ICD-U40 hardware upgrade from V1 to V5c

[Magnox]

I've been asked to post this - it should be of interest to those of us with an early model ICD-U40.

The original version of the ICD-U40 from CCS was lacking in a couple of areas that were fixed in a revised version. These include support for more PIC's due to more flexible voltage control. The V1 cannot take the later firmware that supports these and, as if to add insult to injury, every time you try to program a device with it the CCS-Load software complains with a pop-up that the device is limited. CCS charge quite a lot to upgrade your old V1 hardware. Bad CCS!!!

I searched for ages for the new schematic, and eventually found it on a company's website, along with the instructions to do the upgrade. That made life really easy!

I checked out the schematics myself first (I didn't want to blow up my programmer) and the instructions matched the differences, so I followed them, more or less. The upgrade worked perfectly, to my huge relief.

Note that the PIC in the ICD-U40 will need fully reprogramming with another programmer - I bought a PICKit 3 on special offer mostly for that purpose, and also because it supports more chips that I wanted to use than even the updated U40. I still prefer to use the U40 on most of my projects though.

Download the upgrade files from the link in the attachment. Please do not share outside Sonsivri. The files include V1 and V5c schematics, upgrade instructions, hex files for PIC and EEPROM, and pictures.

Some notes on the procedure

The replaced resistors are 0603 size. I had 0805 and they just fit, but I would rather have used 0603.

Get the smallest capacitors you can for the underside.

When putting the parts on the underside, remember that there is very little clearance underneath when in the case. I had to gouge out a little plastic inside the case for the capacitors, so that the board would fit without undue pressure.

Study the instructions well before commencing - I did things a little differently to suit myself and my skills. Do the same if you are confident, or just follow them exactly if you prefer.

Check the in-circuit programming pinout on the board - it is NOT standard. I made a little cable up because I happened to have the right connector in my scrap box, but tack-soldering wires underneath would suffice for a temporary programming connection.

If you have any funny issues with lack of communication after the upgrade, try reprogramming the EEPROM (It's done by loading the firmware though windows - it's used by the FTDI chip for the serial). I did not need to; after programming the PIC, everything worked perfectly.

At the end of the process, and after reprogramming the PIC, you can (and should) load the latest firmware onto the U40 through CCS-Load.


*** Updated attachment to include both ZIP and RAR archives - only one of them is needed ***

[Magnox]

I've taken some pictures of my modified board:

[darck_khronos]

i have problems, message rar

!   D:\descargas\U40V5c.zip: Método desconocido en 1390_ModBot.jpg
!   D:\descargas\U40V5c.zip: No hay ficheros para extraer

[Magnox]

Looks like 'unknown method' - you probably need to update your winzip or whatever program you use.

The download works - I tested it by downloading myself and extracting it.

Note that Rapidshare seem to be having problems today (and last night) with files taking a long time to download.

Posted on: February 23, 2012, 02:55:55 14:55 - Automerged
I need to go out right now, but I'll reupload it in rar later if you don't get it.

[Old_but_Alive]

no problems for me with the original  download

[Magnox]

That's good to know, thanks.

I've been trying to log into rapidshare to put a rar version up but it still seems to be having issues and I can't get into my account.

I use winzip 14.5 pro in compatibility mode with aes encryption - it should work with any recent multi-de-archiver.

---

I got in - attachment in original post updated to include a rar link.

[cerebronico]

Links non functional, please re-upload

c

 

[koky]

i have found this information

http://www.tayloredge.com/reference/Circuits/ICDU40/index.html

[Magnox]

Yes, that's the same information as in my files.