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Topic: Really universal soldering controller (Read 1047168 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #795 –
It is made for this exact stand:
http://www.circuitspecialists.eu/solder ... el-holder/

I've uploaded the firmware again. This one positively works on my controller. Upload the "standalone" version and let me know what happens. The "with bootloader" version works on my controller for sure.

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #796 –
[quote author="JJAnderson"]what stand did you make it to fit?[/quote]
Since initially I didn't have any stand, I've decided to try making my own, which resembles original JBC T245 stand.

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #797 –
Thank you Sparky.

New firmware did the trick. Now have JBC245 and Pace TD100 working. TD100 needs a bit a calibration but JBC seems spot on with 63/37 solder.

Cheers

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #798 –
Hi Sparky,

I am trying to modify the iron parameters to suit my Pace TD100. Before doing any major alterations I tried only editing the text string for the Hakko T15 iron to "Pace TD-100 Standard    " (24 characters) When I build and program the PIC the new text is displayed, when I plug my iron in. But back to iron temperature being erratic then reading room temperature while still heating the iron at full power.
To get the Unisolder to function correctly I have to program the hex file directly from the download. I had initially had problems with this, where the Pickit3 would report no target device. I found that if I disconnect the front panel and select the option to power the target from the Pickit3. I can program the pre-built hex file which works fine.

When I try to build the PIC32_Standalone I get lots of errors relating to XC32 being the free version and requiring a licence for this option.

When I build the PIC32_NoOptomizations. I get no build error and the PIC programs but still with erratic temperature.

Could it be that the optimazations are required for proper operation of the controller?

If this is the case it would mean I need a licenced version before I can modify to suit my Irons?

I will uninstall XC32 1.33 and install 1.32 to see if it makes any difference.

I also noticed that when I open the project for a start it specifies a PIC32MX534F064H and that one of the source code files is PIC32MX534F064H.c The Micro that I have is the one in the BOM which is a PIC32MX534F128H. I'm guessing that the difference is just memory?

Thanks Jim

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #799 –
Yes, the difference is just memory. I have the smaller chip in my controller.

I am compiling with 1.33. When I compile it with "no optimisations" the memory in my controller is too low for it to fit.

For the programming - you may try to use USB isolator. I am also getting errors from time to time when programming with PicKit3.

P.S.: "No optimization" version is only for debugging disassembled code. I've never tested it.

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #800 –
I just uninstalled V1.33 and installed V1.32 tried to build both the NoOptimizations and the Standalone. The Standalone version flags the same warnings about the free version. Neither of the two function correctly after programming the device.

Are you using the free version of XC32 V1.33?

If so it must be something I am doing wrong.

From your software download. I take the Project Front US_Firmware and drop it into the folder  C:MTTTLS2101US_Firmware.X
I open MPLAB IDE
Open Project [Navigate to the above project]
In the Projects Tab I select the Project [US_Firmware]
Right click on the project and set as main project
Right click on the project and go to Properties
I select the device as PIC32MX564F128H
Choose the Pickit3 as the hardware tool
I select XC32 V1.32 as the compiler
In the categories pane I select the Pickit3 and select the power options
Select power the target from Pickit3 [yes]
OK
On the main window I select clean and build
Then make and program the main project.

Programs fine but as reported, temperature problem comes back.

Programming the HEX file direct from the download works perfectly, just doesn't give me the ability to adapt irons.

I'm either doing something stupid or the difference is in the optimizations?

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #801 –
What controls the current setting in the calibration menu?

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #802 –
You can change it with +/- buttons if you want.

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #803 –
and what are the benefits?
I change, but there is no difference

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #804 –
There should not be difference. When 10 ohm resistor is connected, only the current and ADC changes. The firmware calculates the resistance of calibration resistor based on settings.

Also there is not any benefit changing it. The only function of calibration menu is to calibrate the amplifiers gain. When set to 128, the current sources have the best accuracy, because it is exactly at the mid scale of the digital pots that controls them. At the same time, gain setting of 128 also has the best accuraccy, because it is at the mid scale of the gain setting digital pot. And when ADC's value is near the mid scale, the ADC is at it's best accuracy, and with 10ohm resistance it should be 490. In fact the ideal calibration resistor would be 10.449 ohm. Then with current pot set to 128 and gain pot set to 128, the ADC value would be 512.

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #805 –
Thank you

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #806 –
Hello to everybody!
New to the forum, and I like to congratulate the author of this incredible project!!!
Me and my friend would very much like to build this and we are missing crucial part  :D the boards :D 
Does anyone here have 2 spare board sets? I'm located in Europe, Bulgaria.

Thank you in advance
I'm a newbie at electronics and for that always take my words with a grain of salt - it is very possible I'm wrong!

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #807 –
Hello,

I am looking to get some pcbs made with sensors, i dont quite understand the file list as apparently there are different configurations

If somebody can perhaps skype with me and help me get this sorted i can pay you via paypal for your time

I was going to hire a local pcb engineer to help but would rather put money into this great community

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #808 –
Ok, first of all thanks sparky for a great project!

I've now finished the project and it finally works.
Thought I would share some of my experience when building this.

1. Place all the components in right angle (90 degrees) especially R46, C60, R65, R63. Be careful, double check (I didn't) :)
2. You can NOT program the PIC via the PicKit2/3 standalone programming software. You have to put the programmer into
MPLab mode in the standalone software then program it via MPLab. (took me quite some time and chips to figure out).
3. If you (like me) burn your 74HC02D, don't replace it with a CD4001B, they are not fully pin compatible :)
4. Bridge correct jumpers to the LCD (look at photos).
5. If you are going to change something in the software you need the right compiler: XC32 v1.33 and you also need to do
optimization "s", so it will not compile with the Free version of MPLab X.

And last, if it doesn't work, check for bad solderjoints again and again.

/Alex

Re: Really universal soldering controller

Reply #809 –
Hello again,
now the 24h spam filter limit has passed I can finally add the word "to buy" in my posts:) Man, was it a pain registering 6 times to figure that out :D
So does anyone have 1 or 2 spare sets of boards to sell to us?

Have a nice day
I'm a newbie at electronics and for that always take my words with a grain of salt - it is very possible I'm wrong!