How to perform firmware upgrade on Pentair* controllers

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I can rent you either a USB-ML-12;
1) Multilink rev A which can use Adelaide prog12z_install.exe v1.62 software in windows XP with Pentair's EDITED (Modified by you) scripts (.bat)) or
2) Multilink Rev B which you can use with your own Prog12Z software from P&E Micro for 169.00 (17.00 with student ID) and is able to use pentair's scripts in windows 7 (But not XP), or
3) You can send me your board for programming. (My Cyclone Pro Programmer)

I don't know if the Rev B USB-ML-12 works in Window's XP with the Prog12z v1.71 listed in post 71
 
Jerry,
I just found this thread and I'm interested in learning more about this.
I saw this on E-bay PE Micro Multilink Universal USB-ML-UNIVERSAL JTAG BDM SPI REV A (New In Box) but the sale ended now.But to be sure - I need the REV B right"? So the item on E-bay was not the correct one.

I can get the "Prog12z" software from PE Micro with my University Faculty/Staff ID at the discounted price. However, I wont buy it until I'm sure I can get the correct hardware.

I need to read through this entire thread from beginning to end - but I wanted to post now to be sure to understand the differences in "REV"s.
 
Jerry,
I just found this thread and I'm interested in learning more about this.
I saw this on E-bay PE Micro Multilink Universal USB-ML-UNIVERSAL JTAG BDM SPI REV A (New In Box) but the sale ended now.But to be sure - I need the REV B right"? So the item on E-bay was not the correct one.

I can get the "Prog12z" software from PE Micro with my University Faculty/Staff ID at the discounted price. However, I wont buy it until I'm sure I can get the correct hardware.

I need to read through this entire thread from beginning to end - but I wanted to post now to be sure to understand the differences in "REV"s.

There are a couple of different programmers USB-ML-12 Rev B or Rev C and the Cyclone Pro, Max etc that all work on windows 7 (The USB-ML-12 Rev A is windows XP only, the universal is different).

The USB-ML-Universal Rev A appears to be an even later product, that does more then the HC(S)12 chip programming. Should be fine.

NOTE, you will get more then one license for your $17.00, so you might think to use a common email and share some of the licenses. (wink, wink, hint, hint)

The software for the Cyclone series is free. But the USB-ML-12 series can use Pentair's programming scripts without any edits, which is nice...

This is what PE Micro has listed as there lowest priced HC(S)12 programmer $199.00
PE Microcomputer Systems: Over 30 years as an Industry leader in Embedded Systems Development Tools, debug probes, and production programmers - USB Multilink Universal - USB Multilink Universal All-In-One Development Interface - HCS08, HC(S)12(X), ColdFire V2/V3/V4, Qorivva MPC5xxx, RS08, ColdFire V1, Kinetis, DSC, S12Z, LPC, STM32, SPC56, Stellaris® LM3S/LM4, Atmel, Infinion, Silicon Labs, Maxim, Cypress, Toshiba, S32 (ARM), S32 (Power), Interface Hardware/Cable
 
NOTE, you will get more then one license for your $17.00, so you might think to use a common email and share some of the licenses. (wink, wink, hint, hint)

If the software for the Cyclone is free, maybe the hardware is cheaper too. (is there a specific model or part # I need to get the correct Cyclone)

If the PE Micro Rev B or Rev C ends up being cheaper (with the $17 software) I'll go that route. I have Win7, 8, 8.1 and 10, but no XP.

I already contacted PE Micro using my University e-mail account to confirm I could get the discount - if there is another way to order when the time comes (using Gmail, Outlook.com, etc.,) I'll do that - for the reason you hinted to.

Is this the USB BDM Microlink that I would be looking for on E-Bay? http://www.pemicro.com/products/product_viewDetails.cfm?product_id=33&productTab=1

I see the Cyclone now on the PE Micro website (it's really expensive. Not sure what discount they might apply, but I doubt it will be affordable for just doing this program once or twice).
 
Yes, set up a search for USB-ML-12 on ebay.

