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After upgrading to level 6, my Hand Controller often does not connect to the G2 main controller on power-up.? ?However, this only seems to be a problem when the G2 does not have an Ethernet connection.? Below is what I have observed with my system. ? With no Ethernet connection to the G2, the HC quite often fails to connect to the Gemini Controller during power-up.? When there is no Ethernet connection, I see the following behavior. - Splash screen and calibration screen complete successfully.
- Blank screen with “Initializing HC…” text shows for about 12 seconds.
- Then a blank screen with “Connecting to Gemini…” either flashes briefly and proceeds to the start screen (Cold Start, Warm Start, etc.) or the HC hangs at this point without going to the start screen.
- The hang is somewhat intermittent.? Some days it hangs 100% of the time, some days maybe only 25% of the time.
- Un-plugging and re-plugging the HC into the G2 main controller when it hangs will fix the problem.? It goes through splash screen, calibration screen, and then very quickly through the initializing and connecting screens.
? With an Ethernet connection to the G2 controller, the HC power-up is reliable.? I see the following behavior. - Same as above but this time the “Initializing HC…” screen will be shown for only about 6 seconds.
- It then quickly passes through the “Connecting to Gemini…” screen and then shows the start-up screen.? It does not hang on the “Connecting to Gemini…” screen.
? Not sure why things work better when there is an Ethernet connection, but this may be a clue.? This is the case when the G2 is plugged into a network with a router (with DHCP) or even when directly to a laptop that is off the network (no router, no DHCP).? I have tried disabling DHCP in the G2 but there is no change in this behavior. ? I have also tried using another cable between the HC and G2 Controller but got the same results, so the problem does not seem to be related to a bad cable connection.? Not sure what I’m doing wrong.? ?Anyway, when it hangs the work around is to unplug the HC from the G2 controller and then plug it back in. ? Regards, Bill ? ?
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Hi Bill
Inspect the HC sockets (both ends) for foreign matter and bad pins. ?Use a torch and magnifier for a close inspection. ?funny thing I was working on HC recently and noticed that one of the pin had been pushed up and crossed to the next position ? So inspect the HC socket as well ?
As you already know the cable crimps are the usual problem but I have had one with a bit of paper caught in the pins.?
I also get poor connections on a spare HC cable I made. ?If I hold it in with pressure or bend the lead away from the socket it works fine otherwise I get reboots poor connection and sometimes need to replicate it.?
So your issue points to the socket maybe swap ends from HC to the Gemini hold the plug in on boot see how that goes ? ?The LAN has no connection to the serial apart from the ARM being common. ?
Alternately set the 2nd serial port (the one above the HC on mini) baud to 9600 and try the HC in that port to see if you get a change.?
Get back if it continues et
cheets
--
Brendan
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Hi Bill - thanks for posting this.?
Some of this behavior may relate to the new underlying DHCP features and underlying code we are now using.?
In the new hand controller firmware, the flashing and 'rebooting' of the hand controller is a fix to prior situations in L5 where if it didn't connect, it would just hang. Now it will reboot itself and attempt to connect again.?
Your fix to unplug and re-plug in the HC is a good one for now
You can also try disabling DHCP if you are not using ethernet, and/or set the DHCP timeout value to 0 (both available under network in hand controller, make sure to store settings)
Brian
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Brian
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Hi Brian,
hi Bill
After Level6 Upgrade the HC fails any first connect! The second try results in a connect. I'm using ethernet connecton with my PC but the behaviour is the same if no PC is connected.
Bernd
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Hi Brian, ? I did try disabling DHCP and setting the DHCP timeout value to 0 but no change.? ? Just to be clear, I don’t see the HC flashing the “Connecting to Gemini…” message. ?It just comes on steady, no flashing.? However, I did see it flashing this message after the first time I updated the firmware to L6 using the GFU utility.? However, I repeated the firmware update manually a second time using the firmware in the zip file provided with the update when I got sidetracked trying to “fix” the cable wrapping prevention feature that was showing a DEC stall at -180 degrees.? Since this second firmware update, I have not seen the “Connecting to Gemini…” message flashing, it just comes on steady. ? Thanks, Bill ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Brian Valente Sent: Saturday, July 8, 2023 11:42 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up ? Hi Bill - thanks for posting this.?
