initialization failed, rc=-1

[d-z]

so i got the initialization failed error and was wondering if i could get some advice

i am thinking that the problem lies with the serial port - i built it from the kit so when i turn it on it displays the sequence over the bank of leds from which i assume that everything with the microcontroller works and so on.

when i try to program it seems like its working for about 30 seconds (so i am assuming that it isn't the usb-serial adaptor - which is an ATEN model), during which 3 of the leds light up rapidly (as if it was receiving data) then it spits out the error.

here is what my soldering looks like: (my first time soldering something... :\)



any thoughts?

[d-z]

alright, i tried that and its the same case. perhaps i am just misunderstanding this direction:
"Make sure that you're actually soldering the pins to the circuit board (solder underneath) rather than just filling the pins with solder." ?

also it does seem like some data is getting through by the way the led on the adaptor reacting at the same time as the leds on the board... is that possible if it is improperly connected?

[adafruit]

you need to take a photo of the entire board
also, add more solder to the serial connector
also, post a screenshot

[d-z]

video - on / not connected: http://damonzucconi.com/uploads/Drop/MOV08246.mov

video - when trying to program: http://damonzucconi.com/uploads/Drop/MOV08245.mov

thanks!

[adafruit]

http://www.ladyada.net/make/minipov3/software.html

increase the delay

[d-z]

yep same error after putting the delay as high as 100000

any other suggestions?

[The_Don125]

Touch up the solder on R11. One side looks anemic and the other side looks like a potential cold joint, and that is a crucial resistor for successful programming.

[d-z]

still same error.

[The_Don125]

The connector looks good now, but some of your soldering looks iffy. Redo the soldering on D1-D3, and R10, R11, and R12, as those are the programming circuit. Also take a look at the soldering on the IC socket pins. Any solder connection that doesn't look shiny (for example, the two soldering joints between the "d" in adafruit and the "d" in industries in your second photo), or that appears more spherical and not cone-shaped, redo. Use the solder joints on the LEDs as a guide, those are good.

[MadHatt]

doesnt show if you have batteries in, with the switch on.

[adafruit]

it could, tragically, just be a usb-serial converter that dont work

[d-z]

yeap. the problem was the usb-serial converter.
the one off your site worked just fine. thanks!