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  1. Home
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  3. Uploading to Pro Mini fails with FTDI

Uploading to Pro Mini fails with FTDI

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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

    ben999B Offline
    ben999B Offline
    ben999
    wrote on last edited by
    #8

    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 1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • 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
          1
          • 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.

                    1 Reply Last reply
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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/

                        1 Reply Last reply
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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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