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stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor controller — Parallax Forums

stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor controller

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2003-06-02 14:30 in General Discussion
Hi,

I'm trying to use al Williams pak5 for pwm to control 3 trolling motors from a
bs2,,, I found a motor controller at diverse electronics, it uses 3 stamp lines
per motor, so nine lines, plus a pwm line for each motor from the pak5a. I'm
using the pak 6 so I can use an AT keyboard to give commands to the first stamp
which talks to the motor control stamp.

Has anyone else address large dc motors,, what controllers did you use?

I tried this once before a few years ago and burnt up a couple of chips with a
bad ground. Now I'm trying again with the help of a friend who also can't
solder worth a darn (we are old). Anyone have any suggestions for a good kit
for making connections on breadboard between stamps and other i.c.'s I don't
want to solder if I can help it, even with a magnifier it's an exercise
in,,,,,,,, the random spewing of solder.

I was able to get the pak 5 and 6 working ok, as I have saved my programs from
before, but wonder if there is a list of items that would make it easy to do
just about any connection required on a large breadboard, between the stamps and
the other i.c.s. Is there a good kit, or list of items that might be helpful?

Bill




[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-29 18:19
    You may not want to rule out wirewrap technics. At least you don't have to
    worry about solder splatter etc.
    -kerry

    At 01:04 PM 5/29/03 -0400, you wrote:
    >Hi,
    >
    >I'm trying to use al Williams pak5 for pwm to control 3 trolling motors
    from a bs2,,, I found a motor controller at diverse electronics, it uses 3
    stamp lines per motor, so nine lines, plus a pwm line for each motor from
    the pak5a. I'm using the pak 6 so I can use an AT keyboard to give commands
    to the first stamp which talks to the motor control stamp.
    >
    >Has anyone else address large dc motors,, what controllers did you use?
    >
    >I tried this once before a few years ago and burnt up a couple of chips
    with a bad ground. Now I'm trying again with the help of a friend who
    also can't solder worth a darn (we are old). Anyone have any suggestions
    for a good kit for making connections on breadboard between stamps and other
    i.c.'s I don't want to solder if I can help it, even with a magnifier it's
    an exercise in,,,,,,,, the random spewing of solder.
    >
    >I was able to get the pak 5 and 6 working ok, as I have saved my programs
    from before, but wonder if there is a list of items that would make it easy
    to do just about any connection required on a large breadboard, between the
    stamps and the other i.c.s. Is there a good kit, or list of items that
    might be helpful?
    >
    >Bill
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    >
    >
    >To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    Very respectfully, your obedient servant.
    Kerry
    Admin@M...
    WWW server hosting [url=Http://mntnweb.com]Http://mntnweb.com[/url]
    Kerry Barlow
    p.o. box 21
    kirkwood ny
    13795
    607-775-1575
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-29 19:37
    > Hi,
    >
    > I'm trying to use al Williams pak5 for pwm to control 3 trolling motors from a
    bs2,,, I found a motor controller at diverse electronics, it uses 3 stamp lines
    per motor, so nine lines, plus a pwm line for each motor from the pak5a. I'm
    using the pak
    6
    > so I can use an AT keyboard to give commands to the first stamp which talks
    to the motor control stamp.
    >
    > Has anyone else address large dc motors,, what controllers did you use?
    >
    > I tried this once before a few years ago and burnt up a couple of chips with a
    bad ground. Now I'm trying again with the help of a friend who also can't
    solder worth a darn (we are old). Anyone have any suggestions for a good kit
    for making connec
    t
    > ions on breadboard between stamps and other i.c.'s I don't want to solder if
    I can help it, even with a magnifier it's an exercise in,,,,,,,, the random
    spewing of solder.
    >
    > I was able to get the pak 5 and 6 working ok, as I have saved my programs from
    before, but wonder if there is a list of items that would make it easy to do
    just about any connection required on a large breadboard, between the stamps and
    the other i.c.s
    .
    > Is there a good kit, or list of items that might be helpful?

    Breadboards and the like are great for prototypes but when it
    comes to using your design in the field, what were advantages in
    the lab quiclky become disadvantages: wires come lose, contacts
    corrode, vibrations cause problems etc.

    Wire-wrap is a possibility but you need good eyesight and excellent
    manual dexterity for it yo be anything less than a nightmare.
    Personally, I've spent a LOT of time tracing broken wires in
    wirewrap designs....

    I hate to say it, but solder is a necessary evil when it comes to
    electronics. Perhaps you can recruit some help ?

    Mark Hillier, VE6HVW
    President, HVW Technologies Inc.
    Canadian Distributors of Parallax Products and other Neat Stuff
    Tel: (403)-730-8603 Fax: (403)-730-8903
    http://www.HVWTech.com
    ** New Breadboard Voltage Regulator (BVR) -A plugable +5 Volt
    power supply !
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-29 19:48
    Not sure if it will help, but here is a motor controller that looks
    pretty sweet, and would save you a bunch of soldering!

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2534636886&category=2
    6209

    (may word wrap, if it does, cut and paste it)

    I have not tried it, but I'm real tempted to, rather than building my
    own for a similar project.

    -John


    Original Message
    From: Bill Katakis [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=Rebw45erW1xr-GtNxDIlGyhWuHCZNYdT6NHczdWeky-hSB3kHLmQKjD3O2bOmlZIHSGvTK8hLqmGpjuCtM8]bkatakis@a...[/url
    Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 12:04 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    controller

    Hi,

    I'm trying to use al Williams pak5 for pwm to control 3 trolling motors
    from a bs2,,, I found a motor controller at diverse electronics, it
    uses 3 stamp lines per motor, so nine lines, plus a pwm line for each
    motor from the pak5a. I'm using the pak 6 so I can use an AT keyboard
    to give commands to the first stamp which talks to the motor control
    stamp.

    Has anyone else address large dc motors,, what controllers did you use?

