Can't Program Tipro MID Module

funkymeeba · 13 Feb 2013, 15:43

Heya DT,

So I picked up this funky Tipro MID module off of eBay a while back, and finally got a 32-bit machine running to program it. Unfortunately, I seem to be getting a nice big problem trying to update my layout to the module: "(1)Error MD_FlashWriteEnable: 0x02"

I'm not sure what exactly this is telling me, and Tipro support advises I attempt to use the MIDWIN module, but they also point out that this is meant for Windows 98 and 2000. The 32-bit box is running Windows 7 right now, and I don't happen to have any install medium for anything else handy. Since apparently this does make a big difference... I am doing this on a desktop machine, a Dell Precision 470. Information from the back of the keyboard:

- Part number: 24164
- Model: MID-AM-KM128A-019

Is this something that I should be able to work around or fix, or does it seem like I'm out of luck unless I attempt to replace the controller with a Teensy?

CeeSA · 13 Feb 2013, 16:35

Version of ChangeMe Software?
Did the "Autodetect" function find the keyboard?

Have you got some weird Layout?
Try to programm only 1 key and left the rest blank. Does this work?

funkymeeba · 13 Feb 2013, 16:38

ChangeMe is 5.10.4, and autodetect does see both the keyboard and the MSR. I do not think the layout is strange (but I might be biased), but I will give programming a single key a go when I get home from work.

One thing I did try, per the help file, is populating the keys with 0-127, but that would cause the same error.

CeeSA · 13 Feb 2013, 16:49

hmmm...

Did you turn the PC off before connecting the Tipro? All pins at the cabel connectors are straight?

You could also activate the 'Extended Tools' in Change me by pressing CTRL + BACKSPACE.
You may try to download the content and many other things.

funkymeeba · 13 Feb 2013, 16:58

Yeah, power was off when connecting, and I didn't note anything wrong with the cable. I did see that someone here or on GH had an issue with a cable... how might I go about finding/making a replacement cable? I want to say the Tipro end was just a modification of a normal PS/2 plug.

CeeSA · 13 Feb 2013, 18:03

yes, you are right. Remove the little plastic pin inside the connector and the cabel will be in full function.

funkymeeba · 17 Feb 2013, 02:12

Okay, I'm thinking the controller may be shot. I got a new PS/2 cable for it, and everything is just the same as before. I attempted to load the key config from the board, but that's just giving me what looks like garbage (it's certainly not what the keys do when you type on it).

So, uh. I guess I'm out of luck with this controller. Has anyone ever thrown a Teensy in their Tipro MID module?

rodtang · 17 Feb 2013, 02:17

Pretty sure you have to use XP or older.

funkymeeba · 17 Feb 2013, 03:11

I know there is also the MIDWIN program, I got a copy of that from Tipro support, but they say it was only supported in 98 and Me. Shocker. I'll give XP a shot with ChangeMe... provided I can find a copy of that somewhere.

katamari · 17 Feb 2013, 15:07

Hey funkymeeba,
I also have some trouble programming my tipros. Unfortunately, I couldn't get my hands on the original MIDWIN, could you upload yours, so I can give it a try.
I attached the MID usermanual to this message. I found iit somewhere online, maybe this will help you.

kbdfr · 17 Feb 2013, 16:26

If ChangeMe recognises the physical layout of your keyboard (i.e. identifies it as a 16x8 matrix board with a card reader), then the controller will probably be OK.

Did you try uploading your new layout not using "Update and verify" but only "Update"? I remember having had similar problems with "Update and verify", which is why I never used it again. And all my Tipro keyboards work like a charm

TheSoulhunter · 17 Feb 2013, 16:31

rodtang wrote:Pretty sure you have to use XP or older.

I programmed two Tipro boards under Win7, tho I cant remember if I had to use compatibility settings or the XP mode (Win7 Ultimate), it was like 2 years ago on a different PC...

funkymeeba · 17 Feb 2013, 20:18

katamari wrote:Hey funkymeeba,
I also have some trouble programming my tipros. Unfortunately, I couldn't get my hands on the original MIDWIN, could you upload yours, so I can give it a try.
I attached the MID usermanual to this message. I found iit somewhere online, maybe this will help you.

Here's the file they linked me to: http://www.tipro.net/shared_files/suppo ... _309rm.zip

They do say Windows 98 or 2000 (not Me as I previously posted).

kbdfr wrote:If ChangeMe recognises the physical layout of your keyboard (i.e. identifies it as a 16x8 matrix board with a card reader), then the controller will probably be OK.

Did you try uploading your new layout not using "Update and verify" but only "Update"? I remember having had similar problems with "Update and verify", which is why I never used it again. And all my Tipro keyboards work like a charm

"Update" and "Update and Verify" both fail for me.

katamari · 18 Feb 2013, 19:07

Thanks for the link!
It finally worked fine for me using ChangeMe on a W7 32bit, after repeated failure on a W XP 32bit.
I didn't programm the whole keyboard though, since I am still working on the perfect layout