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  3. Uploading to Pro Mini fails with FTDI

Uploading to Pro Mini fails with FTDI

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  • gohanG Offline
    gohanG Offline
    gohan
    Mod
    wrote on last edited by
    #9

    Maybe nothing maybe something could get fried. You could still make a SD logger that @sundberg84 published on Openhardware.io

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    • petewillP petewill

      @ben999 I think I understand what you're asking. If so, I do it frequently with my projects. What I do is just unplug the VCC DuPont cable from the FTDI adapter. Here is a picture of what I mean.
      0_1520091743625_IMG_20180303_083811.jpg

      mfalkviddM Offline
      mfalkviddM Offline
      mfalkvidd
      Mod
      wrote on last edited by mfalkvidd
      #10

      @petewill I have something that might make things even easier: wouldn't you get the same result by removing the 5/3.3V jumper on the ftdi?
      EDIT: No, not a good idea (see discussion below)

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      • gohanG Offline
        gohanG Offline
        gohan
        Mod
        wrote on last edited by
        #11

        That jumper should also set the logic level of the data pins, doesn't it?

        mfalkviddM YveauxY 2 Replies Last reply
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        • gohanG gohan

          That jumper should also set the logic level of the data pins, doesn't it?

          mfalkviddM Offline
          mfalkviddM Offline
          mfalkvidd
          Mod
          wrote on last edited by
          #12

          @gohan good point. I guess the best way to figure out is to bring out a multimeter.

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          • gohanG gohan

            That jumper should also set the logic level of the data pins, doesn't it?

            YveauxY Offline
            YveauxY Offline
            Yveaux
            Mod
            wrote on last edited by Yveaux
            #13

            @gohan said in Uploading to Pro Mini fails with FTDI:

            That jumper should also set the logic level of the data pins, doesn't it?

            Typically, from my experience, that jumper only sets the logic level of the serial interface. The VCC pin stays at the USB supply level, so around 5V.

            Update: Apparently the Sparkfun board does also change the VCC level (ref: https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/serial-basic-hookup-guide)

            Conclusion: Better check with your board!

            http://yveaux.blogspot.nl

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            • gohanG Offline
              gohanG Offline
              gohan
              Mod
              wrote on last edited by
              #14

              I used it to program my sonoff and it didn't fry it so it also sets vcc to 3.3v

              YveauxY 1 Reply Last reply
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              • gohanG gohan

                I used it to program my sonoff and it didn't fry it so it also sets vcc to 3.3v

                YveauxY Offline
                YveauxY Offline
                Yveaux
                Mod
                wrote on last edited by Yveaux
                #15

                @gohan said in Uploading to Pro Mini fails with FTDI:

                I used it to program my sonoff and it didn't fry it

                That's one way to find out ;-)

                I just want to stress there are multiple designs out there (also with FTDI alternatives) and it's better to be safe than sorry.

                http://yveaux.blogspot.nl

                gohanG 1 Reply Last reply
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                • mfalkviddM Offline
                  mfalkviddM Offline
                  mfalkvidd
                  Mod
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #16

                  I checked my FTDI adapter. The jumper does switch both Vcc and logic levels, so removing the jumper is probably a bad idea.

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                  • YveauxY Yveaux

                    @gohan said in Uploading to Pro Mini fails with FTDI:

                    I used it to program my sonoff and it didn't fry it

                    That's one way to find out ;-)

                    I just want to stress there are multiple designs out there (also with FTDI alternatives) and it's better to be safe than sorry.

                    gohanG Offline
                    gohanG Offline
                    gohan
                    Mod
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #17

                    @yveaux I know, I fried a sonoff with a supposedly "universal" ftdi adapter

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                    • dbemowskD Offline
                      dbemowskD Offline
                      dbemowsk
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #18

                      I have all my FTDI adapters set to 3.3v. I too use them to flash my sonoff modules, and those WILL fry if you try to flash them with 5v. My pro minis flash just fine at 3.3v.

                      Some time back before I got my Vera controller I tried using an FTDI adapter for my gateway and could not get the thing to work. Testing it, I found that my TXD line was transmitting, but my RXD was not receiving. Check that you have communication in both directions.

                      Vera Plus running UI7 with MySensors, Sonoffs and 1-Wire devices
                      Visit my website for more Bits, Bytes and Ramblings from me: http://dan.bemowski.info/

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                      • ben999B ben999

                        Hi @petewill

                        Thanks a lot for your suggestion (nice picture BTW)

                        This is exactly the way i (used to) do. But sadly it doesn't work anymore. I can only upload sketches with VCC connected and external power source disconnected. (what would be the outcome in case i leave FTDI's Vcc AND external power source connected to Pro Mini?)

                        So it is for now impossible to get the serial monitor feedback while using the node in real-life condition... :(

                        petewillP Offline
                        petewillP Offline
                        petewill
                        Admin
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #19

                        @ben999 Sorry for the delay. Work has been crazy lately. I see there are plenty of answers above and I echo them. I try not to upload with two power sources connected. If everything is 5v you are probably safe but I see you're using batteries and I'd not risk it just to be safe. I have used two power sources in the past but I have since changed my ways. I can't remember what stopped me but I believe I was getting strange results. I don't think I ever fried any hardware but why risk it...? :)

                        If you are still having this issue have you tried with another Pro Mini and different code? Is anything coming out of the serial monitor or is it just blank?

                        My "How To" home automation video channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq_Evyh5PQALx4m4CQuxqkA

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