# How to recover LimeSDR Mini V2.0

**URL:** <https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894>\
**Category:** LimeSDR\
**Created:** [17 March 2023 03:20 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894 "2023-03-17T03:20:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![vk5bd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/ac8455/32.png) [@vk5bd](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/vk5bd)\
**Post date:** [17 March 2023 03:20 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/1 "2023-03-17T03:20:23Z")

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I have been asked to revive a new LimeSDR Mini V2.0, there was an attempt made to update its firmware via the BATC Portsdown project, and now the Mini is not functional, even the green/red LED is not flashing any sequence.  
LimeSuite identifies the device is connected to the PC and is able to get the serial number, however once you are connected to it, it shows the following  
[12:26:27] ERROR: TransferPacket: Write failed (ret=-1)  
[12:26:27] INFO: Connected Control port: UNKNOWN FW:0 HW:15 Protocol:0 GW:0.0 Ref Clk: -0.00 MHz

Which LimeSuite version is correct for the Mini V2.0. The version that is loaded by Pothos is 20.10.0 however I have found a version 22.09.

When trying to use the Programming option from LimeSuite in no longer has the automatic option available, instead asking for a file for FPGA or FX3 with RAM / FLASH / Reset options.

Where do I find the latest FPGA or FX3 files for the LimeSDR Mini V2.0

I’m suspecting I am going to have to program the FPGA directly once I have the necessary files, however is the equipment needed and process the same?

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**Author:** ![andrewback](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@andrewback](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/andrewback)\
**Post date:** [17 March 2023 12:23 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/2 "2023-03-17T12:23:22Z")

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> [@vk5bd](#):
>
> Which LimeSuite version is correct for the Mini V2.0. The version that is loaded by Pothos is 20.10.0 however I have found a version 22.09.

At present you need to build from _git master_ and not check out any specific release, as one hasn’t been made yet which has Mini v2 support.

> [@vk5bd](#):
>
> Where do I find the latest FPGA or FX3 files for the LimeSDR Mini V2.0

For now:

> **[LimeSDR-Mini-v2\_GW/LimeSDR-Mini\_bitstreams at main · myriadrf/LimeSDR-Mini-v2\_GW](https://github.com/myriadrf/LimeSDR-Mini-v2_GW/tree/main/LimeSDR-Mini_bitstreams)**
>
> LimeSDR Mini v2 gateware project. Contribute to myriadrf/LimeSDR-Mini-v2\_GW development by creating an account on GitHub.

Until a new Lime Suite release is made and then the bitstream is published to the corresponding directory on the downloads server. Note that there is no FX3 firmware (neither Mini v1 or v2 has one).

> [@vk5bd](#):
>
> I’m suspecting I am going to have to program the FPGA directly once I have the necessary files, however is the equipment needed and process the same?

Tagging @Zack to advise.

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**Author:** ![Zack](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/discourse.myriadrf.org/zack/32/89_2.png) [@Zack](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/Zack)\
**Post date:** [17 March 2023 14:45 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/3 "2023-03-17T14:45:12Z")

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Hi @vk5bd,  
As an addition to @andrewback, here you will find instructions on how to program LimeSDR Mini v2 board:  
[https://limesdr-mini.myriadrf.org/documentation/jtag-programming.html](https://limesdr-mini.myriadrf.org/documentation/jtag-programming.html)

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**Author:** ![vk5bd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/ac8455/32.png) [@vk5bd](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/vk5bd)\
**Post date:** [20 March 2023 01:26 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/4 "2023-03-20T01:26:05Z")

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Thank you gentlemen for the information I will see how I go and get back to you  
73  
VK5BD

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**Author:** ![vk5bd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/ac8455/32.png) [@vk5bd](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/vk5bd)\
**Post date:** [20 March 2023 05:18 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/5 "2023-03-20T05:18:18Z")

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So that seemed to be successful, however @Zack, the instructions are a little ambiguous in places:

In the Flash programming section, the Programming file: points to a LimeSD\_Mini\_LED\_Blink\_impl1.bit which I was unable to locate and instead used lms7\_trx\_preflash\_gw.bit

When it came to “FPGA programming using Lattice Diamond software” procedure, opening the archived project created all the file lists, however when I found the correct \*sram.xcf file the file to be programmed pointed at a non existent directory so I had to navigate to the correct directory to find the file to be programmed.

Then when I went to do the “FPGA Flash programming” I used the other \*.xcf file, it also pointed to a non existent directory and once I had corrected that I was getting an ID Error, this was fixed by cycling power on the LimeSDR. Maybe cycling power needs to inserted into the instructions after each step as some people are very cautious about cycling power during a programming stage if not told to do so.

