Improve original X28/X39 image quality! R2 firmware has been updated to support R1 kits Thread for borrowing a programmer.

[ZisWorks]

I bought a spare JTAG programmer and UART interface, have it packed up and ready to ship it around.

Updating the FPGA firmware is recommended to improve image quality. 

If you want the new features, you can update the DP2LVDS boards, but you don't have to.  No benefit if you don't want the new features.

There is no dependence between these firmwares.

How will this work? 

Comment in this thread.  I'll pick the closest person and contact for their details. 

Each next person will pick the closest response in the thread, contact them (cc me!) and repeat the process.  When the list is done, send it back to me. 

Each person pays the shipping to the next out-of-pocket, no payments involved.

Let's go with an honor system to keep this simple.  If someone breaks or loses it, they should purchase another or pay the ~$60 cost. 

Box contents:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oPbLSjm6nwtScpPE7

1x Digilent HS3 USB->JTAG

1x adapter board for JTAG

2x JTAG cables

1x UART with micro-usb connection

1x micro-usb cable

Instructions: http://zisworks.com/downloads/ZWS_FIRMWARE_UPDATE_GUIDE.pdf

You will want to update FPGA firmware and maybe DP2LVDS.

Substantial changes to FPGA firmware:

Anyone with a round1 kit will have a noticeable gray level accuracy improvement. 

Other notable historical improvements:

FPGA firmware V054 has digital gamma correction for much smoother and more accurate gray levels.

FPGA firmware V054 has improved panel voltage configurations (slightly better contrast)

FGPA firmware V050? added a boot logo

FPGA FW ~V036 added automatic reclocking to keep panel clock minimized, improved arbitrary resolution support.

FPGA FW ~V028 added limited arbitrary resolution support.

Minor changes to microcontroller (DP2LVDS arduino) firmware:

Crosshair is now an option.

Minimum-blanking preset for unlucky panels (lowers panel clock a bit)

Dynamically generated EDIDs for easy customization -> just add a modeline and the FW will do the rest.

Dynamically generated EDIDs also support tiled display id blocks, makes maximum-linerate dual input modes more easily used (3840*1440@165Hz, 3840*1080@240Hz, 3840*540@480Hz).

Default behavior combines the 4k60 and 4k120 EDIDs into a single EDID.

[jonathan.osborne27]

I would like to update! You can text me for the shipping information. Thanks!

[ZisWorks]

@jonathan: You are an R2 customer, so you already have these improvements.

[Daniel Fullmer]

I have an R1 kit and would be interested in this.

[ondrej]

I have an an R1 kit and already have all the necessary tools to flash new firmware. Can I get the files e-mailed to me?

[copelna]

Hello!

I have an X28 and x39, both are V036. Would definitely like to get that programmer here.

[Greg]

Zis, would it be possible for you to give us a detailed list (with links to purchase if possible?) of components we need? I am happy to buy a set in the UK and then once I've updated my X28 R1 I'll ship onwards, maybe it will speed the whole thing up considering your kit will start in the US.

[rob...@swiecki.net]

Here's what I have and used for both upgrading the DP/Backlight and TCON. You might want to wait for Zis to confirm that it all makes sense.

1. Sparkfun 3.3V FTDI - https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9873

There are typically two versions (aside from voltage levels) of this FTDI sold - one with RTS/CTS signals exposed, and the other with CTS/DTR signals exposed. The DTR/CTS will work (binding CTS to GND is required (as in, it will work more reliably) as per Zis' instructions). The version exposing RTS/CTS might work, but it might require some thinking about how to connect the RTS/CTS signals and configure the programming SW.

Hint: The Sparkfun FTDI requires a Mini-USB cable (not the more typical Micro-USB one)

2. Digilent HS3 Programming Cable - https://store.digilentinc.com/jtag-hs3-programming-cable/

It works well, but I had trouble initially with understanding whether the connector diagram (in the user manual), is from the viewer's POV or from the connector's POV, so initially I connected the jumper pins backwards and it didn't work.

3. You'll also need need some jumper wires to connect it all together - https://www.exploringarduino.com/parts/jumper-wires/

[ZisWorks]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FTDI-USB-to-TTL-Serial-Converter-Adapter-FT232RL-Module-5V-and-3-3V-Arduino-ARM/292992853942?epid=26002671101&hash=item4437bc27b6:g:7woAAOSwublbbUSE:rk:2:pf:0

Note: modifications as seen on page5 of the firmware updgrade user manual.

https://store.digilentinc.com/jtag-hs3-programming-cable/

Robert is OK with loaning out his kit to those of you in Europe, so if you want it, comment here and you can arrange together.

For the US list, already sent it to coplena, Fullmer is after that. 

[copelna]

I have received the package. I'll tackle this tomorrow.

The Google drive used for the reboot loop thread from last year isn't linked in this thread (I completed that update). It looks the 2 zips included were modified on 1/26/2019, but they seem to only be for the DLP2LVDS Adurino device, with a "Already_modified_arduino_environment.7z" ready to go. 

Minor changes to microcontroller (DP2LVDS arduino) firmware:

Crosshair is now an option. If it means "always on" or losing a button, I don't need it.

Minimum-blanking preset for unlucky panels (lowers panel clock a bit). Both my x39 and x28 can activate all the res+refresh rate modes just fine, without blinking or flickering.

