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Chibios/RT Virtual Com Port Driver.

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Sanjoy
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Chibios/RT Virtual Com Port Driver.

Hi all,
My computer is asking for this driver Chibios/RT Virtual Com Port Driver when I connect the v6 to it in vesc tool I can't find this driver download anywhere doe anyone know where to get it.

hexakopter
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I haven't seen yet, that you need a driver for connecting a VESC hardware to the PC. But I haven't received my VESC 6 yet.
Are you using Linux or Windows and which Version of it? I think it would be important to know what your operating system is. As far as I know a lot of driver can be found from the Windows system automatically when the PC has a internet connection. But I am not a Windows guy.

Sanjoy
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Hi Hex, I use a mac most the time but still have a windows pc so used the vesc beta windows download my windows pc is running vista and it can't find the driver and nor can I, hope BV or Frank can shed some light! My board is ready to go just need to set the Vesc's up with vesc tool.

Shannon Talbot
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Sanjoy could you not just download the VESC 4 tool and use the driver installer from that?

Roger Wolff
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The VESC presents a "virtual com port" to the PC. This is done using the protocol that USB prescribes for such cases.

So, independent of the manufacturer, operating systems should know how to talk to the device. Just like you can plug in a seagate or a western digital drive into your PC, the operating system knows how to talk to the drive because the protocol is standardized.

Now, for USB microsoft decided that when the device claims to be a "mass storage" device following the standard, their driver will simply connect and make the device available to the user. On the other hand, for these "communication devices" (as they are officially called), they decided to go the other direction and require the manufacturer to provide a driver. This driver could be as simple as a control file saying "usb vendor/product ID uses the standard microsoft driver". After causing years of discomfort for their users, microsoft has now reversed that decision and now automatically loads the standard driver like it should.

So... you should find-or-write your control file that causes the microsoft driver to activate, or upgrade to a more recent Windows version.

If I were tasked with solving this, I'd google for "LUFA". That piece of software is not involved in this situation in any way, but I know the help files explain the problem and offer a solution.

frank
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I have not seen such a problem, but I run WIN7. VISTA is really outdated. Maybe you just try to install the virtual com port drivers from STM.

e.g.

http://www.driverscape.com/download/stmicroelectronics-virtual-com-port

You can also try VirtualBox for MAC.

Frank

Sanjoy
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Sorted! your right Frank windows Vista is out of date. I've put Linux on my mac and run Vesc tool but have same out of date f/w problem it reads 3.24 goes through update procedure but doesn't update.

frank
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Benjamin bangs on sorting this out. The bootloader was not installed properly or was not installed at all during the test bench procedure. We hope to have this matter sorted fast. The fast track is getting a ST-Link V2 to upload the bootloader, just as JTAG did. We could post a detailed description how to do the job (for those interested). If we manage to get the bootloader up via USB and VESC-Tool that would be the best way to resolve the matter. Tomorrow we will know more. Frank
Roger Wolff
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Frank, Even though VESC_TOOL now is able to do this, where would I have found a 3.25 firmware file or a bootloader binary file to flash into the VESC6?

frank
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It comes with VESC-Tool. Just download VESC-Tool again. V0.78 is the latest one, having the boot loader abord. Frank
hexakopter
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I think Roger asked for the .bin files of the boot loader and newest 3.25 firmware to flash it over his STLinkV2. When they are build in to the VESC Tool it is great to upload it over USB, but not possible to flash with an STLink.

benjamin
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The old bootloader works fine on the VESC6. The only difference with the new one is that the LED pins are remapped (since they are connected differently on the VESC6), but updating the firmware also works without flashing LEDs from the bootloader.
JasonClark1978
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https://impulserc.com/pages/downloads Download this driver fixer. I used to use it all the time for compatible drivers on flight controllers of racing drones. Just tried it for VESC6 and it worked like a charm. 

wewa
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Thanks Jason, that worked like a charm!

maple_leaf
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Sorted!!

I am using WIN7 as well, but Chibios/RT driver from STM was still missing here. Your tip is so useful.

Thanks a lot, @frank!

bb67
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Folks, the driver is not included in any Windows 7 version, neither in the (current 2.03) VESC Windows download: vesc_tool_free_windows.zip

The 'driverscape' download is timestamped July 2015, the 'driverfixer' is a long-winded path IMO.

The issue was also discussed at http://www.chibios.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=868

Now I found this page by ST, the chip's producer:

https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/stsw-stm32102.html

One has to register, download 24 MB, which provides four exes for Win 7 / 8 and 32 / 64 bit.

On installation, one is offered to [  ] activate some internet annoyance, which might be declined.

Okay, fine, the install worked, the software recognized my noname 6384 120 kV Motor via 'Maytech Superfoc6.8' VESC (USB-C cable) and tests run fine.

The VESC product manager cool might consider asking ST to include the Windows .inf file in the distribution, or .. just provide the above link.