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Software Update

To enable feeder usage, you'll need to update both your LumenPnP's firmware and OpenPnP.

Update OpenPnP

LumenPnP feeders require a specific version of OpenPnP (the 2023-04-05 release), not the most recent release on the OpenPnP website. You can download the correct version here:

Mac Users

Because of a bug with how OpenPnP signs their releases, Mac users with ARM processors might experience a crash on boot. You can still run OpenPnP by navigating to Applications -> OpenPnP and right clicking on the OpenPnP app and selecting "Show Package Contents":

Show package contents on the openpnp app

Then navigate to Contents -> MacOS and double click on JavaApplicationStub to run OpenPnP.

clicking on javaapplicationstub

Update LumenPnP Firmware

Machines Version v3.0.5+

If your machine's version number is v3.0.5 or greater, you already have firmware that supports feeders. You can skip this section.

  1. Download the LumenPnP firmware from the latest release here that matches your machine's version. Firmware file names start with the machine versions they support.

  2. Follow the instructions for updating your LumenPnP's firmware.

Update Feeder Firmware (Optional)

All feeders come with firmware pre-programmed. These instructions are for updating to a new version of firmware, or putting custom firmware on the feeder.

Set Jumper to 3.3v

Make sure that the jumper on your programmer is set to 3.3v. On the 3 pin header, make sure the jumper is connecting the center pin to the pin labeled "3.3v". The feeder logic operates at 3.3v, so it should be set to this prior to use.

programmer jumper

  1. Connect the included programmer to your computer.

  2. Download a precompiled Feeder binary from the Photon releases page, or compile it yourself.

  3. Download and install the STM32CubeProgrammer application.
  4. Open the STM32CubeProgrammer application

  5. On the Blue dropdown next to the connect button, select UART.

    Select UART

  6. Click the circular arrow icon to scan for new devices.

    stm32 cube software connect panel

  7. Click the Port drop down and select the new port that appears. On Mac, this port should start with cu.usbmodem. Select Port

  8. Set the following settings:

    1. Baudrate: 9600
    2. Parity: Even
    3. Read Unprotect (MCU): Unchecked
    4. TZEN Regression (MCU): Unchecked

    All Settings

  9. Hold down the BOOT button located here on the feeder:

    boot button

  10. While holding the BOOT button, insert the pins of the programmer into the plated holes on the feeder as shown in the picture below. The holes are slightly offset, so the programmer pins will stay in contact with the through holes. Once connected, release the BOOT button. If the feeder's LED flashes and turns red, it is not ready to be programmed. Try again.

    Note

    The feeder does not need to be mounted on a rail for this step; it can be powered by the programmer.

    offset holes inserting pins programmer inserted Feeder not ready to be programmed

  11. Click the green connect button in STM32CubeProgrammer. stm32 cube software connect panel

    If You Can't Connect

    If you can't connect to your feeder, check that the programmer is inserted into the pins in the correct orientation. Also, applying gentle pressure to the side of the programmer can help ensure that the pins are making good contact with the plated holes in the feeder PCB.

  12. Once connected, Switch to the download tab on the left. Download Tab

  13. Click the "Browse" button and navigate to the provided firmware.bin file.

    Browse Button

  14. Ensure that the “Start address” is 0x08000000.

    Start Address

  15. Click "Start Programming".

    Start Programming

  16. Wait until the software prompts that the firmware has been downloaded successfully. You may disconnect the programmer from the feeder.

    programming complete pop up

Checking Current Firmware Version

  1. Press and hold both buttons on the feeder.
  2. Wait until the light comes on, indicating that you've switched modes.

  3. Keep the buttons held until the light goes off.

    Firmware versions v1.0.2 and before

    Earlier versions of firmware will never turn off the light. If the light stays on, you're running v1.0.2 or earlier. Update your firmware to get the latest features and bugfixes.

  4. Watch the indicator light and take note of its color, and how many times it flashes.

    checking feeder firmware version
    The gif above shows the version being checked for a feeder running v1.0.3. Both buttons are held and the mode light comes on. The mode light goes off, and the indicator light flashes green once.

  5. Once the indicator light is done flashing, release the buttons.

  6. Use the table below to identify the firmware version loaded on your feeder.
Firmware Version Flashes
Any Beta Firmware One Red Flash 🟥
v1.0.2 or previous No Flash
v1.0.3 One Green Flash 🟩

Next Steps

Next, you'll mount your feeders.