    I tried this once before a few years ago and burnt up a couple of chips
    with a bad ground. Now I'm trying again with the help of a friend who
    also can't solder worth a darn (we are old). Anyone have any
    suggestions for a good kit for making connections on breadboard between
    stamps and other i.c.'s I don't want to solder if I can help it, even
    with a magnifier it's an exercise in,,,,,,,, the random spewing of
    solder.

    I was able to get the pak 5 and 6 working ok, as I have saved my
    programs from before, but wonder if there is a list of items that would
    make it easy to do just about any connection required on a large
    breadboard, between the stamps and the other i.c.s. Is there a good
    kit, or list of items that might be helpful?

    Bill




    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-29 20:48
    Here is why breadboarding can be a problem:

    http://www.dprg.org/gallery/rr2000b/0041.html

    I do some breadboarding, but most of the time I just use a protoboard, with
    wirewrap wire (soldered) for logic and 20-22 ga stranded wire for the power
    stuff. Once you get the hang of it, you can make a very sturdy board. If you
    want some photos, let me know.

    Original Message

    > Breadboards and the like are great for prototypes but when it
    > comes to using your design in the field, what were advantages in
    > the lab quiclky become disadvantages: wires come lose, contacts
    > corrode, vibrations cause problems etc.
    >
    > Wire-wrap is a possibility but you need good eyesight and excellent
    > manual dexterity for it yo be anything less than a nightmare.
    > Personally, I've spent a LOT of time tracing broken wires in
    > wirewrap designs....
    >
    > I hate to say it, but solder is a necessary evil when it comes to
    > electronics. Perhaps you can recruit some help ?
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-29 20:50
    Ok so I can get a wire wrap kit for the breadboard and a stronger magnifying
    glass for soldering and perhaps a good soldering person for the field
    version. I checked out the motor controller and I couldn't see anything
    about reversing the motors which we would need to do. Is there an
    inexpensive shareware or freeware program for making circuit boards and what
    kit would you use to make the boards. The diverse electronics motor
    controller is at http://divelec.tripod.com/mc/mc7_specs.html it includes
    sample software for the bs2. It uses fets so you have to be careful with
    static. It's fully reversible and worked well on one trolling motor before
    I accidentally popped a ground lead off of the keyboard chip and it died.
    Price is $80 12-36vdc motor supply and uses ttl level voltage to ,, enable,
    forward, reverse, and has a pwm input which I ran Al Williams pak 5 to. If
    I could conquer the physical part of this, I know it would be a great little
    underwater robot. Anyone up to a collaboration? Thanks for your input by
    the way, it's great that people are willing to offer good advice.

    Bill

    Cure Cancer and Smallpox with your computer.
    It runs as a screen-saver Sponsored by Intel:
    http://members.ud.com/download/gold/

    Original Message
    From: "Mark Hillier" <Mark@H...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 2:37 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    controller


    >
    >
    > > Hi,
    > >
    > > I'm trying to use al Williams pak5 for pwm to control 3 trolling motors
    from a bs2,,, I found a motor controller at diverse electronics, it uses 3
    stamp lines per motor, so nine lines, plus a pwm line for each motor from
    the pak5a. I'm using the pak
    > 6
    > > so I can use an AT keyboard to give commands to the first stamp which
    talks to the motor control stamp.
    > >
    > > Has anyone else address large dc motors,, what controllers did you use?
    > >
    > > I tried this once before a few years ago and burnt up a couple of chips
    with a bad ground. Now I'm trying again with the help of a friend who
    also can't solder worth a darn (we are old). Anyone have any suggestions
    for a good kit for making connec
    > t
    > > ions on breadboard between stamps and other i.c.'s I don't want to
    solder if I can help it, even with a magnifier it's an exercise in,,,,,,,,
    the random spewing of solder.
    > >
    > > I was able to get the pak 5 and 6 working ok, as I have saved my
    programs from before, but wonder if there is a list of items that would make
    it easy to do just about any connection required on a large breadboard,
    between the stamps and the other i.c.s
    > .
    > > Is there a good kit, or list of items that might be helpful?
    >
    > Breadboards and the like are great for prototypes but when it
    > comes to using your design in the field, what were advantages in
    > the lab quiclky become disadvantages: wires come lose, contacts
    > corrode, vibrations cause problems etc.
    >
    > Wire-wrap is a possibility but you need good eyesight and excellent
    > manual dexterity for it yo be anything less than a nightmare.
    > Personally, I've spent a LOT of time tracing broken wires in
    > wirewrap designs....
    >
    > I hate to say it, but solder is a necessary evil when it comes to
    > electronics. Perhaps you can recruit some help ?
    >
    > Mark Hillier, VE6HVW
    > President, HVW Technologies Inc.
    > Canadian Distributors of Parallax Products and other Neat Stuff
    > Tel: (403)-730-8603 Fax: (403)-730-8903
    > http://www.HVWTech.com
    > ** New Breadboard Voltage Regulator (BVR) -A plugable +5 Volt
    > power supply !
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-29 21:13
    In a message dated 5/29/2003 12:50:47 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    bkatakis@a... writes:

    > Is there an
    > inexpensive shareware or freeware program for making circuit boards and what
    > kit would you use to make the boards.

    <A HREF="www.expresspcb.com">www.expresspcb.com</A>

    Free pcb layout software, verify your design and hit send (if you are hooked
    up to the internet). In about 3 to 4 days high quality PCB's show up at your
    door. I have used the service many times and am happy it.


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-29 21:19
    I see what you mean, that link leads to a nightmare! I see a little of that
    coming my way. Seems as though I'll have to breadboard or protoboard then
    goto a custom board. I could do the circuit board now since I know what
    chips I'm using. Is there cheap/free software out there that helps design a
    circuit board?

