Help with arduino and pololu servo controller

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

Hello:

I have an arduino duemilanove, hooked up to a pololu 8 stepper controller - I’m using the pololu sample code (mike crist 2009-01-03), but am not able to make anything work - I have a flashing red led on the pololu board.

On the arduino:
+5v to 5V pin
GND to GND pin
pin2 (rx) to logic-level serial output on pololu
pin3 (tx) to logic-level serial input on pololu

On the pololu:
+5v to VIN
GND to GND pin
logic-level serial output to pin2
logic-level serial input to pin3
Servo connected on servo0

I have +5v, and as well, the arduino is hooked up to USB. I download the program, and nothing happens on the pololu board (no lights).

If I disconnect rx and tx, and instead run one wire from pin3 (tx) to the RS-232 serial input, I get a green led, and a flashing red led.

The protocol selection jumper has been removed.

Can anyone help out?

Thanks in advance.

Brian…

2

Hi Jonathan:

Tried that other code - same thing - flashing red led.

Btw, I’m a complete dolt when it comes to electronics.

Regards,

Brian…

3

Here’s a picture of the setup.

Thx.

4

With help from R.M. (thanks) was able to get things working - turns out the mini-SSCII mode works fine - couldn’t get pololu mode working.

I don’t need pololu mode (just need to position servos) and so all workin’ fine.

Brian…

5

Are you talking about the Pololu Micro Serial 8 Servo Controller?

The User Manual could be useful.

In the manual (page 4) it is explained that a red LED indicates fatal error (could be cause by invalid serial input).

Maybe this will help? psurobotics.org/wiki/index.php?title=Pololu_Micro_Serial_Servo_Controller

6

Can you post a picture of your setup?