Some of this behavior may relate to the new underlying DHCP features and underlying code we are now using.?
In the new hand controller firmware, the flashing and 'rebooting' of the hand controller is a fix to prior situations in L5 where if it didn't connect, it would just hang. Now it will reboot itself and attempt to connect again.?
Your fix to unplug and re-plug in the HC is a good one for now
You can also try disabling DHCP if you are not using ethernet, and/or set the DHCP timeout value to 0 (both available under network in hand controller, make sure to store settings)
Brian
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Brian
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Hi Brendan, ? Thanks for the suggestions.? I have examined the both the plugs on the cables and the jacks on the HC and G2 and everything looks clean and good. ?No dirt, fluff, bent or crossed pins. ?I did this with a 7x loupe.? I tried re-crimping the pins on the original coiled cord.? I also made a short 3-foot straight cable thinking that maybe it was a cable or cable length problem, but the behavior did not change.? I checked both cables with a cable checker, wiggling the cables to see if I could induce an intermittent but they both looked good. ? I really don’t think it’s a cable or socket problem because once I get past start-up by unplugging and re-plugging the HC everything works fine.? It only happens at start-up.? It acts like the G2 controller is late to the game of connecting to the HC on power-up when there is no Ethernet connection.? If I unplug the HC, turn on the G2 and wait say 30 seconds and then plug in the HC, it comes up properly. ? I have not tried the 2nd serial port.? Might be worth a try. ? Thanks again, Bill ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Brendan Sent: Saturday, July 8, 2023 7:43 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up ? Hi Bill
Inspect the HC sockets (both ends) for foreign matter and bad pins. ?Use a torch and magnifier for a close inspection. ?funny thing I was working on HC recently and noticed that one of the pin had been pushed up and crossed to the next position ? So inspect the HC socket as well ?
As you already know the cable crimps are the usual problem but I have had one with a bit of paper caught in the pins.?
I also get poor connections on a spare HC cable I made. ?If I hold it in with pressure or bend the lead away from the socket it works fine otherwise I get reboots poor connection and sometimes need to replicate it.?
So your issue points to the socket maybe swap ends from HC to the Gemini hold the plug in on boot see how that goes ? ?The LAN has no connection to the serial apart from the ARM being common. ?
Alternately set the 2nd serial port (the one above the HC on mini) baud to 9600 and try the HC in that port to see if you get a change.?
Get back if it continues et
cheets
--
Brendan
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Hi Bill, can you please check the HC firmware version? Should be 1.57 if this was updated properly. Also the version of the main board firmware?
Regards,
? ? ?-Paul
On Sun, Jul 9, 2023 at 09:53 AM, Bill Flanagan wrote:
Hi Brendan,
?
Thanks for the suggestions.? I have examined the both the plugs on the cables and the jacks on the HC and G2 and everything looks clean and good. ?No dirt, fluff, bent or crossed pins. ?I did this with a 7x loupe.? I tried re-crimping the pins on the original coiled cord.? I also made a short 3-foot straight cable thinking that maybe it was a cable or cable length problem, but the behavior did not change.? I checked both cables with a cable checker, wiggling the cables to see if I could induce an intermittent but they both looked good.
?
I really don’t think it’s a cable or socket problem because once I get past start-up by unplugging and re-plugging the HC everything works fine.? It only happens at start-up.? It acts like the G2 controller is late to the game of connecting to the HC on power-up when there is no Ethernet connection.? If I unplug the HC, turn on the G2 and wait say 30 seconds and then plug in the HC, it comes up properly.
?
I have not tried the 2nd serial port.? Might be worth a try.
?
Thanks again,
Bill
?
?
Hi Bill
Inspect the HC sockets (both ends) for foreign matter and bad pins. ?Use a torch and magnifier for a close inspection. ?funny thing I was working on HC recently and noticed that one of the pin had been pushed up and crossed to the next position ? So inspect the HC socket as well ?
