I just picked up a Cerb40. After getting the requisite parts from Mouser, I soldered the regulator and the capacitor to the chip.
Using a multimeter, I was able to confirm that I was getting 3.28v out from the VCC and Ground pins, when the USB was plugged in.
However, the device itself does not show up in Windows; there isn’t even a message in the taskbar or Device Manager telling me that the device isn’t functioning properly, it simply doesn’t show up at all (the Windows device connected audio doesn’t go off either). I’ve tried reinstalling the drivers but nothing happens. Just as a note, this is the Mini B cable that I am using: Amazon.com
Gus, I am plugging directly into my tower without any hubs, since I don’t have any.
I’ve tried several ports, including multiple USB 2.0 and a USB 3.0 port.
I’d also check fundamental things like checking for solder bridges around the processor and anything you’ve soldered. The fact that you don’t get a device connected sound implies to me that the processor isn’t starting correctly
So I ensured that there were no bridges, since I did solder the regulator and capacitor myself and added headers to it.
Doing so did not show that there were bridges.
After that, in an attempt to put it into update mode, I accidentally put a bit too much pressure on the chip and broke off the USB connector.
While it wouldn’t be difficult to solder it back on, it’ll certainly be difficult. So, I’ve decided to purchase a new unit and try my luck with it.
Before I do end up making the purchase, can anyone at GHI test and let me know if the Cerb40 works with Windows 8?
I didn’t get a chance to test with Win7 so I don’t know for sure if it was a compatibility issue or a bad chip.
As showing in the known issue link right under the package download on support page, there are some reports of wimdows 8 issues on some machines. But you saw nothing on your machine. Please take a look. Of course we are still trying to see of we can work around these issues or windows update may come with a fix!
Also, if this is your first board then cerb40 is not user friendly. I recommend cerbuino.
Thanks Gus.
I will take a look at the link and the details talked about in the forums.
While I am not an expert by any means, the Cerb40 is not my first board.
I’m currently planning on using it for a very specific application. I do plan to use the Cerbuino in the future for some other projects.
Hi Gus - I’m lost…completely. I’ve been working with the Netduino board for a while and decided to move to a faster processor. I pourchased 3 fez boards. A cerburus and 2 cerb40’s. I like the small form for the application I have. I soldered the components(cap and reg) on the one cerb40 and kept the other as is with a 3.3 regulated supply. I installed the GHI tool chain - including the USB drivers. I have been trying to connect the boards to my win7 system with no joy. Not even an unknown device. The same with my cerburus board. No joy. The same ports sees my Netduino board. I’ve tried multiple ports on multiple pc’s and there is no joy. What am I missing?? I’m at the point of shelving these boards. I need a lifeline. I’ve scanned some of the forum for simmilar issues, without much to go with.
Antonie
Hi Fellas,
Gus, thanks for the quick responce. Yes, indeed, I’m powering the Cerberus board with the USB unit from my PC - USB Client SP 1.3. When I power the board, the red led comes on, but no recognition from my PC. Nothing what so ever. I soldered on boot pins and tried to put the board in boot mode, but still nothing. I would speculate a faulty board since I’m sure the USB port works(I use it to program Arduino and the Netduino boards). I’ve also tried it on various PC’s running win7 and win8 with the same result, but have all 3 boards not working tells me that I’m doing something wrong. I have a ubuntu box in the workshop, I’ll see if it sees any of the boards on USB. I power the cerb40 board from the 3.3v from my netduino board. I’ve tested the output voltage at 3.28, so input voltage seems OK.
Any suggestions would be welcome.
Antonie.
OK, hang on. I have an serial to USB adapter plugged into my PC(a second serial port). I removed the adapter, uninstalled the driver, rebooted win7 and plugged the Cerberus board…whoomp there it is, win7 saw the board and installed the driver. I’ll check for the cerb40 boards, but I’m cautiously optimistic - will keep you posted.
Thanks again for your help. I’ll be a very happy man if cerb40 boots.
I finally got some time to work on my new Cerb40.
Soldered the cap and the regulator to the board and measured the output at 3.275V.
Plugged it into my Win8 machine and got nothing.
Plugged it into my Win7 machine and got nothing.
Messed around in various configuration of installing and removing drivers, etc. for a while but I have not been able to get the board to be detected.
Since I’m having issues with GHI hardware, I am going to test my computers to see if they are the problem.
I will be acquiring a Netdunio to see if that works out for me.
Ok same thing here . Got my Cerb40 soldered the 3.3v regulator and cap, plugged in the usb and nothing not even an unrecognised device! im on win8 comp with working USB ports . Tried on win 7 and win XP (two different comps also with working usb ports) same thing , NOTHING!. checked the output woltages and everything seems to be as it should. I even tried putting it in loader mode (high on loader pin) again NOTHING! .
After many tries IT WORKED . I don’t know why but getting the CERB40 in to loader mode this time(6th) worked! . Anyway Cerb40 chip obviously comes with NO FIRMWARE out of the box, so YOU MUST install(update ) the firmware FIRST! or there will be nothing to be detected as a usb device. This step is stated as optional everywhere which is missleading and confusing!
