JSpar
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Thanks Zygot. I taking this step by step, like when you learn anything else. I don't expect miracles out of this device, it probably does not approach anything the big dogs do. Just more of a 1 to 1 relation between cause and effect. But I am learning a lot of other things too, like how the user community is constructed and how the industry itself conducts business. I thank you sincerely for your help and I am following your advice. YT, Joshua H. Sparber
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May 15, 2022 Zygot, Thanks. This is what I have found. Playing with the jumpers, all of a sudden the board came alive. That is, the Busy LED stays on, the BCDs LEDs circle, the switches can enable their input LEDs and the RGB LEDs change color. My board has the Artix-7 100T CSG324 CPU. JP1 "Mode": I noticed that in the QSPI position that the board comes alive. The USB/SD position does not work. Is it possible that there is a mistake in the board "masking"? Also: JP3: The WALL position works for both an input converter via phone-style plug, as well as a USB input from the computer. The other positions of JP3 do not work. Please see attached diagram. Working Board Diary 5_13_2022.pdfYT, Joshua H. Sparber
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Thanks zygot. I'll run with this advice. Seems a little bit strange that they would go to the trouble of building a board, testing it to see it working, and then not be clear or capable of updating their own description of how to make it work. It's like paying for someone to paint your house, and then they ask you for the brushes and the ladders needed to do the job. I can imagine many people out there striving to build projects and being set adrift by what is actually available. I started with the JTAG cable, thinking it was the natural way to go. The programming and the like reminds me of sophomore level EE courses on steroids. I actually took the subject matter twice to nail it down (UCLA and CSUF plus lab). I'll read what you stated through and try to make the best of it. Thank you for offering some help. Anything would be appreciated at this point. YT, JHS
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April 7, 2022 Dear Anyone Out There Willing to Help, Hello. This is Josh Sparber. I am a retired System Engineer, with an MSEE who is rerouting his career into Embedded Tech. A fellow researcher and I are forming a business and we both intend to incorporate Embedded Tech into our research. Working with the Artix-7 100T Nexsys board I have many questions. There has been some discrepancy in the literature, and although I have both a USB dual ended cable and a converter with a phone-style input for power, and I seem to get 5 volts on the board as needed for power, I am wondering if the power inputs I have are correct. I have the onboard jumper for USB set. Some current problems are making me wonder about this. I keep seeing a 7 to 12 volt converter is needed; although this may not be a problem, it may be. In addition I have a JTAG cable for which I have soldered a plug onto the board, if JTAG is needed. On both the available introductory programs, the Hardware Only and the Software Only I have had problems generating a Bitstream for both of these programs. I was seriously wondering if this related to the power input. In addition, the book I had obtained on the Artix 7 Nexsys was either so out of date that Mr. Colvin didn’t recognize it, or it is a rogue imitation of the book that is needed. or since everything now seems to be on line, the other, younger techies don’t recognize it. This brings up other questions—maybe the board itself is a rogue imitation. That is why the Bitstream doesn’t work? I am taking a picture of the board itself so this can be verified. Software Only program: my question is this—is there onboard GPIO on the Artix 7 100T Nexsys board itself? I know there are inputs and outputs and so on, buttons and LEDs. Are these the GPIO that the Software Only program refers to, or is an external connection needed? The Software Only program is swimming in nice to know and go backs; however, wading through these is not helpful. Is there a Zynq processor on board? If there is can I go on without Zync at this stage? It seems like pulling teeth to get answers to these questions. I am including a photo of the board I have, the power inputs, and the cables to verify my current situation with the development set up. Software Only—I do not recognize the Vitis application as it is described. The format is completely different from is described in the program and I have not been able to implement the C Language example program in it. Not sure why this is happening. Is there another service out there that can help quicker or another forum that can help more responsively? I would be willing to pay someone to come to my residence to help out. I have included photos that hopefully, fully describe my setup and some of my available accessories. Please advice as needed RSVP. Josh Sparber jsparbear5@gmail.com my converter box cable for power.pdf my JTAG cable.pdf My reference literature.pdf My setup.pdf my USB to USB cable for power.pdf setup powered on with converter.pdf setup powered on with USB to local computer.pdf
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March 1, 2022
Dear J. Colvin or anyone out there willing to help.
