0021: Lilypad04 needs new bootloader every time

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Software Bugs & Suggestions
1

Hi all,

I was developing an application for my graduation, until yesterday the project Lilypad just Froze. I could not deploy software on it, it gave my the default error message:

I tried another Lilypad, and it worked, but when I wanted to reflash, it didn't want to deploy just like the first one.
I called my EZTronics here in The Netherlands to hear that the bootloader can be "stressed out" with a faulty cable. (But I used a simple cable he supplied, so that was pure bull). He said that flashing the bootloader would repair my Arduino.

I still had a very nice duemilonove laying around, so I used it for an Arduino ISP. I wrote the bootloader, which went well. Then I wrote a program to flash which went well as wel, but at the second time I wanted to flash a program it failed again. (ARGH!!)

It seems that I have to burn the bootloader every single time I want to deploy software. Is this a bug in 0021, or does this have another cause?

And.. Is it a problem to reburn the bootloader each time? Is there a limit?

Cheers,

NLStitch

2

UPDATE:

Apparently, the "new" burned bootloader allows me to flash programs to memory each time now, BUT I have to hold the reset switch down after I press UPLOAD until the IDE has compiled the code. (When it displays the binary sketch size)

Then when you release the reset, it flashes the memory.

Note; ONLY works if you update your bootloader with the 0021 via ISP (I did it with my duemilanove).

Cheers,

NLStitch

3

It sounds like the problem may be with the auto-reset not the bootloader getting corrupted. Does it work (without pressing the reset button) if you unplug the Lilypad from your computer and plug it in back in, then upload? What operating system are you on? Which cable are you using?

4

It sounds like the problem may be with the auto-reset not the bootloader getting corrupted.  Does it work (without pressing the reset button) if you unplug the Lilypad from your computer and plug it in back in, then upload?

-No it doesn't

What operating system are you on?

-Windows XP SP3

Which cable are you using?

I am using the USB/Serial adapter from arduino.cc and a "lilypad" programmer cable" from EZtronics:
http://www.eztronics.nl/webshop/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/174?osCsid=29a8a56d2b7c19cf1eb47fae41a7cf88

Note that I have a 6 pin lilypad(so not like the 4pins in their picture), but a 4-wire cable with a 6pin connector.

Cheers,

NLStitch

5

Ah... that cable doesn't include the connection that does the auto-reset (DTR or RTS). You'll need to press the reset button just before uploading. It might take some playing with it to get the right timing. Or you could get a 6-pin FTDI cable or breakout board that supports auto-reset.