Good evening everybody, my name is Paula Silva, I'm a portuguese electronics R&D engineer and this is my first post here.
A few months ago I've risked a "forbidden" purchase: I've acquired a Protrack I model 20 from eBay, with the dreaded KJ3 serial number (USN) and without the P28F001BX-T150 flash. Well, No problem for me, because I've worked years ago with a similar tracker (S/N KJ2-xxxxx), and I have the binary of its flash (06-5069). Flashed a new chip, inserted it in the socket and "voilá", tracker working!
The tracker works fine, well calibrated, but when I try to save some parameters it crashes, and erases some blocks of the beforementioned flash chip. I reflash it again, and it works fine again. It seems that KJ2 firmware doesn't like KJ3 hardware...
Well, I know that I've risked a lot but fortunately the only problems it had was its missing flash, and wayyyy to dirty inside.
Is there any good soul that can send me the *correct* firmware for this KJ3 or some info (technical or not) regarding this situation? Of course I'll send some pictures of it on request.
Any questions please feel free to ask.
Dear Paula!
Find the admin by email. KJ2 flash is not good for KJ3.
Anyone tried the ProTrack KJ4 firmware on a KJ3 ProTrack?
I know that with the KJ2 version you can have two ProTracks with the same Serial No. if they both have the same firmware.
But not sure with the KJ3 / KJ4 if the Serial No. is transportable like this.
I suspect Curtis will move this discussion to "Out of production hardware"!!
Hello Paula,
Give this KJ4 firmware a try.
P28f001BX 4.5 F/W (https://huntron.com/privatesales/technical/06-5098v45.zip)
Thanks a lot, Curtis! Haven't got much time today, but will give feedback ASAP. :)
Well, still locked when I try to update parameters. It gives me the message "Writing to Flash DO NOT TURN OFF Wait Minimum of 30 Seconds", I wait *a lot* and nothing happpens; When I read the flash, some of its blocks are blank...
Let'r try if this photo shows up...
Dear Paula!
Remove the flash ic from Protrack and use an external universal programmer (e.g. Minipro TL866).
After you have programmed the flash ic, put it back in the ic socket and it will be ready for use.
Hi Fetron, that's what I keep doing everytime the ProTrack bricks! I do have a Dataman 48pro+ programmer as well as the KJ2 and KJ4 firmware, but with both of them the tracker behaves the same. I would like if anyone here has the KJ3 flash to check if the tracker is malfunctioning elsewhere. If so, it'll be reopened and I will search for the problem.
Thanks for the answer, anyway! ;)
Dear Paula!
When will you post the message below?
"Writing to Flash, DO NOT TURN OFF, Wait Minimum of 30 Seconds"
Directly after switching on?
Delete the Flash ic working in Protrack KJ2.
Put the KJ3 flash content on it and test it.
Hi, Fetron.
That message appears as soon as I try to SAVE any parameter I Change, but before that the tracker works just fine. When I flash any firmware whatsoever the CRT trace is off-centered and slight slanted, the LCD contrast is high, and when I calibrate those parameters the tracker adjusts them as normal, but when I press "SAVE" it shows that message (with the KJ2 flash doesn´t appear any message at all) and in both situations the tracker erases some (if not all) blocks of the flash itself, ruining the firmware.
Regarding both flash files I have (KJ2 and KJ4) they all do basically the same to the firmware I just program - it keeps been overwritten and the tracker bricks.
Hi Paula
I know this won't solve your main problem but to straighten your CRT trace do this.
On the front panel of your ProTrack select MENU / PREFS / ADVANCED / CRTROT.
And then turn the Encoder Knob in the appropriate direction to get a vertical trace.
This is what you do on a KJ2 ProTrack, can't be sure it is the same on a KJ3 PrioTrack!
You should also be able to adjust the brightness of the trace from this menu.
And from the trim pots on the HV board mounted to the left of the CRT on the case.
Dear Paula!
Let's start troubleshooting.
1. Create a new Flash for Protrack KJ3.
2. Disconnect and leave disconnected:
- the +12V power supply connector (3 poles) on the Protrack HV board,
- and the J11 connector on the Protrack motherboard.