Hello. This is Josh Sparber. I am a retired System Engineer, with an MSEE who is rerouting his career into Embedded Tech. A fellow researcher and I are forming a business and we both intend to incorporate Embedded Tech into our research.
Working with the Artix-7 100T Nexsys board I have many questions.
There has been some discrepancy in the literature, and although I have both a USB dual ended cable and a converter with a phone-style input for power, and I seem to get 5 volts on the board as needed for power, I am wondering if the power inputs I have are correct. I have the onboard jumper for USB set. Some current problems are making me wonder about this. I keep seeing a 7 to 12 volt converter is needed; although this may not be a problem, it may be. In addition I have a JTAG cable for which I have soldered a plug onto the board, if JTAG is needed.
On both the available introductory programs, the Hardware Only and the Software Only I have had problems generating a Bitstream for both of these programs. I was seriously wondering if this related to the power input. In addition, the book I had obtained on the Artix 7 Nexsys was either so out of date that Mr. Colvin didn’t recognize it, or it is a rogue imitation of the book that is needed. or since everything now seems to be on line, the other, younger techies don’t recognize it. This brings up other questions—maybe the board itself is a rogue imitation. That is why the Bitstream doesn’t work? I am taking a picture of the board itself so this can be verified.
Software Only program: my question is this—is there onboard GPIO on the Artix 7 100T Nexsys board itself? I know there are inputs and outputs and so on, buttons and LEDs. Are these the GPIO that the Software Only program refers to, or is an external connection needed? The Software Only program is swimming in nice to know and go backs; however, wading through these is not helpful.
Is there a Zynq processor on board? If there is can I go on without Zync at this stage? It seems like pulling teeth to get answers to these questions. I am including a photo of the board I have, the power inputs, and the cables to verify my current situation with the development set up.Software Only—I do not recognize the Vitis application as it is described. The format is completely different from is described in the program and I have not been able to implement the C Language example program in it. Not sure why this is happening.
I should not have taken me over a year and a half to solve simple problems on this setup. Response has been agonizingly slow, disgusting really. Is there another service out there that can help quicker or another forum that can help more responsively? I would be willing to pay someone to come to my residence to help out. We live in a fairly isolated community, and both my wife and I are Covid free, proving both negative for it so far and having taken both our yearly flu and pneumonia shots. I may need ongoing help from what I see here, until I can successfully load enough demos or eventually find enough tutorials to get going.
The recent news on February 14 this year of AMD acquiring Xilinx has me worried about further help.
Apparently, the stock has been wavering the past 5 years, somewhere between $100 and $125 per share. This may mean it is overvalued and the company needs to do a stock split. Also, are there any plans to protect Taiwanese assets, which may be at risk this year?I have included photos that hopefully, fully describe my setup and some of my available accessories.
Please advice as neededRSVP.
Josh Sparber
jsparbear5@gmail.commy converter box cable for power.pdf my JTAG cable.pdf My reference literature.pdf My setup.pdf my USB to USB cable for power.pdf setup powered on with converter.pdf setup powered on with USB to local computer.pdf
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Feb. 6, 2022
Hi,
This is Josh again.
I was able to load the program for the Hardware Only, file, blinky.v.
It goes through to the Implementation.
Then the Bitstream fails.
Currently:
1) I am working off my home (local) computer, a Dell.
2) I have the Arty 7 board.
a) I have attached a USB cable from the Dell to the board.
b) I have a JTAG cable prepared and have a plug for the JTAG soldered to the board.
c) I turned on the red light for power.
3) I open up the Hardware Manager.
4) Nothing is happening.What have I overlooked?
