ProtoThrottle Firmware Update

The firmware on the ProtoThrottle can be updated in one of several ways:

1. Send the throttle to us, with return shipping, and we will update the firmware to the latest version (contact us as support@iascaled.com first for return instructions).
2. Find us at a show, where we typically have a laptop and programmer, and can do the update on-the-spot. It is best to contact us in advance to let us know you plan to do this.
3. Update the throttle yourself using the instructions below.

If you choose option #1 or option #2, then stop here. There is no need to continue reading. Just follow the instructions above. However, if you're adventurous, then keep reading.

The following instructions are for Windows computers. Updating from a Mac or Linux machine, while possible, is not officially supported at this time. See the last section for some helpful hints if you do go this route.

Step 1: Prerequisites

Follow all the instructions here. Once you have the programmer and have successfully installed the necessary software, then proceed.

Step 2: Download the Firmware File

The latest official ProtoThrottle firmware can be found on GitHub:

https://github.com/IowaScaledEngineering/mrbw-cst/releases

Download the .hex file for the latest version, and save it to your computer:

Step 3: Configure AVRDUDESS

Open the AVRDUDESS program you downloaded in the prerequisites.

Under Programmer, select iseavrprog:

For MCU, select ATmega1284P:

In the Flash section, click the [...] button and select the .hex file you downloaded in Step 2:

Step 4: Connect Programmer to Throttle

Attach the programmer to your computer using the USB cable. Make sure the slide switch on the programmer is set to 3.3V.

Warning

If the yellow LED on the programmer is lit, DO NOT PROCEED. This means the slide switch is not in the correct position. Correct this before proceeding. If you proceed with the yellow LED lit, you will damage your ProtoThrottle and that damage is not covered by warranty!

Attach the ribbon cable from the programmer to the 6-prong male pin header on the printed circuit board. Make sure the triangle shape on the ribbon cable’s female connector matches with the white arrow on the circuit board.

Step 5: Program the Throttle

Once everything has been set in Step 3 and Step 4, press the Program! button to begin the process of updating the firmware. The status box at the bottom of the AVRDUDESS window will show the progress. When you see the "Avrdude done. Thank you." message in the status box, the update is complete.

At this point, you can close AVRDUDESS and disconnect the programmer from your throttle. Enjoy your updated throttle!

---

Linux / Mac Instructions

This section is only for Mac or Linux users who are attempting to update the ProtoThrottle from the command line. This method is not officially supported (a.k.a. you are on your own), but the following sample command line may be helpful:

avrdude -P usb -c iseavrprog -p atmega1284p -B1 -U flash:w:mrbw-cst_v1.2.2_4ec009.hex:i

Replace the mrbw-cst_v1.2.2_4ec009.hex portion with the name of the firmware .hex file you are uploading.