BixCheck Software Version History

BixCheck BixCheck Hex File Database Monitor Checkout Downloader

Model Version BixCheck File File Date Hex File Date Version Version Version Version

100 3.2 BixCheck32Test01.exe 10/5/2005 Bixby100_A120_Test_02 3 2.2 1

110 3.2 BixCheck32Test01.exe 10/5/2005 Bixby110_A120_Test_02Final 2/24/2005 3 2.2 1

Bixby110_A128_Final 8/24/2005 3 2.2 1
Bixby110_C128_Final 9/12/2005 3 2.2 1

115 3.2 BixCheck32Test01.exe 10/5/2005 Bixby115_A202_Final 4/11/2006 3 2.2 1

Bixby115_C202_Final 1/5/2006 3 2.2 1

115 4.2 BixCheck42.exe 1/5/2006 Bixby115_C202_Final 1/5/2006 4.2 4.2 1.1

110/115 5.0.21 BixCheck_5021.exe 4/26/2007 Bixby_02060021_Downloader 4/25/2007 05 5 5 1.4

110/115 5.5.00 BixCheck.exe 1/28/2008 02.70 na 07 5.5 5 2.70

110/115 5.5.00 BixCheck_080206.exe 2/6/2008 02.70 na 07 5.5 5.0 2.70

110/115 5.5.01 BixCheck_080315.exe 3/15/2008 02.71 na 07 5.5 5.0 2.71

UBB/120 6.0.16 BixCheck_6016.exe 12/7/2006 na na na 6.0 6.0 na

UBB/120 6.0.18 BixCheck_6018.exe 2/18/2007 Bixby_03000126_TinyBLD 2/27/2007 na 6.0 6.0 na

UBB/120 6.0.21 BixCheck_6021.exe 7/11/2007 Bixby_03000132_TinyBLD 7/10/2007 na 6.0 6.0 na

UBB/120 6.1.00 BixCheck_6000.exe 10/16/2007 Bixby_03010000_Downloader 10/16/2007 na 6.0 6.0 1.5

 Bixby Model 110 and Model 115 Software

Bixby115_202_Notes.txt
File Name: BixCheck42.exe

Released: 1/5/2006

Release notes for Bixby Model 115 version 2.02 software, January 5, 2006

This package is the first complete release of software for the Bixby Model 115 stove. It fixes a number of problems
with the previous versions of software, primarily with blocked flue shutdowns and the ash dump process.

1) The blocked flue shutdown, error #2 and #3, is less likely to produce false shutdowns.
2) The ash dump process happens at level 4, instead of level 5 to cool the clinker down to work more reliably.
3) A thermocouple overtemp detected during startup shows error #3 and #4.
4) A thermocouple overtemp detected during run mode shows error #3 and #5.
5) In BixCheck, the Downloader was updated to load and send more reliably.
6) In BixCheck, the Monitor was updated to prevent improper calibrations.

This package consists of:

Bixby115_202_Notes.txt
BixCheck42.exe
Bixby115_A202_Final.hex
BixCheckHowToV1_2.pdf

Use the Downloader in BixCheck to update the stove software. Make sure the calibration data is correct after the
software is updated.

Review the BixCheckHowTo file to understand the basics of the software.

Bixby_02060021_Notes.txt
File Name: BixCheck_5021.exe

Released: 4/26/2007

Release notes for Model 110 & 115 software ver. 02.06.00.21 & BixCheck ver. 5.0.21

This package contains the preliminary testing release of software for the Bixby Model 110 and Model 115. It fixes a
number of problems and adds a number of features. This software is expected to supersede all previous versions
of software for the Model 110 and Model 115. However, because this is a preliminary release, expect that a
subsequent update will be available soon.

