TX and RX lights stay on

Development Tools IDE 1.x
1

The arduino's tx and rx lights stay on. Also, if I connect it to the computer, windows says that the device is not recognized. Also, I can't program it as it says serial port not found. I haven't had any problems with the micro before. I'm guessing that I fried the micro because a faulty regulator supplied the arduino's 5V pin with 11V for a few seconds. I'm guessing that would be the problem and I need to replace the chip, but could it be something else? Thanks

2

It could be that you uploaded a program which accidently used pins 0 and 1... but +11V for a few seconds will kill it. :frowning:

3

I'm guessing that would be the problem and I need to replace the chip, but could it be something else? Thanks

You didn't state what model arduino board you are talking about, however the tx and rx leds are not driven by the main processor chip, but rather the FTDI or 8u2 USB serial converter chip. And with the fact your PC is not able to detect the board, I suspect that you have a USB chip problem, and that is not easily repaired.

Lefty

4

O sorry forgot to mention its an Uno. Does this mean that I would have to replace the whole board instead of just the Atmega chip?

5

budabob07:
O sorry forgot to mention its an Uno. Does this mean that I would have to replace the whole board instead of just the Atmega chip?

Most likely, because replacing the atmega chip (328p) will not solve the problem, although it too might be toast.

Lefty

6

What is your OS ? On Linux like or Win7 you must upgrade atmega8u2 firmware in rev 001.

With Linux Debian testing I have the same problem. By connecting the board on a PC win XP I solve momentarily, but the bug reappears.
Since I upgrade, the board works fine.

to know the rev number see : checking 8u2 code version - #6 by nick - IDE 1.x - Arduino Forum

For upgrading R1 version see : http://arduino.cc/en/Hacking/DFUProgramming8U2

For upgrading R2 version to have the good picture see : http://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,71619.0.html
(it is the french forum the picture is this of an SMD UNO but the area around the Atmega 8u2 is the good version.