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Can't upload sketch to NyBoard

I have a Bittle with NyBoard V1_0 and cannot get my Arduino IDE to upload a sketch to it. First tried with the WriteInstinct.ino and then a blank/default sketch created by Arduino IDE new file. I tried with both the USB and the Bluetooth. In all cases, it's stuck at: avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding.

I've stopped and restarted the Arduino IDE (even reinstalled it) and pressed the reset button on the board but it always fails with this error.

I noticed when I use the USB adapter, the yellow RX led always stays on, rather than blinking and then turning off as I think the instructions say. See attached picture.

With the Bluetooth adapter, it all seems OK except I still get the error: avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding. I noticed that the blinking LED on bluetooth adapter stays on (stops blinking) while the Arduino IDE is trying (and failing) to upload, and then after 10 tries, the IDE gives up and the LED goes from solid on to blinking again, so it seems like there is some connection established causing the LED behavior to change.

What should I do to fix this problem? This is my first experience with Arduino and I don't have any other boards to test with. How do I know if my bootloader crashed and I need to burn a new bootloader?

30 comments

30 Comments

Nico Decker

Jan 11, 2024

Same Problem -- How to Fix?

In a Nutshell

I got exactly the same problem and the same symptoms (LEDs, messages, logs etc.). However, I did not change anything in the code.

History

Here is what I did:

Bought the Bittle (NyBoard V1_1)
Played around with remote and BlueTooth (mobile app)
Figured out that some "features" are not present in firmware, but mentioned in mobile app
Once, one joint did not work anymore (dead, not reacting anymore, although properly connected); happend approx. 2 days after starting to test it.
Wanted to flash an update, just to make sure that it's not a software issue.
Followed the docs (I am using Linux), was able to connect to the board with the DesktopApp! For this, I cloned the Git repository; I used commit 9019546e7a8b21 tagged with 1.1.6
Selected "Update the mode only" -- and this worked:

2024-01-11 08:23:13,083 ardSerial - INFO - portStrList is ['ttyUSB0']
2024-01-11 08:23:14,376 ardSerial - INFO - lastSetting: ['Bittle', './release', '2.0', 'NyBoard_V1_2', 'Standard'].
2024-01-11 08:23:14,376 ardSerial - INFO - currentSetting: ['Bittle', './release', '2.0', 'NyBoard_V1_1', 'Standard'].
ttyUSB0
['./release/2.0/Bittle/NyBoard_V1/WriteInstinct.ino.hex', './release/2.0/Bittle/NyBoard_V1/OpenCatStandard.ino.hex']


avrdude: Version 6.3-20171130
         Copyright (c) 2000-2005 Brian Dean, http://www.bdmicro.com/
         Copyright (c) 2007-2014 Joerg Wunsch

         System wide configuration file is "/etc/avrdude.conf"
         User configuration file is "/home/nico/.avrduderc"
         User configuration file does not exist or is not a regular file, skipping

         Using Port                    : /dev/ttyUSB0
         Using Programmer              : arduino
         Overriding Baud Rate          : 115200
         AVR Part                      : ATmega328P
         Chip Erase delay              : 9000 us
         PAGEL                         : PD7
         BS2                           : PC2
         RESET disposition             : dedicated
         RETRY pulse                   : SCK
         serial program mode           : yes
         parallel program mode         : yes
         Timeout                       : 200
         StabDelay                     : 100
         CmdexeDelay                   : 25
         SyncLoops                     : 32
         ByteDelay                     : 0
         PollIndex                     : 3
         PollValue                     : 0x53
         Memory Detail                 :

                                  Block Poll               Page                       Polled
           Memory Type Mode Delay Size  Indx Paged  Size   Size #Pages MinW  MaxW   ReadBack
           ----------- ---- ----- ----- ---- ------ ------ ---- ------ ----- ----- ---------
           eeprom        65    20     4    0 no       1024    4      0  3600  3600 0xff 0xff
           flash         65     6   128    0 yes     32768  128    256  4500  4500 0xff 0xff
           lfuse          0     0     0    0 no          1    0      0  4500  4500 0x00 0x00
           hfuse          0     0     0    0 no          1    0      0  4500  4500 0x00 0x00
           efuse          0     0     0    0 no          1    0      0  4500  4500 0x00 0x00
           lock           0     0     0    0 no          1    0      0  4500  4500 0x00 0x00
           calibration    0     0     0    0 no          1    0      0     0     0 0x00 0x00
           signature      0     0     0    0 no          3    0      0     0     0 0x00 0x00

