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I've got a 12c+ with firmware version 2009-07-02. I understand that there are some bugs with this firmware.

I have searched this forum and I have seen discussions in which it appears that people have upgraded their firmware, but I can't seen to see a "how-to". So I have two questions: (1) Is there a "how-to"? If not, (2) how to?

Me culpa in advance if I have missed it, and thanks in advance to anyone who will help.

You need a special serial cable that plugs into the 6-pin connector inside the battery compartment. The HP guys here (Tim and Cyrille) can comment on the available of these and the availability of updated firmware.

As far as I know you can't buy this cable anywhere, however it would be possible to make one yourself and the circuit has been described in detail here. Then you'd need to find the latest firmware somewhere, but I don't think that HP has that freely available for download.

This issue has come up with the 12C+ before and potentially with the 20b and 30b too since they all share the same ARM processor, programming connection and firmware update method. It would be great if HP (T & C) could contract with a place that can sell the cable and host the firmware for download. Eric Rechlin already sells a HP-20b "hackers kit" and similar things on his commerce site, perhaps he'd want to carry these cables and firmware.

-Katie

Edited: 14 Sept 2010, 1:07 a.m.

Katie, many thanks for your helpful response. I know that the bug(s) are relatively minor, but this is my 3rd 12c and, I had hoped, the bestest. Certainly the feel of it (especially the keypad) is much better than it has been on recent iterations, and it's obviously a lot faster. Now if I can get the firmward updated, I will be content.

I will wait to see what the HP fellows on this board have to say. I assume I could send the thing in for service, but of course then I wouldn't have it, would I?

Nope, it can't be sent in for service. Send me an email.

TW

I think this is the interface cable: Segger ARM7 JTAG Emulator for the 20/30b. (Please correct me if I am wrong) However, obtaining the updated ROMs are difficult.

Those ports are there for people with hacking spirit. Not for us, mere mortals :(

>However, obtaining the updated ROMs are difficult.

Not really. . .

TW

Just a public nod of thanks to Katie, for her quick and helpful response, and Tim, for solving the problem.

That is just one solution if you solder on a JTAG connector. Personally, I wouldn't go that route as it would leave an unsightly hole on the back of the calculator. Even on the 20b or 30b, I think it would bad. Some ultra-hobbyists might not mind a hole in the back of their calcs, but the thought makes me ill.

There is already a connector that works via a cable that has a 9 pin RS-232 on one end (computer end) and a 6 pin Pogo plug (calculator end) on the other. The pogo connector is right below the batteries. No modification of the calculator is necessary and you can flash or repurpose the calculator easily with the correct cable. However, I think you need to either make the cable yourself or make an arrangement with either Tim or Cyrille to obtain the cable.

Regards,

Mark

Edited: 14 Sept 2010, 7:59 p.m.

On the 12C+ you have no choice but to use the 6-pin connector since there is no place to tap into the JTAG interface on the PCB.

Katie,

Thanks for letting me know that. I had no idea. I thought the 12c+ had a similar paradigm because it used the same processor. I learn something new every day.

Thanks,

Mark

I can now report as follows:

I first raised the issue yesterday morning. Less than 48 hours later, Tim has taken care of the issue and I now have the firmware updated to the 2009-08-03 version. That is by a wide margin the fastest and most helpful response I have ever had from any company representative. Add to that the fact that he's in Colorado and I'm in Vancouver, and it's that much more impressive.

Many thanks, Tim!

I just purchased (within the last week) a new 12C+ directly from HP. I checked the ROM version yesterday evening and it is the 2009-07-02 revision. So, is there a bug list for this ROM revision? I searched and could not locate one--if there is could someone please point me to it?

Thanks,

Quote:
I just purchased (within the last week) a new 12C+ directly from HP. I checked the ROM version yesterday evening and it is the 2009-07-02 revision. So, is there a bug list for this ROM revision? I searched and could not locate one--if there is could someone please point me to it?

Thanks,


Try here.

Thanks!