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NanoBox Driver/Fan Control Software Update : How To


DaveFason

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Hey guys,

Please follow the below to update your driver board for all new models of NanoBox units. This is what you will need.


Step 1 : Go to the Arduino website.

https://www.arduino.cc/

 

24455426749_5d31328a4e.jpgFan Update 1 by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 2 : Click download and download the Arduino 1.6.7 for Mac or Windows

 

24823061325_608867d5cc.jpgFan Update 2 by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 3 : Open Arduino

 

24194890034_0143e51e27.jpgFan Update 3 by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 4 : Your screen should look like this.

 

24196222933_e4241f82b8.jpgFan Update 4 by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 5 : Open NanoBox downloaded software

 

24527540130_f630defb5b.jpgFan Update 5 by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 6 : Make sure the following file is in the folder. Timer One

 

24455427369_e6d6e5c150.jpgFan Update 6 by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 7 : Click Sketch , Include Library, Add .Zip Library

 

24823060015_3b0acf9824.jpgFan Update 7 by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 8 : Go to NanoBox software folder and include the " Timer One " folder

 

24823061565_0e0d926e9d.jpgFan Update 8 by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 9 : Click Open and select the NanoBox program " Perfected_Fan_Speed_Control.ino

 

24796801046_e31b494aab.jpgFan Update 9 by David Fason, on Flickr

24823060715_13e2a8d6ce.jpgFan Update 10 by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 10 : Your screen should look like this.

 

24196222443_80c7219940.jpgFan Update 11 by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 11 : Click Tools, then Board and make sure " Arduino/ Genuino Uno " is chosen.

 

24464961589_d2165a3f8c.jpgFan Update 15 by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 12 : Click Verify - This is the small check mark high lighted in photo.

 

24823060475_71ec5ba01c.jpgFan Update 12 by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 13 :Unscrew the four screws that holds your lid on driver housing. Plug your USB cord into computer, attach FTDI connector to driver board.

 

Attach here :

24537230970_84ddf2f0a4.jpgUntitled by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Connect : Apply some pressure to make sure all pins are connected : As you can see a small red LED light will light when attached.

 

24205909853_b52c6edeb2.jpgUntitled by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 14 : Click upload, this is the arrow that is highlighted in the picture. Also next to verify.

 

24729579531_d21749f0e3.jpgFan Update 13 by David Fason, on Flickr

 

Step 15 : Let it upload and you are set. The upload will take ~10 seconds and will say upload complete.

 

If you have any errors trying to connect close the Arduino program, restart the program and load the software and try again. Sometimes it takes closing the program and reloading.

 

Software updates :

  • Mini Tide/Flare is 50% more efficient.
  • 0% will turn the fan OFF
  • 100% is the full 12v
  • More adjustment and smoother ramping of fan

If you have any issues please contact me on email! david@nanoboxreef.com

 

If you are not ok with doing this you can send your NanoBox in and I will update for free and mail back.

 

-Dave

Link to comment
jedimasterben

 

Step 1 : Unzip the Arduino program.

Step 2 : Unzip the Nanobox upgrade file.

Step 3 : Open the Arduino program.

24194890034_0143e51e27.jpg

 

 

Step 4 : Your screen should look like this.

24196222933_e4241f82b8.jpg

 

 

Step 5 : Click Sketch , Include Library, Add .Zip Library

24823060015_3b0acf9824.jpg

 

 

Step 6 : Go to NanoBox software folder and include the " Timer One " folder

24823061565_0e0d926e9d.jpg

 

 

Step 7 : Click Open and select the NanoBox program " Perfected_Fan_Speed_Control.ino

24796801046_e31b494aab.jpg

 

 

24823060715_13e2a8d6ce.jpg

 

 

Step 8 : Your screen should look like this.

24196222443_80c7219940.jpg

 

 

Step 9 : Click Tools, then Board and make sure " Arduino/ Genuino Uno " is chosen

24464961589_d2165a3f8c.jpg

 

 

Step 10 : Click Verify - This is the small check mark high lighted in photo.

24823060475_71ec5ba01c.jpg

 

 

 

Step 11 :Unscrew the four screws that holds your lid on driver housing. Plug your USB cord into computer, attach FTDI connector to driver board.

Attach here :

24537230970_84ddf2f0a4.jpg

 

 

Step 12 : Connect : Apply some pressure to make sure all pins are connected :

24205909853_b52c6edeb2.jpg

 

 

 

Step 13 : Click upload, this is the arrow that is highlighted in the picture. Also next to verify.

