connecting to device 'H8/3052F' on 'COM8'
Configuration:
'BOOT Mode' connection - using emulated interface
Opening port 'COM8' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Initiating BOOT SCI sequence
Attempting 9600
Attempting 4800
Attempting 2400
Attempting 1200
Error No 15024: Boot failed

Clock Frequency (External) = 24.0000MHz, Clock Mode = 0, CKM = 1, and CKP = N/A
Connecting to device 'H8/3052F' on 'COM8'
Configuration:
'BOOT Mode' connection - using emulated interface
Opening port 'COM8' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Initiating BOOT SCI sequence
Attempting 9600
Received immediate response from device: 0xAA
Using micro-Kernel : 'C:\Program Files\Renesas\FDT4.05\kernels\ProtB\3052\Renesas\1 _2_00\uGen3052.cde'
Downloading and verifying micro kernel...
Error No 15009: Failed to download the micro-Kernel
Error No 15019: Download() failed

any way I can do this with the laptop?
thanks
Did you change port com numbers? Did you try opening the advancedsetup program that installed with it and adjusting those settings?
Caryl Kilbride
17.01.2011
Hi,

Trying this with a usb to serial with a pc laptop. Tried each port, tried a powered hub in different configurations (serial, vci or both in hub or not, every combo of usb ports). I guess the answer is that I need to find an old pc and a serial to serial cable...

Here's what I get, anyway:

Clock Frequency (External) = 24.0000MHz, Clock Mode = 0, CKM = 1, and CKP = N/A
Connecting to device 'H8/3052F' on 'COM8'
Configuration:
'BOOT Mode' connection - using emulated interface
Opening port 'COM8' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Initiating BOOT SCI sequence
Attempting 9600
Attempting 4800
Attempting 2400
Attempting 1200
Error No 15024: Boot failed

Clock Frequency (External) = 24.0000MHz, Clock Mode = 0, CKM = 1, and CKP = N/A
Connecting to device 'H8/3052F' on 'COM8'
Configuration:
'BOOT Mode' connection - using emulated interface
Opening port 'COM8' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Initiating BOOT SCI sequence
Attempting 9600
Received immediate response from device: 0xAA
Using micro-Kernel : 'C:\Program Files\Renesas\FDT4.05\kernels\ProtB\3052\Renesas\1 _2_00\uGen3052.cde'
Downloading and verifying micro kernel...
Error No 15009: Failed to download the micro-Kernel
Error No 15019: Download() failed

any way I can do this with the laptop?
thanks
Towanda Rayment
11.01.2011
So....i finally managed to update it. Using my old pc and the serial-to-serial cable. Seems that the pitch fader notes are of the pitchbend type, now. It's really stupid and problematic that the usb-to-serial doesn't work!! If i need to program a chip that has a serial connection, im screwed if i cant get an old pc!


on a side note....how many pitch steps, at the 8% range (8 up and 8 down) do you guys have? 0.04??
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
seems i got to install XP in my jurassic pc..... damn, isnt really anyway to make this in linux? i will waste almost 2 hours formating and installing the OS.... :/
Leeanna Ayla
10.01.2011
Originally Posted by dead_devil_66
btw, in the video, ean says, in a commentary box, that the lights should flush, when in boot mode. Which lights? When i connect the kit and turn on the vci (connected to the laptop), no lights flush.... :S
The commentary box is talking about the serial portion of the cable being flush with the board. My cable says speeds over 115k.

I've seen problems before with Renases believeing the software was still trying to flash the firmware. Or at least I believe that's what's going on. Uninstalling and the reinstalling fixes it sometimes.

Having the right cable is real important as well. I have no idea how to tell, but serial to serial cables always work well.
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
Originally Posted by ZachDero
Try using a serial to serial cable. Many people have problems with the USB to Serial cables.
is it supposed to have the lights off in boot mode?
Madalene Ranjan
10.01.2011
Try using a serial to serial cable. Many people have problems with the USB to Serial cables.
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
btw, in the video, ean says, in a commentary box, that the lights should flush, when in boot mode. Which lights? When i connect the kit and turn on the vci (connected to the laptop), no lights flush.... :S
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
this is the cable i got:

http://www.lindy.co.uk/usb-to-serial...15m/42855.html
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
Originally Posted by photojojo
Maybe this is the problem? I used a Dynex serial to USB cable from Best Buy and it seemed to work.
what is the bitrate of your cable?
Leeanna Ayla
10.01.2011
Originally Posted by dead_devil_66
btw, will a 128 kpbs USB-to-serial cable do the job? Or the speed is a big issue?
Maybe this is the problem? I used a Dynex serial to USB cable from Best Buy and it seemed to work.
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
ok, its impossible, for me, to find the problem with this. Without help, im dead in the water. DJtt staff, hello?
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
Code:
Clock Frequency (External) = 24.0000MHz, Clock Mode = 0, CKM = 1, and CKP = N/A
Connecting to device 'H8/3052F' on 'COM4'
Configuration:
'BOOT Mode' connection - using emulated interface
Opening port 'COM4' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Initiating BOOT SCI sequence
Attempting 9600
Received immediate response from device: 0xAA
Using micro-Kernel : 'C:\Program Files\Renesas\FDT4.05\kernels\ProtB\3052\Renesas\1_2_00\uGen3052.cde'
Downloading and verifying micro kernel...
Error No 15009: Failed to download the micro-Kernel
Error No 15019: Download() failed
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
sometimes it says "time out", others just "download failed", others it says the 21 seconds warning. Serious, is vci firmware upgrade worser than women menstrual cycle ending??!!
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
ok, this is nuts!!!! the errors are not the same, all time! I can't get the situation of the process if this continues.... :S
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
now, i have resetted the configuration for FDT and the error is the previous one:

Code:
Clock Frequency (External) = 24.0000MHz, Clock Mode = 0, CKM = 1, and CKP = N/A
Connecting to device 'H8/3052F' on 'COM4'
Configuration:
'BOOT Mode' connection - using emulated interface
Opening port 'COM4' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Initiating BOOT SCI sequence
Attempting 9600
Received immediate response from device: 0xAA
Using micro-Kernel : 'C:\Program Files\Renesas\FDT4.05\kernels\ProtB\3052\Renesas\1_2_00\uGen3052.cde'
Downloading and verifying micro kernel...
Error No 15009: Failed to download the micro-Kernel
Error No 15019: Download() failed
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
seriously, the vci is mocking me. New error:

Code:
OS: Windows Vista/Server 2008 [Admin]
FCF Settings Applied: H8/3052F, (C:\Program Files\Renesas\FDT4.05\kernels\ProtB\3052\Renesas\1_2_00\)
FDT API initialised: version 4, 05, 00, 008
Clock Frequency (External) = 24.0000MHz, Clock Mode = 0, CKM = 1, and CKP = N/A
Connecting to device 'H8/3052F' on 'COM4'
Configuration:
'BOOT Mode' connection - using emulated interface
Opening port 'COM4' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Initiating BOOT SCI sequence
Attempting 9600
Received immediate response from device: 0xF5
Attempting 4800
Attempting 2400
Attempting 1200
Error No 15024: Boot failed
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
Originally Posted by photojojo
If I remember correctly you need to change a value by opening the advancedsetup.exe file.
yes, i setted it to 1000, 4000 and 6000. Doesn't work.
Leeanna Ayla
10.01.2011
Originally Posted by dead_devil_66

I already checked the port delay fix box..
If I remember correctly you need to change a value by opening the advancedsetup.exe file.
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
lol now i have a different error...

Code:
Clock Frequency (External) = 24.0000MHz, Clock Mode = 0, CKM = 1, and CKP = N/A
Connecting to device 'H8/3052F' on 'COM4'
Configuration:
'BOOT Mode' connection - using emulated interface
Opening port 'COM4' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Initiating BOOT SCI sequence
Attempting 9600
Received immediate response from device: 0xAA
Using micro-Kernel : 'C:\Program Files\Renesas\FDT4.05\kernels\ProtB\3052\Renesas\1_2_00\uGen3052.cde'
Downloading and verifying micro kernel...
Error No 15009: Failed to download the micro-Kernel
Error No 15019: Download() failed
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
There are no lights when i have the vci in boot mode. I guess it is in boot mode because i switched it on (to the right, the side of the usb connection) and there arent any lights on....

I already checked the port delay fix box..
Leeanna Ayla
10.01.2011
You need to absolutely certain you're in boot mode. I do this by propping up the VCI on book edges or rolls of tape to make sure none of the buttons or jogs are touching anything. You may also want to open the advancedsetup.exe file and make changes in that. You can find mentions of what to change in here.
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
jeez...seems im the next in line with troubles .....

