gps rollover bug in Digilent Pmod GPS board

[grahamw]

This board contains the MediaTek GPS MT3329 module and mine has firmware that was hit by the 2019 GPS rollover bug (date wrong by 1024 weeks).  Can I update the firmware on the module?

Edited August 24, 2022 by grahamw
typo

[JColvin]

Hi @grahamw,

It might be possible to do, though I do not know how it might be done. All of the datasheets available in the Pmod GPS reference manual do not explain how to get the device into firmware mode; I presume you would load the firmware through the SPI pins present on pins 15..18 on the device, but those were left unconnected as per the manufacturer datasheet recommendation.
I did some preliminary searching online for updating this module but am not finding a whole lot of resources, though this YouTube video (https://youtu.be/zUZ-bZghHPg) seems appropriately titled and looks like it uses the UART pins, though I don't know what firmware is available.

I checked Digilent's manufacturing test for this board as well and it only runs a functionality test rather than a firmware update so unfortunately Digilent does not have any direct instructions for you outside of doing some math (hopefully you can away with just a bit shift based on the 1024 value).

 

Sorry I didn't have better news for you.

Thanks,
JColvin

[grahamw]

Hi @JColvin,

thanks very much for your help.  Yes, I saw that video indicating that something is possible in principle but also couldn't find any support direct from MediaTek.  Not great news, but you have saved me a lot of time! I guess currently available Pmod boards (eg from RS) have firmware that does not display this bug(?), so I'll try a direct replacement. 

Best wishes, Graham

[JColvin]

I do not know if the currently available Pmod GPS modules have an updated firmware without this bug; I suppose it would depend when the modules where originally sourced/built, but I do not have any insight into that sort of data.

Thanks,
JColvin