Answered: programming errors

[rayedk]

I installed the Vex Intelitek easyC programming software on my computer. And no matter how many times I try, whenever I go to download the master code, or test code, it says "make sure the power is one and the wires are connected" (something similar to that). I know that the robot and wires (serial, usb) can't have any problems because whenever I press the little button on the programming module, it forces the robot into programming mode, yet it still doesn't download any code. Also, I used the IFI loader, and com4 (what is supposed to be the correct setting for the Vex downloader as I checked it under my computrer's harware properties) cannot be verified. However, com3 can. I tried downloading to com3 but that didn't work either. Help would REALLY be appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

-Rayed

[Ricky Torrance]

Does your PC have a serial port; if so, try using the IFI Loader with no USB Adapter. Now using the IFI Loader under PortSettings, set the IFI Loader to the same Com Port that the Serial Cable is connected to. Not sure what you mean about “cannot be verified” – this could be a problem.

If you are using a USB-to Serial Adapter try this: Using your Device Manager on your PC, see which com port is assigned to the USB-to-Serial adapter – it is most likely not on COM1. Now using the IFI Loader under PortSettings, set the IFI Loader to the same Com Port that was seen assigned to the USD-to-Serial adapter.

[rayedk]

i don't have a serial port on my computer. and the downloading code just doesn't work. the programming kit is out of warranty. what can i do?

[Ricky Torrance]

If you are sure everything is configured properly, you can ask around - someone you know may have a PC with a serial port to help isolate the problem. Try using the USB to Serial Adapter with another application to verify the Adapter is good. Try using your USB port with another application to verify the Port is good.. Once you have verified the PC and USB Adapter are not at fault, the problem is the Vex Controller, Programming Module, or the connecting cable. If you can find someone locally with these parts, they could help you isolate the problem by swapping 1 item at a time until you have found the problem. You can all us for an RMA Number for repair which will cost $50 to $100.

[rayedk]

the other computer in my home actually has a serial port, however, even though the vex has the correct pins to plug into that port, it has protruding things for the vex usb adapter to screw into, and therefore it cannot connect with the computer serial portbecause it hits the protruding things comin gout of the computer.

[Ricky Torrance]

You need to use a DB9 M-F Serial Cable between the Vex Programming Module and the Serial Port on the PC.