    Cure Cancer and Smallpox with your computer.
    It runs as a screen-saver Sponsored by Intel:
    http://members.ud.com/download/gold/

    Original Message
    From: "Rodent" <daweasel@s...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 3:48 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    controller


    > Here is why breadboarding can be a problem:
    >
    > http://www.dprg.org/gallery/rr2000b/0041.html
    >
    > I do some breadboarding, but most of the time I just use a protoboard,
    with
    > wirewrap wire (soldered) for logic and 20-22 ga stranded wire for the
    power
    > stuff. Once you get the hang of it, you can make a very sturdy board. If
    you
    > want some photos, let me know.
    >
    >
    Original Message
    >
    > > Breadboards and the like are great for prototypes but when it
    > > comes to using your design in the field, what were advantages in
    > > the lab quiclky become disadvantages: wires come lose, contacts
    > > corrode, vibrations cause problems etc.
    > >
    > > Wire-wrap is a possibility but you need good eyesight and excellent
    > > manual dexterity for it yo be anything less than a nightmare.
    > > Personally, I've spent a LOT of time tracing broken wires in
    > > wirewrap designs....
    > >
    > > I hate to say it, but solder is a necessary evil when it comes to
    > > electronics. Perhaps you can recruit some help ?
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-29 21:31
    Most of the free circuit board layout programs are totally manual and don't
    check for conflicts, routing, etc... Some have more features, and others are
    easier to use. Be sure you know what you are getting into before you commit
    to a particular program. Some more or less lock you into using a particular
    board house for manufacturing and make it difficult if you want to etch your
    own boards.

    I had all the board making and hand layout when I was much younger, so I
    decided to let a shop make boards for me. I had good luck with Express PCB.
    I had some generic BoEBot sized prototyping boards made a few months back
    and the quality and service were great.

    By the way, the robot in the photo was not mine. Here are a few of my big
    BS2SX-powered robot though:

    http://www.dprg.org/gallery/rr2003a/0152.html

    http://www.dprg.org/gallery/rr2003a/0091.html

    http://www.dprg.org/gallery/rr2003a/0090.html

    Original Message

    > I see what you mean, that link leads to a nightmare! I see a little of
    that
    > coming my way. Seems as though I'll have to breadboard or protoboard
    then
    > goto a custom board. I could do the circuit board now since I know what
    > chips I'm using. Is there cheap/free software out there that helps design
    a
    > circuit board?

    >
    Original Message

    > > Here is why breadboarding can be a problem:
    > >
    > > http://www.dprg.org/gallery/rr2000b/0041.html
    > >
    > > I do some breadboarding, but most of the time I just use a protoboard,
    > with
    > > wirewrap wire (soldered) for logic and 20-22 ga stranded wire for the
    > power
    > > stuff. Once you get the hang of it, you can make a very sturdy board. If
    > you
    > > want some photos, let me know.
    > >
    > >
    Original Message
    > >
    > > > Breadboards and the like are great for prototypes but when it
    > > > comes to using your design in the field, what were advantages in
    > > > the lab quiclky become disadvantages: wires come lose, contacts
    > > > corrode, vibrations cause problems etc.
    > > >
    > > > Wire-wrap is a possibility but you need good eyesight and excellent
    > > > manual dexterity for it yo be anything less than a nightmare.
    > > > Personally, I've spent a LOT of time tracing broken wires in
    > > > wirewrap designs....
    > > >
    > > > I hate to say it, but solder is a necessary evil when it comes to
    > > > electronics. Perhaps you can recruit some help ?
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-29 22:32
    Rodent,

    Your Bot is a work of art. It must have taken a long time. What is the
    competition you are in?

    I installed the Express PC board software and am looking at it. I suddenly
    realized that the pcb for both stamps would need another ic to change ttl
    level stamp rs232 or (on pin 16 the -+10vdc )to rs 422 or something like
    that , is there a chip you like for the transition that offers a good long
    distance over the wire? Perhaps something that is a straight thru deal with
    no software configuration.


    Original Message
    From: "Rodent" <daweasel@s...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 4:31 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    controller


    > Most of the free circuit board layout programs are totally manual and
    don't
    > check for conflicts, routing, etc... Some have more features, and others
    are
    > easier to use. Be sure you know what you are getting into before you
    commit
    > to a particular program. Some more or less lock you into using a
    particular
    > board house for manufacturing and make it difficult if you want to etch
    your
    > own boards.
    >
    > I had all the board making and hand layout when I was much younger, so I
    > decided to let a shop make boards for me. I had good luck with Express
    PCB.
    > I had some generic BoEBot sized prototyping boards made a few months back
    > and the quality and service were great.
    >
    > By the way, the robot in the photo was not mine. Here are a few of my big
    > BS2SX-powered robot though:
    >
    > http://www.dprg.org/gallery/rr2003a/0152.html
    >
    > http://www.dprg.org/gallery/rr2003a/0091.html
    >
    > http://www.dprg.org/gallery/rr2003a/0090.html
    >
    >
    Original Message
    >
    > > I see what you mean, that link leads to a nightmare! I see a little of
    > that
    > > coming my way. Seems as though I'll have to breadboard or protoboard
    > then
    > > goto a custom board. I could do the circuit board now since I know
    what
    > > chips I'm using. Is there cheap/free software out there that helps
    design
    > a
    > > circuit board?
    >
    > >
    Original Message
    >
    > > > Here is why breadboarding can be a problem:
    > > >
    > > > http://www.dprg.org/gallery/rr2000b/0041.html
    > > >
    > > > I do some breadboarding, but most of the time I just use a protoboard,
    > > with
    > > > wirewrap wire (soldered) for logic and 20-22 ga stranded wire for the
    > > power
    > > > stuff. Once you get the hang of it, you can make a very sturdy board.
    If
    > > you
    > > > want some photos, let me know.
    > > >
    > > >
    Original Message
    > > >
    > > > > Breadboards and the like are great for prototypes but when it
    > > > > comes to using your design in the field, what were advantages in
    > > > > the lab quiclky become disadvantages: wires come lose, contacts
    > > > > corrode, vibrations cause problems etc.
    > > > >
    > > > > Wire-wrap is a possibility but you need good eyesight and excellent
    > > > > manual dexterity for it yo be anything less than a nightmare.
    > > > > Personally, I've spent a LOT of time tracing broken wires in
    > > > > wirewrap designs....
    > > > >
    > > > > I hate to say it, but solder is a necessary evil when it comes to
    > > > > electronics. Perhaps you can recruit some help ?
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    > and
    > > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
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    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-29 22:56
    I know what you mean about the magnifying glass. I now do all my soldering
    (and half of everything else) under a magnifying lamp I picked up at Lowe's
    for about 30 bucks. I specifically hunted for one that uses an incandescent
    lamp because the flickering of florescent light is starting to bug me.

