Bluetooth connection setup with the Boe-Bot using EB500

Priya84

Hi Fellow Programmers,

My name is Priya, and I am currently involved in developing a 'Robot Software for children', as part of my Final Year Project for the Degree of Mechatronics Engrg.

I have chosen to use the Boe-Bot robot to create the robot toy for children and will eventually be creating a GUI using Microsoft Robotics Studio. AT the moment, I am facing difficulties to setup the bluetooth connection between my laptop & the EB500. I have followed the steps given in the EB500 Users Manual, and I am able to get the address for the EB500. But when I try to download a sample program onto the boe-bot robot, using the bluetooth (COM PORT 40, in my case), Basic Stamp Editor prompts me the message 'No Basic Stamps found'. My laptop has an inbuilt bluetooth.

I would appreciate it if anyone can help me out here, coz I just cant proceed without getting the bluetooth connection up and running! I am using Basic Stamp Editor v2.3.9. Awaiting your reply asap. Thanks a ton!!

Best Rgds,
Priya

Peter Verkaik

You cannot use bluetooth to program the stamp, but you can use bluetooth for
a wireless link.

I did found the next url:
http://www.rentron.com/PicBasic/wireless.htm

that describes a RF link to program a PIC.
It looks the modems in that article support the required signals and timing.
The stamp requires TX, RX and DTR and an optional connection between RTS and DSR.

regards peter

Trevor Taylor

If you don't have a COM port on your laptop, you can buy a USB-to-serial device from Parallax. I use one of these and it works fine. You can leave the EB500 plugged in and connect the serial cable at the same time. However, the EB500 can't be used for downloading.

I am currently using MSRS V1.5 with a Boe-Bot.

Trevor

Priya84

Hi,

Thanks a lot for your replies!

I do understand that the EB500 can be used to setup a wireless link between the PC & boe-bot. My PC does have an in-built bluetooth & does assign a COM PORT for the EB500 (COM PORT 40).

I have tried to download a sample Basic Stamp program to control the robot, using a USB to serial (RS232) converter cable, and it works fine (using COM PORT 4). But the point of my project is to control the boe-bot wirelessly (via bluetooth). So I wouldnt be able to se the USB to serial device you mentioned right??? Correct me if Im wrong.
Also, I dont understand what you mean by the EB500 can be used for downloading??

Could this problem be due to wrong COM PORT assignment for the EB500? Or due the EB500 is not compatible with the board of education that I have? Because I was reading the EB500 Manual, and some procedures require to togglew the 3-position switch. But my BOE does not have this 3-positions switch. Please advice!! Waiting to hear from u guys soon.

Best Rgds,
Priya

Peter Verkaik

I stated you cannot program a stamp via bluetooth but can establish a link. You must program the stamp using
a direct connection (or the RF modems http://www.electrowave.com/products/stamper.shtml ).
Part of your basic stamp program must be code to communicate with the EB500 appmod.
Examples of how to do that are in the EB500 manual.
http://www.parallax.com/Store/Accessories/Communication/tabid/161/CategoryID/36/List/0/Level/a/ProductID/41/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName%2cProductName

The 3-position switch is a off/on/on switch, where the 2nd on position also powers connected servos.
It is irrelevant to your setup. Just make sure your stamp has code to setup a trusted connection
and that the stamp is powered.
Page 44 of the manual guides you how to setup a connection between a stamp and
a pc running XP SP2.

regards peter