Black screen on MNGP after update

[offgridQLD]

Today I decided to update my two classics to REV 2079.

Both classics were running Rev 1849. Lucky I decided to just do one classic at a time on the odd chance there was a problem . At least the other classic could be used to keep the offgrid system going.

(I have never had update issues in the past)   

So I downloaded the windows 10 classic programmer. Plugged the USB cable into the classic. It found the classic port. So I started the firmware update on the classic . All went well and it showed successful. Great...

I then tried the MNGP update and it all went well and showed successful. Though when turning the classic back on I now have a completely black screen on the MNGP.

I tried again updating the MNGP several times (always showed successful each time) but same completely black screen. I then tried a VMM using the jumpers on the classic . The VMM worked but still I have a black screen on the classic.

The classic did update to 2079 as I can log onto it through the local app and it's showing rev2079. So it worked on the classic.





Kurt

[mike90045]

Maybe the classic menu map   http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/classic_menu_map_rev_1933.pdf 
will show (page 3) the button pushes to get to the screen contrast menu.   That may solve it.   

Maybe reloading the Registers from your import/export file can reset the MNGP ?

[Resthome]

Looks like the red Communication Led is on solid. Did you try resetting the cable between the MNGP and the Classic or at least look at the pins. Try the top jack or the middle jack on the classic. I see now MN is recommending putting some silicon grease on those cable pins so there apparently have been connection issues with some units.

[offgridQLD]

I did try a new blue cable and plugging it into the centre socket. Though I guess I could try reloading the firmware on the centre socket as that was mentioned in another thread.

The funny thing is that classic has worked for years and the MMGP screen was fine until I loaded the new firmware to the MNGP. Strange that the plug contacts would suddenly go bad at the same time.

Willing to try anything though.

Kurt

[Resthome]

Kurt

Is this the first time using the Win10 loader?

[russ_drinkwater]

 
Hmmmm, I will adopt the idea of it aint broke then do not fix I think.
Sorry to hear the problems Kurt.
Sorted or still pulling hair out and wife saying I told you not to play with it???
Lol, hope you have enough pv through the other reg for ongoing needs.
Russ

[Resthome]

Kurt

Since that 1849 firmware is from 2014 you might try reloading that version just to see if it brings the MNGP back.  I think at one time Ryan said he updates the MNGP and then the Classic. Something to do with if boB added additional Modbus registers but that's just a guess on my part. But I have always use the sequence you used but have not tried the Win10 updater due to not being on site since November.

Did the MNGP do anything when you did the VMM? Usually you see it transfer a bunch of data.

[dgd]

The Classic that was updated is probably still working, it could be used normally and if the settings have been reset to factory then just use the local App to set these as required or check they are still ok.
Classics work fine without the MNGP connected, you just need to manually set the clock.

dgd

[offgridQLD]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Russ,
        I was in a getting things done mode on the weekend and made the mistake of trying to squeeze one more job in at the offgrid house befor leaving Sunday afternoon. So yes Russ the wife was in my ear asking "are we going soon , it's getting late?" and my daughter was complaining that now because of my silly solar controller by the time we drive the 1 1/2 hrs  back to the city now her tv show will have ended.....but no pressure!

Yes  DGD, the controller updated fine and it works. As mentioned I logged into it via the local app and it's working and showing the correct new firmware. Though I shut it down for the week as I didn't have time to go through the settings and reset everything after the VMM. So yes if I need the extra power I can run it with a blank MNGP. (though I think I will loose the time and logs for each day when it resets at midnite without the MNGP)

Resthome, yes it was the first time using the windows 10 loader.

I will try and put 1849 back on it and see if I can get the MNGP working again. and try the update doing the MNGP first this time. I didn't see the MNGP do anything special after the VMM . I get a few leds flashing briefly when I power cycle it and then just the red led and blacked out screen.

I have a windows xp laptop I can use if need be.

[BobWhite]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Russ,
        I was in a getting things done mode on the weekend and made the mistake of trying to squeeze one more job in at the offgrid house befor leaving Sunday afternoon. So yes Russ the wife was in my ear asking "are we going soon , it's getting late?" and my daughter was complaining that now because of my silly solar controller by the time we drive the 1 1/2 hrs  back to the city now her tv show will have ended.....but no pressure!

Yes  DGD, the controller updated fine and it works. As mentioned I logged into it via the local app and it's working and showing the correct new firmware. Though I shut it down for the week as I didn't have time to go through the settings and reset everything after the VMM. So yes if I need the extra power I can run it with a blank MNGP. (though I think I will loose the time and logs for each day when it resets at midnite without the MNGP)

Resthome, yes it was the first time using the windows 10 loader.

I will try and put 1849 back on it and see if I can get the MNGP working again. and try the update doing the MNGP first this time. I didn't see the MNGP do anything special after the VMM . I get a few leds flashing briefly when I power cycle it and then just the red led and blacked out screen.

I have a windows xp laptop I can use if need be.

offgridQLD sorry to hear of the mngp and hope to see what you work out, Im also grateful seeing some family humor here, just hoping there isn't to much stress!

[BobWhite]

Hmmmm, I will adopt the idea of it aint broke then do not fix I think.
Sorry to hear the problems Kurt.
Sorted or still pulling hair out and wife saying I told you not to play with it???
Lol, hope you have enough pv through the other reg for ongoing needs.
Russ

Russ---Your the best!

[offgridQLD]

All good now yes you have to see the funny side of things in life or your will be forever stressed.

I made the trip up today with my old windows XP laptop and loaded the MNGP firmware through that. Worked first go with XP and I have my MNGP display back and working

Just updating the other classic now with the XP laptop. So cross fingers I will have two classics updated without issue........... (yes it worked fine on the 2nd classic to)



I might dedicate this old xp machine to software updates.

Thanks again for the tips.

Kurt

[CDN-VT]

All good now
I might dedicate this old xp machine to software updates.

Thanks again for the tips.

Kurt

I have just THAT .
I run Toughbooks  with XP loaded on shuttle harddrives .One just for solar & has firmware , info , all videos with a backup copy .
Windoze 10 is a flop  & why !
I made it to Win-7 & then linux
over.
Something so important should have it's own computer and just for that. Run proven systems.
I use a different HD shttle for Here & Web surfing , fleebaying and the rest .
Just my thoughts & im glad your back up. 
VT

[offgridQLD]

Yes sounds like a good plan.

The laptop I used today is a old Dell Latitude business laptop. It was a flagship business laptop in it's day (2005-6 ish). Big bright 1900x1080 screen. I got it for next to nothing (under $100) on ebay not long ago.

I think it must have been old stock. From some company that hadn't used/opened it as it was in the original packaging. Had all the plastic film on every thing and had that new plastic smell. I'm sure it was brand new old stock. Bit of a time warp

Solid heavy thing by today's standards with steel catches and frame but pure function, 9 pin serial ports on the back, huge battery, full size keyboard, cd/dvd rom and stock with xp - pro.

I got it just because of the serial ports that I needed to interact with another device I have that's fussy with most usb to serial adapters.



Kurt

[dgd]

Kurt,

Good to see you have the FW updates completed successfully 
Whats that blue box in the photo between the two MNGPs?  Epower, is that a meter box for the inverter?
Also I see from the MNGPs that the one to the right is showing a PV input of 121V so do you have one of the PV arrays still wired as 3serial strings, I'm guessing its the small array and each pv is about 36volts.
The other MNGP at 75v input must be the 2serial strings

dgd