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I have not updated my firmware since I bought my tinysa. Seems like a lot of trouble updating so often. Is there really much to gain in updating if I dont use mine much? What will I gain that makes it worth the trouble?
Loren Moline WA7SKT
Benson, AZ
DM41ux
Admin:Facebook Group: Electronics Theory and Circuit Design.?
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On Tue, Apr 6, 2021 at 07:38 AM, Loren Moline WA7SKT wrote:
Is there really much to gain in updating if I dont use mine much?
Suggest you browse through the wiki menu tree and see if there any options you currently do not have that seem interesting. ? --
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For more info on the tinySA go to https://tinysa.org/wiki/
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I've slowed down to a once a week upgrade unless it's something I really need. Since I'm on other stuff currently it's on the shelf.
I do appreciate all of the work done on the tinySA. It's absolutely incredible what it can do. If they were to come out with a 4" screen version I would be on it like a frog on a June bug. These old eyeballs need all the help they can get.
--
Clif at AVVid
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Neither did I, on none of the ones I have. I figured this, there is only a finite amount of features and improvements that can be done with any given software / hardware combination before one runs into the limitation of hardware or software. I.M.o. that point isn't? miles away, its getting closer and closer. Once that point is reached and upgrades are just bug fixes, I give the ones I have away and just buy a couple new ones.That will take care of all hardware and software changes that will happen between now and then.Moreover, I heard rumors about a 1Ghz, 4+ inch version with build in tracking generator and rbw down to 1khz being developed in India with a price tag goal of around $100-120 by the end of 2021. The success of the Tiny just like the success of the NanoVNA has shown some people that they can actually make money in a market segment they have dismissed long ago as insignificant.
J.C.
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Hi Loren,
I rarely have
posted here. I can add an answer to this, though. I have two
of these and have 'updated/upgraded' neither. They do what I
want them to do and what I bought them for without having to
fiddle with software. If it ain't broke, don't fix it :) Some
people 'must have' the latest and greatest. There is no harm
in that. But I am busy doing other things.
73,
Bill? KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 4/6/21 10:38 AM, Loren Moline WA7SKT
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I have not updated my firmware since I bought my tinysa.
Seems like a lot of trouble updating so often. Is there
really much to gain in updating if I dont use mine much?
What will I gain that makes it worth the trouble?
Loren Moline WA7SKT
Benson, AZ
DM41ux
Admin:Facebook
Group: Electronics Theory and Circuit Design.?
|
Erik has made a lot of effort to fix bugs and add new features to the TinySA.? These new features have usually been made at the request of users.? For example the +/- 1 dB and 10 dB stepping softkeys and frequency slider in the Low Output mode have made this device much more useful as a signal generator.? And the new self test features like the thorough attenuator test are very good.
Anyone who bought their TinySA device more than a month ago is really missing out if they don't update their firmware.? Once you have done it once it is very easy.?
Roger
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My answer would be "why not?" It is very easy once you understand the process and you get bug fixes and feature enhancements. I've been doing flash upgrades to things since it was a hot new idea in the PC world and the Niny/Nano device upgrades are just about the easiest and most trouble free that I have seen. I have trouble imagining why people don't do it. 73 -Jim NU0C On Tue, 6 Apr 2021 14:38:34 +0000 "Loren Moline WA7SKT" <lmoline@...> wrote: I have not updated my firmware since I bought my tinysa. Seems like a lot of trouble updating so often. Is there really much to gain in updating if I dont use mine much? What will I gain that makes it worth the trouble?
Loren Moline WA7SKT
Benson, AZ
DM41ux
Admin:Facebook Group: Electronics Theory and Circuit Design.
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Loren,
one suspects, given your apparent background, that you were
taught to keep your tools in good order. When one updates the
firmware, the hardware becomes that much more useful. It can do
things updated that it was not capable of before. It is, if you
like, kept sharp. It can do more.
Now, some of those things may not be of use to you today, or
tomorrow, but those capabilities may encourage you to think about
new ways of doing things, or new things to do. Good test gear is
always an inspiration and a delight. When it's lightweight, rather
than a boat anchor, it's so much easier to find a home for, to
take out to the field, to put on the bench.