         Programmer Type : Arduino
         Description     : Arduino
         Hardware Version: 3
         Firmware Version: 4.4
         Vtarget         : 0.3 V
         Varef           : 0.3 V
         Oscillator      : 28.800 kHz
         SCK period      : 3.3 us

avrdude: AVR device initialized and ready to accept instructions

Reading | ################################################## | 100% 0.00s

avrdude: Device signature = 0x1e950f (probably m328p)
avrdude: safemode: lfuse reads as 0
avrdude: safemode: hfuse reads as 0
avrdude: safemode: efuse reads as 0
avrdude: reading input file "./release/2.0/Bittle/NyBoard_V1/OpenCatStandard.ino.hex"
avrdude: writing flash (32210 bytes):

Writing | ################################################## | 100% 5.44s

avrdude: 32210 bytes of flash written

avrdude: safemode: lfuse reads as 0
avrdude: safemode: hfuse reads as 0
avrdude: safemode: efuse reads as 0
avrdude: safemode: Fuses OK (E:00, H:00, L:00)

avrdude done.  Thank you.

Finish!

Then I immediately tried "Upgrade the firmware" -- and this one failed; the log is directly following the previous one:

2024-01-11 08:23:24,907 ardSerial - INFO - lastSetting: ['Bittle', './release', '2.0', 'NyBoard_V1_1', 'Standard'].
2024-01-11 08:23:24,907 ardSerial - INFO - currentSetting: ['Bittle', './release', '2.0', 'NyBoard_V1_1', 'Standard'].
ttyUSB0
['./release/2.0/Bittle/NyBoard_V1/WriteInstinct.ino.hex', './release/2.0/Bittle/NyBoard_V1/OpenCatStandard.ino.hex']


avrdude: Version 6.3-20171130
         Copyright (c) 2000-2005 Brian Dean, http://www.bdmicro.com/
         Copyright (c) 2007-2014 Joerg Wunsch

         System wide configuration file is "/etc/avrdude.conf"
         User configuration file is "/home/nico/.avrduderc"
         User configuration file does not exist or is not a regular file, skipping

         Using Port                    : /dev/ttyUSB0
         Using Programmer              : arduino
         Overriding Baud Rate          : 115200
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 1 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 2 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 3 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 4 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 5 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 6 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 7 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 8 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 9 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00
avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding
avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 10 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

avrdude done.  Thank you.

Assumption

"Update the mode only" broke the board somehow...

Can this be possible? And if yes: How to fix it then?

Follow-Up-Steps

At this point I tried:

Resetting the NyBoard
Disconnecting and reconnecting the cable and the programmer
Reattempting flashing multiple times
Starting the Bittle without any stuff connected (does not work anymore; sticks in the bootloader, possibly?)
Installed ArduinoIDE, selected the board, opened the project from GitHub, tried to flash from there (same output and result)

Any recommendations?

What makes sense to test next?

Further Attempts...

I tried disconnecting and reconnecting the USB plug several times, sometimes faster, sometimes slower.

In most cases, no sound was generated and LED combination stayed the same (e.g. orange on always).

But from time to time, the reconnection attempts were "successful" in a way that the NyBoard played the sound as when connected for the first time (orange LED off, melody and two times a short melody, a third time and a fourth time after a while).

But no change in behaviour. Still cannot flash anything...

Edited

Nico Decker

Jan 15, 2024

Replying to

This is the package list:

It does not look like to contain any bootloader resetter, right?

I have another Arduino board somwhere flying around here -- if this would help?

Rongzhong Li

Jan 17, 2024

Replying to

Do you see the black or green bootload resetter in the package? https://docs.petoi.com/technical-support/burn-bootloader-for-nyboard#use-the-simple-bootloader-resetter

A regular Arduino can also be used to reset the firmware, but it requires some understanding/patience on the operations:https://docs.petoi.com/technical-support/burn-bootloader-for-nyboard#use-arduino-uno-board

If you don't have the simple resetter, we can send you one.

Edited

Nico Decker

Jan 17, 2024

Replying to

I really appreciate your support and that you would be willing to send the resetter -- which is not part of my package by the way.

However, I will try the Arduino-as-ISP-solution first. Looks managable. 🤗 Thank you!

Rongzhong Li

Apr 04, 2022

What version of OpenCat code are you using?

Théo Cachet

Apr 04, 2022

Replying to

@Rongzhong Li Thanks for your help. I'm in France so if I can avoid a return it would be great. Should I try to go through the section 4.2.4 Burn the bootloader myself?

Rongzhong Li

Apr 04, 2022

Replying to

@Théo Cachet Yes, that's one option. If you have another Arduino, you can use it as an ISP. Or you may buy an inexpensive USBtiny ISP. If that all fails, I will send you a replacement. Sorry for the inconvenience and I will wait for any results from you.

