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Wirelessly programmnig the Stamp using eb500 Bluetooth — Parallax Forums

Wirelessly programmnig the Stamp using eb500 Bluetooth

Joe DunfeeJoe Dunfee Posts: 31
edited 2007-03-09 00:48 in General Discussion
The other day, I successfully programmed my Stamp 2p3 (on the motherboard) using the USB cable.
I also·have wirelessly connected my PC to the Bluetooth module (eb500) as indicated by the LED on the eb500.

Today I wired the two together to attempt to program the Stamp over the Bluetooth Module.

If I attempt to detect the BS2pe via from the Basic Editor, it doesn't detect it.· I have already set the COM Port #6 as a port to search (actually the only serial port).· I can manually force a connection by using the "My bluetooth Places" window, and it shows a connection, and the eb500 confirms the connection by lighting its LED. (If i disconnect, the eb500 also turns off its LED)

One particuarly odd thing is that·when I attempt to detect the stamp from the Basic editor, the connection light on the eb500 will go off, and the icon for it in the "my bluetooth connections" window will also show·as disconnected.

Even if I had mis-wired the connection between the Stamp motherboard and the eb500, why would I loose the serial bluetooth connection like that? The LED power light on the BS2pe motherboard is on, so I know I have power there.

Any ideas how to troubleshoot?·

Joe Dunfee

Comments

  • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
    edited 2006-12-01 11:14
    The EB500 is a 'Soft Handshake' system, only.

    It doesn't support transmitting the HW Handshaking needed to program a BS2.

    I believe there is another BT module that can be used, but I can't remember what it's named.
    (Try searching in the BS2 forum)

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  • Joe DunfeeJoe Dunfee Posts: 31
    edited 2006-12-01 14:55
    Arrgg....This project has been frustrating. I had purchased these two module with the intent of doing the remote programming. I think I was confused by the original literature link on Parallax's web page, which refered us to the Flexipanel site. It said the Wireless field programming lets developers, "distribute firmware upgrades electronically." However, it seems this only refers to the non-stamp version.

    My project it is for a robot, and I am anticipating having to do a lot of re-programming. The geometry of my office makes it difficult to connect directly to my computer.

    I think it is time to start over. I recall that at least one of the 3rd party bluetooth modules wouldn't work with the stamp, because it required a higher baud rate than the Basic Stamp can handle. Was the working module you were thinking of, any of the following?

    ToothPick NON stamp edition? Made by Flexipanel. Under the "Hardware Specs" it lists Serial UART as a feature. However, since this is the same module incorporated in the eb500 (perhaps with programming differences) I doubt this is really the hardware handshaking I need.
    http://www.flexipanel.com/BluetoothModules.htm

    Bluetooth v2 20pin din module from Sparkfun (made by BlueRadios) ?
    http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=148

    BlueSmirf bluetooth Module, also from Sparkfun. It specificially states that it has hardware flow control (CTS and RTS).
    http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=582

    Joe Dunfee
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2006-12-01 15:19
    Joe,
    ·
    ·· This is a little confusing…You’re referring to documentation about using a FlexiPanel module for remote programming, which we do carry (Toothpick SE) but you’re trying to do it with the EB500.· You can remotely program the BASIC Stamp with the Toothpick SE which is made by FlexiPanel.· The EB500 is made by A7 Engineering and doesn’t support that function.· In order to program the BASIC Stamp you must have accurate control of the DTR line as well as be able to initiate a BREAK condition on the serial line, so generally only a module designed for this would work.· I hope this helps.· Take care.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Tech Support
  • Joe DunfeeJoe Dunfee Posts: 31
    edited 2006-12-01 19:10
    Thank you for your observation Chris. I think you've hit up on my entire problem. When I purchased the eb500, I probably thought I was getting the features of the Toothpick SE. If I search for "toothpick" on your site, I can find it. But, the item is omitted from the "RF Accessories" page http://www.parallax.com/html_pages/products/communication/rf_modules.asp.

    The information on the Toothpick from parallax's web site doesn't say that much about it. But, I will just call and talk to your people to guide me on this second round of purchases.

    Joe Dunfee
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2006-12-01 20:50
    Joe,
    ·
    ·· The Toothpick SE is listed under Products/Accessories/Communication.· The full manual can be found at the second link.· Sorry for any confusion you had.· Take care.

    http://www.parallax.com/html_pages/products/communication/communication_main.asp

    http://www.flexipanel.com/Stamp.htm

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Tech Support
  • Mark M.Mark M. Posts: 2
    edited 2007-03-09 00:48
    I'd like to make a correction, or clarification. With the Toothpick SE, it's misleading to say you can "remote" program a Stamp. The fact is you need to physically depress a button on the Toothpick, while resetting it, to switch it to programming mode. Then you do a wireless reprogramming. But there's not a lot of point since you have to hold the board in your hand and push a physical button in the process. A strange "feature".
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