Updating the trex's firmware, Current firmware version, Updating firmware – Pololu TReX User Manual
Page 22: Option 1: using the trex configurator program, Section 6
6. Updating the TReX's Firmware
Current Firmware Version
Our most recently released firmware update for the TReX motor controller is
(160k trx) (version 1.2). This version fixes a bug that prevented baud rates of 38.4
and 28.8 kbps from working in versions 1.0 and 1.1. All other supported baud rates work properly in firmware
versions 1.0 and 1.1, so if your TReX does not have version 1.2 firmware and you do not need communicate serially
at 38,400 or 28,800 bps, you do not need to update your firmware to 1.2. Version 1.2 also adds a new configuration
parameter that lets you optionally delay the TReX’s serial responses by 1ms so that slower microcontrollers,
such as the Basic Stamp, won’t miss the first byte of the TReX’s response. Previously, if you wanted such
a delay, you needed to use firmware version 1.1; if you didn’t want this delay, you needed to use firmware
version 1.0. Please note that you should upgrade your
(295k zip) to version 090923 or later prior to updating your firmware
to version 1.2. If you have an older version of the TReX Configurator installed, you should manually uninstall it first
using the Add/Remove Programs control panel.
Note that some units are now shipping with version 1.3. This version is functionally identical to version 1.2 but
identifies a hardware change on the board that has no impact on performance.
Updating Firmware
To update the firmware, you need to put your TReX into firmware-update mode and then send the new binary
firmware file, which you can do using the
(295k zip) or a terminal program. We recommend you read through
the following procedure before performing the update.
1. Turn off power to your TReX.
2. Put the TReX into Serial Mode by removing the Mode jumper.
3. Ground the TTL Serial Out (SO) pin by attaching the Learning-Mode/Firmware-Upgrade jumper.
4. Attach the Mix jumper.
5. Restore power to the TReX; the status LEDs should alternately flash red and green.
6. Remove the Mix jumper; the status LEDs should alternate faster.
7. Remove the Learning-Mode/Firmware-Upgrade jumper; the green status LED should now briefly flash
every second.
8. Reconnect your TReX’s serial cable to establish a connection between your TReX and your computer.
Option 1: using the TReX Configurator program
Run the TReX Configurator program and click on the “Upgrade Firmware” button, which is circled in the screen
capture below.
Pololu TReX User's Guide
© 2001–2013 Pololu Corporation
6. Updating the TReX's Firmware
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