Equipment needed
- 1 long (1m or more) USB A to mini-B cable
- 1 short (15cm) USB A to mini-B cable
- 1 long (1m or more) USB A to micro-B cable
- 1 ST-LINK/V2 programming tool
- 1 Supperware head tracker programming fixture (p1904-3 / p2002-1 / FFC cable)
- A PC for programming/testing (provided by you, as agreed!)
Setting up
The two mini-B connectors, fixture, and ST-LINK are combined as shown in the photograph. When the mini-B cable is plugged into a computer, the ‘5V’ LED on the programmer lights as shown.
The programming computer will need some STM32 programming software installed. Either one of these is recommended; the first is slightly simpler and the second is newer. If you are familiar with either one, please continue to use that.
The programming .hex file will be emailed to you. I am reasonably cautious about this file being posted online because there is a long history of products being cloned in our industry, which is why I haven’t stuck a link to it on this page.
Programming each unit
The head tracker mounts into the fixture like this. Pads on the underside will contact with the pins on the fixture. It should be aligned gently by a couple of protrusions.
If it does not sit easily, some PCB pips my need to be filed down. It will be necessary to apply gentle pressure to the top of the USB connector during programming to keep the pins in good contact.
When the head tracker is seated well, the 3V3 LED on the upper part of the programming fixture will also light.
Run through the software’s programming procedure. It is necessary only to program and verify the unit. (Readout protection is applied automatically during commissioning.)
Testing each unit
Plug the head tracker into a computer with the USB micro-B cable. (This is a class-compliant MIDI device, so the first time you do this, the computer may take a while to install drivers automatically. You might have to unplug the first unit and plug it in again for the self-test to work properly.)
Every other time you do this the response will be almost instant.
Within the first second of being plugged in, the LED at the far end should flash three times and then go out. This is an indication that the test has passed. The following flash patterns are possible:
- Three flashes: test passed.
- No flashes: USB configuration failure. (The head tracker cannot communicate with the computer. This might be caused by the computer or cable, or because the drivers have not installed properly, or because the USB connector is not soldered properly.)
- Steady LED: Sensor test failed. (The head tracker cannot communicate with one of the three sensor chips: the 2 LSM6DSM or LSM303AGR. This is most likely a production problem.)
If you find you are getting a lot of test failures, contact me at ben@supperware.net. I literally have nothing better to do than to help you ensure that these work.