The principle of operation of various programmers for a washing machine

If the control device breaks down, it is necessary to update the washing machine's firmware.

The module category depends on the structural features of the programmer:

• A module in which the programming device is connected to the program download control;
• A module in which the programming device is not associated with the program download control;
• Module without control of program downloads, switching is possible by turning;
• Module with additional programs;
• Module with abbreviated programs;

The category of the command device depends on its design. The command apparatus is:

• Electronic;
• Hybrid.

The hybrid control device is more reliable, works better, has a longer service life, as it is subject to less frequent breakdowns.

Electronic control devices are sensitive to voltage surges, often reboot, stop working if there is a heavy load, and the operating time is short.

If the operation of the equipment has decreased with the frequency of downloads, the duration of the hours is confused when choosing modes, the machine begins to wash for a long time when choosing the fast mode, the programmer module needs to be loaded. The main thing is not to confuse a malfunction with its characteristics, for example, there is a category of machines that, when selecting a mode, begin to work slowly and “think” for a long time. There are machines that do not spin laundry well with a small number of loads; the laundry is distributed when wrung over the entire surface of the drum, and with a minimum of laundry, there is not enough for distribution. Each unit has its own characteristics, you should pay attention to this before flashing. Before flashing the machine, you need to test the module's command apparatus. If the test shows that there are malfunctions, then repairs are already necessary.

Before starting the firmware, you need:

• Control block;
• Computer or laptop;
• Programmer (external).

We connect the programmer on one side to the laptop, on the other to the board being flashed.
On the Internet we download software for a module of a specific model (for example, indesit) and install the driver on the laptop.
The programmer can be bought both in a store and on the Internet. It is suitable for all models of units.

We download the software from the website of the manufacturer of a specific model.

Module flashing:

• Open the downloaded program;
• Open the USBDM tab, there should be the name of our device, if it’s not there, then the program “didn’t see it”;
• The Target/Device Selection tab should contain the number of the board being flashed;
• Next, click Load hex files, the software is downloading;
• Click program flash, the firmware is downloaded. The duration of the firmware depends on the specific model. For example, when flashing the board of an Indesit unit, the duration of firmware downloads is short.

If the control unit program was not loaded successfully, then it is necessary to check, firstly, all connected wires and reconnect the devices. It is also possible that the board has burned out.

In this case, it is necessary to carry out repairs, call a specialist, or go to the specialist yourself.

The board itself is expensive, so it is better to try to have it repaired by a specialist; if it is absolutely impossible to repair it, then you will have to buy it in a specialized store, or order it from an online store. And the category of module repair work itself is very complex, it can only be done if you have certain skills in this matter, so if there is incompetence, it is better to immediately contact a specialist.

Why does the firmware on a washing machine crash?

Operation of the control board of the unit Indesit, Veko, Hayer, etc. is violated for several reasons:

• Network interruptions. Voltage surges have a bad effect on the operation of the Indesit, Veko, etc. washing machines, since they have weak control modules and do not have any protection against voltage surges;
• Mechanical damage. Upon impact, the control program may be disrupted;
• When purchasing, errors in the software may be discovered, that is, the manufacturer himself may have installed the firmware incorrectly.

In addition to the controls, other elements may break. Their category:

• A heating element. It suffers mainly from scale and plaque, so it is necessary to periodically wash without laundry, with citric acid;
• Intelligent control. Suffering from voltage surges. In such cases, it is necessary to call a technician and change the control unit;
• Filter. May be faulty due to the fact that it may become clogged. It is also necessary to periodically clean the filter;
• Bearings. Over time and with maximum load, they wear out. Therefore, during long-term use, it is better to replace them, otherwise the drum may be damaged;
• Belt. It can wear and tear over time;
• Shock absorbers. They have the ability to wear out. This is not noticeable when washing clothes; it is noticeable when the machine starts spinning. A strong knocking sound is heard from the drum.

Do not consider the emanating unpleasant odor as a malfunction. The smell occurs when the equipment is not used for a long time, and a certain amount of water always remains in the washing machine after washing; over time, it rots and begins to smell. In this case, you need to do a dry wash with citric acid, then the smell will disappear.

Many people also consider it a malfunction if the machine starts tearing things. In this case, it is necessary to check the drum for the presence of sharp objects; it could be a pin, nail, or blade. This category of items is dangerous and may cause damage.

Preliminary diagnosis

There is only one direct sign of a malfunction of the electronic module - the corresponding error code on the display. And even its absence does not completely exclude a malfunction of the module. Most signs of malfunction may indicate that the board is not working properly, as well as other parts that have broken down.

Before deciding to flash the washing machine yourself, you need to make sure that the fault does not lie in some other component. It is necessary to remove the top and front panels of the case.

