BS2 OEM Kit Troubles
noelkhan
Posts: 4
Forum,
I built two BS2 OEM kits (purchased through Parallax) and neither of them is detected by the Run > Identify. I get no device name, and no for loopback and echo. I've gone through the Connection Troubleshooting portion of the help file and set the Latency Timer Settings for my COM port to 1ms as directed. I'm powering the board using a brand new 9V battery connected to VIN and VSS. I'm using Parallax's USBto232 adapter, which is definitely okay as it works on another project and that also reassures me there's no PC/driver problem.
Because both the USBto232-adapter and OEM-board have male DB9 connectors, I use a female-female gender bender to mate them. Because I wasn't sure whether the gender-bender was full modem, I also crimped a cable to connect the two but get the same results.
The OEM-board's DB9 connector's #1 pin is top-left (because it's labeled so) and since it uses L-shaped male-pins, the connector's #1 pin is actually going to the board's #5 circular pad. If I mount the DB9 connector to the underside of the board - matching the connector's pin #1 to the board's #1 square pad - I get Yes for loopback and echo, but still no device name (this tells me the serial interface is now correct). Also, the schematic shows DB9 pins #6 and #7 shorted, which are clearly shorted on the underside of the board (two lower-left pads).
So, is the connector supposed to be bottom-mounted?
Also is there anything else I could do to get the device name to be detected?
Regards,
Noel
I built two BS2 OEM kits (purchased through Parallax) and neither of them is detected by the Run > Identify. I get no device name, and no for loopback and echo. I've gone through the Connection Troubleshooting portion of the help file and set the Latency Timer Settings for my COM port to 1ms as directed. I'm powering the board using a brand new 9V battery connected to VIN and VSS. I'm using Parallax's USBto232 adapter, which is definitely okay as it works on another project and that also reassures me there's no PC/driver problem.
Because both the USBto232-adapter and OEM-board have male DB9 connectors, I use a female-female gender bender to mate them. Because I wasn't sure whether the gender-bender was full modem, I also crimped a cable to connect the two but get the same results.
The OEM-board's DB9 connector's #1 pin is top-left (because it's labeled so) and since it uses L-shaped male-pins, the connector's #1 pin is actually going to the board's #5 circular pad. If I mount the DB9 connector to the underside of the board - matching the connector's pin #1 to the board's #1 square pad - I get Yes for loopback and echo, but still no device name (this tells me the serial interface is now correct). Also, the schematic shows DB9 pins #6 and #7 shorted, which are clearly shorted on the underside of the board (two lower-left pads).
So, is the connector supposed to be bottom-mounted?
Also is there anything else I could do to get the device name to be detected?
Regards,
Noel
1024 x 768 - 72K
Comments
The DB9 connector is supposed to be female, which would reverse the pin order and make it work when mounted on top. I would suggest contacting Parallax for a replacement.
erco: yep, I'm absolutely certain the USBto232 works.
Sapphire: I griped about the male connector under my breath, but couldn't find anything in the docs/pics that showed otherwise. I ordered one of these kits last summer and another in fall and both of them had male connectors. Just my luck.
Any ideas about the BS2 not being detected?
Thanking you,
Noel
The BS2 OEM ships (and is shown) with a female connector, which corresponds with the pin labels (silkscreen) - or it was mis-packed.
http://www.parallax.com/desktopmodules/catalookstore/ImageViewer.aspx?link=Images%2fProd%2f2%2f272%2f27291-L.jpg&desc=BASIC+Stamp+2+OEM+Module+(Kit+Form)&PortalID=0&viewerid=-1&mid=-1
It's that way so that you could, given space enough, plug it directly into the PC comm port.
Obviously, space is a consideration, so an extension cable is used (NOT a "null modem.")
Yes sir, and on two separate orders (second half of 2012)
Comparing the parts-picture to the materials-list, I see 3 other variations (VR, resonator, RN) of similar magnitude (negligible, annoyance).
Packing errors are typical. Getting the wrong part 2 of 2 times, atypical, but when speaking to staff at last year's expo I learned that interns/temps are common and that's where my suspicion lies since my orders were relatively close together.
But, now that there's consensus I got the wrong part or that under-mounting the male connector would work, it's a small matter. I also doubt that installing the male connector damaged the ICs, so if there's no additional suggestions on why the device isn't recognized, perhaps it's time to ship them back.
Regards,
Noel
Maybe there are other incorrect components, too, and/or maybe there are other issues.
One of the things that always confused me about electrical connectors what the male and female refers to the electrical contacts and not the body. The BS2 OEM and Homework board connectors have a Male end but inside are Female sockets.
Someone probably got the connectors confused because of the way they are described. Yes it's a female body but the connector is male so therefore it's called a male connector.
I think this incident will generate a CAPA (Corrective and Preventative Action) if Parallax uses such things.