Cheapest method to connect $50 to USB port.

[Conscripted]

hello all. I'm looking for the cheapest method I can find to connect the $50 robot to a USB port on the computer. I don't need it for uploading software. I have the AVRISPMKII for that.

I've done several searches and looked a various options but I'm never really sure what will work and what won't. I'm hoping to get a solution that others have used before.

Thanks

Conscripted

[Soeren]

Hi,

I guess an USB to EIA/TIA232 adapter is about the cheapest. Search this site, I think somebody posted about hacking a cheap DealExtreme adapter cable recently.

[totalis]

Having spent a long time messing about with f232rl chips, i now realise that the best way is to order a nokia data cable (CA-42)

you then can open up the USB part and resolder the V++ and GND, the other conections should be in the same place. i did this because the power out was 3.3v and not 5 like i tend to use. the other end can be cut and made into a pin header.

I would recommend using some 2.2k resistors inbetween the data lines and the pins, this stops the chip from frying if connected the wrong way.

the original post is here

http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=12751.0

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CA-42-USB-DATA-CABLE-NOKIA-5100-5140-6020-6021-CA42-/220600266404?pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhoneAccesories_MobilePhoneDataCables_JN&hash=item335ccceea4

Ebay uk

Hope this helps

if you need driver help then reply of PM me

T

[tcousins]

There many device available but since you are looking for the method to connect to a USB port try searching for crude usb interface.  These circuits are easy and cheap to build.


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[paulstreats]

Maybe just replacing the MCU with a USB capable one would be the most straight forward option.

[Conscripted]

Maybe just replacing the MCU with a USB capable one would be the most straight forward option.

I've already gotten the $50 board built. Changing MCUs isn't an option.