Code:
OS: Windows Vista/Server 2008 [Non-Admin]
FCF Settings Applied: H8/3052F, (C:\Program Files\Renesas\FDT4.05\kernels\ProtB\3052\Renesas\1_2_00\)
FDT API initialised: version 4, 05, 00, 008
Clock Frequency (External) = 24.0000MHz, Clock Mode = 0, CKM = 1, and CKP = N/A
Connecting to device 'H8/3052F' on 'COM2'
Configuration:
'BOOT Mode' connection - using emulated interface
Opening port 'COM2' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Initiating BOOT SCI sequence
Attempting 9600
Received immediate response from device: 0xAA
Using micro-Kernel : 'C:\Program Files\Renesas\FDT4.05\kernels\ProtB\3052\Renesas\1_2_00\uGen3052.cde'
Downloading and verifying micro kernel...
Error No 15009: Failed to download the micro-Kernel
Error No 15019: Download() failed
Second attemp with the vci still on
Code:
Clock Frequency (External) = 24.0000MHz, Clock Mode = 0, CKM = 1, and CKP = N/A
Connecting to device 'H8/3052F' on 'COM2'
Configuration:
'BOOT Mode' connection - using emulated interface
Opening port 'COM2' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Initiating BOOT SCI sequence
Attempting 9600
Attempting 4800
Attempting 2400
Attempting 1200
Error No 15024: Boot failed
note: The lights of the vci are off when i turn it on. Seems to be the same in the video...
Towanda Rayment
10.01.2011
btw, will a 128 kpbs USB-to-serial cable do the job? Or the speed is a big issue?
daniel vahey
04.01.2011
I just got my Firmware chip in the mail today and was stoked!!
I'm a Mac user but my friend had her PC at my place and I tried to install the firmware and run the software but no luck. Couldn't get the mot file to open in the program development tool kit. I got through all the steps in the video and removed all the backing and used a serial to serial cable like recommended but when step 11 was shown I didn't even have that screen in the menu. I'm positive the PC was running windows XP and not sure why I couldn't view the same screen as shown in the video. I could only access this step in my attempt and took a screen shot to capture my frustration.
View the Attachment ---->
Any advise or assistance will be very appreciated, I only have use of a PC for a few days and will then have to look at either trying it through boot camp for MAC or getting a second hand PC notebook and spending $$$ just to make another attempt at installation.
Help me please!!!
Tonya Lende
01.10.2010
i want the fw 1.3 back.

where can i download it??
Faustina Bierschenk
28.09.2010
good news and bad news

first the good news: using this thread i was able to update my firmware

bad news: i broke the black cable on the red/blue/white/black plug while trying to pull it out to attach the fw board

now what?

edit: i haven't tried putting the vci back together and seeing what would happen if i turned it on out of fear of shorting something out or just making the problem worse. i was able to get the metal insert out of the plastic, the bit of wire that is still in there seems like it isn't going to come out easily... but i'm guessing i could have a tv repair guy get it out and then solder the black cable to the metal insert
Pok Pisco
18.09.2010
Hello I got a question: If you tried to install this firmware and If you do something wrong Can you break the vci??
Can you still using the 1.2 firmware??
Peg Yant
10.09.2010
hey, i tried updating my firmware today with no luck so far. (usb - serial, i dont have a serial on my computer.) (just a cheap ebay cable though, maybe i should get a different one)

i followed the directions as per the vid. (removed the cable harness, the ranking s upgrader is in firmly so that aint the problem)

i have changed the delay to 1000 (i also tried 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000)

there are no lights on so im guessing im in boot mode (the computer doesnt seem to react when i plug the vci in though, is this meant to be the case in boot mode?)

i have tried different COM ports (2, 3, 4, 5) didnt seem to make any difference. and i have been clicking 'scan for hardware changes after making changes.

all of this and i still get an assortment of errors i get either a timeout error (not fixed by changing the delay) & most commonly 'Error No 15024: Boot failed'

i have also tried the trick of holding it vertical, but nothing seems to work

anyone ot any suggestions as to what to try next?
Yanira Reckart
15.08.2010
After a week of trying different systems, and serial->serial, I managed to update to 1.3 with usb->serial on Eee PC, set on COM1 using port delay fix. And to mention, on this Eee when turned on VCI looked good as dead, but when pressed flash, it just did flash it Now it works perfect.
Problem for me was, that I thought that boot mode = red jogs, as @ some posts it is mentioned as that. AND you must take power from the same computer as you flash from. Good luck.
Jayne Busacca
14.07.2010
I have the DJTT Update Kit, USB2Serial Cable, Windows XP SP3

worked at the first attempt for me, yeah
Milton Santus
01.07.2010
I did everything that was not recommended : Windows 7 running in Parallels, on an Intel iMac, using a USB-Serial cable.

