Why upgrade 8U2 firmware on Uno v1

I've seen some info on how to upgrade Atmega8U2 firmware on the original Uno, but I can't find anything on why this is needed. The upgrade seems a bit of a pain. What problem or bug does the upgrade fix?

ScottG:
I've seen some info on how to upgrade Atmega8U2 firmware on the original Uno, but I can't find anything on why this is needed. The upgrade seems a bit of a pain. What problem or bug does the upgrade fix?

It's been a while, and sense I don't own a Uno board I never had the problem, but if memory serves me right I believe the symptom was if there was an existing sketch on the chip that started immediately sending serial data out, the 8u2 usb chip would not be able to reset the chip correctly prior to trying a new upload. I think in that case one had to manually press and hold the reset switch down and release it at the correct moment when a new upload was starting.

Maybe someone else has better recall on the subject?

Lefty

Just knowing it is a R1 isn't enough to determine which firmware you have.

Having an early Uno my thought is: if it isn't broken, don't fix it.

I agree, about not fixing it if it's working. But I'd like to know what the problem is. For example, I usually program my Arduino with the IDE (v22) running on a MAC, but I do have a Windows laptop also. Is there a problem with different operating systems or different versions of the IDE? If all of a sudden I have a problem and I know about this bug, then I'll have an explanation. I just want to know what the bug is that the upgrade fixes.

BTW, I purchased my Uno 3/2/11.

What retrolefty said is correct, at least for me. I had a sketch that was streaming serial data out and I was unable upload any new sketches. After thinking I somehow bricked my arduino, I went searching and found that I had to do a manual reset during upload. Then I upgraded the 8u2 firmware to fix it. I haven't had any other problems though.

ScottG:
But I'd like to know what the problem is.

  1. Flooding with serial would require a manual reset. 2) Sketches would run not on power-up (but worked fine when pressing RESET.)

ScottG:
BTW, I purchased my Uno 3/2/11.

Both were fixed before this time.

ScottG:
For example, I usually program my Arduino with the IDE (v22) running on a MAC, but I do have a Windows laptop also. Is there a problem with different operating systems or different versions of the IDE?

I'm not certain what "MAC" stands for, however, I use a Mac and so does a couple of the Arduino team members. Each operating system has its own peculiarities.

ScottG:
If all of a sudden I have a problem and I know about this bug, then I'll have an explanation.

Problems dont just "suddenly" appear. While it might seem that they do, issues are always the result of some kind of action / change.

Edit: Added a critical "not"

By MAC I meant an Apple computer.

ScottG:
By MAC I meant an Apple computer.

Oh, since all-capitals suggest an acronym, I wasn't sure if you meant something else. I've never understood why people use "MAC" when the computers have "Mac" written right on them.

I think it's muscle memory for me, since I also use "MAC" as in the MAC address of a computer.

I can't tell you how many times I've asked someone, "What your MAC address?" to which they reply, "I have a PC."

I'm looking for a STRONG reason to update my Arduino UNO MEGA8U2 with the new version. The "if it's not broken, don't fix it" is a good idea, but I'd like to understand what was made in the new version. If anyone knows, please, advise,

Ahhh....

I couldn't resist when I read so may MAC, Mac, etc...

This is a joke that I found VERY cool for nerds like I am. Enjoy.

  • Hey, what's your address?

  • 173.168.15.10

  • No, man. Your local address!

  • 127.0.0.1

  • Oh, geeky nerd!!!! I meant your physical address!!!

  • 29:01:3E:62:A1:58

  • I give up.

Sorry if I deviated the subject of this topic. I promise not to do it again.

Angelo Marzolla