looking to connect the BS2 to Max/MSP to make a reactive room

nk_snyder

Hey all,
I'm a college student looking to connect the BS2 to Max/MSP to make a reactive room. I have the BS2 with the Board of Education. I'm running the MacBS2 program [noparse][[/noparse]downloaded off the Parallax website] off a Powerbook G4. Since the PBG4 doesn't have a serial port, I'm running the other end of the serial port into a serial/usb converter. Here's my issue: I run MacBS2 and ask the program to check for the BS2, and it says "Basic Stamp 2 detected, but not responding. Check power." I checked my 9V with a multimeter and it seems fine. I've tried everything and can't get this to work...help!

Thanks much,

~nks

Post Edited By Moderator (Chris Savage (Parallax)) : 10/1/2007 5:41:23 PM GMT

Mike Green

What kind of serial to usb converter are you using? Not all brands will work with a Stamp. Some of them don't implement all the signal lines properly. I've found that Keyspan's High Speed adapter works fine and any FTDI adapter that I've tried (from Parallax or FTDI).

I used MacBS2 with a PowerBook G4 for a long time ... no problems.

Check the regulated power on the BOE and check the Vdd supply on the Stamp itself (pin 21). They should both show 5V.

nk_snyder

Everything seems to be running alright. I think my multimeter might be broken...it's shooting all kind of crazy numbers and noises at me...I'm going to have to whip out the manual. Anyway, here's a like to the converter I'm using:
http://www.dynexproducts.com/p-197-dynex-16-usb-pdaserial-adapter-cable.aspx

Other than the fact that the converter is bad, I don't know what is wrong. What were the links to those converters you use?

~nks

Mike Green

Here's Parallax's: www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=28030.

Here's Keyspan's: www.keyspan.com/products/usa19hs/homepage.spml.

Here are several from FTDI: www.ftdichip.com/Products/EvaluationKits/USB-Serial.htm.