And guess what ? After a few hours, it worked !

First I had to enable USB connections in Parallels, so the program could recognize any new connections. Just to make sure Parallels was receiving the USB-Serial signal, and not OSX, I connected the cable and set the routing to Parallels.

I then had to download and install a Windows 7 compatible PL-2303 driver from Prolific, so the cable showed up in the Device Manager without any "!"'s.

FDT was now able to see the connected cable as COM3, and I was able to proceed. But then I got a 15024 boot failure during the update attempt. So I set the serial port delay to the recommended 1000, and boom. Mission accomplished.

Thanks to Ean and the rest of the folks here on the community !
Su Riegelman
07.06.2010
Hello, I received the 1.3 kit and tried to install it and I have not been successful, I have checked the forms and I cannot get it to work, I get the following "most popular" error:

---------------------------------------
'BOOT Mode' connection - using emulated interface
Opening port 'COM7' ...
Loading Comms DLL
Loaded Comms DLL
Initiating BOOT SCI sequence
Attempting 9600
Attempting 4800
Attempting 2400
Attempting 1200
Error No 15024: Boot failed
-------------------------------

Here are the steps I took:

1 - bought 2 sets of cables:

- Nexxtech - Shielded RS-232 C Cable / DB9 male to DB9 Female Serial to Serial
- Nexxtech - USB to Serial Port Cable

2 - Unscrewed the VCI-100 apart, disconnected the cable harness (on the video) beside the place where you put the firmware kit.

3 - Installed the Renesas Software (Flash Dev Tool Kit 4.05) on the computer.

4 - Placed the Firmware Kit on the board

5 - Connected the USB Cable to the VCI and left the VCI on off.

6 - Selected the H8/300H h8 3052F (Inputted the 24)

7 - Chose the correct COM PORT (Tried different COM Ports 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

8 - Loaded the Firmware File 1.3 into Renesas

9 - Connected VCI to computer with Serial to Serial cable.

9 - Turned the VCI ON (none of the lights went on, so I guess it was on boot mode)

10 - Hit Program Flash and got the error above, time and time and time again.

I do not know what else to do and I am hoping anyone can help me, I tried the same steps above with the USB to Serial Cable, the computers were running Windows XP SP2 & 3), I even started the FDTAdvancedSetup.exe and put the delay to 1000, 2000, 3000 , 4000, 5000 and no luck.

I appreciate your help on this.

Thanks very much,

Ivan.
Pat Taliaferro
07.06.2010
VERY HAPPY to announce that after many delays in moving/shipping stuff etc and some serial cable trouble (Attempting 9600, Attempting 4800, Attempting 2400, Attempting 1200, Error No 15024: Boot failed) I managed to get the upgrade done! From now on I'm proudly rocking the VCI100SE 1.3!! Advice I can give: ONLY use new serial cables and try resetting the serial port settings to default in windows' device manager.

As a shameless (perhaps?) celebration plug I'd like to showcase what kind of mad stuff will be mashed live with the newly modded gear, this is from last weekend in Bratislava:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mmtT5LjWt4

If someone needs help flashing a new firmware near this place I can probably help out, left the upgrade kit at home! Possibly even Amsterdam/Rotterdam, DM me.
Bessie Einarsson
14.05.2010
my first attempts were on a friends old pc with a serial port and i kept getting the time out error with #s 9800, 4200, etc (whatever they are...) - didn't work

second attempts were on a pc with no serial port so i bought a usb to serial and had to install the driver for it to work..no progress.

on some whim i decided to use the pc for the power source for the vci 100 (i used my macbook as the power source on all previous attempts)and...

it worked!

whenever i used my mac as the power source, the lights would never flush the first time, i had to turn it off and on many times before it'd work. but then i would get the same error i mentioned above. when i finally plugged the vci-usb cable into the pc, the lights flushed on the first time and it upgraded immediately.

thanks DJTT

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