Loading firmware hex and EEPROM hex files on 32u4 Arduino or Teensy 2.0 boards

[PL1]

KADE miniArcade 2.0 beta release is now available here.

One of the features that Bruno included in the Mapper program is the option to export a custom EEPROM hex file.

The EEPROM file contains the configuration data for the miniArcade 2.0 firmware hex file.

Without the EEPROM file, the firmware hex reverts to default gamepad mode.

To customize the encoder inputs/outputs, users need to load both the firmware and EEPROM files to their AVR.

Here's what we have so far:

Arduino boards:
AVRDUDE front end that it seems to make it easy to flash both firmware and eeprom data:
http://blog.zakkemble.co.uk/avrdudess-a-gui-for-avrdude/

It should work with Arduino boards (you might need to select the right programmer option depending on the arduino board). I've never tested it though...

Teensy boards:
Need to find a way to pack an ELF file containing both the firmware and EEPROM data:

https://forum.pjrc.com/threads/42195-Flashing-firmware-eeprom-data-to-Teensy-2-0

Either that or to find a way to replace Teensy 2.0's native bootloader (HalfKay) to a DFU based one...

Any software and/or "how-to" procedure recommendations and testing would be greatly appreciated.   


Scott

[bootsector]

Adapted from the XBOXPadMicro manual available at:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wF3S697crrigmpRB93IHXBsS6oylC_RSxvSNOloRzB4

The steps in order to flash KADE miniArcade 2.0 firmware and EEPROM data to an Arduino Leonardo/Mini should be something like:

On Windows:

avrdude -p atmega32u4 -P COMXX -c avr109 -U flash:w:MINIARCADE2.hex -U eeprom:w:EEPROM.hex -C avrdude.conf

*Change COMXX to the port assigned to the Arduino bootloader (this can be found from the Device Manager properties screen)

Make sure to install the Arduino drivers as per described in the XBOXPadMicro manual before running the command above.

[PL1]

Thanks, Bruno.   

I typed up some preliminary procedures, but they need some work.

If anyone has an Arduino and wants to try loading the miniArcade 2.0 firmware and EEPROM using avrdude:

1. Install the avrdude programmer.

2. Install the Arduino Leonardo/Mini bootloader driver as per the instructions at https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/ArduinoLeonardoMicro#toc2

3. Configure miniArcade 2.0 Mapper as desired.

4. Click on "Tools -- Save EEPROM config data to file (HEX)..." and save the "EEPROM.eep" file in the "\firmwares\" folder.

5. Rename "EEPROM.eep" to "EEPROM.hex". (both are hex format)

6. Copy the "MINIARCADE2.hex" and "EEPROM.hex" files from the "\firmwares\" folder to the avrdude folder.

7. Find the COM port assigned to the Arduino bootloader.  Look in the Device Manager properties screen or the Arduino software under Tools--Serial Port (look for the check mark)

8. Create a "miniArcade2.txt" file with this text in the avrdude directory. (Change "COMXX" to the Arduino bootloader port i.e. "COM7")

avrdude -p atmega32u4 -P COMXX -c avr109 -U flash:w:MINIARCADE2.hex -U eeprom:w:EEPROM.hex -C avrdude.conf

9. Rename "miniArcade2.txt" to "miniArcade2.bat".

10. Launch the .bat file to program the Arduino.

*** Still need to confirm/refine this procedure. Suggestions welcome.  ***

Scott