    I just finished a semester long class in soldering (including surface
    mounts) at the local community college. Some of the kids laughed when I
    brought in my magnifying lamp, but I managed to make better connections than
    most of the "kids".

    Don't give up!

    -- Al Margolis, founder
    www.hobbyengineering.com
    The WEB's newest source for robotics supplies and information

    Original Message
    From: Bill Katakis [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=Re8VSqiS2Wtpn6FnWy3FdbviLPGkiYkemiVo6c0sPES72o74TpuOruIMxuN5oUdzuAEXTcyy2MZXn9MEcQ]bkatakis@a...[/url
    Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 12:50 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    controller


    Ok so I can get a wire wrap kit for the breadboard and a stronger magnifying
    glass for soldering and perhaps a good soldering person for the field
    version. I checked out the motor controller and I couldn't see anything
    about reversing the motors which we would need to do. Is there an
    inexpensive shareware or freeware program for making circuit boards and what
    kit would you use to make the boards. The diverse electronics motor
    controller is at http://divelec.tripod.com/mc/mc7_specs.html it includes
    sample software for the bs2. It uses fets so you have to be careful with
    static. It's fully reversible and worked well on one trolling motor before
    I accidentally popped a ground lead off of the keyboard chip and it died.
    Price is $80 12-36vdc motor supply and uses ttl level voltage to ,, enable,
    forward, reverse, and has a pwm input which I ran Al Williams pak 5 to. If
    I could conquer the physical part of this, I know it would be a great little
    underwater robot. Anyone up to a collaboration? Thanks for your input by
    the way, it's great that people are willing to offer good advice.

    Bill

    Cure Cancer and Smallpox with your computer.
    It runs as a screen-saver Sponsored by Intel:
    http://members.ud.com/download/gold/

    Original Message
    From: "Mark Hillier" <Mark@H...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 2:37 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    controller


    >
    >
    > > Hi,
    > >
    > > I'm trying to use al Williams pak5 for pwm to control 3 trolling motors
    from a bs2,,, I found a motor controller at diverse electronics, it uses 3
    stamp lines per motor, so nine lines, plus a pwm line for each motor from
    the pak5a. I'm using the pak
    > 6
    > > so I can use an AT keyboard to give commands to the first stamp which
    talks to the motor control stamp.
    > >
    > > Has anyone else address large dc motors,, what controllers did you use?
    > >
    > > I tried this once before a few years ago and burnt up a couple of chips
    with a bad ground. Now I'm trying again with the help of a friend who
    also can't solder worth a darn (we are old). Anyone have any suggestions
    for a good kit for making connec
    > t
    > > ions on breadboard between stamps and other i.c.'s I don't want to
    solder if I can help it, even with a magnifier it's an exercise in,,,,,,,,
    the random spewing of solder.
    > >
    > > I was able to get the pak 5 and 6 working ok, as I have saved my
    programs from before, but wonder if there is a list of items that would make
    it easy to do just about any connection required on a large breadboard,
    between the stamps and the other i.c.s
    > .
    > > Is there a good kit, or list of items that might be helpful?
    >
    > Breadboards and the like are great for prototypes but when it
    > comes to using your design in the field, what were advantages in
    > the lab quiclky become disadvantages: wires come lose, contacts
    > corrode, vibrations cause problems etc.
    >
    > Wire-wrap is a possibility but you need good eyesight and excellent
    > manual dexterity for it yo be anything less than a nightmare.
    > Personally, I've spent a LOT of time tracing broken wires in
    > wirewrap designs....
    >
    > I hate to say it, but solder is a necessary evil when it comes to
    > electronics. Perhaps you can recruit some help ?
    >
    > Mark Hillier, VE6HVW
    > President, HVW Technologies Inc.
    > Canadian Distributors of Parallax Products and other Neat Stuff
    > Tel: (403)-730-8603 Fax: (403)-730-8903
    > http://www.HVWTech.com
    > ** New Breadboard Voltage Regulator (BVR) -A plugable +5 Volt
    > power supply !
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >



    To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-29 23:39
    Yes it can be a challenge,, my vision use to be perfect then came a bout
    with m.s. which changed things a bit regarding steadiness and vision. I
    have a magnifier with a circular light on an extendable arm. It helps but
    sometimes the eyes don't quite read it right. I think that for that part I
    could get someone with a good eye to help out. The biggest problem for me
    is sitting down and imagining the completed black boxes and populating the
    board with components and the right attachments that will stand up to rugged
    field use on the water. It's great that you showed up some of those
    youngsters! That's one for our generation!!