The registration email is how the licenses are managed. Maybe it is a email and a shared password for PE Micro's website that would work ???

I can rent you or trade rental time of a USB-ML-12 Rev B, (Miami to Orlando is next day by UPS)
 
Hi jerryt,
I still looking into this. I don't know if PE Micro will offer a discount on the hardware - but on their site they list this USB Multilink Universal as the replacement for the USB BDM Microlink. PE Microcomputer Systems: Over 30 years as an Industry leader in Embedded Systems Development Tools, debug probes, and production programmers - USB Multilink Universal - USB Multilink Universal All-In-One Development Interface - HCS08, HC(S)12(X), ColdFire V2/V3/V4, Qorivva MPC5xxx, RS08, ColdFire V1, Kinetis, DSC, S12Z, LPC, STM32, SPC56, Stellaris® LM3S/LM4, Atmel, Infinion, Silicon Labs, Maxim, Cypress, Toshiba, S32 (ARM), S32 (Power), Interface Hardware/Cable
It's almost a cheap as the (now expired) E-bay listing for the model you mentioned a few post above. Would this model work? If so, I'll ask if I can get a discount (its available with the software Prog12z too as a package).
Thanks for offering to rent your equipment. That's a good deal, but if I can get the hardware/software for a good price - I'd rather have it and then I good for all future Pentair updates too.
 
Hi jerryt,
I still looking into this. I don't know if PE Micro will offer a discount on the hardware - but on their site they list this USB Multilink Universal as the replacement for the USB BDM Microlink. PE Microcomputer Systems: Over 30 years as an Industry leader in Embedded Systems Development Tools, debug probes, and production programmers - USB Multilink Universal - USB Multilink Universal All-In-One Development Interface - HCS08, HC(S)12(X), ColdFire V2/V3/V4, Qorivva MPC5xxx, RS08, ColdFire V1, Kinetis, DSC, S12Z, LPC, STM32, SPC56, Stellaris® LM3S/LM4, Atmel, Infinion, Silicon Labs, Maxim, Cypress, Toshiba, S32 (ARM), S32 (Power), Interface Hardware/Cable
It's almost a cheap as the (now expired) E-bay listing for the model you mentioned a few post above. Would this model work? If so, I'll ask if I can get a discount (its available with the software Prog12z too as a package).
Thanks for offering to rent your equipment. That's a good deal, but if I can get the hardware/software for a good price - I'd rather have it and then I good for all future Pentair updates too.

Yes it will work. The Multilink Universal includes this chip "HC(S)12(X)" so it will work.
 
Updated to 2.160

I just updated the firmware to 2.160 on my Pentair easytouch outdoor and wireless controllers using the same method I used before (see past posts). No issues.

I also updated my old posts to fix the photobucket image links (photobucket broke the internet when they stopped allowing links to 3rd party websites).
 
520965 is the part number for Pentair's board. The BDM programmer plugs into the Pentair board and then the device uses a jst cable to connect to the Pentair board. That board is what we've replaced with our home-made cables. Hope that helps!
 

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Hi.

I have an older Easy Touch motherboard (outdoor controller). The Software Rev is 1.060 circa 2007. My wireless controller recently died (battery holder disintegrated).

I purchased a new wireless remote control on Ebay circa 2013 with Software Rev 2.130. They both have the same Boot Loader Rev 1.010.

I assume my transceiver is circa 2007 as well but know nothing else about it.

I have not been able to pair the motherboard with the new wireless remote control. I've followed the instructions closely and even tired resets and EPROM erases.

I have a couple of questions please:

1) Can my motherboard be upgraded to the current Rev 2.160?
2) Will I need to update my wireless remote to that same Software Rev as well?
3) Is my transceiver compatible with my new wireless remote (how can I tell)?
4) Can I get a local pool service company to do this? (how much is reasonable)?
5) Any other advice?
 
