Firmware Updates - V2/2.1

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tortugaranger

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Firmware Updates - V2/2.1
« on: 9 Jun 2014, 12:17 pm »
Our software update/download page is now live on our website for the new ldr3x.V2 preamp controller board.  :thumb:

We encourage owners of the V2 board to update their software to the latest version. This is especially important for those with the earliest versions 1.0.0 through 1.0.3 of the software since numerous bugs etc. have been taken care of since initial release. We anticipate that updates will slow down substantially over the next few weeks as the product matures. Announcements of new releases will be posted on this forum.

Please note that owners of dual V2 boards used in balanced audio configurations need to upload software updates separately into each board.

The software update/download page can be found here under the Support menu: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/downloads/

More info on the LDR3x.V2 here:  http://www.tortugaaudio.com/product/ldr3x-passive-preamp-controller-version-2/

The pic below shows the micro-b usb port on the V2 board that's used to upload software revisions.


« Last Edit: 26 May 2017, 05:58 pm by tortugaranger »

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #1 on: 9 Jun 2014, 08:49 pm »
As of 6.9.14 we released version 1.0.5 and later the same day released version 1.0.6
Details and downloads here: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/downloads/
« Last Edit: 22 Jun 2014, 01:42 pm by tortugaranger »

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #2 on: 22 Jun 2014, 02:41 pm »
Update #1 on this - All V2 customers with the original issue Rev 1 Bootloader will be receiving an updated chip.
_________________________________
2-3 V2 customers have reported a buzzing sound from the V2 when it first powers up. After getting some feedback and doing some diagnostic work I believe I've identified the cause of this and a solution. Read on.

Can't Buzz Here -  Try is we might, we can't get any V2 board to buzz in our shop. We test each individual board before shipping them out including running music through them and numerous functional checks. No board has ever buzzed for us although I wish one had so we could've resolved this early on. Can't solve problems you don't know you have. Also, apparently only a very few of the V2 boards shipped so far exhibit this buzzing behavior.

About The Bootloader - The V2 has 2 separate pieces of software - a bootloader and the main V2 app. The sole purpose of the bootloader is to allow software updates to the main V2 app via the USB port. Each time power is applied to the V2 board, the bootloader runs for 5 seconds. If it doesn't make a valid USB connection within those 5 seconds, it gives up and hands over control of the V2 to the main V2 app. Only the main V2 app can be updated via the USB port. To change the bootloader requires that the microcontroller chip be replaced with another chip with an updated bootloader.

What's Buzzing & Why? - The buzzing sound is the rapid cycling of the 4 relays located on the auto calibration piggyback board which is located on the underside of the V2. The autocal relays are energized via the AutoCal command signal from the V2 microcontroller. The AutoCal command signal causes the Q1 (mosfet/transistor) switch on the autocal board to "turn on" which energizes the relays by connecting them to ground. Normally, this works fine and is controlled by the main V2 app. The buzz problem occurs during the 5 second window during which the bootloader has control. Rev 1 (the original rev) of the bootloader doesn't configure or control any of the V2 microcontroller outputs including the output to Q1. As a result, Q1 can become electrically "confused" since it's not getting a clear command to either turn on or to turn off. Apparently there's enough variability in the behavior of Q1s that  only a small subset of the ones we've used get sufficiently confused to cycle on/off causing the buzz.

Is The Buzzing Harmful? - A few seconds of cycling the relays on/off as power is applied won't hurt the V2 board. To be clear, this doesn't happen when the V2 is turned on/off, only upon 12 VDC electrical power being applied to the board. However, you are strongly advised to have your amp turned off when applying power to the V2 or removing power from the V2.  

The Fix Is In! - The fix is an updated bootloader (Rev 2) which makes sure the AutoCal command to the relays is live and turned on the instant the V2 powers up. Enabling AutoCal disconnects the V2 from its audio signal inputs/outputs which is a good idea as the V2 powers up and initializes. Getting a Rev 2 bootloader requires the microcontroller to be replaced. If your unit exhibits buzzing and/or you wish to get the updated bootloader please let us know and we'll ship you a new chip. All V2 units shipped on or after 6.20.14 already have the Rev 2 bootloader.

