If pressing Reset on the Robot Controller does not work, then make sure the “Team Number" on both units is set correctly (by tethering on 2004 or newer systems). Then try new radio cables and then new radio modems.
Similar to one post already on this board we have been having problems with our radio modems. At first we thought it was our transmitter, as it would stay in Standby mode, and the No Data/Radio light would be a constant red. We were able to get a spare transmitter and it now seems to behave correctly. Now our receiver only stays in Standby, with a blinking No Data/Radio light on the OI. We also were able to get our hands on a spare receiver as well, but it behaves the same.
We have followed all the steps in the manual and those listed here by tethering the robot, pressing the reset buttons, etc… We are going to try changing the channel from 40 to something else using the instructions but I don’t have much faith that will work.
**Both the RC and OI Radio Modems transmit and receive. A solid Red LED for the No Data/Radio on the RC or OI indicates the unit can not communicate with the radio modem. The problem is a loose DB9 cable connection, a bad DB9 cable, a bad radio modem, and in very rare cases a bad RC or OI.
A Red blinking LED for the No Data/Radio on the OI indicates the unit is in search mode. The solid Amber/Yellow LED for the No Data/Radio on the RC indicates the unit is in search mode. The search mode is what you want but even under this situation the units still will not link if the team number inside the RC is not the same as the team number set on the OI. Both radio modems should be flashing Standby while tethered. In Search Mode, the OI radio modem should be flashing Transmit with a Standby flash about every 1-2 seconds and the RC radio modem should be a solid Standby.
Interference on channel 40 usually only causes an erratic radio link, but you should try another practice channel as you have suggested.
If the above does not help, please call 903-453-0802 between 8:00 – 5:00 CST with the system setup in front of you and we can help you troubleshoot it over the phone.**
The only thing is that we are using Master Code 012 w/ 2006 robot controller and 2005 OI and not the current Master 013 but with the new radios. Does it make a difference? We tested our robot and it kept getting intermittent stalls which were random when we tested. It would go back on after a few seconds. This would repeat over and over again while testing. What would be all the possible causes?
**You need to be running Master Code 13 when using the new 2007 Radios and a 2006 or 2007 OI.
As for intermittent stalls; make sure all power connections are tight, from the battery, through the circuit breaker panel and to all devices. Pull on all your power connections. Repair any that are loose or come free. It is best to solder all wire connections; a crimp connection can come free.
Intermittent stalls can be from breakers tripping. If you have all green LEDs on the RC unit, you do not have a radio problem. If your motors are drawing too much current, the breakers will trip and the motors will be dead for a few seconds until the auto-resetting breaker has reset.
If you see the RC’s Radio Modem LED flashing Red, the RC unit is not receiving radio data. This can be caused from Interference from another source, bad Radio Modem Cables, Radio Modems (OI or RC), or in rare cases the RC or OI unit.
Poor reception can also be caused from incorrect mounting and wiring. For best radio reception, follows the guidelines: 1) the RC and OI Radio Modems should be mounted high and perpendicular to the playing field. 2) Both the Radio Modem Case and the moveable Antenna should be perpendicular to the playing field. 3) The Radio Modems and DB9 Radio Modem Cables should be kept as far as possible from any High Current Wiring, Motors, and Victors ….etc. 4) The Radio Antennas should not be touching any other surface. 5) The Radio Modem Case and Antennas should not be shielded by any metal structure. 6) There should be a “Clear Line-of Sight" between the RC and OI Radio Modems case and Antenna. 7) Interference from another radio source can be solved by changing to a different practice channel. **