Woooohoooo! Thanks! 8) 
OK. Well, you have lots of feedback if you decide to create a super bot board as an addition to the regular bot board. 
Hopefully there will be a better socket on the new board.
8-Dale
[size=75]Pssst, you should really do this…[/size]
Yes the socket will be back to normal. 
Ok without a doubt pin 4 of J1, which is pin 3 of the BAP and labeled ATN on the schematic that came with the ABB, is normally -9.7V and goes to 9.7V when hyperterminal is connected. It changes state when the IDE is programming as well, and twitches but returns to -9.7V when the terminal window in the IDE connects. This all makes sense but pretty much verified that unless you are using the terminal window in the IDE you’ll need to find another communication program or write some custom code where you can control the DTR signal yourself. Having a jumper on pin 4 would just make it easy to use the more or less supplied comm program in XP if you did not want to rely on the IDE.
Jumper on pin 4 to ground?
You would not want to ground the pin 4 from the DB-9 as that would short the DTR ouput from the PC, just open the connection to pin 3 of the socket.
You should not “need” to ground pin 3 of the socket since it is an RS-232 input and floats anyway if nothing is connected to the DB-9.
Is it too late to request that pins for things like the buttons/leds and speaker be moved to the highest numbered pins next to the pins for the PS2 controller would be on? This would make it much easier to attach sensors and such that require more than one pin (IRPD, I2C and serial cabling, etc).
I would also like to see a Super Mini-ABB created with more of the features we have requested, such as stackability, USB interface, etc. Perhaps the button switches and LEDs could be replaced with other features to allow for other features.
8-Dale
I hope it isn’t too late to suggest this… Please take a look at the screw terminals used on the ABB and the SSC-32. Now look at the screw terminals used on the Sabertooth motor controllers…
PLEASE seriously consider using the Sabertooth type screw terminals on the new ABB as well as future production runs of the SSC-32 and future similar products. These screw terminals are so much easier to deal with.
8-Dale
I have a problem with crappy terminals so this would help a lot.
I don’t have any problems with the terminals. Are you guys using cheater bars when you scew them in? It only takes a hair past snug to make a good connection.
The screw terminals work well when you observe some precautions. Use the included screw drivers, they fit perfectly. Do not try to use tinned ends in the terminals. The terminals need to be able to compress the wires to make a stable connection. Do not assume they are open completely when new. If you look inside the terminals and open them fully before attempting to insert wires it will help. Twist the wires tightly before inserting them into the terminals. A little care goes a long way, brute force methods will not help. I know the wiring harnesses we sell are a tight fit, but they are in spec for the terminals.
…and use strain relief!
Use zip-ties, cable clamps, electrical tape, whatever, to keep tension off of the wires where they enter the terminals, and keep them anchored to the physical structure somewhere nearby, to minimize flex.
Screw terminals are an electrical connection, not a physical anchor.
a hair past snug…
luv it, is that techno-speak or what…
personally I prefer lb/ft but using a 2 foot torque wrench on 4mm screw heads isnt a good idea…lol
I do all of these things, and still find there is difficulty in getting wires into the terminals. I find that the terminals on the ABB and SSC-32 are pretty easy to bend back with almost no effort at all, which should really not be the case. The terminals on the Sabertooth don’t have what I see as this problem at all. It’s very easy to get the wires in and no problem keeping them in. They do not bend back like those on the ABB and SSC-32. No offense, but I would use the Sabertooth type screw terminals for my projects rather than those that are on the ABB and SSC-32.
At least please consider switching the screw terminals being used. I really believe it would be a good choice.
8-Dale
If you want, I think you could take off the screw terminals and replace them yourself with the ones you like. It dosent seem that hard becuase the screw terminals dont look like they are hard to take off. They do move a bit which suggests they arent too tight. Might think of doing this. I know you can buy replacement screw terminals for boards, just dont know where you can get the Sabertooth ones, unless you get em from the manufactuerer. 
I second Linuxguy’s opinion. The terminals on the Bot Board and SSC-32 seem too flimsy and cheap to work with the switch harnesses that come with some of the kits. I’ve already had the VS1 terminal of my SSC-32 completley break off when my brat’s battery fell out, and that was with strain relief on the two wires. I also tried to solder on a new terminal block, but my iron took forever to even cause the solder to melt. I think this was more of my fault though because I only have a 15 watt soldering iron. Adding new screw terminals or even selling a version just with through holes so we could solder our own connections would be a big help.
I appreciate everyone’s input. The terminals are not going to be changed anytime soon. We buy in very large quantities in order to provide affordable prices. This often means that we have more than one year supply. Both boards are either in stock in bulk, or on order in bulk.
…SO start pulling some wires and modifying your boards boys
Robot Dude…
I know this is the question you hate most but I am reaching the point where I’m in the market for a new controller and with these wierd Kondo servo’s, your power supply arrangement is the only one I’ve found that will handle it so…
Do you have a timescale or should I buy the existing one?
Jim, You think you could update the first post with all of the ideas/features you got out of this thread that will be on the Bot Board 2?
You said 8-10 weeks, eh? Hmmm, I will need to get back into robotics I think
Make it support PICs =D