What I'm looking to do is actually to be able to automate measurements.
I e be able to read data from the unit and possibly "press some buttons" from say a python program.
Maybe something like this can be done via bluetooth?
Depending on the precision you are looking for, you may be able to accomplish what you want with one of these hooked up to an Arduino with an SD card.
I've used the INA219 to log voltage, current, and burden voltage, worked great. Very easy to set up if you've done Arduino stuff before.
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1164https://www.adafruit.com/product/904
Hacking (or modifying) the software can interfere with reliability as well. I think the real point here is that you need to acquire something other than a hand held DVM.
Or:
Since there is a way to transfer data over bluetooth, maybe I have no real.need for hacking either sw or hw...
The current FW is still 1.58 beta, and has been for a long time.
To this moment, it seems to be stable and probably the best one delivered.
It does indeed look less beta than other versions.
Is there any plan to make it "gold"?
Is a new FW in the working?
I just bought the 121GW from Welectron here in Europe and it came with firmware 1.61 so the 1.58 is already "old"
Also, as has been mentioned before, the manual only has changelog information up to 1.51. Would it perhaps be possible to give us an update on the firmware status?
I do like my meter, but I'm very much looking forward to stable firmware with changelog information.
I just bought the 121GW from Welectron here in Europe and it came with firmware 1.61 so the 1.58 is already "old"
Oh, nice, let's hope the firmware shows up on the EEVblog site soon.
I just bought the 121GW from Welectron here in Europe and it came with firmware 1.61 so the 1.58 is already "old"
On the SD card you should finde a file called EEVBlog.bin that you may upload here for us. This is the firmware file.
I just bought the 121GW from Welectron here in Europe and it came with firmware 1.61 so the 1.58 is already "old"
Interesting!
This firmware revision 1.61 is not available on Dave's website with the other firmware versions, latest on his site being 1.58.
I cannot find anything on the Github under EEVBlog.
Please attach a copy of firmware V1.61 if possible for the rest of us to try out.
Whats happened to the firmware list on EEVBlog website for the 121GW being updated as new revisions become available ?
Just checked the sd card and it is empty. Did they leave a copy of the firmware on the sd card earlier ?
@Dave what is the status on new firmwares? Why aren't the latest posted on the website (and the changelogs)?
Still no response here and no update on the official firmware support page. Hope that product support is not already suspended
Just download firmware 2.0, unzip it, move it to the microSD card, but the meter keeps showing U-157, I was expecting to see U-2.0
Never mind, I got it!
I bought a new 121GW today and I have Firmware u-2.01 installed.
Just wanted to mention it.
Is there a bin file called EEVBlog.bin on the internal microSD-Card?
I bought a new 121GW today and I have Firmware u-2.01 installed.
Any news about the new 2.01 firmware? Changelog?
Edit: typo
who is writing the firmware for this device? is it Dave or the manufacturer? has anyone created a hacked FW?
The manufacturer. Dave has a copy of the source files but I don't think he will ever something with the code. I guess this is probably far too much work.
The manufacturer.
Correct.
Dave has a copy of the source files
Does he? I may have missed something, but I didn't think he did. As I understand it, the manufacturer has some "secret sauce" code that they are not willing to share (which, even if frustrating, is completely understandable).
but I don't think he will ever something with the code. I guess this is probably far too much work.
Having the source code is only one part of the puzzle. You need to have a compatible development environment that has been configured appropriately before you start. Then you would need full details of every element of the hardware being controlled before even being able to code anything. Add to that the experience required to write effective and efficient code for this type of environment as well as dealing with idiosyncrasies of the component parts and you have quite the challenge.
.... has anyone created a hacked FW?
We have had some enterprising souls hack the binary from earlier versions - but I think the latest official manufacturer version makes them obsolete.
I don't remember if this was in a video or in the forum, but I am 95 percent sure Dave said he received a copy of the source files (with a non-disclosure agreement). Not that long ago. A few months, maybe.
Because of the work involved, I knew we would not see anything. Just fully understanding the existing code would probably already be a nightmare. So, UEI is not taking a big risk
I think too he mentioned he has sources.
I tried to write my own firmware, but failed due to underestimation of effort and lack of knowledge of stm32. I thought I'd write a basic firmware in a few evenings, but failed even to get LCD working :/. Then I realized that I don't know how to control the main IC, and its datasheet was uncomfortably big.... So, many things it seems need to be implemented from scratch, it's not like an arduino-style development when all it takes is just install libraries and bind them all together in main().
any info for new firmware?? 2.00 really is full of bugs anyway
I think too he mentioned he has sources.
I tried to write my own firmware, but failed due to underestimation of effort and lack of knowledge of stm32. I thought I'd write a basic firmware in a few evenings, but failed even to get LCD working :/. Then I realized that I don't know how to control the main IC, and its datasheet was uncomfortably big.... So, many things it seems need to be implemented from scratch, it's not like an arduino-style development when all it takes is just install libraries and bind them all together in main().
There is a basic open firmware with "Hello World" example.
https://github.com/tpwrules/121gw-templateAlexander.
"I just bought the 121GW from Welectron here in Europe and it came with firmware 1.61 so the 1.58 is already "old""
I just bought mine (June 2019) directly from Dave, and it is running 1.57 Firmware. I find the resistance mode very sluggish. Maybe new firmwar would fix that? I need to locate firmware and then I guess go buy a micro-sd card.
"I just bought the 121GW from Welectron here in Europe and it came with firmware 1.61 so the 1.58 is already "old""
I just bought mine (June 2019) directly from Dave, and it is running 1.57 Firmware. I find the resistance mode very sluggish. Maybe new firmwar would fix that? I need to locate firmware and then I guess go buy a micro-sd card.
2.0 is definitely faster autoranging in resistance mode. To get it, go here and click on "firmware":
https://www.eevblog.com/product/121gw/.
I thought all the meters came with a micro-SD card. Or was that just the kickstarter? Anyhow, you should probably check and make sure there isn't already one in there.