[Il Cuffiotto]

I have a similiar Xilinx USB download adapter as pictured below... Purchased many years ago (different vendor). Others may post better deals or more reliable unit. But I have had no problem with mine. Just search Ebay or Aliexpress for "Xilinx USB download"
https://www.ebay.com/itm/164293346924?hash=item2640a5866c:g:zlgAAOSwPvxfEJW-

Thanks DACLadder, I could order it just now on eBay.
Can I safely update in advance the Altera fw, or better to update them together?

 

[DACLadder]

Can I safely update in advance the Altera fw, or better to update them together?

The MK2 PLL_N update did not work with the old Xilinx. So I would wait until you have all the pieces.

 

[XavierP56]

Thansk FredA. No issue to open it ? Which screws need to be removed ? Only the 4 top screws ?
There are 2 zip files. If I open the R7HE21, I just need the R721_PLL_N.zip because both Altera and Xilinx firmware are in it, right ?

 

[DACLadder]

@XavierP56 To remove the top cover unscrew the four corner hex bolts (M4 - 3mm hex drive) and four Philip screws toward the middle of the top plate. Cut the security seal at the right rear of the cover. Some newer units may have smaller hex bolts in place of the Philips screws.

 

[FredA]

Thansk FredA. No issue to open it ? Which screws need to be removed ? Only the 4 top screws ?
There are 2 zip files. If I open the R7HE21, I just need the R721_PLL_N.zip because both Altera and Xilinx firmware are in it, right ?

You have 8 srews to remove, using 2 hexagonal keys if like my my unit, or could be a screwdriver for the central ones. Once removed, try sliding the cover towards the back of the unit just enough to be able to grab it from underneath and then lift it up and remove it.

The zip file should contain both needed fw files.

 

[XavierP56]

Thanks FredA.
So the steps would be
- Flash the Amanero firmware.
- Connect the Altera Blaster
- Turn ON / Flash / Turn off
- Remove Altera, open R7HE21
- Connect the Xilinx
- Turn ON / Flash / Turn off
- Close the R7HE21
- Listen to it

Am I right ?

 

[FredA]

Thanks FredA.
So the steps would be
- Flash the Amanero firmware.
- Connect the Altera Blaster
- Turn ON / Flash / Turn off
- Remove Altera, open R7HE21
- Connect the Xilinx
- Turn ON / Flash / Turn off
- Close the R7HE21
- Listen to it

Am I right ?

The order of the fw updates does not matter but yes, this is a good overall description.

 

[Il Cuffiotto]

The MK2 PLL_N update did not work with the old Xilinx. So I would wait until you have all the pieces.

Hum...I started to install xilinx sw on my PC, but it freezes at 75%...I have win 11 installed and no one of my sw installed have problem working. I'm a bit worried...any idea?

 

[FredA]

Hum...I started to install xilinx sw on my PC, but it freezes at 75%...I have win 11 installed and no one of my sw installed have problem working. I'm a bit worried...any idea?

Try another usb port.

Also, make sure the connector is all the way in. With my dac, if had to shave some material off my programmer's connector. If it does not seem perfectly square with the pcb, it is a sign that it is not in all the way in. Of course turn the dac off doing this.

 

[Il Cuffiotto]

Try another usb port.

Also, make sure the connector is all the way in. With my dac, if had to shave some material off my programmer's connector. If it does not seem perfectly square with the pcb, it is a sign that it is not in all the way in. Of course turn the dac off doing this.

Thanks dear Fred! Unfortunately I'm still fighting just with the main xilinx 14.6: this is the beast I am unable to install on my PC! It freezes at around 75%. I tried to completely remove and start again, but until now no good news...If I can't sort it out, I'll try with my office laptop. Finger crossed...

 

[DACLadder]

The Xilinx software 14.6 is not very robust even on Win 10. My best advice is to try with a Win 10 PC. Can you beg or borrow a laptop?

Does Windows 11 have a Win 10 emulation mode? I remember Win 7 had XP emulation which saved me on some expensive company s/w.

 

[FredA]

Thanks dear Fred! Unfortunately I'm still fighting just with the main xilinx 14.6: this is the beast I am unable to install on my PC! It freezes at around 75%. I tried to completely remove and start again, but until now no good news...If I can't sort it out, I'll try with my office laptop. Finger crossed...

Hope you get it sorted with the laptop as @DACLadder suggested.

 

[XavierP56]

R7HE21 firmware have been removed from the ENGLISH pages of firmware ? Why ?

 

[DACLadder]

Bugs, wrong files, incorrect documentation perhaps…only the R7_2020_N version.

Brings up a good point. This other FPGA firmware (not PLL_N) does not require the Xilinx to be updated. Something to try if using internal clocks especially with Linux optimized Amanero code. When, of course, Kingwa updates the R7_2020_N link.

 

[FredA]

Seems ok now.