As for updating firmware, for myself there is a short note to
remind me how to do it, so the job doesn't take long at all. If
you prefer the command line, then that's easy, or so are the
various GUI programs.
For myself, updating is done when something catches my attention
on this user group.
HTH, 73, yours in 60/40, Stay Safe,
Robin, G8DQX
On 06/04/2021 15:38, Loren Moline
WA7SKT wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I have not updated my firmware since I bought my tinysa.
Seems like a lot of trouble updating so often. Is there really
much to gain in updating if I dont use mine much? What will I
gain that makes it worth the trouble?
Loren Moline WA7SKT
Benson, AZ
DM41ux
Admin:Facebook
Group: Electronics Theory and Circuit Design.
|
Hi Robin,
The main reason to update is to acquire a new feature that you
really want/need. If the original bugs are real defects then shame
on somebody. We might also install the latest software to enhance
the resale value. I have two of these wonderful devices and some
people apparently have more. I am only ever able to use one at a
time. One spare seems adequate.
There are real risks in updating the software. However small
those risks, they do exist. There is no point risking loss of the
machine just because the new version is somehow"cool". I have not
'updated' mine but I may be doing that soon - with reason.
Care of tools? I have been using, caring for, and *making* tools
(and thousands of other things) starting sixty seven years ago.
That analogy falls short. I think the point you are trying to make
is good but the analogy missed the mark. most analogies do to one
extent or other.
73,
Bill? KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 4/7/21 4:55 AM, G8DQX list wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Loren,
one suspects, given your apparent background, that you were
taught to keep your tools in good order. When one updates the
firmware, the hardware becomes that much more useful. It can do
things updated that it was not capable of before. It is, if you
like, kept sharp. It can do more.
Now, some of those things may not be of use to you today, or
tomorrow, but those capabilities may encourage you to think
about new ways of doing things, or new things to do. Good test
gear is always an inspiration and a delight. When it's
lightweight, rather than a boat anchor, it's so much easier to
find a home for, to take out to the field, to put on the bench.
As for updating firmware, for myself there is a short note to
remind me how to do it, so the job doesn't take long at all. If
you prefer the command line, then that's easy, or so are the
various GUI programs.
For myself, updating is done when something catches my
attention on this user group.
HTH, 73, yours in 60/40, Stay Safe,
Robin, G8DQX
On 06/04/2021 15:38, Loren Moline
WA7SKT wrote:
I have not updated my firmware since I bought my tinysa.
Seems like a lot of trouble updating so often. Is there really
much to gain in updating if I dont use mine much? What will I
gain that makes it worth the trouble?
Loren Moline WA7SKT
Benson, AZ
DM41ux
Admin:Facebook
Group: Electronics Theory and Circuit Design.
|
I'd just like to correct one point, Bill...? there is *no* risk in
updating the firmware in the TinySA.
It can't be "bricked".? If anything goes wrong or you don't like the
new firmware, all you have to do is re-flash the previous version.
At the very worst, you might have to open the case to short a link
in order to re-flash, but that's unlikely.
Mike - M0MLM
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hi Robin,
The main reason to update is to acquire a new feature that you
really want/need. If the original bugs are real defects then
shame on somebody. We might also install the latest software to
enhance the resale value. I have two of these wonderful devices
and some people apparently have more. I am only ever able to use
one at a time. One spare seems adequate.
There are real risks in updating the software. However small
those risks, they do exist. There is no point risking loss of
the machine just because the new version is somehow"cool". I
have not 'updated' mine but I may be doing that soon - with
reason.
Care of tools? I have been using, caring for, and *making*
tools (and thousands of other things) starting sixty seven years
ago. That analogy falls short. I think the point you are trying
to make is good but the analogy missed the mark. most analogies
do to one extent or other.
73,
Bill? KU8H
|
Hi Bill,
There is no risk in updating the firmware. It has been explained by the authors that any problem during updating (a power outage or a wrong file, for example), does not brick the tinySA, the bootloader can not be erased by accident.? I something happens the only operation involved is do it again.
Regards,
Ignacio EB4APL
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
El 07/04/2021 a las 14:16, Bill Cromwell escribió:
Hi Robin,
The main reason to update is to acquire a new feature that you really want/need. If the original bugs are real defects then shame on somebody. We might also install the latest software to enhance the resale value. I have two of these wonderful devices and some people apparently have more. I am only ever able to use one at a time. One spare seems adequate.