This package consists of:

Bixby_02060021_Notes.txt Release notes and instructions

Bixby_02060021_Downloader.hex The Model 110/ Model 115 software for use with the Downloader
Bixby_02060021_PICkit.hex The Model 110/ Model 115 software for use with a PICkit programmer
BixCheck_5021.exe BixCheck for the included software

Main changes and additions from Model 115 version 02.02 and Model 110 version 01.28:

1) Blocked flue (#2, #3) shutdown leaves the fans running on shutdown
2) Blocked flue (#2, #3) shutdown process is adjusted to be more selective
3) If an igniter is out (#1, #7; #2, #7) the burn drive motor is still allowed to run
4) Spurious current detection (#1, #2, #3, #7) is more robust to prevent igniter problems
5) Feed wheel error (#8) blinks starting with the second move attempt
6) The heat level control table was adjusted to prevent overfilling on levels 7 and 8
7) The startup process control method was adjusted to prevent overfilling
8) The time for ramping between heat levels is automatically extended to equalize temperatures
9) The feed rate is automatically increased if the flame is detected to be running lean
10) New calibrations for corn and wood pellets for better performance
11) Added "Startup time %" fuel parameter
12) Added "Ash dump time %" fuel parameter
13) Added "Ash dump heat level" fuel parameter
14) Added "Ash dump target %" fuel parameter
15) Added "TC for 25% fan" fuel parameter
16) Added "TC for 100% fan" fuel parameter
17) In BixCheck, the Downloader has an option to use the built-in copy of stove software
18) In BixCheck, the ability to log telemetry data to a file was added
19) Added filtering of the thermocouple signal to prevent blocked flue shutdowns due to power noise
20) The power LED blinks when in ash dump mode

Installation:

Copy the files to your computer. I suggest placing them in a directory named "C:\BixbySoftware".

How to update the stove software:

1) Connect the computer to the stove. The connector on the stove is J3, which is a black 4 pin connector just
behind the tab that holds the exhaust fan and feed rate adjustment knobs.
2) Start the BixCheck program. Select the COM port the stove is connected to.
3) Select the "Downloader 1.4" button and follow the instructions in the "Status" box.
4) Unplug the stove.
5) If you select "Use internal firmware", then the internal copy will be used, this is the same as the one
included in this release.
 6) If you select "Load", then you can select an external copy of stove software should you need to.
7) With the software loaded, you will be instructed to select "Send" to start the reprogramming process.
8) The Downloader will be waiting for the stove. Plug in the stove to start the reprogramming process.
9) As it is being reprogrammed you will see the % box go from 0 to 100 along with assorted data being
displayed. The reprogramming is complete when it reaches 100%. The reprogramming process will take
about 2 minutes. If it gets stuck, then quit the program and try again.
10) Select "Quit" to get back to the Control screen.

How to recalibrate the stove:

1) Select "Monitor 5.0".

2) In the middle of the Monitor screen, select and arrange the "Fuel A Data", "Fuel B Data", and "Telemetry"
windows.
3) Select "Readback" to get the current data from the stove. If the stove had older software before being
reprogrammed, some data will not look quite right. That is fine at this point.
4) You should be seeing information in the "Data In" window, as well as action in the "Telemetry" window. If
not, diagnose any connection problems.
5) Select the model you have in the upper right; either "Bixby Model 115" or "Bixby Model 110".
6) ! Very Important !: Select the "Individualize", "Calculate Fuel A", and "Calculate Fuel B" buttons. The data in
the fuel data windows will turn orange, along with a couple places on the Monitor screen.
7) Select the "Format" button. You will get a confirmation message; select "Yes".
8) As the data is sent to the stove, the boxes will turn from yellow to white. Make sure the data is what you
expect after the boxes turned white.
9) You are now finished with the calibration process.

How to use the data logging features of the Monitor:

1) Information in the "Telemetry" window gives you a view in to the current operating state of the stove.
2) You can log telemetry information to a file.
3) Select "Log File" to search for the directory in which to store the file. It is automatically named based on the
stove serial number.
4) Select "Data Log" to initially turn on data logging. This button will then toggle between "On" and "Hold".
5) Select "Data Log Off" to stop data logging and to close the file.
6) You can log as long as there is disk space. Log data collect up at the rate of around 4 MB per day. You can
reduce this by deselecting parameters in the "Telemetry" window before you start the log process, but this
is usually not necessary.
7) You can copy the log file even while it is running in order to see the state up to that time.
8) You can graph the data in a spreadsheet program such as Excel. Load the file as a comma delimited file.

