Penguin Software

NWCCTV

The SC box just arrived and I was lucky enough to pull a Penguin Bot from it. So, where do I go for the Penguin software since it is end of life?

Publison

NWCCTV wrote: »

The SC box just arrived and I was lucky enough to pull a Penguin Bot from it. So, where do I go for the Penguin software since it is end of life?

Here's a link to get started. I'm sure many links are broken. Huminoido has many programs also.


http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/97288-Penguin-Resources


I see if I can dig up the official programs here in the next few minutes.


EDIT: The attachment will keep you busy for a while.

Publison

The original attachment was too big >11 MB. Adding some more programs here.

Publison

One more thing.

Publison

I hope there's another one in there.

NWCCTV

Thank you. I will download these and at least have something to work with.

NWCCTV

Quite a cool little Bot. However, I am trying to run the Line Dance program but it does nothing. I calibrated using the Parallaxservo callibration lile it said but it still does not move. What am I missing?

Duane Degn

Some Penguins needed brain surgery before they would work while disconnected from the USB cable.

I recently received one of these Penguins in need of surgery so I'll need to use the rework instruction Publison attached to post #3.

Do you know if your Penguin needs the repair?

NWCCTV

I am not sure. How would I know? The batteries are dead but he works fine plugged in to my USB port. Do I need to use fresh batteries?

Edit: And after reading the pdf file I see that I may need to do the rework. I will test the batteries to see if they are in fact good and will get what I need if I have to. However, shouldn't the Line Dance program work when plugged in if the rest of the programs work?

EDIT 2: I pulled the batteries and tested them and they are OK. Once I put them back in the Penguin works just fine if I have the cable plugged in and then unplug it. However, if I shut it off and then power it on with no USB cable it does not work. Looks like I do need the surgery.

Duane Degn

NWCCTV wrote: »

I am not sure. How would I know? The batteries are dead but he works fine plugged in to my USB port. Do I need to use fresh batteries?

I'll let someone else answer this. I don't know myself.

Martin_H

Penguins that need brain surgery get stuck rebooting when powered on and NOT connected to a USB power source. They work fine when USB power is on and they are turned on, even if they are unplugged afterwards. There are two workarounds. The easiest is to always plug them in to turn them on, either a computer or USB power source. The rework kit with the mosfet results in completely normal operation, but requires surface mount soldering skills.

erco

Here's a clever instant workaround that works: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/129738-Get-your-Penguin-working-without-modifing-the-circuit-card.?highlight=digipower

I have a new Digipower in the package. You want it, NW? Assuming the onboard LiPo is still good...

NWCCTV

erco, yes, I will take it. Thanks for that. Although my normal soldering skills are precise, I am still not up to speed on SMT components.

Publison

NWCCTV wrote: »

erco, yes, I will take it. Thanks for that. Although my normal soldering skills are precise, I am still not up to speed on SMT components.

Did you get the upgrade kit with the Penguin?

I think my kits came with twice the components needed. I can do a brain transplant for you. I did two with no problems.

Jim

Publison

I did two butt batteries at $1.99 each. (Actually scored four at that price).

SavageCircuits

The "Repair Kits" were included with the two Penguins that found their way into the parts box. FYI.

NWCCTV

Chris, Thanks. I did pull a Penguin and a repair kit. I will hopefully be sending the box off to Rich in the next day or two. With my dog passing and me having put all my stuff in boxes to remodel, I have to dig out the items I am putting back in the box. Hang tough Rich, box will be on the way soon.

Humanoido

This may help. Some links may need the updating program.
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/129592-Penguin-Robot?p=977061#post977061

This is another good source. Penguin Robot Society PRS.
http://www.p-robot.com/

The CR123A batteries with the kit usually need replacing due to limitations of shelf life. I opted for using a rechargeables and also built a power supply for the desk.

http://www.p-robot.com/index.php/penguin-rechargeable-batteries.html

The above link also shows what happens when the battery voltage declines.

The new Penguin works without the upgrade kit by tethering it with the USB line. The discontinued USB retractable thin cable works best for this purpose.

Also keep in mind there are two Penguin boards with different calibrations. The dance programs were written for the original Penguin.
Calibration programs are found here on the utilities page.
www.p-robot.com/index.php/utilities.html

There's really no shortage of Penguin programs. I wrote about a thousand programs and posted most of these in the forum. I have new programs too but need time to do more posting. The new Penguin rev b has the coolest display. I wrote display programs for English Text, and Math, (posted) and a wireless communications which needs no extra parts. The Math program adds 34 new characters and Calculus.

Penguin Font English
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/129845-Penguin-Font-English-Text-On-Penguin

Math & Punctuation
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/129932-Penguin-Robot-Math-Punctuation-(REVB)

Here's info about generating English characters.
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/129909-Penguin-Display-Programming-Chart?p=980246#post980246

NWCCTV

Thanks Humanoido and others for the help and links. I have added this thread to my Favorites folder so when I have the time I can check everything out.