    Bill

    Original Message
    From: "Al Margolis(TX)" <al@b...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 5:56 PM
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    controller


    > I know what you mean about the magnifying glass. I now do all my
    soldering
    > (and half of everything else) under a magnifying lamp I picked up at
    Lowe's
    > for about 30 bucks. I specifically hunted for one that uses an
    incandescent
    > lamp because the flickering of florescent light is starting to bug me.
    >
    > I just finished a semester long class in soldering (including surface
    > mounts) at the local community college. Some of the kids laughed when I
    > brought in my magnifying lamp, but I managed to make better connections
    than
    > most of the "kids".
    >
    > Don't give up!
    >
    > -- Al Margolis, founder
    > www.hobbyengineering.com
    > The WEB's newest source for robotics supplies and information
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: Bill Katakis [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=ge56HE6uSb8xSqcrwHxYC6La8IscFhZN7f94N7g_BuVH6GJyw43wsjOg81MIdldXkmiNWGoyPTM1so4]bkatakis@a...[/url
    > Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 12:50 PM
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    > controller
    >
    >
    > Ok so I can get a wire wrap kit for the breadboard and a stronger
    magnifying
    > glass for soldering and perhaps a good soldering person for the field
    > version. I checked out the motor controller and I couldn't see anything
    > about reversing the motors which we would need to do. Is there an
    > inexpensive shareware or freeware program for making circuit boards and
    what
    > kit would you use to make the boards. The diverse electronics motor
    > controller is at http://divelec.tripod.com/mc/mc7_specs.html it includes
    > sample software for the bs2. It uses fets so you have to be careful with
    > static. It's fully reversible and worked well on one trolling motor
    before
    > I accidentally popped a ground lead off of the keyboard chip and it died.
    > Price is $80 12-36vdc motor supply and uses ttl level voltage to ,,
    enable,
    > forward, reverse, and has a pwm input which I ran Al Williams pak 5 to.
    If
    > I could conquer the physical part of this, I know it would be a great
    little
    > underwater robot. Anyone up to a collaboration? Thanks for your input
    by
    > the way, it's great that people are willing to offer good advice.
    >
    > Bill
    >
    > Cure Cancer and Smallpox with your computer.
    > It runs as a screen-saver Sponsored by Intel:
    > http://members.ud.com/download/gold/
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: "Mark Hillier" <Mark@H...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 2:37 PM
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    > controller
    >
    >
    > >
    > >
    > > > Hi,
    > > >
    > > > I'm trying to use al Williams pak5 for pwm to control 3 trolling
    motors
    > from a bs2,,, I found a motor controller at diverse electronics, it uses
    3
    > stamp lines per motor, so nine lines, plus a pwm line for each motor from
    > the pak5a. I'm using the pak
    > > 6
    > > > so I can use an AT keyboard to give commands to the first stamp which
    > talks to the motor control stamp.
    > > >
    > > > Has anyone else address large dc motors,, what controllers did you
    use?
    > > >
    > > > I tried this once before a few years ago and burnt up a couple of
    chips
    > with a bad ground. Now I'm trying again with the help of a friend who
    > also can't solder worth a darn (we are old). Anyone have any suggestions
    > for a good kit for making connec
    > > t
    > > > ions on breadboard between stamps and other i.c.'s I don't want to
    > solder if I can help it, even with a magnifier it's an exercise in,,,,,,,,
    > the random spewing of solder.
    > > >
    > > > I was able to get the pak 5 and 6 working ok, as I have saved my
    > programs from before, but wonder if there is a list of items that would
    make
    > it easy to do just about any connection required on a large breadboard,
    > between the stamps and the other i.c.s
    > > .
    > > > Is there a good kit, or list of items that might be helpful?
    > >
    > > Breadboards and the like are great for prototypes but when it
    > > comes to using your design in the field, what were advantages in
    > > the lab quiclky become disadvantages: wires come lose, contacts
    > > corrode, vibrations cause problems etc.
    > >
    > > Wire-wrap is a possibility but you need good eyesight and excellent
    > > manual dexterity for it yo be anything less than a nightmare.
    > > Personally, I've spent a LOT of time tracing broken wires in
    > > wirewrap designs....
    > >
    > > I hate to say it, but solder is a necessary evil when it comes to
    > > electronics. Perhaps you can recruit some help ?
    > >
    > > Mark Hillier, VE6HVW
    > > President, HVW Technologies Inc.
    > > Canadian Distributors of Parallax Products and other Neat Stuff
    > > Tel: (403)-730-8603 Fax: (403)-730-8903
    > > http://www.HVWTech.com
    > > ** New Breadboard Voltage Regulator (BVR) -A plugable +5 Volt
    > > power supply !
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-30 00:10
    Al-
    I'm curious as to what soldering iron (assuming that you use an iron)
    you use to solder surface mount stuff?
    -Mark

    On Thursday, May 29, 2003, at 05:56 PM, Al Margolis((TX)) wrote:

    > I know what you mean about the magnifying glass. I now do all my
    > soldering
    > (and half of everything else) under a magnifying lamp I picked up at
    > Lowe's
    > for about 30 bucks. I specifically hunted for one that uses an
    > incandescent
    > lamp because the flickering of florescent light is starting to bug me.
    >
    > I just finished a semester long class in soldering (including surface
    > mounts) at the local community college. Some of the kids laughed when
    > I
    > brought in my magnifying lamp, but I managed to make better
    > connections than
    > most of the "kids".
    >
    > Don't give up!
    >
    > -- Al Margolis, founder
    > www.hobbyengineering.com
    > The WEB's newest source for robotics supplies and information
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: Bill Katakis [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=GA99JyAo9RaTZMLkJpwgAsqef0JxXFyIWXUuXyGIk_lTfTZ0aE250d6EpXAfHIHzsDOKdl_KHxQtVsxBU9l8]bkatakis@a...[/url
    > Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 12:50 PM
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    > controller
    >
    >
    > Ok so I can get a wire wrap kit for the breadboard and a stronger
    > magnifying
    > glass for soldering and perhaps a good soldering person for the field
    > version. I checked out the motor controller and I couldn't see
    > anything
    > about reversing the motors which we would need to do. Is there an
    > inexpensive shareware or freeware program for making circuit boards
    > and what
    > kit would you use to make the boards. The diverse electronics motor
    > controller is at http://divelec.tripod.com/mc/mc7_specs.html it
    > includes
    > sample software for the bs2. It uses fets so you have to be careful
    > with
    > static. It's fully reversible and worked well on one trolling motor
    > before
    > I accidentally popped a ground lead off of the keyboard chip and it
    > died.
    > Price is $80 12-36vdc motor supply and uses ttl level voltage to ,,
    > enable,
    > forward, reverse, and has a pwm input which I ran Al Williams pak 5
    > to. If
    > I could conquer the physical part of this, I know it would be a great
    > little
    > underwater robot. Anyone up to a collaboration? Thanks for your
    > input by
    > the way, it's great that people are willing to offer good advice.
    >
    > Bill
    >
    > Cure Cancer and Smallpox with your computer.
    > It runs as a screen-saver Sponsored by Intel:
    > http://members.ud.com/download/gold/
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: "Mark Hillier" <Mark@H...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 2:37 PM
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    > controller
    >
    >
    >>
    >>
    >>> Hi,
    >>>
    >>> I'm trying to use al Williams pak5 for pwm to control 3 trolling
    >>> motors
    > from a bs2,,, I found a motor controller at diverse electronics, it
    > uses 3
    > stamp lines per motor, so nine lines, plus a pwm line for each motor
    > from
    > the pak5a. I'm using the pak
    >> 6
    >>> so I can use an AT keyboard to give commands to the first stamp
    >>> which
    > talks to the motor control stamp.
    >>>
    >>> Has anyone else address large dc motors,, what controllers did you
    >>> use?
    >>>
    >>> I tried this once before a few years ago and burnt up a couple of
    >>> chips
    > with a bad ground. Now I'm trying again with the help of a friend
    > who
    > also can't solder worth a darn (we are old). Anyone have any
    > suggestions
    > for a good kit for making connec
    >> t
    >>> ions on breadboard between stamps and other i.c.'s I don't want to
    > solder if I can help it, even with a magnifier it's an exercise
    > in,,,,,,,,
    > the random spewing of solder.
    >>>
    >>> I was able to get the pak 5 and 6 working ok, as I have saved my
    > programs from before, but wonder if there is a list of items that
    > would make
    > it easy to do just about any connection required on a large breadboard,
    > between the stamps and the other i.c.s
    >> .
    >>> Is there a good kit, or list of items that might be helpful?
    >>
    >> Breadboards and the like are great for prototypes but when it
    >> comes to using your design in the field, what were advantages in
    >> the lab quiclky become disadvantages: wires come lose, contacts
    >> corrode, vibrations cause problems etc.
    >>
    >> Wire-wrap is a possibility but you need good eyesight and excellent
    >> manual dexterity for it yo be anything less than a nightmare.
    >> Personally, I've spent a LOT of time tracing broken wires in
    >> wirewrap designs....
    >>
    >> I hate to say it, but solder is a necessary evil when it comes to
    >> electronics. Perhaps you can recruit some help ?
    >>
    >> Mark Hillier, VE6HVW
    >> President, HVW Technologies Inc.
    >> Canadian Distributors of Parallax Products and other Neat Stuff
    >> Tel: (403)-730-8603 Fax: (403)-730-8903
    >> http://www.HVWTech.com
    >> ** New Breadboard Voltage Regulator (BVR) -A plugable +5 Volt
    >> power supply !
    >>
    >>
    >> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    >> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    >> and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    >>
    >>
    >> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    > and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    > and Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-30 00:10
    The basic robot took about 2 months to make. The electronics and sensors
    have evolved over the last couple of years. In that photo it was doing
    wall-following. Fairly easy to do depending on the sensors and motor
    control.

    If you need to do some serious long-distance stuff, RS485 is the way to go.
    Max485 chips are fairly easy to come by. You can get several hundred feet
    out of a couple of Max232 chips at 300 baud with a good shielded wire
    though.

    Original Message

    > Your Bot is a work of art. It must have taken a long time. What is the
    > competition you are in?
    >
    > I installed the Express PC board software and am looking at it. I
    suddenly
    > realized that the pcb for both stamps would need another ic to change ttl
    > level stamp rs232 or (on pin 16 the -+10vdc )to rs 422 or something like
    > that , is there a chip you like for the transition that offers a good long
    > distance over the wire? Perhaps something that is a straight thru deal
    with
    > no software configuration.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-30 13:52
    Check out www.cadsoftusa.com for eagle software. It allows circuit
    schematic design and pcb design and checks electrical complience between the
    two. It also checks pcb layout conflicts and even has an auto-router and
    extensive libraries. And, it is free for personal use! It can generate
    files for the boards which can be processed by any board house.

    Jim
    http://www.geocities.com/jimforkin2003/


    Original Message
    From: Bill Katakis [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=rs-CXKeE7qEX6Y3K9tMVn-OHPSzuuErvC55mkcjhIbe3MCIvgk_U9z2JkdSSilollfu4kohzY50OAlvnHALX]bkatakis@a...[/url
    Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 4:20 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    controller


    I see what you mean, that link leads to a nightmare! I see a little of that
    coming my way. Seems as though I'll have to breadboard or protoboard then
    goto a custom board. I could do the circuit board now since I know what
    chips I'm using. Is there cheap/free software out there that helps design a
    circuit board?