There are real risks in updating the software. However small those risks, they do exist. There is no point risking loss of the machine just because the new version is somehow"cool". I have not 'updated' mine but I may be doing that soon - with reason.
Care of tools? I have been using, caring for, and *making* tools (and thousands of other things) starting sixty seven years ago. That analogy falls short. I think the point you are trying to make is good but the analogy missed the mark. most analogies do to one extent or other.
73,
Bill? KU8H
--
El software de antivirus Avast ha analizado este correo electrónico en busca de virus.
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I meant "if something happens".
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
El 07/04/2021 a las 14:36, EB4APL via groups.io escribió: Hi Bill,
There is no risk in updating the firmware. It has been explained by the authors that any problem during updating (a power outage or a wrong file, for example), does not brick the tinySA, the bootloader can not be erased by accident.? I something happens the only operation involved is do it again.
Regards,
Ignacio EB4APL
El 07/04/2021 a las 14:16, Bill Cromwell escribió:
Hi Robin,
The main reason to update is to acquire a new feature that you really want/need. If the original bugs are real defects then shame on somebody. We might also install the latest software to enhance the resale value. I have two of these wonderful devices and some people apparently have more. I am only ever able to use one at a time. One spare seems adequate.
There are real risks in updating the software. However small those risks, they do exist. There is no point risking loss of the machine just because the new version is somehow"cool". I have not 'updated' mine but I may be doing that soon - with reason.
Care of tools? I have been using, caring for, and *making* tools (and thousands of other things) starting sixty seven years ago. That analogy falls short. I think the point you are trying to make is good but the analogy missed the mark. most analogies do to one extent or other.
73,
Bill? KU8H
--
El software de antivirus Avast ha analizado este correo electrónico en busca de virus.
|
On Tue, Apr 6, 2021 at 03:59 PM, Roger Need wrote:
Erik has made a lot of effort to fix bugs and add new features to the TinySA.
And I thank him for each and every one!!! THANK YOU ERIK!!! For those that do not want to upgrade - fine DON'T! larry
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On Wed, Apr 7, 2021 at 04:55 AM, G8DQX list wrote:
Now, some of those things may not be of use to you today, or tomorrow, but those capabilities may encourage you to think about new ways of doing things, or new things to do.
Bravo! ?"If you prefer the command line, then that's easy, or so are the various GUI programs." On a raspberry Pi : simply down load the file and recall the command from .bash_history . ?It takes about a minute. larry
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Frequently I don't understand exactly what a new release adds or fixes. I'm sure I'm not alone here. A given release may not even be relevant for my purposes. But it is far faster and easier for me to upgrade FW than trying to understand the release notes and comments. If the FW ain't broke but the upgrade adds a really cool new feature that I've been doing without just fine, it's worth it. If it is less obvious like improving the menu tree, speeding up operations or is more stable then I still win, even if I'm oblivious to the improvement. And even if a new release introduces a new bug, it takes less than two minutes to flash back. We all just have different expectations and priorities. There's not one best answer.
Regardless, it's an amazing lot of bang for the buck!
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I also appreciate Erik's dedication to this fine product. I update the firmware at least once a month or sooner if I require a fix or feature. In any case I copy all of this release note messages to a text file and annotate the file when I upgrade my two units.
?
Mike N2MS
On 04/07/2021 9:32 AM Lawrance A. Schneider <llaassllaaass@...> wrote:
?
?
On Tue, Apr 6, 2021 at 03:59 PM, Roger Need wrote:
Erik has made a lot of effort to fix bugs and add new features to the TinySA.
|
I find upgrading the firmware part of the hobby and I'm getting a better machine in return each time I do it. It's so simple to do and it only takes a minute once you get everything set up on your computer. About two weeks ago I was upgrading the firmware on this device almost everyday and I actually found it fun to see the device getting better each time. I thank Eric for his dedication in this endeavor to make the product we bought better and better and I find it fun.
