Hello Alan,
Both the USB and Max232 chip are connected to the same data pins on the microprocessor, so they are both trying to talk to the main routine. It is no recommended to have both the USB and Serial chip in the unit at the same time.
This will also draw extra current that wasn't planned for with the heat sink.
I will be sending out an email to the BB later tonight about the upgrade.
73, Gould
----- Original Message ----- From: "Alan" ve4yz@mts.net To: "'Howard Long'" howard@howardlong.com; amsat-bb@AMSAT.Org Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 6:21 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] LVB Tracker Firmware v0.9
Hi Howard and the group...
I successfully updated my LVB from v0.7 to v0.9
The question is: if you only use the LVB Tracker with a USB cable, can you leave the MAX232 chip installed?
Here is why I ask...
After the successful update, replacement of the USB board and recalibration, I ran a pass and the LVB behaved normally. I then realized I left the MAX232 installed. The installation and DIY assembly instructions suggest you run either the USB board or MAX232 serial but not to have both installed. Or I cannot read or comprehend the instructions???
The AMSAT fully assembled USB version of LVB Tracker including the case requires a lot of extra steps to do a firmware upgrade. To remove the USB board from its socket so that the MAX232 chip can be installed and used, you have to remove the motherboard from the case. This is the only way for the USB connector to clear the case so that it can be pulled straight up and out. Afterwards, to remove the MAX232, there is not enough clearance for a chip puller so you fiddle around with a small screw driver or something similar to pry out the chip.
BTW, I took this opportunity to try to upgrade via the USB port and can confirm it is flaky. The serial upgrade took less than a 1 minute of processing time to upload the firmware and verify. Using the USB only took about 1 hour (yes I waited ) and did not verify 100% ( 5 errors - flipped bits - found in my case ).
Thanks... Alan
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