See attached file for application response.
YT,
Joshua H. Sparber -
Jan. 17, 2022
Hello again, this Is Josh Sparber.
I have gone back to recoding the Hardware Only file demo.
Currently I am getting the same two messages over and over again, and
I can't find any reasonable answer anywhere on this.This simple program runs the synthesis, and goes into implementation, but I get
these errors. I have tried all kinds of formats and followed the Hardware Only
file letter for letter for letter.Please see the enclosed file.
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Does not load source files, circles and circles
JSpar replied to JSpar's topic in New Users Introduction
Jan. 17, 2022 Hi, I am trying to implement a demo, any demo, just to see if I can get the Arty-7 from Digilent working. I am following the file creation process step by step. What I found was that I needed to choose the Board tab in order to get the projects to the point where I can start creating source files. Before that, it was just hanging and hanging. So far, I have tried a Verilog file according from the Internet for blinking the LEDs. I obtained a constraint file from the Internet for this. For this I am following the Hardware Only project based on the download J. Colvin. I have tried and I am trying a VHDL file based the Embedded Systems file by Jim Ledin. Neither of these yet works. J. Sparber -
Dec. 23, 2021 Hello, I recently posted a request for guidance on loading in my Nexys Artix-7 folder for doing Hardware Only demo. I picked up some other guidance from another user and I am following that now. I picked up Constraint file (XDC file) from Digilent I believe to be correct. I have also picked up a board file, created a new board file under it and loaded in a file, from the Digilent GitHub, I believe to be correct for the csg324--100T system. I've gotten to the point where It goes to load in the sources, again it circles and circles. I am wondering if the files are under the correct directory. Any guidance would be appreciated--getting good technical help is taking a lot longer, than even some of the most difficult apps I've had to deal with in the past. I have payed for help in the past, is someone available to help? The copyright ends in 2021--will support be continued and for how long? Josh Sparber
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Dec, 21, 2021 Mr. Colvin, Persistent circling after intialize program 12_21_2021.pdf Again, I referenced the new manual and I am following the procedure for the Hardware Only right now. I added an XDC from GitHub so that I could run my constraints. Currently, the program is still circling around like a buzzard waiting to lay an egg. I have captured the state of this in the included snapshot. I cancelled this and backgrounded this circling so that it now resides in the lower right hand corner. The cancelling also circled and circled. Do you have any guidance about what I should do next? Signed, Josh Sparber Persistent circling after intialize program 12_21_2021.pdf Persistent circling after cancel program.pdf
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Dec 15, 2021 Hello again, I was able to install the 2021.2 software for Vivado for my Digilent Artix-7 board. I am starting Vivado to get my first project going and it will not conclude the initialization process for my files. I am following Appendix A in the Digital Design book by Haskell and Hanna. For some reason I get to the start of page 355, where I am to put in Finish and then proceed for the rest of the procedure on pages 355 to page 370 (end of Appendix A). The book shows Nexsys 2-4 on the cover, I am wondering if there is an updated procedure, or a patch or something I have to upload. and seems to be centered on the 2017 models or earlier. It just hangs and hangs in the initialization process. What do I need to do? The board itself seems healthy and I have checked, at least for 5 volts. I also have tried example programs--these hang too. I believe version .2 is new, are there additional files to add--how do I fix this? Do I need to uninstall 2021 and then install 2017 and then install 2021 or something else. I've worked with a lot of applications in the past. I am seeking guidance on completing the initialization process. Please do RSVP, or direct me where I can find the correct guidance. Josh Sparber
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Dec 8, 2021 Hello, Any suggestion would be good at this point, I am open and willing to try. Not getting things going has usually been relatively small problems. It's been over a year that I've tried to get started. Need help and suggestions as to why my program will not initialize. Software is 2021.2 software for Vivado for my Digilent Artix-7 board. I have a relatively new computer, 2018 Dell with 1 TB of memory, with about 750 GB still left over. You can email me at jsparbear5@gmail.com Yours truly, Joshua Sparber previous input: Nov. 30, 2021 Hello again, I was able to install the 2021.2 software for Vivado for my Digilent Artix-7 board. I am starting Vivado to get my first project going and it will not conclude the initialization process for my files. I am following Appendix A in the Digital Design book by Haskell and Hanna. For some reason I get to the last step and it just hangs and hangs in the initialization process. Is there something I need to do? I believe .2 is new, are there additional files to add--how do I fix this? Josh Sparber jsparbear5@gmail.com
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Nov. 30, 2021
Hello again,
I was able to install the 2021.2 software for Vivado for my Digilent Artix-7 board.