    Cure Cancer and Smallpox with your computer.
    It runs as a screen-saver Sponsored by Intel:
    http://members.ud.com/download/gold/

    Original Message
    From: "Rodent" <daweasel@s...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 3:48 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    controller


    > Here is why breadboarding can be a problem:
    >
    > http://www.dprg.org/gallery/rr2000b/0041.html
    >
    > I do some breadboarding, but most of the time I just use a protoboard,
    with
    > wirewrap wire (soldered) for logic and 20-22 ga stranded wire for the
    power
    > stuff. Once you get the hang of it, you can make a very sturdy board. If
    you
    > want some photos, let me know.
    >
    >
    Original Message
    >
    > > Breadboards and the like are great for prototypes but when it
    > > comes to using your design in the field, what were advantages in
    > > the lab quiclky become disadvantages: wires come lose, contacts
    > > corrode, vibrations cause problems etc.
    > >
    > > Wire-wrap is a possibility but you need good eyesight and excellent
    > > manual dexterity for it yo be anything less than a nightmare.
    > > Personally, I've spent a LOT of time tracing broken wires in
    > > wirewrap designs....
    > >
    > > I hate to say it, but solder is a necessary evil when it comes to
    > > electronics. Perhaps you can recruit some help ?
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >



    To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-31 15:34
    Is this a maxim chip? I'm trying to find a data sheet. Do I just plug in
    the 2 rs232 wires and supply current and ground to the chip? By the way
    I've started to make the circuit board with the express pcb software. So
    far so good. I still have to make the traces to Al Williams Chips for both
    circuit boards and find the at keyboard connector, can't seem to find one in
    the component library. I did find the ic sockets and the male 9 pin serial
    connection to the pc. Does rs485 use rj45 wire?

    Bill

    "If you need to do some serious long-distance stuff, RS485 is the way to go.
    Max485 chips are fairly easy to come by. You can get several hundred feet
    out of a couple of Max232 chips at 300 baud with a good shielded wire
    though."



    >
    > > Your Bot is a work of art. It must have taken a long time. What is the
    > > competition you are in?
    > >
    > > I installed the Express PC board software and am looking at it. I
    > suddenly
    > > realized that the pcb for both stamps would need another ic to change
    ttl
    > > level stamp rs232 or (on pin 16 the -+10vdc )to rs 422 or something
    like
    > > that , is there a chip you like for the transition that offers a good
    long
    > > distance over the wire? Perhaps something that is a straight thru deal
    > with
    > > no software configuration.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-31 15:36
    correction, I didn't find the keyboard connector yet, still looking.

    Cure Cancer and Smallpox with your computer.
    It runs as a screen-saver Sponsored by Intel:
    http://members.ud.com/download/gold/

    Original Message
    From: "Bill Katakis" <bkatakis@a...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2003 10:34 AM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    controller


    > Is this a maxim chip? I'm trying to find a data sheet. Do I just plug in
    > the 2 rs232 wires and supply current and ground to the chip? By the way
    > I've started to make the circuit board with the express pcb software. So
    > far so good. I still have to make the traces to Al Williams Chips for
    both
    > circuit boards and find the at keyboard connector, can't seem to find one
    in
    > the component library. I did find the ic sockets and the male 9 pin
    serial
    > connection to the pc. Does rs485 use rj45 wire?
    >
    > Bill
    >
    > "If you need to do some serious long-distance stuff, RS485 is the way to
    go.
    > Max485 chips are fairly easy to come by. You can get several hundred feet
    > out of a couple of Max232 chips at 300 baud with a good shielded wire
    > though."
    >
    >
    >
    > >
    > > > Your Bot is a work of art. It must have taken a long time. What is
    the
    > > > competition you are in?
    > > >
    > > > I installed the Express PC board software and am looking at it. I
    > > suddenly
    > > > realized that the pcb for both stamps would need another ic to change
    > ttl
    > > > level stamp rs232 or (on pin 16 the -+10vdc )to rs 422 or something
    > like
    > > > that , is there a chip you like for the transition that offers a good
    > long
    > > > distance over the wire? Perhaps something that is a straight thru deal
    > > with
    > > > no software configuration.
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
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    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-31 16:40
    RS485 chips are a Dallas / Maxim part. May be some generics as well. We used
    Belden 2-conductor shielded wire for our RS485 (8760 I think), with the
    shield tied to chassis ground on one end only.

    Keep in mind you still need some sort of software error correction to make
    sure data are sent cleanly.

    Original Message

    > Is this a maxim chip? I'm trying to find a data sheet. Do I just plug in
    > the 2 rs232 wires and supply current and ground to the chip? By the way
    > I've started to make the circuit board with the express pcb software. So
    > far so good. I still have to make the traces to Al Williams Chips for
    both
    > circuit boards and find the at keyboard connector, can't seem to find one
    in
    > the component library. I did find the ic sockets and the male 9 pin
    serial
    > connection to the pc. Does rs485 use rj45 wire?
    >
    > Bill
    >
    > "If you need to do some serious long-distance stuff, RS485 is the way to
    go.
    > Max485 chips are fairly easy to come by. You can get several hundred feet
    > out of a couple of Max232 chips at 300 baud with a good shielded wire
    > though."
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-31 16:46
    what type of software error correction could the stamp2 handle?

    Cure Cancer and Smallpox with your computer.
    It runs as a screen-saver Sponsored by Intel:
    http://members.ud.com/download/gold/

    Original Message
    From: "Rodent" <daweasel@s...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2003 11:40 AM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    controller


    > RS485 chips are a Dallas / Maxim part. May be some generics as well. We
    used
    > Belden 2-conductor shielded wire for our RS485 (8760 I think), with the
    > shield tied to chassis ground on one end only.
    >
    > Keep in mind you still need some sort of software error correction to make
    > sure data are sent cleanly.
    >
    >
    Original Message
    >
    > > Is this a maxim chip? I'm trying to find a data sheet. Do I just plug
    in
    > > the 2 rs232 wires and supply current and ground to the chip? By the way
    > > I've started to make the circuit board with the express pcb software.
    So
    > > far so good. I still have to make the traces to Al Williams Chips for
    > both
    > > circuit boards and find the at keyboard connector, can't seem to find
    one
    > in
    > > the component library. I did find the ic sockets and the male 9 pin
    > serial
    > > connection to the pc. Does rs485 use rj45 wire?
    > >
    > > Bill
    > >
    > > "If you need to do some serious long-distance stuff, RS485 is the way to
    > go.
    > > Max485 chips are fairly easy to come by. You can get several hundred
    feet
    > > out of a couple of Max232 chips at 300 baud with a good shielded wire
    > > though."
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-05-31 18:20
    Whatever you write. Take a look at how they do it on the MotorMind B and C
    modules.

