Long delay after begin

[metanav]

Why is there long delay (around 12 seconds) when Alvik.begin() called? Looking at the code it seems doing version compatibility check only. I used the code below.

import time
from arduino_alvik import ArduinoAlvik

start_time = time.time()
alvik = ArduinoAlvik()
alvik.begin()
end_time = time.time()

print(f'\nTotal time: {end_time - start_time}s')
print(f'\nlib_version: {alvik.get_lib_version()} fw_version: {alvik.get_fw_version()}')

Output:

Total time: 12s

lib_version: 1.1.0 fw_version: 1.1.0

[gbr1]

Hi @metanav !

Please can you tell me if in these 12seconds both lights are on?
Are you using stock firmware updated via alvikupdate.arduino.cc ?

Thank you in advance!

[metanav]

Hi @gbr1

When I click on the RUN button in the Arduino Lab for MicroPython, the right side LED (above the tick) turns on in green momentarily and turns off. After around 3 seconds, both LEDs turns on in Yellow (greenish?) for 2 seconds and turns off. I have updated the firmware by following the User manual: https://docs.arduino.cc/tutorials/alvik/user-manual/

[gbr1]

Please @metanav could you try this: https://alvikupdate.arduino.cc ?
Then turn off the robot and detach the usb cable.
See if it happens again

[metanav]

Now I am using the Arduino Alvik Updater as you suggested. By the way, how long does it take to complete? The status showing "Removing Folder" since 15 minutes.

[gbr1]

This is very strange, it should be 2-3 minutes O_O

Which version of micropython are you using on the robot?

[metanav]

MicroPython v1.24.0 on 2024-10-25; Arduino Nano ESP32 with ESP32S3

[gbr1]

Ok! I need to test!

@ubidefeo could something changed?

[gbr1]

@metanav meanwhile what happens if you revert to 1.22?

[metanav]

I uploaded an empty sketch using the Arduino IDE to the Nano ESP32. Now the alvikupdate.arduino.cc uploaded the firmware successfully. But I do not see any improvements, it takes 9 to 15 seconds (random time) to complete the begin() call. How can I revert the Micropython firmware to 1.22?

[gbr1]

Wait, you cannot use the updater if your board isn't running micropython.
When you run an arduino sketch the flash is erased, so there isn't micropython. If you rub an Arduino sketch does it make 12s issue?

[metanav]

I uploaded the empty sketch again. When I connect it using the Arduino Lab for Micropython, It displays the REPL:

MicroPython v1.24.0 on 2024-10-25; Arduino Nano ESP32 with ESP32S3
Type "help()" for more information.
>>> 

It means Micropython did not remove.

[gbr1]

it could corrupted because part of the flash is overwritten

[metanav]

I erased the flash using the command:

esptool.py --chip esp32s3 --port /dev/tty.usbmodem142101   --baud 115200 erase_flash

Now Arduino Lab for Micropython cannot connect to it. So Micropython has gone. Let me know how to upload 1.22.

[gbr1]

Please check here:
https://micropython.org/download/ARDUINO_NANO_ESP32/
download with 1.22.2 and use Micropython Installer

[metanav]

I could revert it to 1.22.2 and uploaded the firmware using the alvikupdate.arduino.cc. Now it takes 6 seconds (seems consistent) to begin. Is it normal?

>>> 
MicroPython v1.22.2 on 2024-02-22; Arduino Nano ESP32 with ESP32S3
Type "help()" for more information.
>>> 
raw REPL; CTRL-B to exit
                  
Total time: 6s

lib_version: 1.1.0 fw_version: 1.1.0

[gbr1]

Yes! 6s is the normal time to boot.
It seems to be long but consider this:

1. begin() reset the stm32 on the alvik carrier
2. stm32 initialize sensors (tof require between 1.5s-2s to be ready)
3. wait for ack and version
4. check version

I'm trying to install micropython 1.24 to see what happens

@metanav thank you for debugging together

[metanav]

Great! Thanks, @gbr1!

[gbr1]

You are right, 1.24 introced something which makes alvik very slow

[gbr1]

@eigen-value @ubidefeo we must do an investigation on 1.24