Any questions on this don't hesitate to post here, send a PM or email (morten@tortugaaudio.com).
« Last Edit: 22 Jun 2014, 08:20 pm by tortugaranger »

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #3 on: 22 Jun 2014, 08:21 pm »
See update to prior post below.

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #4 on: 24 Jun 2014, 05:11 pm »
As of 6.20.14 we've released version 1.0.7

The biggest change is in the timing/duration of auto-calibration cycles which now have a 5 minute pause between each cycle. With this release AutoCal doesn't commence until 5 minutes after the V2 is turned off. There are certain amps (the Job 225 in particular) that aren't happy (may hum)  when the audio I/O gets disconnected during AutoCal. The 5 minute delay provides ample time to shut down your amp after shutting down the V2.

I would encourage users of the V2 to utilize the 12 V Trigger Out feature of the V2 which can provide a start/shutdown signal to external sources/amps etc. that have 12 volt trigger feature so when the V2 is turned on/off those items are automatically turn on/off as well.

Details and software downloads can be found here: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/downloads/
« Last Edit: 24 Jun 2014, 07:41 pm by tortugaranger »

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #5 on: 26 Jun 2014, 06:40 pm »
Posted software version 1.0.8 - 6.26.14

Fix: Removed a bug that, when the unit was turned off, caused the Status LED to light up when the Left or Right (Input Change) button was pressed on the Apple Remote.
New: Pressing the Center/Enter button on the Apple Remote will start/stop (toggle) AutoCal. If it's in between cycles, an AutoCal cycle will commence. Likewise, if AutoCal is already running, it will shut off AutoCal. Please note that this does not enable/disable AutoCal generally, it just toggles a single AutoCal cycle. This was a hidden feature to aide in testing/diagnostics but we decided to release and document it.

The V2 Software Download page can be found here: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/downloads/

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #6 on: 30 Jun 2014, 12:55 pm »
Given the ongoing discussion regarding Auto Calibration, I've split those posts off into its own V2 Auto Calibration topic located here:  http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=127046.0
This V2 Software Updates topic will continue to be used to post software update announcements and as a starting point for questions/suggestions regarding software changes.

Thanks
Morten

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #7 on: 30 Jun 2014, 04:41 pm »
Posted software update 1.0.9 on 6.30.14 which is available here:  http://www.tortugaaudio.com/downloads/

Fix: This update corrects the IR Remote ID recognition and pairing so that the user can correctly:

a) Pair the V2 with either or both the Apple Remote and/or the legacy Tortuga Audio Remote; and
b) Pair the V2 with only the Apple Remote or only the Tortuga Audio Remote; and,
c) Change the ID of the Apple Remote and re-pair (teach) the V2 the new Apple Remote ID.

Please note the following specifics:

  • Going forward, uploading this or any subsequent software build will require the V2 to first pair itself with your remote. This will happen automatically the first time you use either your Apple Remote or your legacy Tortuga Audio remote after uploading new software staring with build 1.0.9 or higher. However, with the Apple Remote, we recommend you first use the Power On/Off (Menu) button to trigger the pairing. Using the Enter/Center key may not be sufficient by itself. You can confirm that the pairing worked by turning the V2 on and off with your remote. If it doesn't work, just reload the software into the V2 and repeat. We tested this quite thoroughly and it appears to work quite reliably. Please let us know if you run into a problem.
  • Once you've initially paired the V2 with your Apple Remote after uploading a software build, you can also pair it with your legacy Tortuga Remote but this second pairing will require that the Encoder Switch be pressed and held in for 20+ seconds and then released to place the V2 into Remote Pairing Mode. The Status LED and/or Display Module should blink rapidly indicating it's in Remote Pairing Mode. Pressing any key on the second remote will then complete the process. At that point the V2 should respond to either remote. The same procedure is true if you initially paired the V2 with your Tortuga Remote and also want to add the Apple Remote.
  • If you find that the Apple Remote you're using with the V2 is conflicting with some other Apple product (TV, MAC etc. ), you can change the ID of the Apple Remote by holding down both the Menu and Center buttons simultaneously for 5+ seconds. At that point the V2 will no longer respond to your Apple Remote because it has a new ID code. To teach the V2 the new ID code, you'll then have to press and hold the V2 Encoder Switch for 20+ seconds to place the V2 into Remote Pairing Mode. Press any button on the Apple Remote (other than the Enter/Center button) and the V2 should now respond to your Apple Remote with its new ID code.
  • Please note that the legacy Tortuga Audio Remote has a fixed ID that can't be changed.

