11 MARCH 2008 New TIDE and TiOS version released with new features (LCD, Wi-Fi, etc.)
This new release of TIDE and TiOS files includes many improvement to the stability and extended many new features. New features include Wi-Fi, LCD, keypad, IO interrupt, IO ports, flash disk, improved HEX editor, etc. We have also updated the documents to reflect the recent additions. There's a new demo on how to setup Wi-Fi available for download in our resource page. More info...
05 OCTOBER 2007 New TIDE and TiOS version released
This release fixed bugs concerning TIDE stability, the syscall "instr", and HTML. More info...
04 SEPTEMBER 2007 New TIDE version released
This TIDE release features all-new Project Browser and Parser. New Parser is much faster, and also understands local
declarations and variables. Additionally, the tooltips (for variables, procedures, etc.) now allow HTML formatting.
The update also includes new TiOS firmware files for our hardware. More info...
Before you could start using the Taiko programmable solution, you will have to load at least one supported Tibbo device with the appropriate firmware, TiOS (Tibbo Operating System), which would allow the device to run your Tibbo BASIC programs.
The following Tibbo devices may be loaded with TiOS firmware:
DS202
EM202
EM200
READ THIS CAREFULLY BEFORE UPLOADING:
(1) After you upload the TiOS firmware, the red LED will be blinking rapidly. This means TiOS is loaded and there is no BASIC project in memory. It is OK.
(2) TiOS turns the device into a mini-computer. You can basically program whatever functionality you want, but there is no built-in functionality (except for debugging capabilities).
(3) DS Manager will not show a blank device with TiOS. Responding to DS Manager commands is not a fixed function. If you want to have this, you need to put the necessary code in your BASIC application.
(4) To revert your device to a "normal" DS (fixed functionality), you need to re-upload the fixed firmware.
Procedure
To get started, you need to do the following:
Get the tiOS firmware file for your device (the 'target') and TIDE.
Connect the target to the same network segment as your computer.
Load the firmware file onto the target via the network (recommended) or the serial port.
Connecting the Target
The upgrade procedure is performed via the network. You must connect the device to the same network segment as your computer -- either directly to the computer using a cross LAN cable (such as WAS-1498) or to the same hub as your computer. Also, of course, do not forget to power the target with an appropriate power adaptor.
Loading the Firmware File via Network Upload
The firmware file is loaded via a special utility bundled with TIDE called Device Explorer. This utility can be accessed both in 'integrated' mode (from within TIDE, as a dialog) and in 'stand-alone' mode (externally, without TIDE running). For this tutorial, we will be using stand-alone mode.
Disable any local firewall or configure it to allow broadcast UDP datagrams.
Run Device Explorer (Start > Programs > Tibbo > Tibbo IDE > Device Explorer)
Follow the presentation below, step by step:
If you could not see the presentation above, following is the text of the steps to perform:
Your device should appear in the list. Highlight it.
Click Upload > Load Firmware Through the Network.
In the Browse dialog, select your firmware file and click Open.
The upload will begin.
When the upload completes, you will see a message box. Once you click OK, the list will refresh.
You should now see your device (running TiOS) in the list. If you do not see it, turn it off and back on, and refresh the list again.
That's it! You have successfully uploaded tiOS onto your target. Click Close.
NOTE: The red LED on the target will now be rapidly blinking. This means TiOS is loaded and no BASIC program is in memory.
Loading the Firmware File via Serial Upload
Can't See Your Device in Device Explorer?
Sometimes you might want to upload the firmware via the serial port, rather than via the network. This might happen when despite your best efforts, you cannot see your device in Device Explorer (due to firewall issues, etc).
The procedure for doing this is simple. It is quite similar to the procedure covered above, so there is no animated tutorial for it. Follow the steps below, and use the animation above as a reference if needed:
Connect your device using a cross serial cable (such as WAS-P0005). You don't have to power it up yet.
Run Device Explorer (Start > Programs > Tibbo > Tibbo IDE > Device Explorer)
Click Upload > Load Firmware Through the Serial Port
In the Browse dialog, select the firmware file you wish to upload (tios_xxxx.bin). Click Open.
You will now be prompted to select a COM port. Select the port to which you connected the device and click OK.
If your device is powered up, disconnect it from the power now.
Now press the SETUP button on the device, and while pressing, power the device up.
Serial upload will begin.
Following the upload, you will get a message box asking you to power your device off and back on. Do so.
The red LED will now be rapidly blinking.
That's it! You completed the upgrade.
Seeing Your Device in DS Manager vs. Device Explorer
This is a simple point:
Now you see it
... Now you don't!
The reason for this is that DS Manager is a "fixed" application. It sends specific commands, and a device running TiOS does not recognize these commands. You can make your TiOS device reply to DS Manager commands and work as a Device Server by programming it -- but by default, it is blank.
Success! Everything Worked! Now What Do I do?
Congratulations! Now it's time to take things to the next level with the First TIDE Project animated tutorial. Good luck!
Getting Back to What You Had Previously
Once you upload your device with TiOS, you will not be able to see your device in the DS Manager. It will also not work with LinkServer, etc. It is a different device now -- a programmable network controller!
If you wish to return it back to the previous state (as a Device Server), simply upload an appropriate DS firmware file for the device (such as EM_356D.bin, etc) according to the procedure shown above (using Device Explorer).
