System2 Servo-8 Software Updates

Version 13 – Release Date: 02-OCT-2023

This update affects two distinct areas…

Network reliability improvements
We’ve updated the CAN network library. This supports detection and correction of network errors when devices are connected and disconnected, automatically managing bus resets etc. This means that as boards are added to your network, it should just continue to work automatically, effectively supporting the hot connecting and disconnecting of devices.

Stateless push buttons
The input-32 and panel control updates support have a new pushbutton type; the stateless toggle. The previous control method was to maintain state and send a ‘0’ or a ‘1’ to turn a device on or off.
The new state sends a ‘2’ which toggles the output. You’ll still read how it’s set via the LEDs on the feedback channel.
You can use either type, even at the same time, though this may lead to unexpected behaviour.
Moving forward, the default button type will be the stateless pushbutton. You are of course free to change it in the Panel Controller configuration page.

If you are updating the Panel Controllers, we suggest updating the servo drivers first.

Stateless not implemented over MQTT. Use the other switch types if using MQTT. We expect to back port this feature over MQTT at a later date.
Fixed servo creep when repeating packets.
Now totally ignores all CAN messages if protocol not set to CAN.

Version 11 – Release Date: 19-JUL-2023

Added support for ‘fixing’ a borked software update. If the software detects missing static files it will automatically try to download in the background. You will not see any update, however the  on board LED will blink  erratically as data is downloaded. Leave the board alone for 15 minutes as it tries to resolve the issue automatically for you. To test, try reconnecting to the main web page. If you see it, then it’s fixed.

Version 7 – Release Date: 06-MAY-2023

IMPORTANT – Installing this patch requires that ALL products are patched.

All System2 boards should be updated to 06-MAY-2003 patch date or later. See
bottom of these release notes for version specifics. This is a significant
update and changes how the boards communicate with each other. Therefore all boards
should be patched.
Products shipped after 06-MAY-2023 will automatically have this patch installed.

CAN
Internal tweaks to encoded vPort data on the CAN bus. This update
requires all boards on your network to be updated to remain
compatible over the CAN bus.

We plan on making videos showing how you can integrate your Arduino
into this system to both read and control almost all aspects. The CAN
bus changes will make this more accessible when we publish it.

WiFi credential sharing
Improvements to the WiFi credential sharing are implemented including:
– Consistent operation across all System2 board types.
– Faster revocation of credentials with boards returning to operational
– state after having WiFi credentials revoked (3-5 seconds).
– Improvement to the DCC module becoming operational following WiFi
credential removal.

CAN Monitor web page
The CAN monitor web page has had the RFID column removed. This was used
in testing during 2022 with the AVR microcontrollers and is now
obsolete.
You can still see the raw packets from RFID data, however they are not
decoded for you.
We plan to replace this monitor with something more useful at a later
date.

MQTT
Some products have had their MQTT library replaced to improve stability
(all except the Panel Controller and Servo-8 driver). This had the
unintended consequence of locking the MQTT broker name and preventing
users from changing it. For the DCC Module (example) this means it works
great here but not on your site where the broker will be different.
We have changed our testing regime to prevent this happening again.

General
Miscellaneous code refactoring across all System2 products for a more
consistent operation.

JMRI
We tested the RFID readers against Panel Pro version 5.3.5 (beta). The
RFID readers successfully updated the JMRI reporters data.

Patch versions
Each product should be patched to 06-MAY-2023 or later. The specific
product versions are:

    Panel Controller        7
    Servo-8 Driver          7
    DCC Decoder             4
    RFID Reader             6
    RFID Display Driver     5
    Relay Driver            4

Version 6 – Release Date: 13-MAR-2023

These are quality of life improvements affecting the input of configuration data or reporting of the device’s network address..

  • Broadcast of IP address on CAN bus corrected from, 0.0.0.0.
  • Locate board broadcast of IP address on CAN bus corrected from 0.0.0.0.
  • High and low servo ranges now correctly saved when using low values. Note: Values are rounded up to next even number.
  • Yellow background on range low and high boxes calibrated correctly. Now works even is range sliders are moved together (centre servos).
  • Manual speed entry overzealous checking relaxed to suit text entry on small screens.

Version 5 – Release Date: 12-MAR-2023

Holding down the HOTSPOT button at power on will force the hotspot on, so user can enter Wi-Fi parameters irrespective of the device configuration.

Wi-Fi hotspot admin page completely rewritten with increased usability:

  • Can now scan for Wi-Fi networks allowing user to select from a list which to connect.
  • IP Address will now automatically display following success logging on to new network.
  • No need to refresh page to see updated data.
  • May display “sign-in required” on some devices. Selecting this automatically takes you to the admin page.
  • Admin page address has changed to “4.3.2.1/admin” to improve device usability.
  • Increased default servo speed.

The HOTSPOT button is more forgiving. It won’t immediately cancel the hotspot if held down too long.

Some devices (Android) will automatically go to the hotspot admin page automatically connecting. Others can access by going to the page 4.3.2.1/admin to configure network passwords.

Patch video.

Version 4 – Release Date: 28-FEB-2023

JMRI compatibility (bidirectional) via MQTT.

Added MQTT support in both ‘Native’ and ‘JMRI’ modes. Included in MQTT:

  • Protocol selection toggles between CAN, Native, JMRI. MQTT is enabled on all protocols except CAN. Save and reboot after changing.
  • Select JMRI if using JMRI for control of servo driver.
  • Select Native is using Wi-Fi between MegaPoints devices.
  • NOTE: Disconnect CAN network if using Wi-Fi (MQTT) to prevent messaging conflicts.
  • MQTT is a new feature, feedback via email is appreciated.
  • Tested against JMRI v 5.2.

Network discovery (manually triggered by ‘locate board’) includes enhanced information:

  • Device name (links to device management page).
  • Device location.
  • Device IP address (links to device management page).

Improved Wi-Fi connection persistence. Will try 5 times to connect and if fails will auto reboot the board up to 5 attempts before giving up.

Tidied up range data input on management web interface. Now consistent across all servos. Increased usability (editing) on small screen devices.

Improved range check input fields to allow easier editing on small screens.

Range text boxes show yellow background when servo is positioned on that side. This shows which side will move when adjusting movement ranges.

Trigger and Feedback V-Ports can now be disabled by entering a ‘0’ for the port value.

Patch video.