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #8 on: 15 Jul 2014, 10:29 pm »
Here are the last 3 V2 software updates. Update 1.1.0 is significant. Latest cummulative build (1.1.2) available here: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/downloads/

1.1.2 - 7.15.14 - This update is primarily relevant to those who only use an Encoder and not the Apple Remote to control the V2

New: Can now toggle AutoCal on/off with Encoder via quarter/half turn to right
New: Status LED now flashes briefly every 2-3 seconds when AutoCal is active
New: Left display module in dual display system now shows which LDR is in AutoCal (1-4)

1.1.1 - 7.7.14

Fix: Removed blinking of numerical display when changing volume. Status LED still blinks as before. Bug was introduced in 1.1.0.

1.1.0 - 7.6.14

Change:  With the release of Rev 1.1.0, we have made the following changes to how auto calibration is run:
* AutoCal now runs only when manually initiated by the user while the V2 is turned off but still connected to power. We do recommend that the V2 be powered but turned off when not in use.
* AutoCal is started by pressing the Enter/Center button on the remote which disconnects the V2 from the audio input and output.
* Once AutoCal is initiated, it runs through one full cycle of LDR calibration in the following LDR sequence: right-series, right-shunt, left-series, left-shunt.
* Upon completing a full cycle, AutoCal shuts off and the V2 is reconnected to the audio input and output.
* While AutoCal is running it can be shut off prior to completing a full calibration cycle by pressing the Enter/Center button again on the remote. The V2 may not react immediately to this AutoCal shut down command and it may have to be repeated. We recommend you not interrupt the V2 during a calibration cycle once initiated. A full calibration cycle typically takes around 10 minutes.
* While AutoCal is running, you can cause AutoCal to interrupt calibration on the current LDR and switch to the next LDR in the cycle by pressing the Right button on the remote. If you switch through all 4 LDRs then AutoCal will shut down thinking its completed a full calibration cycle. This feature is provided as a diagnostic tool only. We highly recommend that you not interrupt AutoCal while its running.
* While AutoCal is running, the V2 will display each volume step (1-70)  in the process for each LDR. Thus it will go through 70 calibration steps four times in a row over the course of a full calibration cycle.
* When AutoCal is complete or shut down deliberately, the display will also shut off.
* We recommend you turn your amp off before initiating an AutoCal cycle. Physically disconnecting your cables from the V2 isn't necessary.
* We recommend you run AutoCal monthly but this is simply a recommendation and not a requirement.

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #9 on: 2 Aug 2014, 01:19 pm »
1.1.4 - 7.29.14 - A couple of minor adds/tweaks plus a fix for those with balanced V2s.  Latest cummulative build (1.1.2) available here: http://www.tortugaaudio.com/downloads/

* New: Displays 3 digit software build  number when power is applied. Since the display is only 2 digit, each of the 3 software build digits are shown individually one at a time.
* Tweak: Minors mods to left/right channel info displays for those using dual displays.
* Fix: Slave board was not receiving AutoCal start/stop or Next (skip) command signals. This fix is only relevant to those using V2's in balanced configuration. This was a bug introduced with update 1.1.0.
« Last Edit: 3 Aug 2014, 03:03 pm by tortugaranger »

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #10 on: 5 Aug 2014, 01:56 pm »
1.1.5 - 8.5.14   This update only relevant to those using V2's in balanced audio configuration. http://www.tortugaaudio.com/downloads/

* Change: Improved robustness of serial communications of volume data from Master-to-Slave in balanced systems.
* Fix: Removed ability of Slave to sometimes ramp volume back up to set  point by itself after receiving an Input Change command from the Master.
« Last Edit: 6 Aug 2014, 02:44 pm by tortugaranger »

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #11 on: 19 Aug 2014, 06:22 pm »
We're now up to rev 1.1.8 of the V2 firmware. At least one person who was using earlier 1.1.3 reported a problem with intermittent non-response to remote commands. We encourage updating to the latest version which should be the most stable and reliable.