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I agree. Speaking as someone who has had to hot swap BIOS chips on PC motherboards to recover from a failed flash I will say that upgrading the Tiny is virtually zero risk. Currently I have 65 firmware versions in my archive and did not have any problems loading any of them. 73 -Jim On Wed, 7 Apr 2021 14:36:23 +0200 "EB4APL" <eb4apl@...> wrote: Hi Bill,
There is no risk in updating the firmware. It has been explained by the
authors that any problem during updating (a power outage or a wrong
file, for example), does not brick the tinySA, the bootloader can not be
erased by accident.? I something happens the only operation involved is
do it again.
Regards,
Ignacio EB4APL
El 07/04/2021 a las 14:16, Bill Cromwell escribió:
Hi Robin,
The main reason to update is to acquire a new feature that you really
want/need. If the original bugs are real defects then shame on
somebody. We might also install the latest software to enhance the
resale value. I have two of these wonderful devices and some people
apparently have more. I am only ever able to use one at a time. One
spare seems adequate.
There are real risks in updating the software. However small those
risks, they do exist. There is no point risking loss of the machine
just because the new version is somehow"cool". I have not 'updated'
mine but I may be doing that soon - with reason.
Care of tools? I have been using, caring for, and *making* tools (and
thousands of other things) starting sixty seven years ago. That
analogy falls short. I think the point you are trying to make is good
but the analogy missed the mark. most analogies do to one extent or other.
73,
Bill? KU8H
|
Hi,
Minimum risk
and no risk are not the same. Open the case. A small piece of
un-noticed bench debris falls in. Smoke. Bricked. That is just
one example. Murphy's law in full dress parade. When one of my
daughters married Dr Murphy (for real) I thought I would get a
reprieve from the law - family you know. I get extra!
I do intend to
install a later version of the software so I can try a couple
of things. I must now choose which things :)
73,
Bill? KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 4/7/21 8:24 AM, Mike Millen wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I'd just like to correct one point, Bill...? there is *no* risk in
updating the firmware in the TinySA.
It can't be "bricked".? If anything goes wrong or you don't like
the new firmware, all you have to do is re-flash the previous
version.
At the very worst, you might have to open the case to short a link
in order to re-flash, but that's unlikely.
Mike - M0MLM
|
I am as familiar with Murphy as anyone. However, FLASH updating of firmware is a mature technology. Every day at my job I do multiple updates on very expensive commercial product. Blown updates are so rare as to be statistically in the noise. I can't remember the last time I had one. I think it was the time I accidentally cut power to the wrong box... One of the products I support is based on a (now "obsolete") min-ITX PC platform that has an annoying tendency to corrupt its own BIOS occasionally for no apparent reason. Not even boot block recovery is available. I have developed a process in which I unsolder the BIOS chip and place a good one on the pads, holding it in place with finger pressure until the machine boots. Then I carefully remove it and place and hold the bad chip in while the machine is running and re-FLASH. Works every time. After I am satisfied that it all works I power down and solder the refreshed chip in. This is a variant of the method I used 20+ years ago at a computer shop then the chips were still socketed and FLASH failures were a little more common. Why am I telling you this? Maybe to give a perspective of why I have no fear of anything like this ever happening to the Tiny/Nano platform devices. It is easy and it just plain works. Even if it should fail there is a good recovery mechanism in place. Just do it. 73 -Jim NU0C On Wed, 7 Apr 2021 21:06:13 -0400 "Bill Cromwell" <wrcromwell@...> wrote: Hi,
Minimum risk and no risk are not the same. Open the case. A small piece
of un-noticed bench debris falls in. Smoke. Bricked. That is just one
example. Murphy's law in full dress parade. When one of my daughters
married Dr Murphy (for real) I thought I would get a reprieve from the
law - family you know. I get extra!
I do intend to install a later version of the software so I can try a
couple of things. I must now choose which things :)
73,
Bill? KU8H
bark less - wag more
On 4/7/21 8:24 AM, Mike Millen wrote:
I'd just like to correct one point, Bill...? there is *no* risk in
updating the firmware in the TinySA.
It can't be "bricked".? If anything goes wrong or you don't like the
new firmware, all you have to do is re-flash the previous version.
At the very worst, you might have to open the case to short a link in
order to re-flash, but that's unlikely.
Mike - M0MLM
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John Cunliffe W7ZQ
Roger Need
Jim Shorney
Dave