Module diagnostics

They are dismantled as follows:

• unscrew the screws of the top cover, they are located on the back wall of the washing machine body;
• slide the lid and remove it;
• We photograph all the connections so that later we can assemble them correctly using the photos;
• we remove the screws that hold the control panel, disconnect the wires that are attached to it through the connectors;
• open the latches and remove the bottom panel;
• remove the cuff, pull out the clamp by pressing the spring;
• unscrew the screws that hold the front panel;
• remove the hatch lock;
• remove the front panel by lifting it up.

After opening the body of the washing machine, you need to ring all the components to prevent damage to them. Flashing an electronic module is a labor-intensive and risky task. Flashing it “just in case” is short-sighted.

Washing machine body

Having ruled out a malfunction in other parts, we inspect the electronic module for mechanical damage. If there are none visually, the likelihood of a software failure is high.

How to choose a programmer for firmware

There are two options: buy or make it yourself. Making a homemade device for firmware is risky. Firstly, you can damage the control board, and secondly, when buying spare parts for manufacturing, you can spend the same amount of money as when buying a finished device. Of course, you can buy non-original spare parts, but most likely such a device will quickly break down, and this again means a transfer of funds. It is better to buy original spare parts, since they are manufactured using a certain technology and by experienced specialists, and all parts are tested. And if you still can’t assemble the device, then it’s just “throwing money away.” Therefore, it is better to buy a professional device, there is less risk that something will not work out, and such a programmer is made by masters and has been tested during operation.

Many people wonder what is better when a program malfunctions: buy a new washing machine or repair old equipment. But at the same time, the repair of the control unit is carried out professionally, and the master will be able to sort out the module in such a way that in the end the performance will be better than before and will last a long time.

Preparing for firmware: where to start?

Common people believe that in order to flash a washing machine, you need to connect the control board via a special wire to the computer on which you need to install a special program. In reality, it's not that simple. To flash an Indesit washing machine you will need the following parts.

• Control board of the washing machine being flashed.
• A computer with an LPT, COM or USB connector, depending on the programmer used.
• Homemade or proprietary programmer.

Accordingly, we connect the computer to the programmer, and the programmer to the board being flashed. You need to start by assembling or purchasing a programmer. Experts recommend purchasing a branded USB programmer, the reasons are as follows:

1. the proprietary programmer has already been tested and will definitely work;
2. it is easier to find software for it than for homemade equipment;
3. it is easier to connect to the computer and the board;
4. it costs no more than the spare parts from which you will solder your programmer.

For your information! The average cost of simple branded programmers is about 150 rubles; they are certainly not suitable for many years of uninterrupted operation, but for a one-time firmware update they are quite sufficient. Professional programmers will cost much more.

After purchasing a programmer, you will need to download the firmware for a specific model of washing machine, download drivers for the programmer, install everything on the computer and make sure the software is working. Then you will need to correctly connect the programmer on one side to the corresponding connector, and on the other to the six-channel output of the control board. Make sure that the devices are recognized and synchronized, and only then get started.

We purchase a programmer, download the firmware

Expensive branded programmers are quite widely advertised and can be found at any retail outlet that specializes in selling spare parts for washing machines. If you don’t mind paying 1500-3500 rubles for such a programmer, then don’t bother, go and buy it. But if you want to look for a simpler and cheaper device for a one-time firmware update, then you have a direct route to the pages of online stores. In the online store you can buy a good Chinese USB programmer Usbasp USBISP 3.3 B/5 B AVR.

This type of programmer works no worse than a professional one, it’s just simpler in design.
It does not have a protective case, complex light indication of processes, buttons and other bells and whistles, but in our opinion, it is not worth overpaying for this. Specifically, Usbasp USBISP 3.3 B/5 B AVR will cost you approximately 146 rubles. If you plan to install software and do firmware under Windows 7, then it is better to buy USB ISP USB ASP ATMEGA 8 ATMEGA 128 , it is designed specifically for Windows 7 and works well with it.
The price is about 120 rubles. Here is another list of inexpensive and quite suitable household programmers:

• USB IPS USB APS AMTEL AVR51 – price 261 rub.
• USB10P AVR JTAG ICE 2.0 ATMEGA 3.3 B 0.5A – price 640 rub.
• USB IPS AMTEL AVR ATMega ATTiny51 – price 400 rub.

Often, drivers for these programmers are offered to be downloaded directly on the online store’s website, but if you don’t find them there, you can definitely find them on specialized websites for techies, it’s not difficult. It is also quite easy to download firmware for specific types of Indesit washing machines. Usually on special websites these firmwares are listed in a list completely free of charge. You need to enter the brand and model of the Indesit washing machine in a search engine, add the phrase “download firmware” and get the result.

