NXT forgets its firmware

[legojoentje]

Hi all,

I've got an NXT that 'forgets' its firmware; when I downloaded the firmware, it worked fine.
I removed the batteries (needed them for another NXT)
Then, the next day, when I turn it on, it maded that hissing-ticking sound indicating it is waiting for a firmware download.
It worked fine again when I downloaded again. (the LEGO 1.31 version).
I turned it off normally, and turn it back on, it still worked.
Then I left it on, to test what happens if I leave it to 'fall asleep'. When I returned, (30 minutes later, sleep time was set to 5), it was hissing, but not ticking. So I pushed the reset button, and tried to download again, but that failed.
The first 2 steps (finding NXT, preparing NXT) go fine, the third step fails: communication error (as if it was disconnected)
Error code: -1073807339

Does anyone have a clue what's going on? Or, even better, what to do about it?

Thanx!

[gloomyandy]

Have you tried contacting Lego support? I've not come across any other NXTs that have the symptoms you are describing....

[legojoentje]

Err, no, I haven't. Good point, though, I'll try them!

(still hoping somebody out here can help)

[legojoentje]

I've called tech support and she said she knows what the problem is. I should receive an e-mail with instructions shorty....

[mightor]

legojoentje,

Keep us posted and let us know what their proposed solution was, it may help others

- Xander

[legojoentje]

I didn't get the e-mail yesterday, so I called again today. Apperently something went wrong with the mail, so she's sending it again.

In the meantime, I tried downloading the firmware again, with a fresh (new) accupack, a reset (with a paperclip in the pinhole under the USB connection on the NXT) and guess what:
It downloaded fine again....

Beats me, but I'm delighted anyway...

Never the less, I'll post any new tips from the e-mail here once I get it!

[legojoentje]

Short lived delight... Once I turned it off, the firmware was gone again. Can still download it, though.
Eagerly watching my mailbox....

[legojoentje]

The mail is in. Bit dissapointing; it only told me how to reset / download firmware, which I already knew.
I'll phone them again, maybe later today, maybe monday (got to go and teach kids about Mindstorms / robotics first...)

[hassenplug]

What firmware are you trying to load?

I would suggest trying to download the latest firmware from the LEGO web site, and see if that makes a difference. Even if you think you've done that, try again to make sure you get a good download.

If that doesn't fix it, you may actually have a hardware issue.

Steve