Anyway, the LimeSDR is now reporting “LimeSDR-Mini\_v2 FW:8 HW:5 Protocol:1 GW:2.1 Ref Clk: 40.00 MHz” via the LimeSuite, which is what I first saw when I was orginally asked to check the device out, the owner of the LimeSDR has now been told by the developer of the Portsdown project that the firmware’s, particularly the Lime DVB firmware, is incompatible with the new Mini v2

Regards  
Bevan

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**Author:** ![andrewback](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@andrewback](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/andrewback)\
**Post date:** [20 March 2023 10:31 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/6 "2023-03-20T10:31:15Z")

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> [@vk5bd](#):
>
> the owner of the LimeSDR has now been told by the developer of the Portsdown project that the firmware’s, particularly the Lime DVB firmware, is incompatible with the new Mini v2

We’re in communication with Dave and I understand that Portsdown is now working with Mini v2, though not sure if it’s been released yet. There was some initial confusion over the fact that the v2 board was advertised as being “plug compatible”, when it in fact is, but only if you update Lime Suite. Which reminds me that we need to get the Crowd Supply page updated to clarify this.

Thanks for the feedback on flash programming. @Zack could you update the documentation?

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**Author:** ![Zack](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/discourse.myriadrf.org/zack/32/89_2.png) [@Zack](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/Zack)\
**Post date:** [20 March 2023 11:42 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/7 "2023-03-20T11:42:28Z")

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Hi @vk5bd,

What Lattice Diamond software version have you used?

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**Author:** ![vk5bd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/ac8455/32.png) [@vk5bd](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/vk5bd)\
**Post date:** [21 March 2023 00:36 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/8 "2023-03-21T00:36:01Z")

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Hello @Zack, I downloaded what I think is the latest, 3.12

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**Author:** ![DaveG8GKQ](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/discourse.myriadrf.org/daveg8gkq/32/2361_2.png) [@DaveG8GKQ](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/DaveG8GKQ)\
**Post date:** [24 March 2023 20:31 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/9 "2023-03-24T20:31:55Z")

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Hi All

I’ve only just seen this topic, having been asked to help recover another LimeSDR Mini V2 that has been flashed as a V1 by the Portsdown software. The issue has mainly occurred in Australia because their Amateur TV Repeaters use very wide bandwidths (4 MHz) which required the use of the specialised DVB firmware with the Portsdown Amateur TV Transmitter.

The current version of the Portsdown 4 does support the LimeSDR Mini V2, but does not prevent it being programmed as though it was a LimeSDR Mini V1. However, I do have a new version undergoing final testing at the moment that specifically checks the LimeSDR Mini version and prevents V2s being programmed as a V1. I hope to release it this weekend.

I’ll put the latest victim in touch with VK5BD.

Dave, G8GKQ  
Portsdown Software Developer

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**Author:** ![andysalmon59](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c6cbf5/32.png) [@andysalmon59](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/andysalmon59)\
**Post date:** [24 March 2023 23:28 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/10 "2023-03-24T23:28:40Z")

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Hi … Andy VK3XKA here. I was told to contact VK5BD (and others that maybe able to help) re problems i am having with my Lime Mini 2. It was programmed via Portsdown and it thinks it is ver 1. I have been speaking to Dave G8GKQ with some success but it maybe easier with someone local and that has had success.

What is your preferred from of contact … mobile? Whatever suits you …

Andy VK3XKA

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**Author:** ![vk5bd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/ac8455/32.png) [@vk5bd](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/vk5bd)\
**Post date:** [25 March 2023 00:32 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/11 "2023-03-25T00:32:25Z")

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Hello Andy, I had to recover a LimeSDR Mini v2.0 for VK5YYY as he had also used the Portsdown to update the LimeSDR. The process is not too difficult following the instructions supplied by Zack, however I did have to change so file pointers during the recovery and needed to cycle power during the FPGA programming. The critical item though is you need a FT2232H hardware module to interface with the LimeSDR JTag port. If needed, you can start contacting me via my callsign at wia.org.au or winlink.  
Regards,  
Bevan  
VK5BD

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**Author:** ![DaveG8GKQ](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/discourse.myriadrf.org/daveg8gkq/32/2361_2.png) [@DaveG8GKQ](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/DaveG8GKQ)\
**Post date:** [25 March 2023 16:37 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/12 "2023-03-25T16:37:01Z")

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The latest version of the Portsdown 4 software (202303250, issued today), does not allow users of the LimeSDR Mini V2 to overwrite the Lime with firmware intended for the LimeSDR Mini V1.

