Not able to write to SD even after reformatting

lanantun15lanantun15 University of Washington
in Cyton

Hardware/Software I am using:
- OpenBCI 16-channel R&D kit (32 bit)
- Windows OpenBCI GUI on a 64 bit Windows 8 system
- Latest version of Processing
- SanDisk 16 GB Class 10, UHS speed 1 microSD.

I am having a lot of difficulty writing to the SD card. Using the tutorial, I reformatted the SD card using the SD Formatter 4.0 (as was suggested in a previous post). Before reformatting, the system would start and data would be stored to the folder SavedData (not the SD) with no problem. After reformatting, the system won’t even start from the control panel. I’m wondering if OpenBCI is not recognizing the SD and why that may be the case (I checked that I was using the correct COM port). In the rare occasions that the system does start, the signal is crazy. In even rarer occasions that the signal looks normal, a single file is written to the SD card that makes no sense to me (part of the file is attached at the bottom).

Is there a way I can fix this? Thank you!


%START AT

00082880

00,7FFFFF,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,0160,FFC0,0ED0

01,7FFFFF,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000

02,7FFFFF,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,02A0,FF20,1CE0

03,7FFFFF,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000

04,7FFFFF,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000

05,7FFFFF,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000,000000

*This goes on for 5MB


Comments

  • biomurphbiomurph Brooklyn, NY
    Regarding the file that is created, that data looks formatted correctly, at least. The file starts with a timestamp, then the long strings start with the sample counter followed by 8 ADS data samples and then three accelerometer values, if they are available.
    The accelerometer values look legit, but the ADS values are alittle odd. The first one is maxed out at the extreme positive, and the others are stuck at 0. 

    If you are using the OpenBCI Processing GUI, you can check the terminal output for feedback on what is going on.
    Can you copy and post that feedback? It should appear in the black window in the Processing IDE, below the code. Having that to reference will help in troubleshooting your problem.

    Also, does the system work as expected if you remove the SD card and run it?
  • lanantun15lanantun15 University of Washington
    I don't seem to get an error, but here is the output:

    openBCI_GUI: startButton was pressed...starting data transfer...
    startRunning...
    OpenBCI_ADS1299: startDataTransfer(): writing 'b' to the serial port...
    Playground: isMouseInButton: attempting
    OpenBCI_GUI: mouseReleased: mouse released
    Gui_Manager: mouseReleased(): Channel Controller mouse released...
    Playground: isMouseInButton: attempting
    OpenBCI_GUI: mousePressed: mouse pressed
    Gui_Manager: mousePressed: mouse pressed.
    Gui_Manager: mousePressed: Channel Controller mouse pressed...
    openBCI_GUI: stopButton was pressed...stopping data transfer...
    OpenBCI_GUI: stopRunning: stop running...
    OpenBCI_ADS1299: startDataTransfer(): writing 's' to the serial port...
    Playground: isMouseInButton: attempting
    OpenBCI_ADS1299: apparent sampleIndex jump from Serial data: 109 to  28.  Keeping packet. (1)
    OpenBCI_ADS1299: interpretBinaryStream: Actbyte = 28
    OpenBCI_ADS1299: interpretBinaryStream: expecteding end-of-packet byte is missing.  Discarding packet. (2)
    OpenBCI_GUI: mouseReleased: mouse released
    Gui_Manager: mouseReleased(): Channel Controller mouse released...
    Playground: isMouseInButton: attempting

    Sometimes, I get the error "Init timeout Verify your Serial/COM Port Power DOWN/UP your OpenBCI & USB Dongle Then retry Initialization". I found the forum thread about this and I checked all of the firmware files with the ones in the OpenBCI_32 github and they're all still there? Do you think I should try reuploading these files?

    The system works as expected without the SD card.
  • biomurphbiomurph Brooklyn, NY
    I don't see anything that jumps out at me directly from the data you sent.
    I ran the OpenBCI GUI to test, and do not have a problem like this on my end.
    Please try the following:
    Upload the latest code to your OpenBCI board. Find the repo here:
    and a tutorial on how to upload it here:

    Before you do that, you can verify that the board is talking to the SD card by using a terminal software (I use CoolTerm on my mac).
    Put the SD card into it's slot, Plug in the Dongle, then turn on the OpenBCI board (Board must power up AFTER Dongle)
    Connect to the OpenBCI COM port in your terminal software.
    press reset on the board, you should see this on the terminal
    OpenBCI V3 16 channel
    On Board ADS1299 Device ID: 0x3E
    LIS3DH Device ID: 0x33
    $$$
    To run a quick (~14 seconds) test of the SD card writing:
    Send the board 'a' from the terminal, you should get something back like this:
    Wiring is correct and a card is present.
    Corresponding SD file OBCI_15.TXT
    $$$
    At this point, you can send a '[' (square bracket) to tell the board to use internal test signal for inputs
    Then, send the board 'b', which will start the data flow. The board will run in streaming data mode for about 14 seconds, until the SD file is complete, then it will time-out, at which point you can remove the card and verify the file.


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