Conference stkhlm::magtape

3667.0. "Caution.. TL81x and TL82x code load problems" by SUBSYS::JENERESKI () Fri Feb 21 1997 18:10

     **** CAUTION ***** CAUTION **** CAUTION ***** CAUTION ******


  Subject: All ATL libraries ( TL81X, TL82X )

  	 	 Code load via Kattie-vision
                 Do not use Windows 95 or NT or Windows 3.1

  ATL library diagnostics ( Kattie-vision ) are written for DOS using
"Vitiam C" and is not compatible with "Windows 95, NT or Windows 3.1".

 A problem will occur during code loads if Kattie-vision is run under
"Windows 95, Windows 3.1 or NT" due to the fact that both windows and
Kattie-vision time slice and thus there is an opportunity to drop bytes
 during code loads.

 If you attempt to use "95,windows 3.1 or NT" the unit will appear to go
"BRAIN DEAD". The indication will be that the front panel will either hang
at 2C or loop at 2C FF.


 How to recover...

 1. Obtain a system running "DOS"

 2. Once a "DOS" system is obtain and Kattie-vision ( Tapelib ) is loaded and 
      connected to the system power fail the Library. 
	
	Note: Just FYI... If E0 is now displayed on the control panel this
	          	  will indicate that only a partial code load has
			  taken place.	
		
			  If 2C is displayed, we are stuck in a power fail
	      		  routine.

			  If the unit is looping at 2C-FF the unit is Brain
			  Dead, ucode corrupted.

 3. Start Kattie-vision

       The unit should come up in simulation mode or with the following error:
	
	Time out After Retry 
        Error 00 
        Unsolicated message

 4. Re-attempt to load code again. This might have to be retryed more than once
	in an attempt to recover BUT IN ALMOST ALL CASES recovery is possible.



Other problems seen in this area which are not related to 95 and or NT.

 1. Defective cable from the PC to the Diag port

 2. Defective com port

 3. Corrupted code.

	When pulling code over the network always pull the Zip file from
	subsys:: and if by running pkunzip errors are seen, repull, do not
	use pkfix. 
  
 Other recovery procedure.

 If all else fails:

	 On the TL82X libraries new Eproms can be orderd ( U39 and
	U40 ). These Eproms will allow code load to occur by restoring the
	boot block in the controller.

	ATL part numbers:

		U39 6207341-01
		u40 6207341-02        
 
 	 On the TL81X Libraries a new robotic controller must be order and
	replaced.
 

    
    
    More on code loads:
    
  1. Do not have power saver enabled on your PC's if you do there is a
    chance that the Disk drive will drop off line while in the middle of
    code loading
    
  2.  Do not have any screen savers enabled on you pc's. There are a few
     screen savers that run under Dos.
    
  3. Also do not have any apps running under dos while loading code
    
    
Note: If you have 95 all is not lost...
    
      Create a bootable Dos floppy on a Dos machine by obtaining a Dos 6.2x 
      system, loading a floppy into drive A and then enter the following
      comnand: ( FORMAT A:/S ). Once this completes then load the floppy
      onto your 95 system and reboot. Once Dos is loaded set def to you
      Tapelib directory and now procede with your code loading.