Problem Updating Toolkitrc Lipo Charger M6DAC Firmware

[Andy-H]

I suspect something has gone awry with the main board of my lipo charger, but worth floating this issue in case anyone might know of a solution.

 

I have several Toolkitrc chargers, one of which is an M6DAC which can be ac or dc powered. Firmware updates are undertaken via on board USB-C socket to a pc port using a fairly standard usb cable. Whilst this worked when first bought in 2022 (so now out of warranty) it updated without any problem. However, when I tried to do so recently, the pc gives a current surge error message. Same thing trying with a different pc. Interestingly, when I plug it into a usb hub which has an independent power supply, the power light on the hub goes out, even when the hub isn’t connected to the pc. Have also tried several different cables.

 

No solutions shown on YouTube or through Googling so I guess there’s a hardware problem associated with the on board usb port. 
 

It is charging and discharging properly but I just can’t update the software. No issues updating my other chargers. Anyone else had a similar issue and any suggested solutions ? 
 

Many thanks.

[Denis Watkins]

Start by checking this bit Andy

Firmware upgrade

After connecting the M6DAC to the computer

with the USB cable in the box,

the computer will recognize a

USB disk named Toolkit,

download the upgrade file

app.upg on the official website Copy and Paste the new

file to overwrite the previous files in the USB disk, and

the firmware can be upgraded.

[Geoff S]

If it's working, why do you need to update the firmware?  What extra functions do you need?

[Andy-H]

The error message shuts down the usb port on the pc which means the device isn’t recognised and doesn’t show in File Explorer. My understanding is firmware updates usually rectify glitches rather adding new features which why I thought it worth trying to update. 

[RottenRow]

Are you using the same USB lead that you used successfully on previous occasions?

 

I’m just wondering if there is something non-standard about the on-board USB socket.
 

Brian.

[GrumpyGnome]

Firmware updates typically contain one or more of....... extra/amended functionality, defect fixes, security updates.

 

Unless you need any if these, "if it 'aint broke, don't fix it" would be my view. That's the same view taken by all major financial institutions, so if it's good enough for them.......

[Andy-H]

4 hours ago, GrumpyGnome said:

 "if it 'aint broke, don't fix it" would be my view ………..

Same here, but it was worth asking……. BTW was using the original cable plus tried several others.  I think the usb socket (or associated internal gubbins) is faulty 

 

Thanks all.

[Phil Green]

>>However, when I tried to do so recently, the pc gives a current surge error message.

...

>>when I plug it into a usb hub which has an independent power supply, the power light on the hub goes out 

These two symptoms both suggest its simply taking too much current, usb usually limits at an amp or two, do you have a USB current indicator?

(if not get a couple, they're very handy!)

'why' could be excessive inrush to smoothing caps,  or the charger is 'on', or its got itself in a weird state...

Presumably you havent got the charger powered up when plugging into your PC's usb?

I would first check the excessive usb current isnt a fault  :-)

 

 

[Andy-H]

I have only just seen this - thanks. Hadn’t heard about these gadgets so I’ll try one. 

[radekow]

You need to press and hold the "CH.EXIT" button, then connect the device to a USB port (preferably a USB-A 3.0 or USB-C port)

[Andy-H]

Thanks for the suggestion but the problem still persists. I suspect the charger’s USB socket has gone awry. Most of the updates though seem to relate to other countries so at least the unit still operates.