MK FC 2.1 quit while updating to latest firmware

[throttlejockey]

Hello,

Not sure if anybody else has had this issue but I've tried just about everything and can't get my FC back to life. Was updating to latest firmware and in the middle of the update MK tool sent error message indicating that it could not complete the update. It appears that the entire board is stuck in the middle of the flash and every-time I try to re-flash I get the same error. It will begin the process and get stuck in the bootloader and then errors out.

Tried using MKUSB with Lipo power from the distribution board to the FC and no luck

Tried NOT using the lipo for power and used the MK USB jumper to power though the usb plugged into my computer. Still no luck.

Tried a brand new MK USB thinking the old MK USB went bad. No luck

No light (power indicator on the board) either way appears to act like it is bricked. I hope that isn't the case!

Has this happened to anybody? Any solutions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance. Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[Bartman]

Sorry to hear this. I'm not sure what to do about it though. When you hook up the board it will let you restart the upload but then it locks up again or is the board completely unresponsive now?

 

[Sanderx]

Not sure if this will help but there is a short tutorial in the tips and tricks section on Quadrocopter.us on how to reset your FC due to for example an incomplete upgrade of your firmware.

 

[Bartman]

here you go

<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/41883959" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" width="400"></iframe>

i'll be curious to see if TJ's board can be recovered that easily.

 

[mitmit]

hey TJ,
you may want to try following: connect mkusb (without 5v jumper) directly to fc but dont power it up yet, than choose correct fw hex in firmware update in mk tools, click ok, then give power to fc - it should start to update firmware. this works if bootloader is still alive in atmega..
hope this helps
cheers)

 

[throttlejockey]

@Bartman, Yes, I watched Casey's video and thought it would be that easy. Was the 2nd thing I tried using the MK USB and 5V Jumper. Unfortunately, that method didnt work either. Thank you for the comment. Going to give it another go with @mitmit's suggestion.

 

[throttlejockey]

hey TJ,
you may want to try following: connect mkusb (without 5v jumper) directly to fc but dont power it up yet, than choose correct fw hex in firmware update in mk tools, click ok, then give power to fc - it should start to update firmware. this works if bootloader is still alive in atmega..
hope this helps
cheers)

Connected directly to FC no luck again. Tried three different computers, two different USB cables, two different MKUSB's all direct to the FC. Not sure what the fix is. Appears that the bootloader is dead. Appears FC is bricked :upset:

 

[Bartman]

I'd expect Quadrocopter.us to have an idea as to how to fix it. The other option is to send it back to Germany for a refresh. Sucks either way.

 

[throttlejockey]

Here is the latest from Mikrokopter.de Still didn't work for me but thought I would share with everyone.

Here is the Email from Lothar Freudenberg :

if the update fails, the bootloader is still there, but the software is cleared.

- Please connect the FlightCtrl directly to the MK-USB.
- Connect the FlightCtrl with the Lipo (or a power supply) (don't use the Jumper on the MK-USB)
- Open the terminal window of the KopterTool.
- Start the update
- If you see in the terminal window "Connecting (try to reset....)" you should have afer 3-4 dots an "OK"
If there is no "OK" please disconnect the Lipo (or power supply) and connect it again.
Now you should see an "OK" after the dots and the update begins.


More infos you can find here: Link

 

[Bartman]

do you have a really high power magnifying glass that you can use to check the board for damage or something that may be shorting something out?

i have one of these

http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/51220734/Fabric_Magnifying_Glass.html

a jeweler's loupe would be good also

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-60X-Je...661?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item46045aca7d

if the board isn't responding to what you've already tried i'd have a good look at it as many of us have found solder/dirt/damage/etc. somewhere where it shouldn't be and causing things to behave oddly.

 

[Bartman]

just found these on ebay

http://www.amazon.com/Magnifying-Gl...CWLC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1338899930&sr=8-8

for $4 they're worth a try.