    Original Message

    > what type of software error correction could the stamp2 handle?

    >
    Original Message

    > > RS485 chips are a Dallas / Maxim part. May be some generics as well. We
    > used
    > > Belden 2-conductor shielded wire for our RS485 (8760 I think), with the
    > > shield tied to chassis ground on one end only.
    > >
    > > Keep in mind you still need some sort of software error correction to
    make
    > > sure data are sent cleanly.
    > >
    > >
    Original Message
    > >
    > > > Is this a maxim chip? I'm trying to find a data sheet. Do I just plug
    > in
    > > > the 2 rs232 wires and supply current and ground to the chip? By the
    way
    > > > I've started to make the circuit board with the express pcb software.
    > So
    > > > far so good. I still have to make the traces to Al Williams Chips for
    > > both
    > > > circuit boards and find the at keyboard connector, can't seem to find
    > one
    > > in
    > > > the component library. I did find the ic sockets and the male 9 pin
    > > serial
    > > > connection to the pc. Does rs485 use rj45 wire?
    > > >
    > > > Bill
    > > >
    > > > "If you need to do some serious long-distance stuff, RS485 is the way
    to
    > > go.
    > > > Max485 chips are fairly easy to come by. You can get several hundred
    > feet
    > > > out of a couple of Max232 chips at 300 baud with a good shielded wire
    > > > though."
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-06-02 14:21
    SN75176 is a typical 485 transciever chip.
    Check out
    http://www.parallax.com/downloads/documentation/app/kit/appkit_sn75176
    _rs-485_communication.pdf
    on the parallax web-site.

    '485 will go 4000 feet, but you must have the right
    terminating resistors, etc. See the above.

    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Bill Katakis" <bkatakis@a...>
    wrote:
    > Is this a maxim chip? I'm trying to find a data sheet. Do I just
    plug in
    > the 2 rs232 wires and supply current and ground to the chip? By
    the way
    > I've started to make the circuit board with the express pcb
    software. So
    > far so good. I still have to make the traces to Al Williams Chips
    for both
    > circuit boards and find the at keyboard connector, can't seem to
    find one in
    > the component library. I did find the ic sockets and the male 9
    pin serial
    > connection to the pc. Does rs485 use rj45 wire?
    >
    > Bill
    >
    > "If you need to do some serious long-distance stuff, RS485 is the
    way to go.
    > Max485 chips are fairly easy to come by. You can get several
    hundred feet
    > out of a couple of Max232 chips at 300 baud with a good shielded
    wire
    > though."
    >
    >
    >
    > >
    > > > Your Bot is a work of art. It must have taken a long time.
    What is the
    > > > competition you are in?
    > > >
    > > > I installed the Express PC board software and am looking at
    it. I
    > > suddenly
    > > > realized that the pcb for both stamps would need another ic to
    change
    > ttl
    > > > level stamp rs232 or (on pin 16 the -+10vdc )to rs 422 or
    something
    > like
    > > > that , is there a chip you like for the transition that offers
    a good
    > long
    > > > distance over the wire? Perhaps something that is a straight
    thru deal
    > > with
    > > > no software configuration.
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    Subject and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-06-02 14:30
    A simple error detecting/correcting would be to have
    a message which always starts with a 'sync' byte
    (<FF> typical), has a fixed number of data bytes,
    then has a simple check-sum byte at the end
    (sum all bytes, AND with 255, and send the
    result byte).

    You can combine this with a simple ACK/NACK
    sequence (Sender sends, Receiver recieves and
    checks checksum, sends back an 'ACK' if good,
    'NACK' if no good.)

    This won't detect 'swapped' bytes in your message,
    but should detect most typical Stamp errors
    (started listening too late, wrong baud rates,
    receiver off)


    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Bill Katakis" <bkatakis@a...>
    wrote:
    > what type of software error correction could the stamp2 handle?
    >
    > Cure Cancer and Smallpox with your computer.
    > It runs as a screen-saver Sponsored by Intel:
    > http://members.ud.com/download/gold/
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: "Rodent" <daweasel@s...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2003 11:40 AM
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] stamp for 3 trolling motors, which motor
    > controller
    >
    >
    > > RS485 chips are a Dallas / Maxim part. May be some generics as
    well. We
    > used
    > > Belden 2-conductor shielded wire for our RS485 (8760 I think),
    with the
    > > shield tied to chassis ground on one end only.
    > >
    > > Keep in mind you still need some sort of software error
    correction to make
    > > sure data are sent cleanly.
    > >
    > >
    Original Message
    > >
    > > > Is this a maxim chip? I'm trying to find a data sheet. Do I
    just plug
    > in
    > > > the 2 rs232 wires and supply current and ground to the chip?
    By the way
    > > > I've started to make the circuit board with the express pcb
    software.
    > So
    > > > far so good. I still have to make the traces to Al Williams
    Chips for
    > > both
    > > > circuit boards and find the at keyboard connector, can't seem
    to find
    > one
    > > in
    > > > the component library. I did find the ic sockets and the male
    9 pin
    > > serial
    > > > connection to the pc. Does rs485 use rj45 wire?
    > > >
    > > > Bill
    > > >
    > > > "If you need to do some serious long-distance stuff, RS485 is
    the way to
    > > go.
    > > > Max485 chips are fairly easy to come by. You can get several
    hundred
    > feet
    > > > out of a couple of Max232 chips at 300 baud with a good
    shielded wire
    > > > though."
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    Subject and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
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