Medley of UIRT2B problems

[Caffiend]

I'm completely frustrated with this thing now. I bought a kit some time ago and successfully got it built and programmed with the 1.7 firmware. When I installed it and tried to get it to work with Girder I got no response. The plugin would enable fine, but when I tried to learn an IR code Girder would just dutifully sit there and wait until I cancelled. If I tried to learn an IR code to transmit via the command's UIRT plugin setting, I get an message than there was an error from the UIRT.

I then tried to use the test app. Setting it in RAW mode gives the FF, 01, 02 response over and over as other people have reported. I found a thread that one person said they replaced their receiver and that fixed it. I ordered a couple of receivers from Jameco and they've been sitting on the shelf for a long time. I soldered up a new reciever and now I get the same exact issue. At this point I pulled the UIRT2 from my HTPC and took it out to my workshop. I tried to program it to the 1.8 firmware hoping it just needed a flush. Well, now I get the reported 1x00000 issue from the programmer. The serial cable is fine, I tested it. I am getting 12v to pin 4 on the PIC. I pulled the crystal off.

I can put the crystal back in and get to the same point with Girder. It initializes the UIRT2 fine. The test app loops in the FF, 01, 02 response with or without the receiver plugged in.

Someone please help save my UIRT2 from being tossed into the recycler... :(

-will

[Luc]

Sorry for the late reply (hope not too late).

It looks like the problem is in the receiver section, serial cabling must be fine because Girder initialises OK.
There could be a problem on the PCB like an open track or bad receiver connector. Can you check with a multimeter with the receiver plugged in if it's 3 pins give connection to the PCB, for the data signal check the track to the pic pin, also verify if none ot the power tracks are open somewhere, I had a few PCB's with hairline scratches in the tracks.

[Caffiend]

Thanks for the reply! I'll try to check it out tonight. I don't understand why it would have programmed successfully when I assembled it but won't program now though.

thanks,
-will

[Caffiend]

Alright, I found a break in one of the traces for the receiver jack. It's right at one of the unused pads. I soldered on a jumper wire and it tests great. End of the good news.

Somehow, my symptoms have gotten worse. Now Girder gives me the "Cannot read 1st char" error. The test app gets no response to the commands. I tried to program it again, still the same 0x00000 error message. This really bites. I'm considering ordering another PIC, but I'm wondering if that's just going to be throwing more money away. This PIC was working, it programmed before. Then, even when I couldn't seem to get it to program again, Girder still recognized it.

Pin 4 on the PIC passes the 5v/-0.62v test with serial attached/not attached.

-will

[Caffiend]

*softly weeps*

[Caffiend]

Dear Diary:
I got a new PIC in today. Desoldered the old, installed the new. No change in status. This is ridiculous. I've now bought the kit, bought an extra receiver when in fact it turned out that traces to the jack were faulty, and now I've bought an extra PIC in an effort to throw money at the problem.

I'm off for a better USB model.

-will