1.1.8 – 8.18.14

Fix: Removed unused timer2 code from interrupt handling routine. Was possibly interfering with remote.
Change:  Changed balance adjust limit from +/-10 to +/-9 to work within limitations of display
Fix: Removed adding +1 to left bias upon entering Bal Adjust Mode – bug from 1.1.7

1.1.7 – 8.15.14

Tweak: Cleaned up how left/right channel balance adjustment was handled

1.1.6 – 8.12.14

Fix: Corrected display info during AutoCal
Tweak: Display now shows all 0′s as soon as unit is turned on – removed prior delay.

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #12 on: 4 Dec 2014, 02:37 pm »
As I've mentioned in some recent posts, I'm planning on introducing some new features to the V2/V2.1 software. I'm looking for a wishlist/input from current/future owners on what you'd like to see added, hanged, removed.

Here is the list so far:

1) New feature: User selectable input impedance settings. Proposed settings starting at 5k, then 10k, 20k etc. up to 100k. Once you pick a setting, you'll need to rerun auto-cal for the new setting to become active. The results of each setting will be stored in memory so you'll be able to switch multiple settings on the fly to determine which sounds better in your rig.

2) Change: Turn off display. Some customers would like to turn off the display while unit is on. Will probably made this as simple as pressing any key on the remote to toggle display off/on.  To avoid confusion, if the display is off but the unit is on, pressing any button on the remote,  or turning the encoder knob, will first turn display back on before responding to any subsequent command. For example, if the display is blanked while unit is on and you press the power on/off button (Menu), the display will turn back on. You'll need to press power on/off a second time to actually turn the unit off.
« Last Edit: 4 Dec 2014, 04:01 pm by tortugaranger »

Shakeydeal

Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #13 on: 4 Dec 2014, 04:03 pm »
Will these changes be available to current users by download to the USB port?

Shakey

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #14 on: 4 Dec 2014, 04:04 pm »
Will these changes be available to current users by download to the USB port?

Absolutely!

glynnw

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #15 on: 4 Dec 2014, 04:35 pm »
Mono?

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #16 on: 4 Dec 2014, 04:39 pm »
Mono?

Care to elaborate on that....man of few words?

sfox7076

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #17 on: 4 Dec 2014, 04:48 pm »
How about programable volume start settings for the unit for each input. 

tortugaranger

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Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #18 on: 4 Dec 2014, 05:01 pm »
How about programable volume start settings for the unit for each input.

The V2 kind of already has this feature. Each input remembers the last volume setting it was at when it was on. When you switch back to that input, it resumes at that same volume setting. A resume setting vs. a fixed preset setting.

One "feature" I've gotten push back on is that when inputs are switched,  the max resume volume setting will never be greater than 35 regardless of the prior setting that input was at. This is to prevent someone who uses the V2 in home theater bypass mode (with vol set at max-70) from switching to another input with volume set at max and possibly blowing out their speakers. I've been asked to either delete this limit, raise it higher, or allow user to set the limit value. I won't delete it altogether but open to considering other 2 options.

33na3rd

Re: Firmware Updates
« Reply #19 on: 4 Dec 2014, 07:29 pm »
A second on mono.

It's a vinyl thing!

Mono LP's do sound better when played in mono, even with a stereo cartridge.

The vast majority of phono units lack a mono switch. Some folks resort to a double Y adapter to get around this. You can imagine what those extra connectors from the double Y method do to the signal from the phono unit.

I'm considering adding a mono switch for one of my inputs on a future build to get around this.