3. Insert the Flash IC.
4. Turn on Protrack and try to change the volume setting, then save the volume setting.
Is it possible to save or is there an error during saving?
Hi, Fetron. Done all that and the tracker keeps showing the annexed message; After 15 minutes (!) when I'm fed up and have to turn the ProtTrack off, most of the flash blocks are filled with FFh, as per the second annexed image (that sector is the *only* part which wasn't cleared). After this, I reflash the P28F001BX-T120 and the tracker returns to it's "half live" until I try to save some parameters.
Dear Paula!
Did you do everything I wrote in the message on January 22, 2023 at 02:35:55?
Hi Paula,
Have you tried to upload a .PTC (ProTrack calibration) file using the ProTrack Diagnostics? If no, send me the serial number and I will email the original factory PTC file.
Thanks.
Hi, Fetron. Yes, completely "by the book", just the way you said and I normally do, but the tracker keeps erasing the flash and locking up...
Hi, Curtis. No, never done that (and to be sincere don't know how to upload that .PTC file, if you could help me with it I would appreciate). Anyway, it's serial number is KJ3-01733.
Sorry for this situation, in the meantime I'll keep working with the tracker open, in case I have to reflash it again).
Hi Paula!
Try to run the diagnostic function with Huntron Workstation software. It also includes a hardware test.
Continue troubleshooting:
1. Replace U10- IDT71256 ic, U9- IDT7164 ic.
2. To test.
3. If the error persists, replace U8-EPM7032.
Huntron Workstation? Installed it, and it gave me this message:
I've just bought that "standalone" ProTrack, have no license, so can't work on that software...
HI Paula,
You could use the old 3.5.4 version software. The password to unzip the download file is 354XPSP2. It only works up to Windows XP.
Workstation 3.5.4 (https://huntron.com/sales-support/download/huntronworkstation3.5.4.zip)
Also, you could try running the Diagnostics directly as (I think) they do not look for an activation code. File path:
c:\programs files (x86)\Huntron Workstation 4.3\Ptdiag32.exe
I will email the PTC file using the address you listed with your Forum profile.
Instructions:
- You need to save the file on your PC in the "c:\winhunt" directory (Workstation version 3 software) or "Documents and Settings/All Users/Application Data/Huntron, Inc" folder (Workstation version 4.1/4.2) or the "Users/Public/Public Documents/Huntron Hardware Files" folder (Workstation 4.3).
- Once you have the file saved, start Huntron Workstation (or ProTrack Diagnostics).
- Go to Control/Maintenance/ProTrack Diagnostics (ver.3) or Tools/Maintenance/ProTrack Diagnostics (ver.4)
- Select the Write to ProTrack button
- Verify that User 1 is selected
- Click Upload - the file will be uploaded to your ProTrack (you will see some block information displayed briefly on the ProTrack LCD)
- When the Upload is complete, close the Protrack Diagnostics
- Go to Settings/Hardware Settings (ver. 3) or Tools/Options/Hardware (ver. 4)
- Select ProTrack I as the Test Hardware and click Save
- The ProTrack should connect to the PC
Thanks a lot, Curtis and Fetron. Later night I'll work on it, and then let you all know the outcome. :)
And now, after looking everywhere for the ProTrack driver (installed OK) and connecting the ProTrack to the PC before installing the Huntron Workstation v3.5.4 I'm greeted with this message when running the software...
(I'm definitely not good at these situations) >:(
Hi Paula
Apologise if you have already loaded the program the right way.
Did you extract the program directly to the C:\.
Call the folder Huntron.
Well, dumb me! I've been told that this Workstation only works in Windows XP, and I'm running it on Windows 10! :-[
Tomorrow I'll install an XP OS and the Workstation 3.5.4 on an old laptop of mine, and then get back to you.
Thanks A LOT for all your help!
(BTW, I'm starting to suspect one of those two SRAMs you talked about, Fetron)
As James posted earlier you need to extract the zipped Workstation 3.5.4 file to a simple path such as "c:\huntron" then run the setup file from there.
It is good that the ProTrack shows up as a USB device on your Win10 PC. This tells us that it may be (mostly) okay.
Hi everyone, so sorry for not paying this thread much attention, been busy lately but I'll get back here ASAP!
