Problem with Platino SMD Solder Station

[KenArton]

I have recently completed the Platino SMD Solder Station project, as described in July/Aug 2015 issue.
It works very well apart from one thing.
To quote from the article (page 101):
"To save energy and prolong the solder bit lifetime the software automatically switches the iron to lower temperature operation after approx. 15 minutes use."

Well, I have to say it does not -- it just stays on indefinately .
Looking at the source code in the downloaded firmware, there is clearly no piece of code for that action.

The purchased the Atmega328p ready-coded from Elektor.

Has anyone else built this project and found the same problem?

I think that the switch-off function is important for extending bit life, and would really like to have it.

I have thought about editing the code myself and re-programming the chip. However, I am stuck on this, as I cannot
even get the original code to compile using Arduino IDE. I have followed all instructions in
the "Platino in Arduino Land" article from 02-2012 issue, and after some hacking of the source code
it does compile, but when I then dump a .hex file it is only about half the size of the downloaded hex file.
I am very reluctant to risk re-programming at this point in case I cannot recover to the original state.

If anyone out there can offer any advice I will be very grateful.

[Elektor Editor]

Ken,

the creators of the project software advise that:
"the power save option is in version 1.4 which is final. Other versions (1.0 and 1.1) do not have this function as it was added at a later stage."

Please contact Customer Services for a replacement of your programmed controller.

Jan

[KenArton]

Hi Jan,

Thanks for reply.
I have sent an email to Customer Services requesting replacement chip.
I would like to download the version 1.4 firmware -- do you know where I can find a link to this?

Ken.

[Elektor Editor]

Further advice has arrived from our lab:

"If your Platino solder station does not go into power save mode after approximately 15 minutes, please ensure JP6 is connected to PC2".

I hope this helps everyone following this topic.

Jan

[KenArton]

Hi All,

I have just implemented the change advised -- connected jumper JP6 to PC2.
Power saving mode now works as it should.
So, problem solved!

I would still like to see the source code for latest version of the firmware (v1.5 I believe).
If anyone comes across a link to this perhaps they can let me know.

Ken.