24729579531_d21749f0e3.jpg

 

 

Step 14 : Let it upload and you are set. The upload will take ~10 seconds and will say upload complete.

 

If you have any errors trying to connect close the Arduino program, restart the program and load the software and try again. Sometimes it takes closing the program and reloading.

 

 

The formatting of the post was a little difficult to follow, so I changed it a bit :)

  • Like 2
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Ordered my ebay part :D

 

Where do you download the nanobox upgrade file?

Added and emailed too.

 

 

The formatting of the post was a little difficult to follow, so I changed it a bit :)

I just did that. HA!

  • Like 1
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Is this necessary for the new duo as well? What does it improve/change? If we send unit in to have you update then what is the time table? Thanks

The Duo wont really see a huge increase. Due to the fan being much larger it is MUCH easier to control accurate. However the new program lets it be adjusted even more as well as turning off at 0% ( simple things in life ).

 

If you send it to me I will 110% have it out the SAME day received. Unless I receive the package after 4PM.

 

-Dave

Link to comment
jedimasterben

This have anything to do with my hybrid ?

You have an OG hybrid, I think that was about the time I finally convinced Dave to look at an all in one board solution, so yours won't unless you got the single plug driver upgrade.
  • Like 1
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You have an OG hybrid, I think that was about the time I finally convinced Dave to look at an all in one board solution, so yours won't unless you got the single plug driver upgrade.

Dave has it right now doing some Frankenstein stuff , but I really couldn't tell you what exactly. I just sent it to him and sent money's

  • Like 1
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For those trying this on Windows, I ran into some problems before finally getting it to work. Has anyone else done this in Windows? For those interested, here are some notes:

Notes: I'm guessing these are Windows specific problems since the instructions were for the Mac.
- Arduino won't open the library, complaining that only letters and numbers are allowed in the library name. I had to unzip the file, rename all the directories that had spaces in them to names without spaces, and rezip the file.
- Arduino wouldn't upload the file. Turns out the FTDI drivers provided with the Arduino download are old and are not signed/WHQL certified and/or do not support Windows 10. When I tried to do a manual driver update with the drivers files provided in the Arduino download, Windows refused to install them because they weren't signed. I downloaded the new drivers from here. I installed the new drivers and tried again.
- Adruino still wouldn't upload the file. I finally figured out that unless I explicitly set the COM port every time in Tools/Serial Port, it tries to use COM1. Even if COM5 is the only available COM port in the serial ports menu.
The light is now back in action! :)
  • Like 1
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I have a MiniTide thats about a month old. The fan seems to go on and off at varying intervals throughout the day. It has a high pitched whine. Doesn't sound broken or anything, but it can be slightly annoying.

 

If I went through the work to do this update, would it fix these issues? Just trying to clarify if it's worth it because this seems like a bit of work to do.

  • Like 1
Link to comment

 

I have never heard of this but yes. Not sure if your able to mail it quick to me?

 

Let me know! I am working on a easier way for Windows users now.

I have a MiniTide thats about a month old. The fan seems to go on and off at varying intervals throughout the day. It has a high pitched whine. Doesn't sound broken or anything, but it can be slightly annoying.

 

If I went through the work to do this update, would it fix these issues? Just trying to clarify if it's worth it because this seems like a bit of work to do.

  • Like 1
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I ordered the parts and I will go for it and then let you know how it goes. I have not worried too much about the intermittent fan because the light always feels nice and cool to the touch. It's just the slightly loud whine of it (maybe running at max speed?) that annoys me a little. But this update sounds like it needs to be done regardless.

Link to comment
jedimasterben

I have a MiniTide thats about a month old. The fan seems to go on and off at varying intervals throughout the day. It has a high pitched whine. Doesn't sound broken or anything, but it can be slightly annoying.

 

If I went through the work to do this update, would it fix these issues? Just trying to clarify if it's worth it because this seems like a bit of work to do.

Do you have clouds enabled? If so, it is being ramped up/down along with the LEDs.
  • Like 1
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Do you have clouds enabled? If so, it is being ramped up/down along with the LEDs.

 

 

Yes I do have clouds enabled. That must be it, as the fan usually does stay quiet when the clouds effect is not happening.

 

I do love this cloud effect though..it is incredible. Probably worth the fan noise. Should I still do this update?

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