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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 3:14 PM
Posts: 4,
Visits: 14
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Hi,
I recently purchased a Serializer, I am familiar with microcontrollers and software applications.
Yesterday, I connected an SRF08 and everything worked fine.
Also, I'm writing an application in Visual Basic to communicate with the Serializer.
Today, when I turn on the Serializer ( no sensors on it, no servos, no motors), the green LED flashes normally for a few seconds, and then the power LED blinks fast and there is no communication.
When I use the Hyperterm, and enter the reset command, it responds and then freezes the screen repeating the command.
I also tried the restore command, but the results were the same.
I'm sure there is a damage here, but need to know if it can be fixed.
The Serializer is connected via a USB port.
Thanks
Theo
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Supreme Being
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 12:38 PM
Posts: 256,
Visits: 377
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| It sounds to me like you have a power supply issue. If you haven't reversed polarity when hooking up the power supply, I doubt very seriously that you have damage. We have VERY few problems w/ the Serializer hardware (unless someone reverses polarity). What are the specs of your power supply (current and voltage rating)? Make sure you're not shorting something (e.g. you have a VCC pin and Gnd crossed on a sensor connection). You can send it to us, and if there's any damage, we can likely fix it. We charge $10 + shipping to look at it. Best Regards,
Jason Summerour
President,
Summerour Robotics Corporation
Microsoft MVP
www.roboticsconnection.com
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 3:14 PM
Posts: 4,
Visits: 14
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Thanks Jason,
You were right.The problem was the power failure.
I use rechargable batteries, and after a "heavy" work with the Serializer, I actually drained them.
I replaced them with fresh batteries, and it all worked well.
If there's anything else, I will let you know.
Three last things:
1. When I used the TPA81 with the Serializer at that time, I got really "crazy" readings, and when i tried that sensor with Devantech's USB-I2C adapter the readings were ok.
Do you think that was also due to the drained batteries?
2. I'm writing a VB application to interface with the Serializer and demonstrate its wokings with various sensors.
When I'm done, is it possible to post it here so everyone can download it?
3. I will e-mail you my order that couldn't get resolved, so we can proceed with it.
Thanks
Theo
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Supreme Being
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 12:38 PM
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| Theo, Cool! That's good to hear you resolved the issue.  1. More than likely. The TPA81s have worked well w/ the Serializer 2. Sure, I'd be glad to post it on the site. The more examples, the merrier! 3.) Sounds good! Best Regards!
Jason Summerour
President,
Summerour Robotics Corporation
Microsoft MVP
www.roboticsconnection.com
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Sunday, May 18, 2008 10:29 AM
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| Hi Theo, I read that you are developping VB code for the serializer. Have you already posted it? I have tried to write some VB code based on all the presented C# examples on this site, but I'm afraid that I miss some of the correct declarations and therefore, it does not work. Thanks in advance. Kind regards, Sven Somers sven.somers@gmail.com
Sven Somers
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Supreme Being
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 12:38 PM
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| Sven, Can you post your code? I'll look through it and see what's wrong. Just do a 'Build Clean' on your VS solution, then zip the code up, and attach it. Peforming a clean build will delete the .exe's. Best Regards,
Jason Summerour
President,
Summerour Robotics Corporation
Microsoft MVP
www.roboticsconnection.com
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 3:14 PM
Posts: 4,
Visits: 14
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Hi Sven,
You must have in mind that although the Serializer library can be used in VB too, C# is a different language than the VB, which handles some things a lot differently than C#.
It doesn't always work to "translate" C# in VB.
When I have something solid ready, I will surely post it. and any questions you have you can always ask and I'll do my best to help.
Theo
P.S.
I'm sure Jason can help you much much more that I can!! ( he invented the Serializer, after all  ).
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