First Firmware Upload

Table of Contents

Uploading the firmware happens in two parts on the Echo. At this point, your Arduino and screen should be connected, with the Arduino powering the screen and sending data to it through pins 18 and 19.

Downloading Firmware & Tools #

Please visit https://shakeprint.com/downloads/

  • Download the Arduino Firmware (.hex file) and the Display Firmware (.tft file)
  • Download XLoader – this uploads firmware to the Arduino
  • Download TFTFileDownload – this uploads firmware to the Display.

Step 1: Arduino Flashing #

Finding The Correct COM Port

  • Plug the Arduino into your computer
  • Go to your computers ‘Control Panel’ – click on “Devices and Printers”.
  • At the bottom, under “Unspecified” You should see an Arduino (or at least a device) with a COM port specified. In this example, you can see the Arduino is on COM4. Aftermarket or clone Arduinos may not say “Arduino”.

Using XLoader

  • Open XLoader and use these settings:
  • HEX FILE: Select the Arduino firmware that you downloaded.
  • DEVICE: Mega(ATMEGA2560)
  • COM port: Your Arduino COM port.
  • Baud Rate: 115200.
  • Select “Upload” – you should see the two TX and RX lights on the Arduino start flashing rapidly.

Step 2: Display Flashing (TFTFileDownload Method) #

January 5th, 2021 – Unfortunately this flashing method does not appear to be working for new installations of the firmware. Please use the SD card method for flashing new display firmware for now. We are working on a solution. Thanks very much.

Note: This is a brand new method of getting the firmware onto the display. If you have trouble with it, please contact us to provide feedback and seek assistance. If you wish, you can also use the microSD method of uploading the display firmware. Thank you for helping us to make the Echo better!

Entering Bootloader Mode

  • When first plugged in, the Arduino searches for Class Echo Display firmware. You will see the light on the Arduino “pulse” every second.
  • After about 15 seconds, if no proper firmware is found, it will enter bootloader mode and display the message to the right.
  • At this point, you can upload the Display firmware using TFTFileDown.
  • NOTE: Depending on the pre-existing firmware, text may not be visible. If you see the Black, Yellow, and Green bars, you are still good to go.

Uploading Display Firmware

  • Open TFTFileDownload and use these settings:
  • Ports: Your Arduino COM port.
  • DownloadBaudRate: ***115200*** (not 512000)
  • File: Select the Display firmware that you downloaded.
  • Press “Down” – your screen should turn white and the file transfer will begin.

Reboot (Unplug and Plug Back in)

  • Unplug the display and plug it back in after any firmware update so that the Display and Arduino can ‘sync’
  • If successful, you will see an OK on both serial connections, and “READY FOR SPAD NEXT” !
  • At this point, if you want to bypass the splash screen, simply tap anywhere on the screen.

Step 3: Display Flashing (microSD Card Method) #

The second way to flash the display firmware is to use a microSD card in the included SD card slot of the display. To do that, you will need the following:

  • One microSD card
  • Capacity 8 to 32 GB
  • Class ’10’ (see green circle in the picture)
  • A method of writing data from the computer to the SD card (such as the USB dongle pictured).

Please follow the instructions in the video below and written steps:

  • Plug your microSD card into your computer to mount the drive label.
  • Right click on the SD drive, and select Format
  • Format the Card as: FAT32, 4096 allocation (8192 is fine too!)
  • Press format. After format, drag and drop the Class Echo Display firmware onto the card.
  • Right click and eject the card.
  • Insert the card into the Display’s micro SD card slot (with the display powered off).
  • Plug in the Arduino. The display should light up and start transferring data.
  • After the data upload is complete, unplug the Arduino and take out the SD card.
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