Saber Forum

Ultra Sabers Discussion => The Obsidian Order => Topic started by: d91 on October 22, 2021, 02:47:39 AM



Title: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 22, 2021, 02:47:39 AM
Hello!

So recently acquired a Dark Apprentice V4 w/ an Obsidian V3 board. Tested it out, worked fine. Went to plug it in because I wanted to swap fonts on it. As far as I could tell, I followed the instructions that came with my saber. It acted like it was writing the new font, but when I check afterwards, the launcher's showing me there's no font written to the board.

Read through the forum. I was thinking low battery. Charged them up. Every time now I plug the battery back in, the blade flashes 3-4 times. No sound (Yes, battery is inserted correctly). Computer recognizes the soundboard, as does the launcher. Tried to "reset," and it either doesn't correct the issue or gets stuck on the "please waiting, reading device info" window. When I try to re-write to the board, even trying to re-write the default "Obsidian" soundfont is unsuccessful. Acts like it's writing for a while, but again, the launcher's showing me the board has no fonts on it.

Is there something I'm missing? I can't imagine I bricked the board. From other posts it sounds like erasing the files on the board is common but fixable. I must be missing something....





EDIT: Will take another crack at charging battery. Might not have been fully re-charged as I thought. Still not sure if this is the problem, though....


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 22, 2021, 11:30:50 AM
UPDATE: Verified battery had a full charge to it using a multimeter, before and after using the charger. Only other thing I can think of is a software glitch. Will try a fresh install on a different computer and see if I yield different results.

I'm open to questions or suggestions in the meantime.


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: nunya on October 22, 2021, 02:26:26 PM
Is this for a string blade build?  i have the board from prior to that release so i expect it is different now regardless of lighting option?
i am not going to be able to help you directly but emailing customer service (info@ultrasabers.com) should be done as soon as you can.
Forum members may be able to help while you await a reply.  You may also try the chat on the main site - see if they can assist.

the force. may it be with you.


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 22, 2021, 03:14:07 PM
No, it's not a sting blade. Just has the one color, silver. And yeah, I might need to reach out to customer service at this point.


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: nunya on October 22, 2021, 05:56:10 PM
No, it's not a sting blade. Just has the one color, silver. And yeah, I might need to reach out to customer service at this point.
word.
also confirm you are getting a stable connection between your machine and board through that cable.  I have some micro-USBs that start okay then lose connection based on angle of the dangle.
i doubt that is the cause of your issue but good to make sure with a different cord.
customer service will probably ask for details about your set-up: operating system version and platform, version of the ultrasaber software, t.k.s.


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: KaiserSosay on October 23, 2021, 04:35:43 AM
I has been a couple of years since I've had a V3 or V4 so my info may not be 100% accurate. 

 With the V4 I could plug  into a computer and see all of the installed fonts. I could delete and add fonts. I could even add or delete individual sound files.


With the V3 everything would be working sound wise while I played with the saber. When I plug the V3 into my computer NO SOUND FILES WOULD APPEAR. I don't know why, that's just how it was. So every time I plugged in the V3 it appeared blank or empty of sound files. If I just exited the program (properly) it would function normally with the whatever sound files were on it.
 If I change even one sound on the V3, I would have to reload all the sounds. Then exit properly and the sounds would be there and working. Immediately plug back into the computer and it would appear to have no sound files loaded, but they were just there and working.

 So long story short, load your sound files. All of them, Boot, On, Off, Idle and so on down the list. Write to the board and exit. Turn your saber on to verify the sound files if you have a V3. Don't just trust the program. Verify by using the saber. It always worked that way for me!

 Other thing to keep in mind;
   
V3 and V4 volume level is controlled in the computer program. Check volume level before you exit the program.

What sound files are you using? Not all files will work and they do not have the same volume levels. Sound fonts from the "other guys" are always low volume.

Not all data cables are the same. I'm assuming you are using a data cable because you got the saber to actually connect to your computer.  If your cable is older it could take longer to pass the info back and forth. So be patient and let the program do its thing.  Also the larger the sound file the longer it will take.

I hope some of my information is helpful.  Like I said it's been awhile since I've had a V3.
 Let us know when you get it figured out!


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 23, 2021, 07:42:39 PM
Emailed customer service. We'll see what they say.

I'm honestly perplexed. It's able to identify the soundboard's serial number and firmware version. Even updated the firmware on it prior to any writing attempts. And using the v2.86 Windows version of the Launcher. Tried multiple micro-USB cables, different USB ports. Still same results.

I did try to connect it to my Mac, but my Mac told me the device was incompatible with that version of the launcher. Odd cuz the Launcher and the board are the latest...as far as I know. (Mac version I have is v2.64)


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 23, 2021, 11:25:39 PM
When I plugged the saber in the first time (and subsequent times when re-installing the driver) it tells me it's installing "Obsidian Driver," but when it's complete it says USB Serial Device (COM8). Is it possible somewhere there it's getting screwed up?