How to use the new fuel parameters:

1) "Startup time %" is used to adjust the amount of time in parts of the startup mode.
2) "Ash dump time %" is used to adjust the amount of time in parts of the ash dump mode.
3) "Ash dump heat level" is used to set the heat level to perform the ash dump at. A special case of "0" runs
the ash dump at the current operating heat level.
4) "Ash dump target %" is used to adjust the ash dump target. With a standard ash target of 16000, setting
this parameter to 50 would make an ash dump target of 8000. Used for high ash content fuels.
5) "TC for 25% fan" is used to set the thermocouple temperature at which the convection fan is run at 25% s
peed.
6) "TC for 100% fan" is used to set the thermocouple temperature at which the convection fan is run at 100%
speed.
Test version: 2.70 software
File Name: BixCheck.exe
Released: 1/28/2008

An intermediate test version of the 2.70 software is now available at:

http://www.bixbyenergy.com/downloads/

It implements many of the changes listed below. Feel free to try it out. The 2.06 software is also available in case
you need to go back.

Support for test software is mostly limited to this site.

http://forum.iburncorn.com/viewforum.php?f=9

Changes include:

1) Option to select between regular and Ratio / Ash mapping for the trim pots
2) New Update Wizard! to automatically guide you through the update process
3) Fuel parameters to control stove behavior during "lean burn recovery" mode
4) Added "Thermostat heat level" to set the target level / turnoff mode in thermostat mode
5) Added option to "Disable auto restart"
6) Many internal updates
7) Fixes excessive 2-3 lean burn corrections
8) Adds a new file when making a log file. For instance, if your log file were BixLog_7350_02.txt, then it also
generates BixDat_7350_02.txt. This lists all the calibration data. Please send it along with any log files so
we can get a complete picture of the stove situation.
9) Now searches for COM ports from 1 to 99
10) BixCheck baud rate is now 19,200

Test version: 2.70 software

File Name: BixCheck.exe
Released:

The Bixby download web site:

http://www.bixbyenergy.com/downloads/ now has an updated version of the Model 110 / Model 115 software. It is
BixCheck_080315.zip.

Support for test software is mostly limited to this site.

http://forum.iburncorn.com/viewforum.php?f=9

This is not the final version yet. However, it does address the main problems that were found with 2.70.

The primary changes are:

1) Made lean burn (LB) adjustments work properly

2) Reduced overabundant LB adjustments
3) Extended ramp down time as necessary
4) Replaced "Biomass 2%" table with wheat table
5) Added a few parameters to the data log
6) Added a telemetry parameter: LB drop limit
Changes include:

1) Option to select between regular and Ratio / Ash mapping for the trim pots.
2) New Update Wizard! to automatically guide you through the update process.
3) Fuel parameters to control stove behavior during "lean burn recovery" mode.
4) Added "Thermostat heat level" to set the target level / turnoff mode in thermostat mode.
5) Added option to "Disable auto restart".
6) Many internal updates.
7) Fixes excessive 2-3 lean burn corrections.
8) Adds a new file when making a log file. For instance, if your log file were BixLog_7350_02.txt, then it also
generates BixDat_7350_02.txt. This lists all the calibration data. Please send it along with any log files so
we can get a complete picture of the stoves’ situation.
9) Now searches for COM ports from 1 to 99
10) BixCheck baud rate is now 19,200

Test version: 2.71 software

File Name: BixCheck_080315.exe
Released: 3/15/2008

The Bixby download web site:

http://www.bixbyenergy.com/downloads/ now has an updated version of the Model 110 / Model 115 software. It is
BixCheck_080315.zip.

Support for test software is mostly limited to this site.

http://forum.iburncorn.com/viewforum.php?f=9

This is not the final version yet. However, it does address the main problems that were found with 2.70.

The primary changes are:

1) Made lean burn (LB) adjustments work properly

2) Reduced overabundant LB adjustments
3) Extended ramp down time as necessary
4) Replaced "Biomass 2%" table with wheat table
5) Added a few parameters to the data log
6) Added a telemetry parameter: LB drop limit
 UBB Software

Bixby_03000126_Notes.txt
File Name: Bixcheck_6018.exe
Released: 3/6/2007

Release notes for the Bixby UBB software, P/N 2051952, version 03.00.01.26, March 05, 2007.

This package is the complete release of software for the Bixby Maxfire from serial number 9800 and all Bixby UBB
stoves. It can be used only with the control board assembly, P/N 2051936. The PICkit programmer is available at
www.microchip.com.

