uMP3 via USB2SER

Tim-M

Hi Everyone,

· I have been working through Jon Williams Nuts & Volts atricle 'Sounds·Of The Season'·and have run into a snag.· For starters I'd like to estabilish communication to the uMP3 module using the Parallax USB2SER adaptor as Jon did.· There has been some success, in that the USB2SER drivers are installed and the virtual serial COM port is set up and running.· For background, I'm using a Gateway·notebook PC, Professional Development Board to supply +5VDC to the UMP3, and the USB2SER with Parallax USB·cable.· I am also using the·uMP3Config software from Rogue Robotics to 'talk' to the player.· After·three hours with this last night,·the best I could do is to read and write settings to and from the uMP3 using uMP3Config, but I could not get the player to play.· When using the 'Play' button in the software, I was·prompted to install and play a test file to the SD card, but when I chose 'Yes' or 'OK' I received many errors while the test file was being written to the memory card.· The SD card is new, has been formatted and tested outside this application, and works well.· My goal at this point is to update the firmware, test the player and then change the settings necessary to continue with the article and bring a BSII into the picture to run the player.· It sounds like Jon is busy moving these days, so I thought I'd ask if any of you have 'talked' to a uMP3 module via the USB2SER -- if so, I could use your help.

Thanks,

Tim

Jon Williams

I had LOTS of trouble with Rogue's software -- which is why it doesn't show up in my article. I would suggest saving yourself some trouble and do everything through a simple terminal program; the device is setup to be accessed that way. By learning how to deal with it trough a terminal you'll be better equipped to control it programmatically from a BASIC Stamp or other microcontroller.

Back to packing....

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Jon Williams
Applications Engineer, Parallax

Tim-M

Thanks for taking the time to write Jon, I know you're very busy. I'll take your advice and look to HyperTerminal for a communication path and see how that goes.

Tim

Jon Williams

I think you'll be happier -- I've not had a bit of trouble programming and working with the uMP3 when using HyperTerminal.

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Jon Williams
Applications Engineer, Parallax

Tim-M

Wow, you weren't kidding -- that went so much easier with HyperTerminal! The uMP3Config software works well with the USB2SER for a quick player setting change, as you don't have to look the settings and syntax up... that didn't seem to pose any problem, but you are so right about HyperTerminal getting you prep'd for Basic Stamp control of the module. Now I can continue onward and upward.

THANKS FOR THE HELP AND GREAT ARTICLE JON!

Tim

Edit:
I hope there are more articles to come!

Edit:
I forgot to mention that I did get the firmware updated too, so all is ready in baud-ville·should a Prop-1 come along.

Post Edited (Tim-M) : 12/20/2005 11:04:06 PM GMT

Jon Williams

Since you're using a Prop-1, I've attached a program that you can use as a template for playing files from your uMP3 player.· This uses the "fast forward" technique I explained in the article.· Note, though, that the Prop-1 doesn't have a lot of EE space, so you might want to keep you uMP3 file names short, or keep your list of files needed by the program small.

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Jon Williams
Applications Engineer, Parallax

Tim-M

For now I'll be·using an OEM·Basic Stamp 2's with the players.. my apologies for not being more clear in the earlier post.· In wanting to learn the firmware update process, I thought it would be good practice to make the update and be prepared for a future·Prop-1 to boot.· Thank you very much for including the Prop-1 program·template.··You allways seem to get so much done in so little code so Ill study your 'fast forward'·techinque closely.

Thanks a bunch Jon,

Tim

Jon Williams

Always my pleasure.· And for those that didn't catch N&V, I've attached the BS2 version to this post.

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Jon Williams
Applications Engineer, Parallax

Tim-M

Thanks for the BS2 program/template too Jon, much appreciated.

Happy packing and we wish you well in your move this busy time of the year,

Tim