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Level 6 Upgrade for Gemini 2 using Linux

 

I have a G11G that I plan on updating using the . Decided to go that route because I don't have a PIC, and I don't want to risk damaging the Gemini2 with soldering up a header connector between the PIC and the Gemini; don't trust my soldering skills that much!
I understand that the PIC software that comes in the kit is Windows only. I watched the video yesterday, and asked the question if the Level 6 update could be done from Linux, but missed the answer at the time. I think someone in the chat mentioned they'd done the firmware (PIC) part from Linux.

So, is there anyone out there who has done the upgrade from Linux, and could they share some brief instructions? PIC software used, etc? I figure between the instructions that will come with the kit, and notes on the PIC programming part specific to Linux, I should be able to work my way through it ok.
 

The PIC is the chip (actually two) in the Gemini.?? The PIC programmer is what you use externally to program a PIC.? There are definitely ways to program PICs under Linux.? I hope someone will pop up who knows exactly how.
 

I have found the MP Lab IDE-X at??which I hope can be used for uploading the firmware.? The version I have is 6.05 (installed the IPE), and it appears to be a Java application.? Hopefully, Jamie will let us know what he used.
 
Edited

Depending on where you live there may be someone nearby who would be willing to update your Gemini-2.? This will be allowed even encouraged to get as many Gemini-2 controllers and HCs updated to L6 as possible in any way possible. When L6 is released just ask around and someone nearby will likely try to help you out.?

--

Chip Louie Chief Daydreamer Imagination Hardware?

? ?Astropheric Weather Forecast - South Pasadena, CA?
 

Hopefully, Jamie will let us know what he used.
That's who it was!
 

Depending on where you like there may be someone nearby who would be willing to update your Gemini-2.? This will be allowed to get as many Gemini-2 controllers and HCs updated to L6 as possible in any way possible. When L6 is released just ask around and someone nearby will likely try to help you out.
I'll keep that in mind. I guess really all I need is someone with a Windows machine willing to install the software long enough to do the job. I do have a Windows virtual machine, but my experience is that whole VM/virtualization thing doesn't like some low-level USB activities. My wife has a Mac, but that won't help either.
 

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Another option is sending your Gemini-2 and HC into Losmandy. I don¡¯t feel comfortable fiddling with electronics so that¡¯s the route I¡¯m taking. I¡¯ve already got my name in that que so when it¡¯s released I can mail it in. If that option is of any interest to you visit:



On Apr 6, 2023, at 5:08 PM, LKO <lkosiliconmage@...> wrote:

Depending on where you like there may be someone nearby who would be willing to update your Gemini-2.? This will be allowed to get as many Gemini-2 controllers and HCs updated to L6 as possible in any way possible. When L6 is released just ask around and someone nearby will likely try to help you out.
I'll keep that in mind. I guess really all I need is someone with a Windows machine willing to install the software long enough to do the job. I do have a Windows virtual machine, but my experience is that whole VM/virtualization thing doesn't like some low-level USB activities. My wife has a Mac, but that won't help either.

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That¡¯s what I¡¯m going to do too. Besides, summer is Astro downtime here in Tucson. Too much clouds and rain in July and August!

-----------------------------
Rick Paul

 

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The MPLAB X IDE is available on the microchip web site for download including Linux:



I've been using the IDE version 5.5 successfully with the MPLAB ICD-3 programmer, now there's version 6.05 available.

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Am 07.04.23 um 01:55 schrieb LKO:

Hopefully, Jamie will let us know what he used.
That's who it was!


 

Yeah, sending it in is an option, too. I think that's why I'm going to just be patient a while, let Level 6 get out in the wild a while, before I decide what to do. I'm fairly comfortable getting the upgrade kit and doing it myself, just want to be sure of the Linux part. I can keep an eye on the forum and what the other non-Windows people do.

 

Yes I've used the mplabs Linux version with success. There is also a mac version as well. This was with the pic programer originally recommended by the L6 beta group.?

 

If you're willing and able to visit the Santa Cruz mountains I'll help install the update.

 

I just ordered the L6 Upgrade Kit. I've got the temporary use of an Intel NUC running Windows 10, so I can "do this by the book"!

 

You only need MPLAB IPE to program the DSpic33s (and much other Microchip devices).? MPLAB X is an AIO development that is rather large and complex for most users.

