Cannot download the code “RoamingWithPING.bs2"

DetroitPiston

I have recently bought a Ping))) sensor with the mounting bracket from Parallax. I have tested the Ping))) sensor using the programs Ping))) Dar and TestPingDirection, provided from Parallax’s website. Everything worked fine. Then I run into a problem that I cannot download the code “RoamingWithPING.bs2”, and the error message: “ Hardware Communication Failure!· Check Serial Cable and Power”.
I have check for:
Jumper for Vdd (5 V)
Batteries (Qty =· 4)
All connections that include IR, LEDs, Vdd, Vss..etc
All Cables that included the Ping))) sensor
Reboot the computer…etc, and
Nothing worked, same error message.
I would greatly appreciate any HELP and ADVICE.

Thanks in advance.

Mike Green

The Hardware Communication Failure message usually occurs when there's a power problem with the Stamp. Make sure you have fresh batteries. It's possible to have an intermittent poor connection in the serial cable or connector. If you're using USB, there are some adjustments you can make to some of the USB driver parameters on your PC. Read the Parallax note on troubleshooting USB drivers. The link is on the bottom of their main webpage. I've occasionally seen this message on a slow PC when Windows is downloading or installing an update.

The only thing about the specific program is that it's relatively large, so downloading has to succeed for longer than with a short program.

DetroitPiston

Thanks Mike,
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I am using IBM LapTop, P4, CPU 1.8G, 256MB RAM, Window XP.
·
Same error message was displayed after replaced the batteries and cleaned up the comments (to short a program). You could be right about “it’s possible to have an intermittent of poor connection” (i.e. cracks solder joints).
Could you please tell me – What is the changes from Rev. C to Rev. D on the Board of Education? The only different that I seen was the ‘Text’!

Mike Green

1) I don't remember the difference between the two versions. It wouldn't affect this.

2) Cleaning up the comments won't make any difference in the program size. The comments are stripped out during compilation.

3) I don't have any other suggestions. I know that program will download successfully. You can always e-mail or telephone Parallax support directly.

DetroitPiston

Hi Mike,
·
When looking over the schematic Rev. D of the Board of Education w/USB interface. I have found that the USB IC’s and some components (please see the attached page 2 schematic of USB power circuit) on the actual print circuit board (PCB) of Board of Education Rev. D were not the same as shown on the Rev. D schematic. Such as the USB IC: FT232BM (schematic) vs USB IC: FT232RQ (PCB). Could you please explain why? or am I download the wrong (schematic) one!?

Please HELP or any ADVICE.

Mike Green

The FT232RQ is a newer part that can be used with fewer external components than the FT232BM. It may be that Parallax just hasn't gotten around to posting a Rev. E schematic yet. Parallax is using the FT232RQ in all of its newer boards. I think all of the Propeller boards and accessories that use a USB to serial adapter use this part.

Chris Savage

I think you may have the wrong schematic. The Revision D schematic we have listed online clearly shows the FT232RQ. Please see the following link for the Revision D schematic. Take care.

http://www.parallax.com/Portals/0/Downloads/docs/prod/boards/BOE_USB_D_Schematic.pdf

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Chris Savage
Parallax Engineering

DetroitPiston

Hello Mike & Chris,

Thank you so much.

Please look at the link of the revision D shematic provided by Chris, especially at the Microcontroller chip (BS2-IC) pin 23 (Vss)!? Take care and Thanks.

Mike Green

Pins 4 and 23 are connected together on the module and pin 4 is grounded as it should be. Download the BS2 module schematic and you'll see.

If the Stamp were an integrated circuit chip rather than a hybrid module, it would be important to connect both pins to ground because the wiring on the chip itself doesn't have much current carrying capacity. For a hybrid module, the printed circuit board traces are capable of carrying more than enough current for the module.