I want to make a PC-bot

[JumpJet]

I am using a USB to microconntroller serial coverter.

[airman00]

Ok,

any documentation online about it?


also, RoboRealm does have a direct Serial control program. ( though im not sure about the USB to serial part)

[JumpJet]

this is the adapterhttp://www.pololu.com/products/pololu/0391/, and this is the controllerhttp://www.pololu.com/products/pololu/0101/ I got the one that responds to 0, 1, 2 and 3.

new:
I hooked ut up and registers as COM4 on roborealm

[airman00]

Houston we have a problem.


The roborealm allows direct control to the SERIAL PORT and NOT the USB port.

Once you figure how to directly control the USB port from a program on your computer, then look at page 8 of the user manual http://www.pololu.com/products/pololu/0101/smc01a_user_guide.pdf for the syntax of the serial commands.

On the website it says

The USB adapter's drivers make it look like a standard serial port to the operating system, allowing you to connect to all of your existing software, such as servo controller interface programs, through a USB port.

If what the website says is true then you would just select the virtual serial port. Tell me what happens,( install all the drivers from the roborealm website)


read the user manual a bunch of times, and remember to look at circuits using that motor controller, and figure out the voltages and amperage needed to NOT fry the USB port/ serial port.

More details about the virtual serial port or if its just a USB port!

,Eric

[JumpJet]

I shows up as COM4 when I plug it in, so I gess it is a virtual serial port. What drivers on Roborealm? there is only one download.

[airman00]

no drivers, just download roborealm

use the serial commands found in the user guide for info.


It should be pretty straightforward from then on.


On roborealm click the Control tab on the left. Then click Other. Then click Serial.

There, youre all set! 

[JumpJet]

Thanks, but I need help with code

[airman00]

Read roborealm tutorials on how to read key press events and then do an IF   THEN command to direct serial commands.


After you have researched it more , I will be able to assist you ( a bit) 

,Eric

[JumpJet]

I could not find that. Here is what I have so far.[

[airman00]

Did the serial command you send control the motor controller appropriately? Meaning, did it work???


Here is the explanation for the IF command http://www.roborealm.com/help/If_Statement.php
for the key presses : http://www.roborealm.com/help/Keyboard.php


be sure to tell me how it goes!

,Eric

[JumpJet]

No, it did not work.

[airman00]

look at the video at my blog for inspiration
http://erobots.blogspot.com


Did you get the serial controller to work? Or did you just give up?

[JumpJet]

What video?

No, I was waiting for your advice

[airman00]

Oh sorry its not there yet
whatever it is here: http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=2314.msg15499#new


For the serial controller :
this is the best I  can tell you  , make sure you are giving the proper serial data at the right baud rate to the controller . Make sure the controller is powered and wired correctly.

Please post pics or even a video of your setup - how you wired the motors
also do some research on serial ports or post a new topic here specifically about using a serial port. Make sure not to fry the serial port!

If i think of anything , ill get back to you

[JumpJet]

Ok, here is my set up. this is the link to the converter: http://www.pololu.com/products/pololu/0391/

[airman00]

Check to make sure that the motor controller is actually getting a serial signal in the first place.
Use a microcontroller to verify the signal.....



Please post screenshots of your RoboRealm program
make a screenshot like this http://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=863


I would suggest making a new thread to this one - the title should be something like USB to serial motorcontroller problems

be sure to write a ton of details on your setup

[JumpJet]

I don't have a micro controller...

there is a screenshot on page 1