EduRobotics problems

[Ian Mackenzie]

I just started trying out one of the EduRobotics kits out tonight, and it doesn't work. First, the 'Program/Tether' switch (used because the controller only has one serial port for both functions) came off, I assume during shipping. No matter what I do, the controller does not seem to get any signal from the Operator Interface (neither tether or radio seem to work). The PBASIC compiler can't detect it through the serial port either - not that it would have much mattered to start with, as the EDU default program downloaded from Innovation First doesn't compile (silly mistakes like having a variable in the serin command that had been commented out above, and then using a 'temp' variable that had not been declared). Is anybody else having these problems?

Ian Mackenzie

[Mike Betts]

Ian,

I would most definitely call Innovation First at 903.454.1978 and get them involved... Most of us are just now receiving our kits and will likely not have any "constructive" comments for a while.

I.F. is your best choice... Let us know how you make out...

Mike

[Andrew]

The first thing I did when I encountered this problem was to check the supplied batteries. They were very low, although the power light on the Edu-RC came on. When I charged the batteries and plugged back in, the Edu-RC front panel lights started blinking madly, just like they're supposed to. When I turned on the OI (using the wall transformer), it checked through its list of channels, found the Edu-RC and functioned normally.

I did not have to download code. I just hooked up the way the diagram that came with the kit indicated.

I then hooked up the system on the tether (don't plug in the OI to the transformer). Although the system did work, every time I activated a relay, the OI reset. Those little Ni-cads don't seem to have enough juice to drive both the RC, a motor, and the OI. Maybe if I charge for a while longer...

By the way, the OI that comes with the EDU-KIT is the same OI that we will have to use with our 2003 robot. Don't know if everyone knows that...

Andrew, Team 356

[Ian Mackenzie]

Thanks a lot - I will charge the batteries tonight. I know you don't have to download the program; I really just wanted to check if the compiler could detect the controller.

[Ian W.]

Originally posted by Andrew

By the way, the OI that comes with the EDU-KIT is the same OI that we will have to use with our 2003 robot. Don't know if everyone knows that...

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THAT!

We received our EDUrobot today, and i was going through the parts, and i saw a little slip of paper. after reading it, having someone else double check it, and then reading it myself again (i'm so skeptical i don't even believe what i see for myself ) i quietly packed up the OI and OI Radio, and made sure to put it in the locked cabinet. no one, and i mean NO ONE, is touching those two items (i'm just going to use the 2002 OI to control the EDUrobot i think).

one other thing i noticed. only 3 LEDs for the 2003 OI, unless I just missed one in my excitment. if no one can confirm this by tomorrow i will, but it's something somone should check up on.

[Ian Mackenzie]

Nope, there are definitely 4 LEDs (well, really 4 numbers x 7 LEDs each = 28, but you know what I mean).

[Gui Cavalcanti]

Does the OI look any different? If so, please post a picture or something so we can take a good long look.

Thanks!

[Suneet]

Originally posted by ianmackenzie
Nope, there are definitely 4 LEDs (well, really 4 numbers x 7 LEDs each = 28, but you know what I mean).

We just got our kit today... that little motherboard is so cool! Well, if you received a controller with 4 numbers, I think mabey they're only giving those to teams with four digit numbers. Ours is a three digit.

[Ian W.]

that would explain why i'm confused, cause i'm pretty sure ours was only 3 LEDs .

[rbayer]

If you look at page 5 of the EduRobot Quick start guide (http://www.innovationfirst.com/FIRST...tart_Guide.pdf ),
you will se different instructions for 3 and 4-digit displays. I am assuming this means they only sent 4-digit displays to teams with numbers >1000.

[AlbertW]

our program/tether switch came off during shipping too. There's a little plastic tab it usually clips to that's broken off. We just hot-glued the switch back onto the contacts and it worked just fine. Try putting the switch back on, and holding it down and downloading the program (try the switch in both positions)

It should work

[Ricky Q.]

Originally posted by rbayer
If you look at page 5 of the EduRobot Quick start guide (http://www.innovationfirst.com/FIRST...tart_Guide.pdf ),
you will se different instructions for 3 and 4-digit displays. I am assuming this means they only sent 4-digit displays to teams with numbers >1000.

Nope, we got ours thursday and we have a 4-digit display (#269), so I don't know what they are doing

[Ian W.]

we have a 3 digit display (810). i haven't played with it yet, because i'm afraid i'll do something stupid and break it . i did compare it to the 2002 OI, and it looked exactly the same. then i packed it back up and put it away .

[kmcclary]

Originally posted by Ian W.
[Bi did compare it to the 2002 OI, and it looked exactly the same. then i packed it back up and put it away . [/b]

(We don't have our kit yet... Later this week, hopefully) Why did you put it away? If you don't wish it to run autonomously, how are you controlling the robot without the OI?

If you have to use the OI, did FIRST happen to mention their expectations about building a control panel board now? I'd think you almost HAVE to screw things onto at least a crude pine board plank to prevent component damage. Those connectors are FRAGILE, and don't take to cord tugging very well! The strain relief DOESN'T...

(I guess they can require you to build ANOTHER mounting board in January. It shouldn't take that long to do...)

- Keith

[sanddrag]

I have a question. Does anyone have info on the battery charger that comes with it. I need to know if it is a peak charger or a timed charger. Thanks.