Note! A database with firmware for control boards of specific washing machine models is located on the website of the electronics manufacturer for these machines.

How to choose a repairman

When there is a breakdown, many people wonder which repairman is best to call: a private one or from an organization. And the quality of service is the same for both. The only advantage of the organization is that they have the capabilities to carry out complex repairs. Before the technician arrives, you must remove everything from the unit and remove the rug underneath (water may leak during inspection). You cannot take the machine out of the bathroom, since when checking the serviceability of the machine it is necessary that it be connected to the network and drained.

If the unit cannot be repaired, it can be handed over for recycling or there is a category of private advertisements for accepting a broken washing machine for spare parts.

Types of programmers

Automatic washing machines provide a variety of washing programs that take into account the type of fabric, the degree of soiling, the speed and type of washing, rinsing and spinning. Each of these processes has its own operating temperature, spin speed, washing duration and other parameters. This control element performs these tasks by receiving signals from sensors installed in the circuit. Programmers come in the following types:

• hybrid;
• electronic.

Hybrid ones include a set of software disks with a synchromotor and gearbox. Electronic ones consist of microelectronics assembled on a specific board. Let's look at the device of each of them in more detail.

Hybrid programmer for Bocsh washing machine

Creation of a universal industrial controller for washing machines.

Alesey
, do you remember my friend wrote that he is designing a universal controller for washing machines. Then he contacted me, then disappeared somewhere. Vladimir-Crimea. Only I don’t remember exactly what his nickname looked like on the forum, and I’m too lazy to look for it. I think he was still in dialogue with Digon back then.

I even have pictures of this module

Oh damn! Today I spent half a day painting the ac-motor evo-2. The ideas are not bad, but it’s hard to imagine a more efficient board routing. MGTF on a breadboard will be even more reliable. Dropout students traced it using auto-routing. Forces and low-signal signals, horses, and people were mixed up in a heap. The Italians' pizza, pasta, and table wine are all delicious; don't bother with high-tech.

Rodin announced a publication on your topic

ADDED 12/23/2007 03:42

It, the module, must be immediately written as a user/service-programmable state machine. Then there will be a universal thing - even for a washing machine, even for watering a dacha, even for an incubator.

It seems to me that you are disingenuous, men.

Well, yes, with the price of a new module being 50-60% of the device, and with work even more expensive, it makes sense for the consumer to buy a new device and not spend money on restoring the old one.

If it were possible to buy a universal module for up to 1000 rubles (of course, you need to make it in series and in China, and not on your own) and install it for 1000-1500 rubles, I think hardly any of the craftsmen would be against

moon

, well, I practically left no stone unturned on
CotdaVinci’s
. If your work on replacing a module costs the client 2/3 of the price price and another third for the module itself, that’s cool!

I meant approximately 1/1, i.e. a piece of module and a piece and a half to put it, a total of 2 -2.5 per barrel.

Well, we don’t know Chinese

There is no need to make such modules in series. They may be needed for very rare and expensive devices for which it is impossible or very expensive to obtain spare parts. Well, for example, for industrial washing machines and dryers

Melior

, if I read the title of the topic correctly, then we are talking about some kind of controller that can be used not only in washing machines, but also in automating other processes, something like a programmable finite state machine. Roughly speaking, a piece of hardware has several output channels (relays, triacs, drives) and several input channels, analog and digital. The user programs the relationships, what from what, under what conditions and with what delays should work. This is not specific to the washing machine.

Actually, by putting the cyclogram of the washing machine into such a controller and connecting the “tank” and other peripherals to the controller, the washing machine will work out. But using the module from the washing machine to feed the fish and water the flowers is quite difficult. The prospects are great - “smart home” and other crap.