This package consists of:

Bixby_03000126_Notes.txt Release notes and instructions

Bixby_03000126_PICkit.hex
Bixby_03000126_TinyBLD.hex
BixCheck_6018.exe
tinybldWin.exe
tinybld18F4620_20MHz_19200.hex
Stove software for PICkit programmer
Stove software for tinybldWin downloader
BixCheck software for 03000126 stove software
Downloader for 03000126 software
Bootloader only, for stove control board

Main changes in the stove software 03000126 from the 03000118 release:

1) Hopper door stuck on error is cleared when the stove is restarted.

2) Show the #8 feed wheel error when the second feed is missed. Shutdown still happens after 8 feeds.
3) Fuel is automatically added if the flame is detected to be running lean to avoid a blocked flue shutdown.
4) The base fuel tables were adjusted for better operation.
5) If the Ash Dump Frequency is more than 3x, then the ash dump happens at the current level.
6) The startup process was adjusted for more reliable operation.
7) The ash dump process was adjusted for more reliable operation.

Main changes in BixCheck 6.0.18 from the 6.0.16 release:

1) Uses the standard Windows file requester.

2) The base fuel calibrations were adjusted for more reliable operation.
3) Window titles were made more clear.
4) Data descriptions were made more clear.
5) tinybldWin.exe was updated to 1.9.3 from 1.9.1.

Installation:

1) Initial flash of the control board software using PICkit

1.1) With an installation of the PICkit software and programmer, plug in the stove and connect the PICkit to the
Program port, J6.
1.2) Run the PICkit software and select "Device Family -> PIC18F".
1.3) Select "File -> Import Hex" and load the Bixby_03000126_PICkit.hex file. Note that this contains the
bootloader.
1.4) Deselect the "Enabled" checkbox in the EEPROM Data area.
1.5) Select the "Write" button to write the data to the stove.
1.6) Remove the PICkit.
 2) Update flash of the control board software using PICkit
2.1) This is the same process as in section 1. However, some versions of PICkit may not support flashing of the
Program Memory only; some older versions will always erase the EEPROM Data memory. Therefore,
double check the results using BixCheck.

3) Update of the control board software using the tinybldWin downloader

3.1) Make sure the stove is unplugged.
3.2) Run the tinybldWin.exe software.
3.3) You may need to set "Options -> Search Delay" to around 30 seconds.
3.4) You may need to set "Options -> Search for COMs" to find the serial port.
3.5) Set the baud rate to 19200.
3.6) Set the serial port to the port the stove is connected to.
3.7) Select the "Browse" button and load the Bixby_03000126_TinyBLD.hex file. Note that this does NOT
contain the bootloader.
3.8) Select the "Write Flash" button.
3.9) Plug in the stove to start the reprogramming process.

4) Calibration of the stove fuel tables

4.1) Run the BixCheck_6018.exe software.
4.2) Select the "Monitor 6.0" button.
4.3) Select the "Fuel A Data" and "Fuel B Data" buttons.
4.4) Select the model: "MaxFire 120" or "BigBlock 120".
4.5) If it is a MaxFire 120, verify the feed wheel installation. If the feed wheel is the 4 slot gray machined wheel
with the metal center plate, select "Machined: 1.0 ci". If it is the 8 slot cast wheel, select "Cast: 0.67 ci".
4.6) Select the "Individualize", "Calculate Fuel A", and "Calculate Fuel B" buttons.
4.7) Either enter or verify the serial number.
4.8) Select the "Format" button.

Bixby_03010000_Notes.txt – 10/16/2007
File Name: BixCheck_6100.exe

Release notes for Bixby Maxfire and Bixby UBB software, part number 2051952, version 03.01.00.00, with
BixCheck version 6.1.00, October 16, 2007.

This package is the complete release of software for the Bixby Maxfire from serial number 9800 and all Bixby UBB
stoves. It can be used only with the control board assembly, part number 2051936. The PICkit programmer is
available at www.microchip.com.

