PROP Device VIA USB ( PROPPLUG) to another PROP Device- Problems

DavidM

HI,

I am using the PROP PLUG on each of my 2 PROP DEVICES, I have the standard RESET , GND, RX & TX lines connected to the prop plug, I have a USB TYPE A CONNECTOR ( at both ends) connected to both prop plugs.

PROPCHIP --> PROPPLUG --> (TYPE-A PLUG - CABLE - TYPE A PLUG) --> PROPPLUG -->PROPCHIP

I cannot get the two prop devices to communicate, the RX & TX LEDS don't even light up!

BUT..

With each of my prop devices I can ( without any issues using the above cable and connections) ..

1) Load the propeller via the PC using spin,( no probs)
2) debug/communicate with the prop terminal on the PC
3) Use a REAL-BASIC Application ( that I am developing at the moment) to send and receive serial data ( via the MAC).no probs.
4) use a serial terminal application on the MAC for debugging/sending commands etc ( no probs)

What i am trying to say is that I have no problems talking to ANY of my prop devices via USB to either MAC OR PC, but..

I cannot get two props to communicate.

Q1) Is this something to do with the prop plug or the UART in the PROP being/not being a DTE or DCE ?

I am using extended FD serial for all my comms ( at 57600 baud).

I hope i explained this clearly???

thanks

Dave M

BradC

You can't get a prop plug to talk to anything other than a PC running the FTDI driver I'm afraid. You can't do what you are trying to do.
If you are doing that, why use the prop plug at all? Just build a 3 wire prop-plug style crossover cable and use the standard TTL serial.

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virtuPIC

Actually, USB distinguishes between 'host' and 'client'. Connections only work between host and client. Anything else doesn't.

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DavidM

HI Brad!

Thanks for that,

I already have my device(s) built with USB "Ports" to allow firmware updating and Serial coms via a PC or a MAC ( all of which works beautifully).

But I have expansion ports to allow other protocols such as RS485.

thanks


Dave M

Cluso99

Seems like your other boards are doing just what the propplug does - ii implements the client or slave protocol only. You are trying to be the host or master and this requires a lot more control and most USB chips do not so this. See the FTDI website for more information.

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DavidM

Thanks Cluso99 and VirtuPIC!

I will leave the use of a propplug to only function as a port for uploading firmware and for serial comms to a PC or MAC, These two features work really well at the moment .

I think RS485 is the best way for multi-prop WIRED communication.

I actually use AEROCOMM modems for multipoint serial comms as well.


regards

Dave M