New Firmware for SSC-32 (Atmega168)

Here is information on the long-delayed Mega168 firmware with registers & startup strings. It has the following new features:

  • Global enable register (R0)
  • Transmit delay register (R1)
  • Transmit pacing register (R2)
  • Initial pulse offset registers (R32-63)
  • Initial pulse width registers (R64-95)
  • Startup strings
  • STOP command to stop an individual servo
  • PO moves always happen at max speed
  • Set all registers to default

We have tested each of the new features and they pass our test cases.

I will be adding the beta firmware to the site later today. “SSC32-V2.01XE_BETA1” We will remove the BETA when we have some feedback from our customers that all is well.

Sorry this took so long.

Here are some examples to get you started in
testing.

  • Set all registers to default values
    RDFLT

  • Erase the startup string
    SSDEL 255

  • Display register 0
    R0

  • Set TX delay to 2000us and TX pacing to 1000us.
    (Bit 1 of R0 enables TX delay/pacing.)
    R0=2
    R1=2000
    R2=1000

  • Set the pulse offset for servo 0 to 50 and the
    initial pulse width to 1000. (Bits 2&3 of R0 enable
    pulse offset and pulse width.)
    r0=12
    R32=50
    R64=1000

  • Move R0 slowly to a pulse width of 1500 at startup.
    Assume the initial pulse width is set as in the
    previous example. (Bit 0 of R0 enables the startup
    string.)
    R0=13
    SSDEL 255
    SSCAT #0P1500T5000;

  • Display the current startup string.
    SS

These are commands you would enter from a terminal program such as LynxTerm?

Yes sir. We may eventually add some macros in Lynxterm for easy setting of these features.

You can download the v2.01 BETA firmware now.
lynxmotion.com/Product.aspx? … #downloads

Detailed information will be coming soon.

Two things I am unclear on about this…

Does this work on all SSC-32s or just the newest ones with the ATMega168 processor?

Will LynxTerm or SEQ prevent someone from trying to program the wrong chip with the new code?

This does require the Atmega168, right?

8-Dale

You need the new processor for it to work. I forgot to ask Mike D. if it requires the external EEPROM, I’m waiting for a reply. I think it uses the processors EEPROM though. The old Atmega8 version is done, stick a fork in it. :slight_smile: There wasn’t enough resources to do anything else. Wait till you see what the new GP Sequencer firmware can do. lol 8)

All of the latest updates for RIOS, SEQ, and LynxTerm have been completed as far as firmware update goes. It prevents the wrong firmware from being written to the wrong processor. Mike D. and Laurent have taken care of this…

Yes it uses the processors EEPROM as I suspected.

I already have the EEPROM installed on both my SSC-32’s. :smiley:

8-Dale

Are the new processors pin compatible with the existing boards? Are you going to be selling them (hopefully with software already installed) or should we order them from someone like digi-key?

Sounds great!

The Atmega168 is a drop-in replacement for the current Atmega MCU used on the SSC-32. :slight_smile: Jim is going to make an upgrade available for those who already own an SSC-32 (I have two), but the upgrade won’t be free. I am guessing it won’t cost too much though.

8-Dale

The chip is in fact a drop in replacement. We will sell the preprogrammed chips. Not sure what the price will be yet. I need to finish updating the manual then we will offer the chips.

Sounds great! I also have two :smiley:

I was hoping I would not need to order them from digi-key and then put them in my STK500 to program them…

How do we test it and give feedback if we don’t have an SSC-32 with the new MCU and firmware in it?

8-Dale

Simple answer right now is you can’t. But we have been shipping the new 168 version for a few weeks, so there are people out there with them. I have comp’d some of them to some forum peeps as well.

Does the new 2.01XE_BETA1 firmware have support for the GP Sequencer? That is what I was planning to use.

Not yet. Mike is still finishing the GP version of the firmware. It shouldn’t be too much longer.

Is the ATMEGA8-16PI the old chip?

  Thanks   Bill

Yes sir.

Put me down for one as soon as they are available