Good afternoon I read all the posts carefully. He was absent for a simple reason - a displaced fracture of the ankle (features of national snow and ice removal in Russia in winter). The creation of a topic for discussion was prompted by the following event - the failure of the washing machine after a year of operation. Of course, the initial glitches of the machine—program failures and other little things—allowed us to hope for an accident. Defects in production in the amount of 3% are a fact that is beyond doubt. But the subsequent burnout of the controller allowed us to conclude that the problem is not in these percentages, but in the sales policy of household appliances in Russia (so to speak, the peculiarities of national sales of household appliances in Russia). Well, for example, the warranty period for washing machines rarely exceeds 1 year, regardless of the price limit. For example, AMD - 129, the price at the time of the start of the showdown was about 20,000 rubles. in Yaroslavl, in the same store in Moscow it cost 16,000. Manufacturers of washing machines gave warranties on average of about 3 years, depending on the company, but in Russia the warranty period for the product is limited. (see above) at the same PRICE! (300-700 E). Well, okay, there is no point in complaining about fate. By the way, the LV refrigerator bought in the same store also broke down recently - the decoder type microcircuit shortened. I didn’t change it (I removed the keyboard with the indicator, which allowed the refrigerator to continue working), and since it has a 3-year warranty, I will soon be bothering the service center. Creating a universal controller does not require special knowledge, except for that acquired when mastering the specialty of radio technician or radio engineer. The purpose of an industrial controller is to COMPLETELY replace a burnt-out module, without training the user to control the device through the anal portal. It seems to me that users will be more pleased to listen to speeches that “I give a 7-year guarantee on electronics, until your bearings fall apart. “, than to explain every time that “it was made in China, that now everyone does it.” etc..” That is, you can also use money on this. Thanks to being forced to stay in one place for a month, I acquired the tools that I needed (programmer for m/s type 27512, homemade software, breadboards, etc. rubbish) for another task - a CNC machine for wood processing. What various companies and Kulibins can offer is not satisfactory for many reasons. So I don’t really have a sporting interest in repairs; I have more enjoyable things to do.

ADDED 02/02/2008 10:52

And as for the prices for a new branded controller (there are no old ones!) - the cost is 7800 rubles, with a warranty period of 3 months and the initial cost of the washing machine is 20,000 rubles (16,000 in Moscow)?! As you understand, if a module fails, it is impossible to prove to the sales manager that they initially had a flawed design. That is, according to current legislation, you will be advised to enter into an agreement with a service center, etc., etc. And if the service center refuses you this (nobody forces him to repair your European junk, according to the same civil legislation of the Russian Federation), then you can buy another washing machine, or a refrigerator, or some other household appliance in a nearby store, and enter into an agreement with another service company (if there is one in your city, of course!)

Well, I’m not a theorist at all (I’m a radio physicist at first, but I’ve been working with various electronics since 1976), well, of course, I don’t earn my living by repairing household appliances, at present, although I went from house to house repairing TVs right at home, about 10 years ago. And the bickering with the SC. I have a lot of experience in butting heads in courts. Well, where is there one seal on the connectors? How can I determine if my digging is done correctly (no doors torn off their hinges, no leaks and a certificate from the electrical laboratory about the presence of grounding + a protocol for fluctuations in network voltage depending on the time of day)?

ADDED 02/02/2008 15:24

Of course, in principle there can be nothing universal. But in the same troubles, the control of some engines is completely standardized. And potentially every washing machine has the same rake.

How to replace the electronic module of a washing machine yourself?

In modern devices, the board responsible for controlling the operation of the device can be connected separately, together with programmers or electronically; the latter option is the most common. Replacing the electronic control module of a washing machine with your own hands is quite possible; you will need to perform the following steps:

1. Open the device case. The electronics unit is located at the top of the machine; to get to it, you need to dismantle the top cover or remove the front panel with control buttons: the exact method depends on the specific model and brand of household appliance.
2. Remove the board. It is not difficult to remove the control unit, but it is advisable to photograph it before disconnecting it: this will allow you to correctly connect the board after replacement, correctly connecting the terminals. Before removal, it is necessary to remove the clamps: they are strips that hold the part and are secured with bolts or small self-tapping screws.

As a rule, there are traces of damage on the surface of the part: scorch marks, traces of rust, mechanical defects, burnout areas in the area of ​​coils or capacitors. Experts recommend removing the board yourself if the warranty has expired, as well as if complex breakdowns are identified, after which it is easier to replace the assembled element. Installation of a new part is carried out in accordance with the diagram; After assembling the device, you need to test the machine by running a test wash.

We carry out preparatory work

How to reflash a washing machine yourself? For this work, you need to buy a special programmer that will allow you to connect the control unit to the computer. Carefully inspect the connectors of the laptop or computer to which you will connect. The selected programmer must match the connector type: LPT, COM and USB.

It is recommended to choose a branded adapter. For example, for an Arcadia type module, a USBDM Memory Dump programmer is suitable. Some craftsmen assemble such an adapter themselves, but this is not the best solution. Why?

1. It is difficult to select software for homemade equipment. But each branded programmer comes with the appropriate software.
2. The original equipment will definitely work.
3. If you compare the cost of assembling and purchasing a new product, the difference is small. Therefore, do not waste your time, buy a quality product.

A regular programmer for one-time flashing of washing machines costs from 150 rubles. Professional equipment will cost 1500-3500 rubles.

If you need to do rotational stitching with your own hands once, then take a simpler product. A regular programmer is easier to assemble and does not have fancy controls. But it is just as effective in operation as a more expensive product.