[Ersk]

Hi all.

For my final year project at uni I am going to write some software for the 6CPB. At the moment I am having problems receiving any data from the COM port.

The connection to the COM port is successful. If I remove the USB it throws an error. The state of the problem is that I'm not receiving any bytes of data.

The only other thing I have noticed is that when I pull the trigger on the controller the car still works. I was under the impression that when the PB is connected to a PC, the cars depended on receiving input from the PC and if there was no input from the PC then the cars would not move?

Below is the protocol info I have set so I don't think this is the problem.

1 start bit (0)
8 data bits
1 stop bit (1)
No parity bit
Baudrate: 19,200bps
USB Serial Port (COM4)

Any ideas what could be wrong?

Thanks,
Simon.

 

[gmac118]

Hi there, I've got no idea what u talking about.( computer illiterate ) I'm sure somebody will help soon. BUT.... what software are u planning on writing, and will you make it down loadable for the rest of us??

 

[Keeto]

Hi there,

Good luck with your final year. Programming is not my forté.

What I do want to warn you about, is if you're using the new 6 car APB, then, do NOT plug and unplug your USB cable in/out while you have power ON. Everything needs to be switched OFF BEFORE you plug or unplug - otherwise your final year project is going to cost you a lot of £££££. Here is the link about it.

 

[Ersk]

Thanks for the heads up. When I did remove the USB it was with the power disconnected anyway so that isn't the problem

 

[RikoRocket]

Go to Andy's website and download the firmware upgrader software, that is idiot proof so if you cant update your powerbase then you have a cable or driver problem
http://ssdc.jackaments.com

 

[Ade]

hi
can confirm the update is idiot proof.

 

[RikoRocket]

...not intended to sound negative in any way... The software is robust so if it won't work that means there is a PC or cable issue.

its so easy for things to come out wrong isn't it?

 

[RichG]

Hi Simon

Have a careful read of the protocol document & remember, with your own software, the controllers will work as normal until you send the Powerbase a packet. If the packet you send is in the correct format the Powerbase will then reply with handset positions, car crossing data, button positions etc.

Rich

 

[Ersk]

Thanks Rich,

I think you've hit the nail on the head. Will have a go tomorrow.

Note to self: RTFM