DB9 Port problem

[Guy_E]

Hi,
I have a weird problem. I tried to connect the camera to my laptop with a serial cable, but neither Labview nor the JAVA software recognized the camera. I verified that the camera was working (the 2 LED were working) and verified that my COM port configurations are as they supposed to be. My COM port is fine because I can download programs to the controller with it.
Does anyone has an idea what could be my problem?

Thanks,
Guy

[JBotAlan]

Is your camera connected to your robot, through serial?

Make sure the only things that are connected to your camera are power and your serial cable for the computer. Verify your serial cable by using it to download to the robot; note which port IFI loader is using. Then, *close IFI loader* (it will block the port if the terminal window is open) and try using that port to communicate with the camera.

It is possible you have a bad camera board; if these tests reveal nothing, I'd consider contacting FIRST (well, is IFI responsible for CMUcams? I don't know for sure...) and see about getting a new camera.

Does your team have an old camera? The boards from 2005 and 2006 are identical (except for the servo output pins) to this year's board.

Good luck,
JBot

[Mike Betts]

Guy,

This may sound simplistic but I have seen people do it...

When you plug in the DB9 connector to your PC, did you unplug the TTL serial communication cable between RC and CMUCam? You can only have one plugged in at a time.

Also, are you sure that you have a fully charged backup battery? You can get a green light and have a low battery...

Mike

[Guy_E]

Im such an idiot.... I forgot to disconnect the TTL cable
I'll connect it without the TTL cable tomorrow morning (It's almost midnight here...)

Thanks a lot,
Guy

[Mike Betts]

Originally Posted by Guy_E

Im such an idiot....

Guy,

You are no such thing. I knew about this because I have done it, more than once, in the past...

Regards,

Mike