ICE TUBE - I broke it

[adafruit_support_bill]

@KC2PED - that's not the kind of thing we specifically test for, but feedback from those that have done it indicates that the chip is damaged by inserting upside-down.

[JSONE]

I was wondering about the VFD, and I read the thread about putting it in upside down. It 's a little less embarassing not being the only one.
Should I get a new VFD?

[adafruit_support_bill]

Should I get a new VFD?

Somehow I thought you already had. It looks like a very clean build otherwise. The VFD would be the primary suspect now.

[JSONE]

I took a look for one and the only one I can get in the UK is really expensive in comparison so thought I should leave it until speaking to you guys again.
I will get one and let you know what happens
Thanks again

[JSONE]

OK new VFD fitted and no difference. I still cannot access the clock setup.
Any suggestions welcome.
Thanks

[JSONE]

I've just realised when pressing the menu button it makes a strange clicking noise each time but only when under power with or without the tube plugged in.
I think the noise comes from the alarm speaker but isn't a beep.

[adafruit_support_bill]

Do you still get the beep at power up?

[JSONE]

Yes

[adafruit_support_bill]

It sounds like your microprocessor is at least partially functional. Otherwise you wouldn't be getting the sound effects or the boost voltage to light the tube. Although it is possible that the upside-down vfd may have caused some damage to some of the output pins that control the VFD.

But before replacing the processor, look carefully at the VFD in the socket. The contacts in the socket are easily bent when removing a chip. Make sure that all the contacts are straight and making contact with the chip itself.

[JSONE]

Hi
I've checked everything for fit and connections and can't see anything loose or not connecting

[adafruit_support_bill]

Then the Atmega168 was likely damaged as well.
You will need an Atmega 168 chip. The firmware is here: http://www.ladyada.net/make/icetube/download.html
And the instructions for uploading are here: http://www.ladyada.net/make/icetube/mods.html

[JSONE]

I was dreading you saying that.
I guess I need to get a AVR ISP first then?
I have Win 7 64 bit any suggestions which one will work for me?

[adafruit_support_bill]

I was dreading you saying that.

To be honest, so was I. Your clock has been through a lot.

I have Win 7 64 bit any suggestions which one will work for me?

The USBTinyISP should do the job: http://www.ladyada.net/make/usbtinyisp/index.html
The DASA programmer is cheaper, but slower and very fussy when using usb/serial ports.: http://www.adafruit.com/products/26

[JSONE]

Hi
yeah all because of a stupid mistake. It would probably have been easier to get a new kit. But looking on the positive it's a learning curve and I get to tinker with something new ie programming chips. Who knows what next. Thanks for your help, I'll let you know how I get on.

[JSONE]

Hi

got the new chip, built the USBtiny, tried to program using command line
c:\>avrdude -c usbtiny -p m168-U flash:w:newfirmware.hex

and got the following message

avrdude: AVR Part "m168-U" not found.

Then it lists all the parts and chips etc.
The USBtiny green led lights OK, my PC picks it up OK and the drivers are OK.
I did not see the red led light.
I've tried following all the tutorial notes etc but there is a lot to take in but I'm obviously missing something
Hope you can help.