IPE is integrated Programming Environment and much easier to use.?? According to Microchip its usable (can be installed)? for Linux, OSX and of course windows.?? ...you download MPLAB X. ? . ?? .......but only really need to install MPLAB IPE! ? Easy enough to do this is download MPLAB X then "selecting MPLAB IPE" by a "tick" (un-tick other installers).??

For Linux installers I'm not sure if the GUI is the same as widows (i suspect not) so this may be more difficult just to install the IPE.??

"Software Installation Requirements
The MPLAB IPE application must be installed on your PC. It is available during the MPLAB X IDE installation process
if the check box is selected (see the setup figure below). You do not need to install the MPLAB X IDE in order to use
the IPE application. However, you may want to refer to the online help for the MPLAB X IDE for additional
information. Also select the check boxes for the device support you want installed."

Here is a screen shot of the MPLAX X installer.....just tick MPLAB IPE....you really do not want the whole MPLAB X!?? You do not need MPLAB X IDE to program the despic33.

Again Linux installers wont see this box as their installer is different.?? I think MPLAB IPE can be downloaded directly for OSX and Windows here.



provides all you need to install the dspic33 hex firmware.??? If you are "ifffy" about all this and or do not have "headers" installed on your Main Board.....might be best to send to Losmandy or one of repairers to do it.

cheers hope this helps
--
Brendan

 

>>>MPLAB IPE

that's correct, only the IPE is needed, not the IDE



On Wed, May 17, 2023 at 4:34?PM Brendan <brenatlilydale@...> wrote:
You only need MPLAB IPE to program the DSpic33s (and much other Microchip devices).? MPLAB X is an AIO development that is rather large and complex for most users.

IPE is integrated Programming Environment and much easier to use.?? According to Microchip its usable (can be installed)? for Linux, OSX and of course windows.?? ...you download MPLAB X. ? . ?? .......but only really need to install MPLAB IPE! ? Easy enough to do this is download MPLAB X then "selecting MPLAB IPE" by a "tick" (un-tick other installers).??

For Linux installers I'm not sure if the GUI is the same as widows (i suspect not) so this may be more difficult just to install the IPE.??

"Software Installation Requirements
The MPLAB IPE application must be installed on your PC. It is available during the MPLAB X IDE installation process
if the check box is selected (see the setup figure below). You do not need to install the MPLAB X IDE in order to use
the IPE application. However, you may want to refer to the online help for the MPLAB X IDE for additional
information. Also select the check boxes for the device support you want installed."

Here is a screen shot of the MPLAX X installer.....just tick MPLAB IPE....you really do not want the whole MPLAB X!?? You do not need MPLAB X IDE to program the despic33.

Again Linux installers wont see this box as their installer is different.?? I think MPLAB IPE can be downloaded directly for OSX and Windows here.



provides all you need to install the dspic33 hex firmware.??? If you are "ifffy" about all this and or do not have "headers" installed on your Main Board.....might be best to send to Losmandy or one of repairers to do it.

cheers hope this helps
--
Brendan



--
Brian?



Brian Valente
astronomy portfolio??
nature portfolio?
other astronomy??

--
Brian

 

The UI is basically the same, I'm not sure but it may be using java.

 

Just want to report another successful install from a Linux system.? Took less than a 1/2 hour for the entire process without any glitches.

 

Thanks for the update Cheyenne, glad to hear it went well, particularly on Linux

On Sat, Jun 24, 2023 at 12:24?AM Cheyenne Wills <cheyenne.wills@...> wrote:
Just want to report another successful install from a Linux system.? Took less than a 1/2 hour for the entire process without any glitches.



--
Brian?



Brian Valente
astronomy portfolio??
nature portfolio?
other astronomy??

--
Brian

 

I want to report another successful upgrade using Linux. I used a PickKit3 clone and MPLAB X.

My only issue was apparently from formatting the SD card as FAT16.? I ended up saving a copy of the L5 SD card image and reformatting it to FAT32 (which is what it was before formatting), and the firmware upgrade went smoothly from there.

 

Thanks for the update Richard



On Fri, Jun 30, 2023 at 4:35?AM Richard Beck <beckrd@...> wrote:
I want to report another successful upgrade using Linux. I used a PickKit3 clone and MPLAB X.

My only issue was apparently from formatting the SD card as FAT16.? I ended up saving a copy of the L5 SD card image and reformatting it to FAT32 (which is what it was before formatting), and the firmware upgrade went smoothly from there.



--
Brian?



Brian Valente
astronomy portfolio??
nature portfolio?
other astronomy??

--
Brian

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