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Step 12Install and Run PonyProg 2000 to Test Everything Out
OK. Now your Digg Button is connected to your computer. To make sure they can communicate, you can use ponyprog 2000 (for windows). Download from http://www.lancos.com/. Follow the included installation instructions.
This connection can be a little finicky. The connectors have to be clean (from time to time I use a small amount of alcohol on a paper towel). I've also found that placing the connector so the tips of the pins are against the pad rather than the middle of the pins, makes for a more reliable connection.
And, your parallel port has to be configured properly. My connection would not work until I changed my port from general bi-directional to ECP in my computer's firmware config. (I got to my firmware settings by holding down the ESC key as the computer was booting up then figuring out and following the on-screen instructions). You may have to check your computer's documentation to see how to access its firmware on bootup, if you think it's a problem.
The mods page on the ladyada digg button site, http://www.ladyada.net/make/digg/mods.html, has detailed instructions for getting ponyprog up and running. I won't duplicate them here. You should first try to "read" your button to make sure the cable works. Once you can read your device, you can also write it.
To read the Digg Button, choose "Read All" from the Command menu
If ponyprog fails to find your device, make sure:
This connection can be a little finicky. The connectors have to be clean (from time to time I use a small amount of alcohol on a paper towel). I've also found that placing the connector so the tips of the pins are against the pad rather than the middle of the pins, makes for a more reliable connection.
And, your parallel port has to be configured properly. My connection would not work until I changed my port from general bi-directional to ECP in my computer's firmware config. (I got to my firmware settings by holding down the ESC key as the computer was booting up then figuring out and following the on-screen instructions). You may have to check your computer's documentation to see how to access its firmware on bootup, if you think it's a problem.
The mods page on the ladyada digg button site, http://www.ladyada.net/make/digg/mods.html, has detailed instructions for getting ponyprog up and running. I won't duplicate them here. You should first try to "read" your button to make sure the cable works. Once you can read your device, you can also write it.
To read the Digg Button, choose "Read All" from the Command menu
If ponyprog fails to find your device, make sure:
- The cable is wired correctly
- It is connected to the board correctly
- The Digg Button has power (e.g. battery)
- Wiggle the connector on the board (but, be careful, connecting together pads "A" and "B" can short out your battery leading to short battery life!)
- Reboot the PC (it's lame, I know, but sometimes it works!)
- Reboot the PC *without* the parallel cable connected, then connect it afterwards (and sometimes mystical incantation helps).
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