Rookie cry for help.

[Ric]

Hi (again)

I assembled a RN-1 a while back and have posted here a couple of times with very limited success. Frankly no-one seems interested in helping complete rookies. Patting each other on the back for fancy mods seems the order of the day.

I now seem to have 'deleted' the controllers memory and cannot get a 'download' or 'run' connection to 'upload' again.
I keep getting an error 5, yet I have connection success using realtime servo movement and zero set points.
Where can I go to get a basic (no pun intended) step by step guide to installing the supplied software and setting up the controller. I find the supplied manual confusing and badly written.

Thanks

Ric

[rep001]

Ric,
Hi welcome,sorry you feel this way it must just be an oversite as everyone here is more than helpful and keen for anyone at any level to progress.Please explain from the start the probs you are having and i will help you from the beginning.Sounds obvious maybe but please make sure your battery is Fully charged and lets begin..

[Ric]

Hi Rep, thanks

Basically I assembled an Rn1 from kit and had it working via the included remote without any pc download.
It wasn't very stable on the cartwheel and I managed to trim zero set points to balance this.

I've now tried to upload some supplied moves (i.e. press ups etc.) but get an error -5, check cables etc. Yet I know I have contact as I can set zero points etc.
I had a brief encounter with success when downloading when I got didn't recieve the error message a few days back. Now on power up the Robo doesn't even stand up. I still get an error -5, no contact message and now have no remote control or response using the robo remote program. I can, however, still get movement setting the zero point using RoboBasic.

Please bear in mind that whilst keen I have zero programming knowledge.

Thanks

Ric

[Ric]

I'm reading my last post and it was poorly explained.

For a start, could you explain, in simple steps, how to upload the principle base movement program to the controller.

Thanks

Ric

[rep001]

Ric
so you have downloaded the cd to your pc and have Robobasic running ok.On the left of the screen in Robo Basic you should find a Base Template file under the Warcraft III header.Double click on this so all the code appears on the right box on the screen, then connect RN-1 to your pc and switch him on.Hold him around the waste unless you have a stand as if your zero points are not there yet he will take a dive !!
So click on the blue fast forward style arrow in the upper tool bar.Once that is finished compiling, click ok again and the Red and Green status bars will download and varify the code.RN-1 should then thankyou with a beep or two and that should all be ok.
give it a try i am up for a while yet...
Regards
Rep001

[Ric]

Rep
Not quite sure about the Warcraft III header but double clicking the 'overall' file from the template program I then click the blue fast forward button...
It compiles...
I click again but then rather than downlaoding I get an Error-5 code - check controller status, cables and power.

[Ric]

Please note that Robo will sit down and stand up whilst reporting this error code.
I've tried all other controller type configurations and they throw up errors in the actual code before even compiling...

[bauermech]

Ric,

By any chance are you using a USB > Serial port adapter? Some brands create similar symptoms.

I then click the blue fast forward button...
It compiles...
I click again but then rather than downlaoding I get an Error-5 code - check controller status, cables and power.

You should only have to click on it once while the RN-1 is powered up and cables connected.

[rep001]

battery fully charged ?
click on the clear memory button in task bar Yellow box with red cross,also the controller reset mode next to it (right).Go to Set in the taskbar above previous and select controller type, scroll down and check that C3024 is ticked.

[Ric]

OK done that...
actually it was the clearing of the memory that initially caused my problems and lost my remote control. I seem to be able to clear memory but not upload programs.
C3024 is ticked under SET, same error-5 occurs.
I'm using windows 98 on a laptop if it makes any difference

Thanks

Ric

[rep001]

[quote="bauermech"]Ric,

By any chance are you using a USB > Serial port adapter? Some brands create similar symptoms.

??

i am still thinking but we have the main man on the case and he appears abit stuck also....

[rep001]

Win 98.OK..
Take the cable/lead out of said laptop.Power down and reboot L/T with cable still out and when all is booted conect cable to L/T with RN plugged in and switched on.

[Ric]

I've premepted (if that's a word) you and just tried it on my XP laptop with a serial to USB convertor and .... the overall file downloaded ...YESSSSS!!!
Made me very happy - thank you.
I'm now getting coommunication errors and flashing head-lights but I think that's battery and at least I now have a partial solution.

I'll be posting again in a few days without doubt but meantime, many thanks for your help.

Regards

Ric

[rep001]

You see we do care !!
Glad that has helped.The flashing lights are a coding issue read back or search the forum for all the info on that one.speak soon Ric

[Ric]

I've only just noticed Bauermechs helping here too
I purchased a pair of your grips. I've even added two gyros and an IR sensor.
All a bit of a farce really when I can't even upload a basic program, let alone get the grips or gyros working.

At least I'm keen and the robo looks the part.

Here's an opportunity for someone to write a very basic beginners starter tutorial for us plebs. The supplied manual really is very poor.

Ric