Hey Scowman,

1. I dont' think you can upgrade your motherboard... the firmware release notes says "EasyTouch Boards shipped prior to 5/5/08 (i.e. EasyTouch 1) cannot be programmed with version 2.010 or higher.". The microprocessor on the older board doesn't have enough flash memory for the new firmware (it's a 1x16x64k device whereas the new version uses a 1x16x128k device).

2. the old wireless remotes can't be upgraded to the new 2.160 firmware

3. No it's not compatible. There are two styles of transceivers... the FCC ids on the back of the wireless controller will be either P4HEASYTOUCH (old version) or P4HEASYTOUCH2A (new version). You can't run the new version of the wireless controller on the old version of the outdoor transceiver, and vice versa.

4. i don't think it's possible, sorry!

5. what you can do - and i have done this - is replace the battery holder in your old remote. there are 2 battery holders that each hold 2 AA batteries (3 volts per holder)... they are wired in parallel with each other, so the total voltage for all 4 batteries is still 3 volts. I think that's the best option... in order to use your new wireless remote you'd need at least a new outdoor transceiver and probably also a new ET mainboard.

i hope that helps, but maybe this needs a new thread? or feel free to pm me if you need more info.
Tom
 
Hey Scowman,

1. I dont' think you can upgrade your motherboard... the firmware release notes says "EasyTouch Boards shipped prior to 5/5/08 (i.e. EasyTouch 1) cannot be programmed with version 2.010 or higher.". The microprocessor on the older board doesn't have enough flash memory for the new firmware (it's a 1x16x64k device whereas the new version uses a 1x16x128k device).

2. the old wireless remotes can't be upgraded to the new 2.160 firmware

3. No it's not compatible. There are two styles of transceivers... the FCC ids on the back of the wireless controller will be either P4HEASYTOUCH (old version) or P4HEASYTOUCH2A (new version). You can't run the new version of the wireless controller on the old version of the outdoor transceiver, and vice versa.

4. i don't think it's possible, sorry!

5. what you can do - and i have done this - is replace the battery holder in your old remote. there are 2 battery holders that each hold 2 AA batteries (3 volts per holder)... they are wired in parallel with each other, so the total voltage for all 4 batteries is still 3 volts. I think that's the best option... in order to use your new wireless remote you'd need at least a new outdoor transceiver and probably also a new ET mainboard.

i hope that helps, but maybe this needs a new thread? or feel free to pm me if you need more info.
Tom

Thanks Tom, that really helps. I wonder if I can just get away with a transceiver upgrade or will I need a motherboard upgrade as well?
 
That's a great deal on the parallel version and I'm glad you got it all working... I have yet to get an old laptop with a parallel port for mine, offerup is food for thought!
 
That's a great deal on the parallel version and I'm glad you got it all working... I have yet to get an old laptop with a parallel port for mine, offerup is food for thought!

Dell Latitude D600 (actually what I got also) is a great one - I knew it was a solid laptop and had a parallel port (its the business line) and was my work PC circa 2007 or so! Even on eBay they aren't that expensive anymore. My current laptop has a dock with a parrallel port also, and may have worked, but its on Win10.
 
I just repaired the battery holders in an Easytouch2 Wireless remote... I wanted to update firmware and I stumbled across a way to program it without supplying external power...

On page 3 of this post, Geobrick was struggling to program his remote because the programming scripts reset the micro, and then the micro wasn't getting power during programming so an error 34 was thrown. He fashioned a cable that supplied 5 volts from the outdoor controller to the remote via the jst connector and succeeded in programming his unit.

I couldn't find any jst connectors to make a similar cable, but it turns out that just "holding" the menu/power button down for the duration of programming does the trick!

here are the steps I did:
- plug the programming cable into the remote
- open a cmd prompt and type in the .bat file name (don't hit return yet)
- hold down the menu/power button
- while still holding menu/power, run the .bat file
- hold menu/power until programming and verification finishes

*I use a parallel port BDM multilink and you can use an external power supply (negative tip!) to power the target, which worked great for a MobileTouch2a but not for the Easytouch2
 
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