I been meaning to post here. I have KJ3, but came with the p28F001 already in there and working. It had bad encoder and some resisters were blown. all repaired, calibrated and working now, passed all the tests in the software. if it's all good with the Admin here and helps you I can send you the program off of this KJ3.
Hi, Al1234. That'll be excellent, but only if Curtis (Admin) doesn't oppose to it. Anyway, I still have the feeling that one of those two SRAMs Fetron mentioned previously is broken.
Once again, so sorry for not returning here more often but have some personal problems to deal with, hopefully ASAP!
And thanks for all your help! :)
Okay so all is good I already sent you what I have to your email
Thank you very much, Al1234. I'll keep you all informed as soon as I have some time to return to the tracker. :)
Hi, everyone. Unfortunately I have to realize my tracker is broken, each of the three firmware versions I got brick it when trying to save some parameters (probably the culprit is one of those RAMs Fetron mentioned previously). Gonna order them both, replace one at a time and then let you all know the outcome.
Anyway, thank you all for your kind support! :)
Hi Paula!
Try to run the diagnostic function for Huntron workstation software. The hardware test useful function.
Thanks Fetron, I will. Haven't got much time lately for electronics due to some family problems. Anyway, as said before, I'll keep you informed of any findings from this place.
Thank you all for your help and support! ;)
Hello, everyone. Finally had some time to (try to) fix my ProTrack I. I've tested both SRAMs on my Dataman 48pro+ programmer in soak/repetitive mode, and none of them failed. Anyway, I've noticed some bad solder joints on them (when they were still soldered to the PCB), so gonna solder them and cross fingers for the repair.
I'll keep tou informed from time to time.
BTW, is there anyone kind enough to share with me this ProTrack Schematics? As I mentioned, its serial number is KJ3-01733. Thanks in advance... :)
Hi Paula
Email Curtis Huntron Tech Support he might help.
Hi Paula
From your photo the circuit board doesn't look very clean.
If you could put the board in an Ultra Sonic Tank or just a bucket full of Isopropanol and gentle brushing then let the Isopropanol evaporate. a clean circuit board with surface mount components is a lot easier to fault find to see if any component pads are lifting. And even though this unit is newer than the KJ2 I use I would still check if you haven't already done all the Electrolytic Capacitors with an ESR Meter. The ESR Meter produced by Peak Electronic Design is very good. See their web site www.peakelec.co.uk and have a look at the ESR70.
Hope I haven't upset Curtis by advertising another companies services!!
Quote from: jvthorsley on May 04, 2023, 10:45:32 AM\The ESR Meter produced by Peak Electronic Design is very good. See their web site www.peakelec.co.uk and have a look at the ESR70.
Hope I haven't upset Curtis by advertising another companies services!!
Careful, James, I might ban you! ;)
Quote from: Paula Silva on April 30, 2023, 01:25:16 PMBTW, is there anyone kind enough to share with me this ProTrack Schematics? As I mentioned, its serial number is KJ3-01733. Thanks in advance... :)
Hi Paula,
Currently we cannot supply schematics for the KJ3 or KJ4 models. Sorry.
Hi Paula
I would be interested to hear how you get on with this project of yours.
And as Curtis hasn't banned me from the site yet, and I won't risk telling you were I get my Isopropanol locally from, but I'm sure you can get industrial alcohol / Isopropanol in Portugal.
And as said on this Forum I would still say your better off with a ProTrack KJ2.
I have written about this on the Forum how I managed to fix my ProTrack Scanner after stuffing 12 V.D.C into it when it prefers 5 V.D.C.
And I think you will find Curtis might help you with circuit diagrams for the KJ1 & KJ2, if you decide the KJ3 is going nowhere.
Hello everyone, back again almost an year after last post! Sorry for not appearing all this time...
Well, my ProTrack is working fine again, the problem was indeed the flash P28F001BX-T, since I was using the P28F001BX-B version. Thank you very much for your valuable cooperation! :D
One "small" question, where can I buy its front panel? Unfortunately I've burn it with my soldering iron (it slipped from its stand)... :'(
Welcome back, Paula,
Unfortunately Huntron no longer has ProTrack parts. You may be able to find a used front panel.
Thanks.