Ganglion firmware upgrade
Hi,
I would like to upgrade the Ganglion firmware to version 3. I have read the guide here https://docs.openbci.com/Ganglion/GanglionProgram/
multiple times but it is still unclear to me how to do this.
This guide states that I can be done using the OpenBCI Cyton Dongle (which I have), but only shows how to do it with the FTDI Breakout.
Could you please clarify the procedure to update the firmware using the Cyton Dongle. A step by step precedure would be greatly appreciated. There seems to be one for the Cyton (https://github.com/OpenBCI/OpenBCI_Cyton_Library/blob/master/UPGRADE_GUIDE.md) but not the Ganglion.
Thanks!
Comments
When did you obtain the Ganglion? If it was shipped after Feb 27, 2017, then it is capable of OTA (over the air) update. This is the preferred method.
https://docs.openbci.com/Ganglion/GanglionProgram/#ganglion-ota-firmware-programming
Unfortunately, it was shipped Jan 2017. How can I do the hardware programming step using the OpenBCI Cyton Dongle? Thanks!
Hi again Zig,
Have you looked at this section of the doc?
https://docs.openbci.com/Ganglion/GanglionProgram/#ganglion-hardware-programming
Mentioning @Shirley and @philp_pitts, it appears that the Ganglion docs section above 'mentions' using the Cyton dongle, but does not describe specifics. Is it possible that the Cyton dongle needs the 'pass-through' firmware installed first? And then reverted afterwards to the normal firmware?
https://docs.openbci.com/Cyton/CytonRadios/#program-device-radio-with-openbci-dongle
Wow, that sounds involved, especially since the Cyton dongle will need to be re-programmed with the normal firmware after the flash, and that includes synchronizing the radio channels. And double flashing. And installation of header sockets.
https://docs.openbci.com/Cyton/CytonRadios/#upload-host-firmware-version-2xx-fall-2016
Sounds somewhat complex. And does not really cover pre-OTA Ganglion owners with no Cytons.
As an alternative, what about: having some type of program with a pool of FTDI Friend dongles that could be made available somehow? Not sure the logistics of this, sorry if I'm opening a can of worms. I do see that FTDI Friends are only about $15 on a web search. Maybe customers could just be encouraged to purchase on their own, or through the shop at a discount.
https://www.google.com/search?q=ftdi+friend
However note, in the 'Friend' section, it mentions that any of these boards must be carefully pre-prepared with the right voltage levels. Wow, many details.
https://docs.openbci.com/Cyton/CytonRadios/#ftdi-friend
Finally, it might be judicious, to apply some type of 'caution' statement for owners of the older non-OTA capable boards. To the effect that the new firmware is harder to install in these cases. And possibly adding something like: 'it may not be worth the effort required'.
William
Oops misspelled @philip_pitts on that last comment.
Yeah, that seems very complicated. I can get an FTDI Friend and follow the guide, that seems to be the easiest approach. Would that do? There seems to be a 3V jumper which would be easier than having to solder.
https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/gp/product/B07TXVRQ7V/ref=sw_img_1?smid=AFLYC5O31PGVX&psc=1
But, as you write, I'm not even sure it's worth all this effort. What would be the advantages of update the firmware to v3? There does not seem to be a lot of changes in the v3 firmware...
https://github.com/OpenBCI/OpenBCI_Ganglion_Library/releases
Thanks again.
In most cases with users who are doing EEG, ECG, your existing firmware will work just fine. The new firmware addresses accuracy in certain 'edge' situations where the input (biological) signal is making large or fast millivolt transitions. These edge situations were discovered when the Ganglion was driven with a hardware lab 'signal generator' type device. Fortunately these types of signals are not the norm in biological systems.
Ok, I just checked the firmware version using nRF Connect app and it seems I have a very early version.
Firmware Revision String: 1.1.0
Software Revision String: N/A
Would it be useful in my case to upgrade to the latest firmware (increased stability, lots of bug fixes) ?
As you can see from the list of firmware releases,
https://github.com/OpenBCI/OpenBCI_Ganglion_Library/releases?page=1
The primary effort of v2 firmware was to add the Wifi Shield compatibility. So you are not missing anything there. v3 changed the packet format to allow the large / fast millivolt amplitude transitions. So again, I do not believe that there have been significant "stability, bug fix" changes that you are missing by staying with the v1 firmware.