The Launcher can identify the soundboard's serial number and firmware, but it times out on any writing attempts on it.


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: KaiserSosay on October 24, 2021, 02:56:24 AM
When I plugged the saber in the first time (and subsequent times when re-installing the driver) it tells me it's installing "Obsidian Driver," but when it's complete it says USB Serial Device (COM8). Is it possible somewhere there it's getting screwed up?

The Launcher can identify the soundboard's serial number and firmware, but it times out on any writing attempts on it.



I'm no computer expert but it sounds like you need to update your "usb drivers for windows".


There is a lot of good information in this post. Maybe something in here will help.
http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=20381.0 (http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=20381.0)


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 24, 2021, 06:10:14 AM
I certainly won't rule it out being a driver issue. I just find it odd that it can read data from the board but can no longer write anything onto it. As soon as it deleted the pre-installed soundfont on my first write attempt, that's when the problems start. Now it just acts like I'm writing to it/modifying settings, but in reality is doing nothing of the sort.

As far as updating drivers, Device Manager told me it's up to date, and as of yet see no updates version online to grab. The only other method I can try at this point is using a USB hub. Otherwise I'll need to wait back and see what US says. I've spent WAY too much time troubleshooting it, it's becoming obsessive.  ::)


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 24, 2021, 04:52:35 PM
Well, tried a USB hub. Shredded one of the ports on my computer (Onn thought it'd be cool to have a micro-USB plug embedded into a USB-A; how does even work?) AND it fried it AND the port next to it.

So I'm done with this lightsaber. It's cost me WAY too much stress than it's worth. I ain't dealing with it anymore. Feel free to lock this thread.


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: nunya on October 24, 2021, 07:10:09 PM
Well, tried a USB hub. Shredded one of the ports on my computer
ouch!  sorry to read that. 
i recommend to wait for customer service at this point - it is not worth the added stress. 


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 27, 2021, 01:06:53 PM
Gonna post this should it be relevant:

US reached out. Current theory is the .wav requirements for the new launcher may be conflicting with my saber's newer board. v2.86 of the launcher requires I upload .wav, uncompressed, mono, 16-bit, @23438 Hz. Mind you, the launcher won't even let me accidentally upload the wrong type of file into it, so it's impossible to deviate from its parameters.

Assuming my board is the one reflected on the store listing, it accepts 48000 Hz.

Will update if we learn any more.


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: Cyclops942 on October 27, 2021, 02:26:37 PM
Well, tried a USB hub. Shredded one of the ports on my computer (Onn thought it'd be cool to have a micro-USB plug embedded into a USB-A; how does even work?) AND it fried it AND the port next to it.

First, I’m sorry to hear that; that’s just ridiculous. 

Second, I’m glad you’re continuing to post updates to help the rest of the community; some folks get so frustrated that they just drop the subject, and that doesn’t help anyone else who might be having the same or similar problems.

Third, could you post the brand and model of the USB hub that did this, so that we all know to stay away from it?  That just sounds crazy.  And I’m with you— how would it work to embed a micro-USB plug into a USB-A plug?


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 27, 2021, 02:53:10 PM
No problem. If this'll help other folks, I'm all for it. And even before US replied back, I wondered if the bitrate was a factor. I'm guessing I won't know for certain just yet. But yeah, after 11 hours of troubleshooting over three days, I had to walk away from it, let US help me out.  I got bigger things to worry about.

Here's the USB Hub. https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-Multi-Port-USB-Hub-with-SD-Micro-SD-and-Compact-Flash-Card-Reader/325546611 (https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-Multi-Port-USB-Hub-with-SD-Micro-SD-and-Compact-Flash-Card-Reader/325546611)

NEVER. BUY. THIS.


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: nunya on October 27, 2021, 03:25:48 PM
Gonna post this should it be relevant:

US reached out. Current theory is the .wav requirements for the new launcher may be conflicting with my saber's newer board. v2.86 of the launcher requires I upload .wav, uncompressed, mono, 16-bit, @23438 Hz. Mind you, the launcher won't even let me accidentally upload the wrong type of file into it, so it's impossible to deviate from its parameters.

Assuming my board is the one reflected on the store listing, it accepts 48000 Hz.

Will update if we learn any more.
thanks for the updates!  Way to go!
the assumption seems to be valid.  i can attest that the wrong frequency file will not work on the board even when off only by 4kHz (i.e. 44 vs 48).
i have the 2.45 version in "standalone" if you want it.  PM or reply here.  i will post public link if able to get that done soon.
found my previous post on this - URL for the launcher as provided by ultrasabers:
https://1a32fe05fffb6725aab1-5c5b03604a40d0d2efae65b6edf685a4.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/UltraSabersLauncher_OfflineInstallerV245.zip



Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: nunya on October 27, 2021, 03:47:57 PM
No problem. If this'll help other folks, I'm all for it. And even before US replied back, I wondered if the bitrate was a factor. I'm guessing I won't know for certain just yet. But yeah, after 11 hours of troubleshooting over three days, I had to walk away from it, let US help me out.  I got bigger things to worry about.

