Remote Control

Walker Project [ Still Under Construction ]

I came to my senses and removed the feet on both sides. Now none of HS-422s are being used, and it's probably better that way. I might add a servo to the PING sensor for panning capability, but that might interfere(mechanically) with the electronics which haven't been mounted yet.

Hardware Connection (Testing)

Walker Project [ Under Construction ]

This is it for today, will continue tomorrow!

Progress

[ New servos have arrived! HS-645MG ]

+ 10 of HS-422 ... But only 2 of them are going to be used for the time being.

[ What a difference ]

The one on the top is HS-645MG, and the one below is HS-422. There's a huge difference in torque as well.

[ This is the new design, although it's missing some parts ]

I am expecting another shipment tomorrow. Pretty soon I will be doing some intense programming!

UC232R-10 "CHIPI" cable, manufactured by FTDI

This is the cable I purchased from Digi-Key.

Works flawlessly at the maximum baud rate of 115.2K
Didn't even have to download a driver for it either. I plugged it in, and Windows 7 installed the driver for me.

I am very happy with the purchase.

Highly recommended!

Major turn over

I received a brand new credit card last Friday and because my order was still pending, my entire shipment from Robotshop got cancelled. I did receive my cable this morning from Digi-Key though.
On the side note, I have been doing some researches on the internet for my project and I might use this opportunity and take a different approach in terms of mechanical design.

Brand new cable is on the way

[ Purchased from DIGI-Key ]

I went out (on the internet) and bought myself a new shiny cable from digi-key.
According to Lynxmotion, this is the fastest and most reliable USB to Serial Converter Cable money can buy!

Must be the cable

I performed continuity check on the 9 pin connector of SSC-32. All green.
The cable, by the process of elimination, must be the reason why I was having a connection problem. (the driver software itself was a bit suspect to begin with)
Eventually, I will need a serial  cable for my microcontroller... So I guess I better go out and buy one :-)

Connectivity issue is still there

Even with the use of my 6 cell battery, the issue did not disappear. I had to put pressure on the connector in a certain way to get valid communication between SSC-32 and my laptop. As I've previously suspected, there might be a broken solder joint or broken wire where the connection is made; whether it's the cable or my SSC-32, I will find out when my microcontroller gets shipped to me.

There is a modified parts list to be posted once RobotShop gets their act together; seriously, they need to read emails from customers more thoroughly!