# Accesing rugged som
**URL:** https://forum.botblox.org/t/accesing-rugged-som/640
**Category:** BotBlox Hardware
**Tags:** switchblox-rugged, rugged-som
**Created:** [September 1, 2026, 2:52pm UTC](https://forum.botblox.org/t/accesing-rugged-som/640 "2026-09-01T14:52:41Z")
**Posts on this page:** 7
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Layla](https://forum.botblox.org/u/Layla)
#### Post date: [September 1, 2026, 2:52pm UTC](https://forum.botblox.org/t/accesing-rugged-som/640/1 "2026-09-01T14:52:42Z")
Hello, I’m trying to access the rugged som, however I can’t reach it.
It is connected to the botblox switch rugged.
Firstly, I have tried using ethernet, and it would not ping. I used the default ip address. So accecing the web gui wasn’t an option..
Secondly, I have tried using the uart console. The switch is powered up separately. Unfortunately, I could not see any boot message in putty. Though, the ftdi cable I used did work (I connected the TX and rx in the converter, and saw letters in putty). And going though the settings in putty, it seemed right:
8 databits
1 stop bit
No parity
No flow control
Do I need to flash it so it will work? What could be the problem?
I have read a post about needing to flash the son with an empty firmware, to be able to ping it (when connected to the switch rugged) - [link](https://share.google/C2UpP5aduw6wcG31c). Could it be the problem? Bus still, it does not explain the fact I can’t access through uart..
Thanks in advance
---
### Author:  [@josh\_elijah](https://forum.botblox.org/u/josh_elijah)
#### Post date: [September 1, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://forum.botblox.org/t/accesing-rugged-som/640/2 "2026-09-01T20:21:31Z")
Hi Layla,
Check 1: Can you check how you ave assembled the SwitchBlox Rugged and Rugged SOM? You must use the header in a “right-justified” position, as in the image below. ([Datasheet page 12](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sm3algenXuvLffkIOnz-P6oSw19L0LBB/view))
Check 2: There is a bug with firmware running on SwitchBlox Rugged that sometimes causes issues on the I2C bus that Rugged SOM uses to communicate with SwitchBlox Rugged. We issued a firmware update in May 2026 to solve this, so you might be using an older firmware.
To solve this, you will need to do a firmware update on SwitchBlox Rugged. Please can you follow the steps in the page below to update the firmware.
> **[Notion | Where teams and agents work together](https://app.notion.com/p/botblox/Preparing-SwitchBlox-Rugged-2ee0ca7860eb8054ace1e69af74562ab)**
>
> A collaborative AI workspace, built on your company context. Build and orchestrate agents right alongside your team's projects, meetings, and connected apps.
Also, if you let us know the date you placed the order we can check if you have a unit that is running the older firmware.
---
### Author:  [@Layla](https://forum.botblox.org/u/Layla)
#### Post date: [September 4, 2026, 11:43am UTC](https://forum.botblox.org/t/accesing-rugged-som/640/3 "2026-09-04T11:43:47Z")
Hi, thanks for the quick response!
So, I have noticed that the Som and switch rugged are not connected as the picture above. The right pin (“present pin”) is not connected in my setup. Could it be the issue? Although I didn’t try working with i2c..
I will reconnect it as the picture you sent, and let you know whether that was the issue.
Thank you!
---
### Author:  [@josh\_elijah](https://forum.botblox.org/u/josh_elijah)
#### Post date: [September 4, 2026, 2:58pm UTC](https://forum.botblox.org/t/accesing-rugged-som/640/4 "2026-09-04T14:58:41Z")
Hi,
Yes that would cause it not to work. Can you send a photo of how it’s connected in your setup?
---
### Author:  [@Layla](https://forum.botblox.org/u/Layla)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2026, 11:43am UTC](https://forum.botblox.org/t/accesing-rugged-som/640/5 "2026-09-09T11:43:08Z")
Hey,
I made a sketch:
That is how it was connected when trying accessing though ethernet.
i have reconnected the two board according the picture u have sent. The present pin is now connected. But unfortunately, still unable to ping the switch (using the default ip address)..
Do I need to flash it?
---
### Author:  [@Layla](https://forum.botblox.org/u/Layla)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2026, 1:14pm UTC](https://forum.botblox.org/t/accesing-rugged-som/640/6 "2026-09-09T13:14:57Z")
About flashing, What board should be flashed? The SOM or switch blox rugged? Should they be coonected when flashing?
How do I know its not flashed already? And if it does, what firmware version should be flashed?
---
### Author:  [@josh\_elijah](https://forum.botblox.org/u/josh_elijah)
#### Post date: [September 9, 2026, 4:27pm UTC](https://forum.botblox.org/t/accesing-rugged-som/640/7 "2026-09-09T16:27:33Z")
The SwitchBlox Rugged used to run firmware that caused I2C bus contention issues when paired with Rugged SOM.
We fixed this in May, and since then, all SwitchBlox Rugged ship with updated firmware that resolve this issue.
Since you purchased the SwitchBlox Rugged in January, it will be running the older firmware. So we need to update the firmware on SwitchBlox Rugged. The Rugged SOM does not need to be flashed.
The page below contains the updated firmware, and instructions on how to flash.
> **[Notion | Where teams and agents work together](https://app.notion.com/p/botblox/Flashing-SwitchBlox-Rugged-2ee0ca7860eb8054ace1e69af74562ab)**
>
> A collaborative AI workspace, built on your company context. Build and orchestrate agents right alongside your team's projects, meetings, and connected apps.
Let me know if you need any assistance.