Problems Reading Inputs

Lynxmotion Electronics & Software
1

Servo Controller: Lynxmotion SSC-32 (Ver 2.01)

Biggest Priority:

  • Getting readings back from the SSC-32 controller.
  • If anyone can provide some example C code to retrieved SSC-32 input reading, it would be greatly appreciated. (More specifically National Instruments LabWindows/CVI code)

Problems:

  • In the ‘Serial Port Timeouts’ window with default settings, clicking the ‘VER’ Test button returns “Byte Read : 0” and the two boxes labeled “SSC-32 Firmware Version” and “Ctrl” remain blank.
  • When trying to upgrade the firmware to ‘SSC32-V2.03XE’, I get the following message: "Unable to update firmware with the ‘Software method’. I have not tried the hardware method as mentioned in that same pop-up message.
  • When clicking the ‘Reg.’ button at the bottom of the window, I get an error message stating: “Can’t find SSC-32 card”
  • When using "A " and the other digital input commands, the SSC-32 does not return any value to the LynxTerm window. (I have also tried the Query Movement Status “Q " after moving a servo with no returned value either)”

Successes:

  • I have been able to control multiple servo motors with the very same SSC-32 servo controller using LynxTerm.

Computer Info:

  • HP Compaq Desktop
  • Windows XP Pro SP3 (32-bit)
  • Using Serial Port on PC’s motherboard

Software Info:
Lynx SSC-32 Terminal V1.10

Port Settings In LynxTerm:

  • Port: COM1
  • Baud rate: 115200
  • Data bits: 8
  • Stop bits: 1
  • Parity: None
  • Flow control: None

SSC-32 Jumper Settings:
-VS2=VS1

  • VL=VS1
  • BAUD: 115200 (Both Jumpers On Vertically)
  • TX and RX (Both Jumpers On Vertically)

Supplying VL with 6.0Volts

2

First off don’t use firmware update as a troubleshooting tool. Reserve that for when you know the coms are working properly. :wink: Check to see that both jumpers are installed by the DB9 where it says Tx / Rx.

3

If the ssc-32 controls servos, then there is nothing wrong with the firmware. You need to systamatically trouble shoot your setup.

4

Yes, both jumpers are installed correctly by the DB9 where it says Tx / Rx.

My Setup:

  • SSC-32 is connected directly to the PC’s serial port via a serial cable.
  • VL is being supplied 6V by a power supply
  • 1 Servo connected to servo connection 0 (the SSC-32 controls this servo without any problem)

This serial cable works fine with our Atmel AVR programmer which both transmits and and receives data just fine.

On power up with no commands sent the SSC-32 is drawing 0.032 A with no servos connected.

So, the power supply, serial cable, serial port on PC, and servo work just fine. The SSC-32 controls the servo just fine, but doesn’t appear to be transmitting anything back to the PC.

What should I troubleshoot next? And how should I go about doing it?

5

The only test that is meaningful is the VER test. If it does not respond with the version of the firmware then there is a problem with the Tx side of the coms. Do you live state side? If so you can send the SSC-32 in for testing.

6

Should it respond back when using the default ‘Serial Port Timeouts’ settings in LynxTerm V1.10?:
Read
Read Interval: 20
Read Total Constant: 10
Read Total Multiplier: 10
Write
Write Total Constant: 1000
Write Total Mulitplier: 100

Yes, I live state side.

7

Those values are important for fine tuning the reply sent to a basic stamp or other slower microcontroller. There should be no issues getting the firmware version with a PC with the default settings. If that was the problem it would be a first. You will need to email us for an RMA to get that thing looked at.

8

Which e-mail address of Lynxmotion do I need to use?

What all do I need to provide in this e-mail?

9

Any of the emails should work. Just put in there it’s from me, who you are, and why you are writing. We will reply with instructions on getting your board looked at.