I inserted the DVD that came with the Hagisonic StarGazer kit into my computer. There are two choices for downloading the software: “StarGazerMonitor1, 0904, 16-08” and “StarGazerMonitor2, 1008, 13-04(Multi-ID)”
Which one should I download?
Also, there are two buttons associated with each of the above versions: "“Install” and “VC 6.0 Source.” If I just want to run the standard StarGazer software, would I just click on “Install” and ignore the “VC 6.0 Source”?
I installed the StarGazer software on my old computer, using the CD that came with the StarGazer. I am going to buy a new computer, and I was just wondering if I need to get a new software-installation-CD from Hagisonic, or can I use the original CD, which I used previously?
Hi Jeffrey,
I have the version that is in a case.
I will probably just use the .1 inch headers. The only thing I want to avoid is shaving off too much of the header plastic and causing a short between two adjacent headers. I am interested in hearing what the manufacturer recommends.
Thanks,
DexterJeffrey Arcand,
Thanks for your help...I will download the Monitor1 version.
--DexterI need to know how to hookup the StarGazer to my Arduino and motor controller. My robot currently is wired as shown in this diagram: robot-electronics.co.uk/htm/arduino_examples.htm (To see the proper diagram, scroll down to the “MD25 RD02 Motor Controller Serial” example.) To connect the StarGazer, where would I connect the Rx and Tx from the StarGazer? I will hook up the power and ground from the StarGazer to the power and ground of the circuit, but I don’t know where to hook up the Rx and Tx…? I searched online to information on this, but couldn’t find anything.
Jeffrey,
Thanks for that info about the serial/I2C wiring for the StarGazer. I have another question: What connector should I use for the Rx/Ground/Tx/5 volt pins on the StarGazer (the "OUT" port)? I found that regular 0.1-inch header wires will fit, if I shave off a little of the plastic on the headers, because there are those little protrusions around those pins. Is there a special connector designed for those pins, or will the 0.1-inch headers be okay?
Thanks,
DexterHi Jeffrey,
Thanks for getting those Molex part numbers. As it turns out, I was able to get all the 0.1 inch headers to fit in, except for the left-most one, the “RxD.” I found that by tilting the other three headers slightly to the right, I could push them in, without having to shave anything off of them. I shaved off just a little of the bottom left edge of the RxD header. I filed down a sample test header till I reached metal, just to see how far is “too far.” The RxD header is “safe” in this regard. Also, there doesn’t appear to be any metal contact to the left of the RxD header, which adds to the safety factor of not causing a short.
Thanks again for the Molex part numbers...I may use them in another iteration of this robot.
--DexterI downloaded the StarGazer Monitor 1 software from the CD, hooked up the StarGazer to the computer, and turned the StarGazer on. I brought up the StarGazer dialog box and changed the Port to COM8 and the baud rate to 115,200 (<<-- these two settings are found at the bottom left of the dialog box). I am following the instructions in the Hagisonic_StarGazer V - Manual_ver1.0_012810.pdf – I changed the baud rate on my Series-to-USB adapter to 115,200.
The Manual says that at this point I should be getting Received Data in the dialog box, but I’m not. The LED in the StarGazer is blinking on and off…showing that it recognizes the landmark which I mounted above the StarGazer. Do I need to download additional software? The aforementioned Manual points out these two downloads:
StarGazerMonitorv1.0901.07 : Firmware 2.0901.07 or later and
StarGazerSample Program : Firmware 2.08xx.xx
Is the download from the CD enough? Or do I need to download more? Is there some other reason why I’m not getting any data in the “Received Data” fields?
You will want to use the StarGazerMonitor1 since the Multi-ID version (StarGazerMonitor2) requires different firmware.
And, yes, you should be able to just run the Install, and ignore the VC 6.0 Source that is provided as an example.
Hi Dexter,
We have contacted the manufacturer to get specific information, but if the 0.1-inch header works that should be fine unless you are using the sensor on a robot that will experience a lot of vibrations.
Could you tell us if you have the version of the StarGazer that’s in a case or not in a case?
Hope this helps,
Hi Dexter,
That’s totally understandable. I’ll let you know as soon as I get a response from the manufacturer.
Cheers,
Hi Dexter,
There are two options we would recommend.
]Change the wiring of the Md25 to use I2C instead of serial. This would free up the RX and TX pins on the Arduino to be connected to the StarGazer instead.
/:m]
]Connect the StarGazer to other digital pins, such as 4 and 5, and use the SoftwareSerial library in Arduino to use pins 4-5 as a new serial port. /:m]
Either of these options should be suitable for your needs, unless you send data to either of the two devices (the StarGazer or the MD25) at a very high rate.
Hope this helps,
Hi Dexter,
The manufacturer confirmed that the connector in the StarGazer is Molex part no 0022057035. If you want to get the mating connector, it would be Molex part no 0050375033 for the housing and part no 0008701039 for the metal connectors.
Unless you’re willing to spend $150 to $300 on a crimping tool, I would recommend getting additional connectors and practising crimping using regular pliers.
We unfortunately don’t carry any of these connector parts, so you might want to try a electronics components store. The housing and connectors should cost you about $2-4 before taxes.
Cheers,
Hi Dexter,
Glad to hear that your work around worked well! Good luck with your project!
Cheers,
Hi Dexter,
We have asked the manufacturer to address your questions as they are specific to this software. They should reply shortly.
Thanks,
you can use the same CD.