LIFA 2.0 to Release by End of 2011

[Kevin_F]

Hey Howard,

The new package should be available for download from here:https://lumen.ni.com/nicif/us/evaltlktlvardio/content.xhtml later today.  You will just need to install that package using VIPM and then re-download the firmware from the firmware folder to your Arduino.

[Kevin_F]

LIFA 2.0 is available now on the FTP Server if you would like to download it. The updates should propagate to VIPM shortly.

[Nathan_B.]

VIPM still shows v1.3.0.26 as the latest version.  I got 2.1.1.69 installed from the .vip though.

Was there are change to the arduino itself when it was changed to 1.0?  I tried to use v1.3.0.26 with a new Arduino Mega that we got in the last couple days but it would not work with LabVIEW.  I know some syntax changed but everything compiled fine with arduino-0022 and v1.3.0.26 firmware.  Our older ones worked just fine with the old firmware.

[Kevin_F]

Their were some pretty major changes to the arduino code itself from 023 to 1.0. That being said we tested the new version of the firmware on code on the Uno, Mega 2, and Dimuelanove. Can you attach some screenshots of whats going wrong?

[Nathan_B.]

We have a few Arduino Mega 2560's about one year old.  We just received several more Arduino Mega 2560's last week.  The following chart shows the issue that I'm having:

	LIFA Firmware Version
	2.1.1.69	1.3.0.26
Old	Works	Works
New	Works	Fails*

* When it fails, the RX LED blinks continually while LabVIEW is executing "Init".

All of the Arduino boards have exactly the same description on the back "MEGA 2560 R2".  I don't understand.  I would like to get the old firmware working on the new Arduino's so that I know I have the option of using the old firmware if I'm unable to resolve my issues with v2.1.1.69.  I know that I'm fully transitioning (downgrading/upgrading) my software because both work on the older Arduino's.  This also implies to me that it has nothing to do with the LabVIEW code, however, I will attach the LabVIEW code.  Also, if relevant (or may answer potential questions), I've used both Arduino 0022 and Arduino 0023 for  LIFA v1.3.0.26 and Arduino 1.0 for LIFA v2.1.1.69.

[crlanglois]

2 suggestions.

1) Ethernet and/or Wifi interface, I realize this would require somewhat of a remake of both the VI set and the firmware but it would be helpful.

2) Documentation of the interface (underlying serial command structure), the main purpose here would be to facilitate additional firmware developments for other platforms, this could easily migrate to being "Labview Interface for Microcontrollers" with many supported hardware platforms if you get other people developing firmware that works with your VIs.  This is very doable by reverse engineering the Arduino code, of course, I just think documenting this interface could encourage this.