As you already know the cable crimps are the usual problem but I have had one with a bit of paper caught in the pins.?
I also get poor connections on a spare HC cable I made. ?If I hold it in with pressure or bend the lead away from the socket it works fine otherwise I get reboots poor connection and sometimes need to replicate it.?
So your issue points to the socket maybe swap ends from HC to the Gemini hold the plug in on boot see how that goes ? ?The LAN has no connection to the serial apart from the ARM being common. ?
Alternately set the 2nd serial port (the one above the HC on mini) baud to 9600 and try the HC in that port to see if you get a change.?
Get back if it continues et
cheets
--
Brendan
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Hi Bernd, ? Interesting…. When you try the second time are you cycling power to the G2 or just unplugging and re-plugging the HC into the G2?? I think I noticed once that if I quickly cycle power on the G2, the HC will connect quickly. ? Bill ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Bernd Sent: Sunday, July 9, 2023 1:37 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up ? Hi Brian,
hi Bill
After Level6 Upgrade the HC fails any first connect! The second try results in a connect. I'm using ethernet connecton with my PC but the behaviour is the same if no PC is connected.
Bernd
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Hi Paul, ? Below is the firmware info.
- HC Firmware V1.57, Build Jun 13 2023 ?09:39:13
Himax8347 graphic chip - Mainboard Firmware Level 6.00, Built Jun 13 2023 ?11:11:57
- Servo Firmware,? RA Version 3, DEC Version 3
? Regards, Bill ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Paul Kanevsky Sent: Sunday, July 9, 2023 9:12 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up ? Hi Bill, can you please check the HC firmware version? Should be 1.57 if this was updated properly. Also the version of the main board firmware?
Regards,
? ? ?-Paul
On Sun, Jul 9, 2023 at 09:53 AM, Bill Flanagan wrote:
Hi Brendan, ? Thanks for the suggestions.? I have examined the both the plugs on the cables and the jacks on the HC and G2 and everything looks clean and good. ?No dirt, fluff, bent or crossed pins. ?I did this with a 7x loupe.? I tried re-crimping the pins on the original coiled cord.? I also made a short 3-foot straight cable thinking that maybe it was a cable or cable length problem, but the behavior did not change.? I checked both cables with a cable checker, wiggling the cables to see if I could induce an intermittent but they both looked good. ? I really don’t think it’s a cable or socket problem because once I get past start-up by unplugging and re-plugging the HC everything works fine.? It only happens at start-up.? It acts like the G2 controller is late to the game of connecting to the HC on power-up when there is no Ethernet connection.? If I unplug the HC, turn on the G2 and wait say 30 seconds and then plug in the HC, it comes up properly. ? I have not tried the 2nd serial port.? Might be worth a try. ? Thanks again, Bill ? ? Hi Bill
Inspect the HC sockets (both ends) for foreign matter and bad pins. ?Use a torch and magnifier for a close inspection. ?funny thing I was working on HC recently and noticed that one of the pin had been pushed up and crossed to the next position ? So inspect the HC socket as well ?
As you already know the cable crimps are the usual problem but I have had one with a bit of paper caught in the pins.?
I also get poor connections on a spare HC cable I made. ?If I hold it in with pressure or bend the lead away from the socket it works fine otherwise I get reboots poor connection and sometimes need to replicate it.?
So your issue points to the socket maybe swap ends from HC to the Gemini hold the plug in on boot see how that goes ? ?The LAN has no connection to the serial apart from the ARM being common. ?
Alternately set the 2nd serial port (the one above the HC on mini) baud to 9600 and try the HC in that port to see if you get a change.?
Get back if it continues et
cheets
--
Brendan
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Hmm, ok, I know that v1.57 added the automatic HC reconnect when the connection has failed. Based on what you’re describing it doesn’t try to reconnect. That’s what made me suspicious about the HC version number. ?Seems like that’s not an issue in your case.
On Sun, Jul 9, 2023 at 10:43 AM, Bill Flanagan wrote:
Hi Paul,
?
Below is the firmware info.
