Firmware install caused MB6HC to fail to connect

[kroybal]

I was searching the forum to see if this was a solved problem, however, I couldn't find any valuable info on my issue:

The temp here at the lab was updating the firmware such that we can have closed loop control on our encoded motors.

Our setup is for a IDEX printer consisting of a D3MB6HC + two Duet 3 Exp 1HCL. We have two 17E1K-07 motors installed into the X and U axes.

We found our prints to be failing due to layer shifts in The X direction and decided to upgrade the machine.

When the temp flashed the firmware by uploading a .zip file (Duet2and3Firmware-3.4.1.zip) to the DWC sys directory, the machine now fails to start up properly. The Panel Due shows an endless "Connecting..." and we recently purchased a new MB6HC with a fresh, factory setting SD card which upon swapping, still has no impact on the machine's ability to boot up and connect.

I am out of ideas with how to regain our machine without swapping in the new board.

[jay_s_uk]

@kroybal I suggest working through this first https://docs.duet3d.com/en/User_manual/Troubleshooting/Duet_wont_respond

[droftarts]

@kroybal is the status light dimly lit? Most likely the firmware has erased, but has failed to flash new firmware; it happens occasionally. You just need to follow these instructions to manually flash the firmware: https://docs.duet3d.com/User_manual/RepRapFirmware/Updating_firmware#fallback-procedure-2

Use the firmware file as specified here: https://docs.duet3d.com/User_manual/RepRapFirmware/Updating_firmware#firmware-file-naming

Ian

[kroybal]

@jay_s_uk Thank you for the link

Here are my results:

I am in this regime:

If the firmware has been erased the DIAG/STATUS LED will glow permanently (ie not full brightness).

And:

If neither port is shown, then the Duet may be faulty or it may not have valid firmware installed. With USB power applied, erase the firmware. Only erase the firmware if your board is completely unresponsive, or if instructed to do so by Duet3D. On older boards do this by holding down the Erase button for at least 1 second, then press the Reset button. On newer boards there is no Erase button; so fit a jumper across the Erase pins, then connect to USB for a few seconds, then disconnect from USB, remove the jumper and connect to USB again. You may have to do this a couple of times if the Duet does not appear in the Device Manager.

Kind of seems like I need to erase

[kroybal]

I wasn't present to witness the cause of failure during the update that erased/corrupted its firmware. Which would be interesting to know and of course it was the temp's last day here at the lab (I am sure he feels bad , good kid).

If anyone knows what could cause a firmware flash to render a board unresponsive I would be interested to know.

However, I followed the erasing procedure and and using Bossa I was able to flash the most up to date firmware. Wired the machine up and printed a benchy boat just fine. Which makes this a resolved topic.

Thanks!

[jay_s_uk]

@kroybal I have seen the odd update fail on a 6HC that led to the firmware being erased. Never found out why it happened