Dave, G8GKQ

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**Author:** ![vk5bd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/ac8455/32.png) [@vk5bd](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/vk5bd)\
**Post date:** [26 March 2023 10:14 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/13 "2023-03-26T10:14:09Z")

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Good work Dave,

Will test out the V2 to see what the maximum bandwitdh capability is with the official Lime Firmware when back in the workshop next.

Regards,  
Bevan  
VK5BD

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**Author:** ![yozas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ee7513/32.png) [@yozas](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/yozas)\
**Post date:** [15 April 2023 12:55 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/14 "2023-04-15T12:55:14Z")

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Greetings, sorry for hijacking topic, but I think its kind of a relevant question. I would like to know if its absolutely necessary to use FT2232H Mini Module board, or can any electrically compatible JTAG USB adapter can be used? What are the main requirements for compatibility? Is it only the voltage levels that are being used or something else?

Thanks!

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**Author:** ![yozas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ee7513/32.png) [@yozas](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/yozas)\
**Post date:** [27 May 2023 13:48 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/15 "2023-05-27T13:48:10Z")

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Hello, I am answering my own question for everyone. I have tried a newer FTDI board and it worked perfectly. The board is **FT2232H-56Q MINI MDL** [https://ftdichip.com/products/ft2232h-56-mini-module/](https://ftdichip.com/products/ft2232h-56-mini-module/)

It has a Micro USB connector instead of older almost phased out Mini USB. Also it is more convenient, because it has two onboard jumpers for configuring power, so it needs less additional wires and therefore a smaller chance of wiring mistakes when flashing LimeSDR mini.

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**Author:** ![\_ds\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/ba8739/32.png) [@\_ds\_1](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/_ds_1)\
**Post date:** [16 June 2023 08:02 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/16 "2023-06-16T08:02:40Z")

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Hi all!

I apologize for interfering in the discussion, but maybe someone will tell me.

Am I correct - in order to factory reset or reprogram my device, I absolutely need to have the FT2232H Mini Module board or the FT2232H-56Q MINI MDL as described above?

Do I need any additional programming equipment at all, or is a PC sufficient?

Thank you all!

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**Author:** ![\_ds\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/ba8739/32.png) [@\_ds\_1](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/_ds_1)\
**Post date:** [19 June 2023 08:51 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/17 "2023-06-19T08:51:00Z")

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Hello, @andrewback !

Can you please let me know if there is anything other than the software listed in your link to program LimeSDR Mini 2.0?  
Also, are the devices mentioned below, such as the FT2232H Mini Module, required?

Thank you very much

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**Author:** ![andrewback](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@andrewback](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/andrewback)\
**Post date:** [19 June 2023 09:04 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/18 "2023-06-19T09:04:54Z")

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Tagging @Zack.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![yozas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ee7513/32.png) [@yozas](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/yozas)\
**Post date:** [19 June 2023 09:57 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/19 "2023-06-19T09:57:45Z")

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Hi, to flash the FPGA chip you need only the **Programmer Standalone 3.12 SP1** software and **FT2232H** module to connect to it using JTAG pins.

Here are some graphical steps: [JTAG programming — LimeSDR Mini v2.2 Board 23.01 documentation](https://limesdr-mini.myriadrf.org/documentation/jtag-programming.html)

Also read the “ **Board programming** ” part for correct filenames in github page below, because the filenames displayed in the pictures in the first link are incorrect.

> **[GitHub - myriadrf/LimeSDR-Mini-v2\_GW: LimeSDR Mini v2 gateware project](https://github.com/myriadrf/LimeSDR-Mini-v2_GW)**
>
> LimeSDR Mini v2 gateware project. Contribute to myriadrf/LimeSDR-Mini-v2\_GW development by creating an account on GitHub.

Why do you need to flash it?

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**Author:** ![kitoko86](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/90ced4/32.png) [@kitoko86](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/u/kitoko86)\
**Post date:** [27 July 2023 09:16 UTC](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894/20 "2023-07-27T09:16:12Z")

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Hi,

I flashed the gateware from LImeSDR v1 on my LimeSDR v2 device by mistake. I have to face the same symptoms that the original poster from this thread with LimeSuite. Is it possible to ask for a RMA because I’m not enough skilled to reprogramming the board following the JTAG procedure ?

[Next page](https://discourse.myriadrf.org/t/how-to-recover-limesdr-mini-v2-0/7894.md?page=2)