Théo Cachet

Apr 04, 2022

Replying to

@Rongzhong Li Oh, I didn't realized that thisn operations requires another Arduino. I don't have that. I actually know very little about hardware, I'm a ML researcher..

Théo Cachet

Apr 04, 2022

Hi! I am experiencing the same problem.

I am on Ubuntu and try to upload the OpenCat sketch on the Nyboard.

I followed the instructions precisely: Latest version of Arduino IDE. Selected Arduino Uno and the /dev/ttyUSB0 port. Sketch seems to compile fine but when trying to upload it I got :

[...]

avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 10 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

I noticed that when I plug the cable (from the kit), only the RX led (yellow), Power led (red) and blue led of the Nyboard light up. However the TX led doesn't. Also, the leds don't blink nor dim after connecting the cable as it is mentioned on the tutorial. Any idea of what could go wrong?

Best.

R L

Dec 28, 2021

Sure, thanks.

R L

Dec 28, 2021

Replying to

@Rongzhong Li

Thanks, I'll do that.

b c

Dec 28, 2021

Replying to

@Rongzhong Li @R L was there a solution that doesn't involve a personal setup? hate to waste ur time but i'm having the same issue.

Rongzhong Li

Dec 29, 2021

Replying to

@b c

Usually, it can be fixed by the following checks:

1. Install the CH340 driver;

2. Use the USB cable with the data function(the one included in the kit is good).

3. Select correct board (Arduino Uno) and serial port;

4. Connect the board and the programmer in the right pin order;

The above steps are covered in the user manual.

If the problem persists, send pictures/screenshots/videos to support@petoi.com or this forum. The more information provided, the easier to locate the problem.

Rongzhong Li

Dec 28, 2021

Would you like to have a remote desktop session with me to go through the setups?

Rongzhong Li

Dec 28, 2021

Try to select Arduino Uno in the Board setting.

R L

Dec 28, 2021

Replying to

Thanks, I tried the Arduino Uno board setting but it didn't change anything. Still same error. Here's copy of error msgs from Arduino IDE and attached screenshot from IDE with that option: ------------------------------------- Arduino: 1.8.18 (Mac OS X), Board: "Arduino Uno"

Sketch uses 444 bytes (1%) of program storage space. Maximum is 32256 bytes.

Global variables use 9 bytes (0%) of dynamic memory, leaving 2039 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 2048 bytes.

/private/var/folders/m_/t6fl2xvj5zxf_x9c1w20hn4m0000gn/T/AppTranslocation/EEF82AFF-4515-4832-BA24-DA3CEE97D449/d/Arduino.app/Contents/Java/hardware/tools/avr/bin/avrdude -C/private/var/folders/m_/t6fl2xvj5zxf_x9c1w20hn4m0000gn/T/AppTranslocation/EEF82AFF-4515-4832-BA24-DA3CEE97D449/d/Arduino.app/Contents/Java/hardware/tools/avr/etc/avrdude.conf -v -patmega328p -carduino -P/dev/cu.usbserial-1420 -b115200 -D -Uflash:w:/var/folders/m_/t6fl2xvj5zxf_x9c1w20hn4m0000gn/T/arduino_build_512809/sketch_dec25b.ino.hex:i

avrdude: Version 6.3-20190619

System wide configuration file is "/private/var/folders/m_/t6fl2xvj5zxf_x9c1w20hn4m0000gn/T/AppTranslocation/EEF82AFF-4515-4832-BA24-DA3CEE97D449/d/Arduino.app/Contents/Java/hardware/tools/avr/etc/avrdude.conf"

User configuration file is "/Users/richardlevinson/.avrduderc"

User configuration file does not exist or is not a regular file, skipping

Using Port : /dev/cu.usbserial-1420

Using Programmer : arduino

Overriding Baud Rate : 115200

avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 1 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 2 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 3 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 4 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 5 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 6 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 7 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 8 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 9 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 10 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

avrdude done. Thank you.

Rongzhong Li

Dec 28, 2021

Have you selected the serial port in Arduino IDE?

https://bittle.petoi.com/4-configuration#4.2.5.-connect-the-uploader-sometimes-referred-to-as-the-programmer

R L

Dec 28, 2021

Replying to

Yes, I think I did select the serial port when I was using the USB Adapter, and I selected the bluetooth port when using the Bluetooth adapter. See attached screenshot for serial case.

Time to see the Vet

Mujoco Simulator With Bittle

Computer connection

Can't upload sketch to NyBoard

Same Problem -- How to Fix?

In a Nutshell

History

Assumption

Follow-Up-Steps

Any recommendations?

Further Attempts...