Technical

1. After applying the patch to Arduino, WiCOM is added in the list of ports, but WiLoader is not in the programmers list. Where is the problem coming from?

Answer:  The Arduino software typically loads the list of avr programmers from the ‘programers.txt’ file in the “hardware/Arduino/avr“ directory. However, in some special conditions (for example, if you have already installed version 1.6.2) it is possible that Arduino loads this file from the following paths depending on the operating system:

Windows: C: / Users / (username) / AppData / Roaming / Arduino15

Linux: /home/(username)/.arduino15

macOS: / Users / (username) / Library / Arduino15

If the path “packages/ arduino/hardware/avr/1.6.2/“ exists in the Arduino15 directory, it may load the list of programmers from the ‘programers.txt’ file in the ‘1.6.2’ folder. In this case if you are using Arduino version 1.6.2. you must manually apply the patch as described in the ArduinoPatch software, otherwise you can force the IDE to open the correct file by renaming the ‘1.6.2’ folder.

2. How to use WiLoader directly inside the Arduino IDE?

In order to perform this task, you must first close all instances of Arduino software and then execute the ‘ArduinoPatch’ file from ‘ArduinoPatch’ folder, which is inside WiLoader software package downloaded from the website. After choosing the correct Arduino version and its path, click the ‘Patch’ button. If you are using version ‘1,6.2’ you must manually perform the necessary steps.

In order to disable the patch, you can also click the ‘Undo Patch’ button.

After completing these steps, open the Arduino IDE. If the patch has been successfully applied, you should see WiCOM in the list of ports and WiLoader in programmers list.

3. How to upload sketches inside Arduino IDE using WiLoader?

If you want to program your board without boot-loader, you must select WiLoader from the list of programmers and use the “Upload Using Programmer” option in the Sketch menu.

If you are working with Uno and Mega boards and boot-loader is already burned on them, you can use boot-loader for programming by choosing WiCOM from the list of ports and pressing the ‘Upload’ button afterwards.

If the WiLoaderFX app is not open, an instance of the software will be automatically opened. After you hit the scan button and select the desired WiLoader, you must minimize WiLoaderFX and repeat the above operation.

4. How to fix “Sync Time Out” error when trying to upload sketches?

In this situation, most probably boot-loader isn’t programmed on your board or there is a connection problem between the UART pins on WiLoader and your target board. (For example, a shield or another module is using UART pins)

In order to program boot-loader on your board, you can select “Burn Bootloader” from the Tools menu after choosing WiLoader from the programmer menu.

5. Do I need an internet connection, when I'm using WiLoader?

No, WiLoader can connect to your home or work network and perform the needed task without an Internet connection. However, your computer and WiLoader must be connected to the same WiFi network.

6. Is it possible that WiLoader automatically goes to the AP mode after turning on?

There is currently no such possibility in this firmware version.

The AP mode is designed to perform basic settings as well as situations where the user does not have access to a wifi network and does not want to use an inexpensive AP/Router or even turn on his or her phone HotSpot.

In Station mode, after WiLoader is turned on, it will automatically connect to the configured network without any intervention by users.

7. Is it possible to use multiple WiLoaders simultaneously?

Yes, If you work on multiple platforms, for example, you develop a team of robots, you can equip each one with a WiLoader and connect them to your wifi network. Whenever you want to program a board/robot, simply select the desired name from the list of WiLoaders inside WiLoaderFX software and perform the programming operation.

If you want to use multiple terminals simultaneously or program the boards in at the same time, you can use multiple WiLoaderFX software as described in “application for mass production” inside the user manual.

8. What are the MCUs that WiLoader is capable of programming?

All ATMega and ATTiny micro-controllers that support AVR ISP protocol can be programmed via the SPI ports using WiLoader.

The Arduino Uno and Mega Boards can also be programmed with the help of bootloader so that the user can employ SPI pins on their circuit.

9. How to set up and use WiLoader?

In order to connect WiLoader to your WiFi network, you only need to complete the steps described in the Quick Start Guide once.

10. How to change the WiLoader configured network after the initial setup?

You can repeat the steps explained in Quick Start Guide. It is also possible to change the settings when the device is connected to the current network using the WiLoaderFX settings section or WiLoader mobile software.

11. Is WiLoader capable of programming boards with 3.3v voltage?

Yes, WiLoader is capable of operating with supply voltage from 3.3v to 5.5v. It is also able to program boards with IO voltages from 1.8v to 5.5v. If the supply voltage is different IO pins voltage, these two voltages should be applied separately to WiLoader as described in the user manual.

12. Is WiLoader capable of programming boot-loader on Arduino boards?

Yes, WiLoader can program the boot-loader on your desired board, by using the AVR ISP protocol and selecting the “Burn Bootloader” option.

13. Can WiLoader be used to program AVR MCUs without Arduino IDE, or with Ateml Stduio and CodeVision?

Yes, you can use WiLoader with WiLoaderFX Hex-loader or call it directly from Atmel Studio and CodeVisionAVR softwares as described in WiLoader’s user manual.

Pasadena, CA
email : info@petuniatech.com