I am starting Vivado to get my first project going and it will not conclude the
initialization process for my files. I am following Appendix A in the Digital Design
book by Haskell and Hanna. For some reason I get to the last step and it just
hangs and hangs in the initialization process. Is there something I need to do?
I believe .2 is new, are there additional files to add--how do I fix this?Josh Sparber
jsparbear5@gmail.com
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Dec 8, 2021
Hello,
Any suggestion would be good at this point, I am open and willing to try.
Not getting things going has usually been relatively small problems.
It's been over a year that I've tried to get started.
Need help and suggestions as to why my program will not initialize.
You can email me at jsparbear5@gmail.com
Yours truly,Joshua Sparber
previous input:
Nov. 30, 2021
Hello again,
I was able to install the 2021.2 software for Vivado for my Digilent Artix-7 board.
I am starting Vivado to get my first project going and it will not conclude the
initialization process for my files. I am following Appendix A in the Digital Design
book by Haskell and Hanna. For some reason I get to the last step and it just
hangs and hangs in the initialization process. Is there something I need to do?
I believe .2 is new, are there additional files to add--how do I fix this?Josh Sparber
jsparbear5@gmail.com
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Josh Sparber--need to access basic software to run Nexsys A7 board
JSpar replied to JSpar's topic in New Users Introduction
Nov 10, 2021 Mr. Colvin, Through the night I was able to load in what I believe is the correct software. Possibly the channel was not as busy, possibly it didn't drop the content. Anyway, thanks at least for standing by. This by itself was helpful. Also, your previous assistance was appreciated. Yours truly, Joshua H Sparber -
Josh Sparber--need to access basic software to run Nexsys A7 board
JSpar replied to JSpar's topic in New Users Introduction
Nov 7, 2021 Mr. Colvin, I was finally able to figure it out. Instead of 'self' I put my name, I guess this is still truthful. Then I was able to get it to load. Still, if I am going to say Yes to the EULA, which is traditional for any new app, I don't know why they have to be so mean. Anyway, another thing that new users should be aware of--they weren't satisfied with my Password. So, I requested they send me a Key Code so that I could reset my Password. Since, for some reason Chrome doesn't allow you to spawn more than one Google search, I used my iPhone to get the Key Code from my email. When I put this in and reset my Password, it would come back and tell me that the Key Code was outdated and then I had to reset my Password again. This repeated many times. So I decided maybe the app needed time to recognize it had sent me a new Key Code, returning after 15 minutes. Then it accepted my new Password and moved on. You might want to warn new users of this, if they allow you. It will save them from a lot of frustration. It checked me for available app space and I had more than enough. It started to download with a suggested time of 14 hours. So, I started to download, and went off to do some other activities. When I came back the installation program said it couldn't load certain files. It repeated this several times. So, the help I need now is there a suggested procedure for installation; especially if you have Windows 10.x and a Dell computer. This would be handy because then I could install the files and start learning. Most programs do come with a suggested installation procedure, and this seems to be normal for most apps. I downloaded the updated version from Oct 2021, this year, because this was what was suggested. Any guidance would be appreciated. Sorry about getting hung up on these seemingly minor things, but possibly my experience could help other users. Like I write here, I am open to some guidance: especially, right now, on the installation. V/r Joshua H Sparber