Help with AHR-3 w/ Botboarduino

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

Hey everyone,

This is my first post, and I am new to robotics.

I have followed this instructions found here: lynxmotion.com/images/html/build99f.htm

I find myself stuck between tasks 5-6. I am able to successfully load the program to the botboarduino, but the robot does not move. Also, the ssc-32 is not detected by the hexapod calibration tool.

I’ve quadruple checked my connections and everything is as it appears in the schematic animation of the tutorial (note that the image and the animation show two different configurations for the jumpers).

When my bot is configured as described, the ssc-32 is invisible to the computer. I also note that the bot should move drunkenly without calibration, but it does not.

After some troubleshooting, I was able to get my computer to see the ssc-32 in the configuration tool by defaulting it to this schematic: lynxmotion.com/images/assemb … c32m01.gif, so I know that my cables are good and my computer is fine.
With the jumpers on tx and rx with 2 baud jumpers, it is visible.

Thinking that I could update the firmware at this point, I attempted to using v1-06XE.abl. The update failed, and now the light will not turn on, on the ssc-32. It is no longer visible.

Additional comments:

I am using the serial ssc-32 and not the ssc-32u

I have tried reversing the[font=Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font][font=Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]Attention/Command/Data connector, which accomplishes nothing. (again, not sure what I’m doing here, but it mentions it in the manual)[/size][/font]

It sounds like I might have more than one issue here. Any help would be appreciated. Please let me know if any pictures are required.

Thanks,

2

Hi,

We will be investigating your issue and get back to you shortly.

In the meantime, please upload some pictures of your setup clearly showing all connections between the boards, all jumpers and power sources. Also, please give us any other details that could help identify the issue(s).

Sincerely,

3

Thanks for the reply.

Here is an update:

I think that the original SSC-32 that I received was faulty. It does not respond to anything after only a short time. I don’t know why it quit, but I have purchased an SSC-32U and have used that.

I found another forum that has offered 2 suggestions.

First, switch the 12 and 13 pins to the botboarduino.

Second, the bot operates on baud 38400, and not 9600.

My understanding is that I must connect the SSC-32U with baud 115200, calibrate, and return to 38400 for use with the controller. Is this correct?

I have got the bot moving, so I think that he is wired correctly, with one exception. Only 3 of the legs move.
I think that I would need to connect a second battery to VS1?

I didn’t receive a second switch for that side. Can you clarify if I should have or if there is some other configuration that I am not aware of?

It is really cool finally seeing it move, but it is disappointing that only 3 of the legs are functional at the moment.

I look forward to your response.

4

Hi,

lynxmotion.com/images/data/l … df#page=34

The Phoenix code does operate at a baud rate of 38400 by default (you can check the parameters in the code / change it if you wish). You can check the SSC-32U manual (page 34, bottom half) on how to change the baud rate.

Yes, that is possible. If you experience issues with the calibration software, we recommend that you try Lynxterm instead. It allows for calibration at any baud rate. Also, it is our preferred diagnostic tool for the SSC-32.
I have got the bot moving, so I think that he is wired correctly, with one exception. Only 3 of the legs move.

Your other power rail is probably not being powered. You only need to connect a 6 V DC battery to VS1. But, you may have the jumpers on the VS1=VS2 jumper connected in the wrong direction to share the power of VS1 to VS2. Please see the attached picture for details.

Also, please see the second attached image of an example of wiring a BotBoarduino, SSC-32U and PS2 v3 with one power source.

Sincerely,

SSC-32U & BotBoarduino & PS2 v3 - One power source.png
SSC-32U & BotBoarduino & PS2 v3 - One power source.png871×1000 200 KB

SSC-32U - Jumpers - Correct position.jpg

5

Ah, this is extremely helpful. Thank you.

Do you have a link for the tutorial where those pictures are provided? I wasn’t able to find a tutorial specific to the SSC-32U.

6

Hi,

Some of those pictures can be found in the SSC-32U manual, like here.

Aside from the different jumper amounts/configurations, the wiring is actually the same for the SSC-32 / SSC-32U (in most cases), so you should be able to use the tutorials using the regular SSC-32 (DB9 serial port) without any issues. We are planing updates to all the Lynxmotion tutorials in the near future, which includes SSC-32U specific information, too.

If you encounter any issues with the tutorials, please do not hesitate to reply here or make a new thread! We will be glad to help you.

Sincerely,