TTL CMUcam2 2004 eduRC bug... HALP PLZ

[ruddy]

Basically I'm using the 2004 edu RC, and I'm trying to get the camera working. I plugged in everything (to the best of my knowledge), and nothing really happens except it turns on and the camera goes to its default position. When I upload the code, the camera doesn't even search. I think I narrowed the situation down to the TTL not working, but would that prevent the camera from going into "search" mode? Also, can someone help me configure the TTL adapter... I'm drawing .5v from one of the PWMs into the spare slot on the TTL adapter. Thanks in advance guys:)

[Phalanx]

I think I narrowed the situation down to the TTL not working, but would that prevent the camera from going into "search" mode?

Yes, if the camera is not present(It won't be if the TTL adapter is faulty) there will be no tracking information, and initialization will fail so no searching will take place.

Also, can someone help me configure the TTL adapter... I'm drawing .5v from one of the PWMs into the spare slot on the TTL adapter.

First I would download the 2007 CMUcam2 Setup and Initialization PDF and see page 5 for the TTL port pin outs. Looking at it they are left to right GND, TX out, +5V, Rx in with Rx in being closest to the 9-pin connector.

It should be wired it as follows:
+5V from one of the PWM's to +5V on the Camera TTL port
GND from the EDU TTL to GND on the Camera TTL port
TX out from the EDU TTL to RX in on the Camera TTL port
RX in from the EDU TTL to TX out on the Camera TTL port

*Yes you need to cross over TX and RX pins*
*You will not need a TTL to RS-232 adapter*
*This will both power the Camera and allow for data transfer*

[ruddy]

i love you man.

[neutrino15]

I am sure that the above works fine, and is probably better in the long run than the following. If you don't want to ruin a PWM cable or perform any sort of "hack" on the thing, plug stuff in as follows:

You will need:
•4 PWM cables. 3 pin each, male-female.
•1 TTL-RS-232 adapter (comes with CMUcam)
•Free TTL Port
•2-4 other free PWM ports on EduRC

What to do:
•Connect a PWM cable from the TTL port on the EduRC to the closest 3 of the 4 sockets on the TTL adapter towards the RS-232 out pins. (just follow Black to Black)
•Connect the black socket of one PWM cable to the middle pin (+5v) of a free digital in/out PWM on the 2004 eduRC. Yes, you have to plug it in sideways. I suggest taking up 2-3 ports so that the cable doesn't fall out.
•Connect the respective pin of that cable to the free socket on your TTL adapter (towards the edge, NOT the B. Again, you WILL have loose pins floating out in space.)
•Connect a PWM from the RS-232 out on the TTL Adapter to the RS-232 PWM in on the CmuCam2 board. Plug Black into B as always.
•For power, connect the last PWM cable from another free PWM socket on the EduRC to the cmucam. (to the port near the power switch).


Works for me. (and I didn't even have to risk loosing a PWM cable!)