- HC Firmware V1.57, Build Jun 13 2023 ?09:39:13
Himax8347 graphic chip
- Mainboard Firmware Level 6.00, Built Jun 13 2023 ?11:11:57
- Servo Firmware,? RA Version 3, DEC Version 3
?
Regards,
Bill
?
?
Hi Bill, can you please check the HC firmware version? Should be 1.57 if this was updated properly. Also the version of the main board firmware?
Regards,
? ? ?-Paul
On Sun, Jul 9, 2023 at 09:53 AM, Bill Flanagan wrote:
Hi Brendan,
?
Thanks for the suggestions.? I have examined the both the plugs on the cables and the jacks on the HC and G2 and everything looks clean and good. ?No dirt, fluff, bent or crossed pins. ?I did this with a 7x loupe.? I tried re-crimping the pins on the original coiled cord.? I also made a short 3-foot straight cable thinking that maybe it was a cable or cable length problem, but the behavior did not change.? I checked both cables with a cable checker, wiggling the cables to see if I could induce an intermittent but they both looked good.
?
I really don’t think it’s a cable or socket problem because once I get past start-up by unplugging and re-plugging the HC everything works fine.? It only happens at start-up.? It acts like the G2 controller is late to the game of connecting to the HC on power-up when there is no Ethernet connection.? If I unplug the HC, turn on the G2 and wait say 30 seconds and then plug in the HC, it comes up properly.
?
I have not tried the 2nd serial port.? Might be worth a try.
?
Thanks again,
Bill
?
?
Hi Bill
Inspect the HC sockets (both ends) for foreign matter and bad pins. ?Use a torch and magnifier for a close inspection. ?funny thing I was working on HC recently and noticed that one of the pin had been pushed up and crossed to the next position ? So inspect the HC socket as well ?
As you already know the cable crimps are the usual problem but I have had one with a bit of paper caught in the pins.?
I also get poor connections on a spare HC cable I made. ?If I hold it in with pressure or bend the lead away from the socket it works fine otherwise I get reboots poor connection and sometimes need to replicate it.?
So your issue points to the socket maybe swap ends from HC to the Gemini hold the plug in on boot see how that goes ? ?The LAN has no connection to the serial apart from the ARM being common. ?
Alternately set the 2nd serial port (the one above the HC on mini) baud to 9600 and try the HC in that port to see if you get a change.?
Get back if it continues et
cheets
--
Brendan
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Hi Bill,
this occurs anytime I power up the Gemini 2 with a plugged in HC. It's constantly plugged in. The reconnection works. But just after the first try fails.
Bernd
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Check and make sure the sd card is secure.
Daniel
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On Jul 8, 2023, at 2:33 PM, Bill Flanagan <wdfgrpmail@...> wrote:
The hang is somewhat intermittent. Some days it h
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Hi Bernd, ? Seems like this is one of those bugs that can manifest itself differently on different machines and setups.? Could be that the HC connection always works fine for most users and only a few of us see the problem.? Anyway at least there is an easy work around, I just never saw it on Level 5. ? Bill ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Bernd Sent: Sunday, July 9, 2023 10:33 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up ? Hi Bill,
this occurs anytime I power up the Gemini 2 with a plugged in HC. It's constantly plugged in. The reconnection works. But just after the first try fails.
Bernd
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Okay... I'll check again but this is the second set of SD cards that it has
shown the problem. I reprogrammed a new set in hopes it would make a
difference. Seems like if the SD card was a problem, I would be seeing
other problems too, but everything works great after I get past start-up.
Thanks for the suggestion,
Bill
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-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel Rake Sent: Sunday, July 9, 2023 11:02 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Gemini-II_io] FW: L6 - Hand Controller Connection on Power-Up Check and make sure the sd card is secure. Daniel On Jul 8, 2023, at 2:33 PM, Bill Flanagan <wdfgrpmail@...> wrote:
The hang is somewhat intermittent. Some days it h
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We have a test version of HC firmware to address connection problems and HC brightness. Please PM me if you wish to test it.?
Thanks
Brian
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Bernd
Paul Kanevsky