This package consists of:

Bixby_03010000_Notes.txt Release notes and instructions
Bixby_03010000_PICkit.hex Stove software for PICkit programmer
Bixby_03010000_Downloader.hex Stove software for built-in or tinybldWin downloader
BixCheck_6100.exe BixCheck software for 03010000 stove software
tinybldWin.exe Downloader for 03010000 software
tinybld18F4620_20MHz_19200.hex Bootloader only, for stove control board

Main changes in stove software 03010000 from the 03000126 release:

1) Enhanced exhaust fan speed control
2) Improved error shut down processes
3) Added convection fan failure indication: LEDs #1 and #6
4) Added air pump failure indication: LEDs #2 and #6
5) Added built-in downloader for BixCheck
6) Added data log recording percentage

Main changes in stove software 03000126 from the 03000118 release:

1) Hopper door stuck on error is cleared when the stove is restarted.
2) Show the #8 feed wheel error when the second feed is missed. Shutdown still happens after 8 feeds.
3) Fuel is automatically added if the flame is detected to be running lean to avoid a blocked flue shutdown.
4) The base fuel tables were adjusted for better operation.
5) If the Ash Dump Frequency is more than 3x, then the ash dump happens at the current level.
6) The startup process was adjusted for more reliable operation.
7) The ash dump process was adjusted for more reliable operation.

Main changes in BixCheck 6.1.00 from the 6.0.18 release:

1) Added Telemetry readouts for convection fan, air pump, feed motor, and plate motor current
2) Added Telemetry readout for power line frequency
3) Enhanced the Checkout test process
4) Added built-in downloader

Main changes in BixCheck 6.0.18 from the 6.0.16 release:

1) Uses the standard Windows file requester.
2) The base fuel calibrations were adjusted for more reliable operation.
3) Window titles were made more clear.
4) Data descriptions were made more clear.
5) tinybldWin.exe was updated to 1.9.3 from 1.9.1.

Installation:
1) Initial flash of the control board software using PICkit
1.1) With an installation of the PICkit software and programmer, plug in the stove and connect the PICkit to the
Program port, J6.
1.2) Run the PICkit software and select "Device Family -> PIC18F".
1.3) Select "File -> Import Hex" and load the Bixby_03010000_PICkit.hex file. Note that this contains the
bootloader.
1.4) Deselect the "Enabled" checkbox in the EEPROM Data area.
1.5) Select the "Write" button to write the data to the stove.
1.6) Remove the PICkit.
1.7) Once complete, proceed to Part 5.

2) Update flash of the control board software using PICkit

2.1) This is the same process as in section 1. However, some versions of PICkit may not support flashing of the
Program Memory only; some older versions will always erase the EEPROM Data memory. Therefore, double check
the results using BixCheck.
2.2) Once complete, proceed to Part 5.

3) Update of the control board software using the tinybldWin downloader

3.1) Make sure the stove is unplugged.
3.2) Run the tinybldWin.exe software.
3.3) You may need to set "Options -> Search Delay" to around 30 seconds.
3.4) You may need to set "Options -> Search for COMs" to find the serial port.
3.5) Set the baud rate to 19200.
3.6) Set the serial port to the port the stove is connected to.
3.7) Select the "Browse" button and load the Bixby_03010000_Downloader.hex file. Note that this does NOT
contain the bootloader.
3.8) Select the "Write Flash" button.
3.9) Plug in the stove to start the reprogramming process.
3.10) Once complete, proceed to Part 5.

4) Update of the control board software using the built-in downloader

4.1) You may do this with the stove either plugged-in or unplugged.
4.2) Select the COM: port the stove is on.
4.3) Select the "Downloader 1.5" button from the initial BixCheck window.
4.4) Either select "Use internal firmware" or select "Load" for a new firmware file.
4.5) Select the "Send" button to start the update process.
4.6) It will try to reset the stove. If the stove was unplugged, plug it in now.
4.7) When the stove is found, data will be sent down.
4.8) Once complete, proceed to Part 5.

5) Calibration of the stove fuel tables

5.1) Run the BixCheck_6100.exe software.
5.2) Select the "Monitor 6.0" button.
5.3) Select the "Fuel A Data" and "Fuel B Data" buttons.
5.4) Select the model: "MaxFire 120" or "BigBlock 120".
5.5) If it is a MaxFire 120, verify the feed wheel installation. If the feed wheel is the 4 slot gray machined wheel with
the metal center plate, select "Machined: 1.0 ci". Otherwise, if it is the 8 slot cast wheel, select "Cast: 0.67 ci".
5.6) Select the "Individualize", "Calculate Fuel A", and "Calculate Fuel B" buttons.
5.7) Either enter or verify the serial number.
5.8) Select the "Format" button.