Dynamically generated EDIDs for easy customization -> just add a modeline and the FW will do the rest. Dynamically generated EDIDs also support tiled display id blocks, makes maximum-linerate dual input modes more easily used (3840*1440@165Hz, 3840*1080@240Hz, 3840*540@480Hz). I don't want to experiment or lose access to buttons, so I guess these are out for me.

Default behavior combines the 4k60 and 4k120 EDIDs into a single EDID. ---> This is the one I'm iffy on: my '4k120hz' button has an option for 60hz in the Nvidia control panel already. What exactly changes in this scenario? Are the' 4k120hz' button and '4k60hz' button combined here?

As for the FPGA JTAG update, where is the link for that? The PDF calls for a .MCS file (but not a .PRM file).

[ZisWorks]

Arduino ide from the reboot loop thread is still valid.

New features use the TCON firmware on DP2LVDS instead of the DP2LVDS firmware.  These are different repositories on the github.

There are now only four EDID buttons instead of five.  60Hz 4k and 120Hz 4k have been merged, freeing up a button.  The other buttons were remapped as shown:

old        | new

pwr       | pwr

br+       | br+

br-        | br-

4k120   | 4k

4k60     | 1080p

1080p   | 720p

720p     | 540p

540p     | xhair

blmode  | blmode

The 4k120 EDID is changed a little.  With two DP inputs, it supports 4k120 and 4k60, each with left+right tiling.  In single-input (either primary or secondary), it will advertise 4k60, 4k30 and 1920*2160@120.

Previously, the 4k60 mode did not have a DisplayID block which guaranteed that things confused by tiling blocks aren't confused by it.  This made it a safer fallback mode. 

The 4k60 from the 4k60 button is single-input and the 4k60 from the 4k120 button is left+right tiles, so while the result is the same, the implementation is different.

If you don't want these changes, then don't flash DP2LVDS.  That's perfectly fine.  Save your time and nothing of value is lost.

In your case, I'd recommend not flashing DP2LVDS and just doing the FPGA update :)

--------------------------------------------------------------

For the FPGA update, use the v055 .MCS, check your email for the link.  You don't need a .PRM file, just leave it blank, that is for debugging only.

[copelna]

I'm stuck on step 6a. Here's the dialogue boxes I'm getting:

1) https://i.imgur.com/DYqQlF7.jpg
2) https://i.imgur.com/hp515Lh.jpg

(after restarting the program)

3) https://i.imgur.com/RR0ovxv.jpg?1

4) https://i.imgur.com/Q43z3Kk.jpg
5) https://i.imgur.com/7kFVJI1.jpg

[ZisWorks]

FPGA is not getting detected. Do you have 12v and a video stream present? If so, is the Digilent board attached to the pin adapter properly? Veridy connections and that the fpga is powered on ( PGOOD led on).

[copelna]

Ok, I wasn't connected to my main GPU and the Pgood light wasn't on.

Moved my setup, hooked everything up, all the proper lights came on...and I still had problems.

After a bunch of tries, the finicky connector+software decided to cooperate long enough to load the .mcs

Then:

attached is a txt file with what the program spit out

My Pgood light is still green, but my Done light is now out, the panel backlight is off, and my button light is red.

Should I restart the program, power cycle everything and try again?

[ZisWorks]

Try a different JTAG speed. 5MHz works well. This is selected in your screenshot https://imgur.com/7kFVJI1

Also good idea to use something to hold the pins at the end of the cable in the holes on the board. Usually I'll have the panel flat on a clean table and have a little bit of constant tension on the cable to keep consistent contact betwen the pins and holes.

[andrew....@gmail.com]

I would like to update as well. PM for shipping details!

[copelna]

DONE!

My x39 worked with 5Mhz, but I had to use 3.75Mhz for my x28.

Screens/.txt readouts for anyone who wants to look.

[mohdfa...@gmail.com]

I would like to update as well :) please PM me.

[andrew....@gmail.com]

I've successfully updated my FPGA firmware as well with the loaner kit. Does anyone else need the kit as well?

[ondrej]

Finally got around to updating and I wish I hadn't. Update rendered my monitor useless. Tried four different DP cables and two different power supplies.

https://youtu.be/rqhpP7fFPCQ

Now what?

[ZisWorks]

Flash was successful, can see the boot logo there.

This problem is most likely due to the cables between the DP2LVDS boards and the TCON.  Try re-seating them on the tcon-side.

[ondrej]

I’ve reseated them several times on both ends, checked the solder connections on both the TCON and the DP2LVDS boards and all looks good. I’ve also inspected the cables and se no damage, unless there’s internal breakage. Is there anywhere I can order replacement LVDS cables?

[ondrej]

Just to follow up to my issue, so everyone can see. It turned out to be a bad DP panel-mount extension. It worked fine for several months and has suddenly gone bad. Everything is OK now.

[Greg]

Do we know where the programmer is atm? I'm in the UK and still wanting to do this upgrade.. have had my R1 in storage for ages now going unused due to bugs.

[Håvard E]

I would like to have the FPGA updater for my Samsung X28. Im in the EU and Zis told me there should be one here.

[Greg]

I believe the programmer's (unless there are others) final destination was with me, unfortunately it died / was dead when I received it and I purchased a new replacement, but never got around to flashing the monitor myself. I'm happy to send that new one to you, have Zis CC you into an email and we can go from there. Cheers