Here's the USB Hub. https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-Multi-Port-USB-Hub-with-SD-Micro-SD-and-Compact-Flash-Card-Reader/325546611 (https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-Multi-Port-USB-Hub-with-SD-Micro-SD-and-Compact-Flash-Card-Reader/325546611)

NEVER. BUY. THIS.

Weird! 


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 27, 2021, 03:54:35 PM
--post erased--


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 27, 2021, 03:56:13 PM
I'll check it out later when I can, but if it's anything like v2.65 v2.64 (I think that one), it'll tell me my saber isn't compatible with it. I even hopped over to the Mac and it told me that.


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 27, 2021, 03:59:08 PM
--post erased--


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: nunya on October 27, 2021, 09:17:03 PM
--post erased--
do not get banned before you get this solved ;)


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 29, 2021, 11:12:15 PM
UPDATE!

Aria over at US pointed out an update for the Launcher (2.88). Updated it, re-updated the saber's firmware. Couple of memory resets to the board and got the default Obsidian sound back on it. So yay, working blade!

Even got the custom soundfont to write onto it. Currently, the hum is a tad quiet, and it doesn't seem to play consistently, even when other sound effects are in effect. Not sure if the Obsidian soundfont does. At least with that the sounds better connect.

Otherwise, sounds like the board is good and the saber wasn't bricked after all. So yeah, update to 2.88. I think it dropped yesterday? (10/28/21) judging by the date modified on the installed soundfonts with the program folder.


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: KaiserSosay on October 29, 2021, 11:22:44 PM
UPDATE!

Aria over at US pointed out an update for the Launcher (2.88). Updated it, re-updated the saber's firmware. Couple of memory resets to the board and got the default Obsidian sound back on it. So yay, working blade!

Even got the custom soundfont to write onto it. Currently, the hum is a tad quiet, and it doesn't seem to play consistently, even when other sound effects are in effect. Not sure if the Obsidian soundfont does. At least with that the sounds better connect.

Otherwise, sounds like the board is good and the saber wasn't bricked after all. So yeah, update to 2.88. I think it dropped yesterday? (10/28/21) judging by the date modified on the installed soundfonts with the program folder.

That is great to hear! Thank you for the update.


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 30, 2021, 12:08:10 AM
UPDATE!

Aria over at US pointed out an update for the Launcher (2.88). Updated it, re-updated the saber's firmware. Couple of memory resets to the board and got the default Obsidian sound back on it. So yay, working blade!

Even got the custom soundfont to write onto it. Currently, the hum is a tad quiet, and it doesn't seem to play consistently, even when other sound effects are in effect. Not sure if the Obsidian soundfont does. At least with that the sounds better connect.

Otherwise, sounds like the board is good and the saber wasn't bricked after all. So yeah, update to 2.88. I think it dropped yesterday? (10/28/21) judging by the date modified on the installed soundfonts with the program folder.

Figured out the sound problem. Hum needs to be in the background of every action sound. Guess I'll edit those....


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: KaiserSosay on October 30, 2021, 12:24:49 AM
Figured out the sound problem. Hum needs to be in the background of every action sound. Guess I'll edit those....

I don't have obsidian sabers anymore, just diamond sabers. I am however totally willing to help edit any sound files for you, so they fit on the limited memory space of the V3.  Just let me know if you need any info or advice.


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: d91 on October 30, 2021, 12:58:10 AM
I don't have obsidian sabers anymore, just diamond sabers. I am however totally willing to help edit any sound files for you, so they fit on the limited memory space of the V3.  Just let me know if you need any info or advice.

I'll keep that in mind. I did manage to edit the sound files so the hum is in the background of all them. Very consistent-sounding now. :)


Title: [SOLVED]Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: nunya on November 01, 2021, 04:18:07 PM
UPDATE!
Aria over at US pointed out an update for the Launcher (2.88). Updated it, re-updated the saber's firmware. Couple of memory resets to the board and got the default Obsidian sound back on it. So yay, working blade!
Thanks for coming back to update!  It is great to read that you found the solution.  Way to stick with it!
point for the updates.


Title: Re: Obsidian V3 Problem - Can't Write to Board!
Post by: Cyclops942 on November 01, 2021, 04:42:59 PM
Thank you for coming back here and updating us!  Many people fail to do that.  Point for the update.  (Sure hope you wanted Light Side points, because that’s what I gave you.)