New Bioloid owner

[ArnaudBuy]

Hello,

I've recently own a Bioloid comprehensive kit and have to say that's a great purchase.

At this time, I've build an interface to be able to commmunicate with the AX-12 from my laptop at 1 Mpbs. Have bought a FTDI2232 chip and configure the bauf rate prescaler to fit the 1Mpbs rate. I've also used the TDXEN pin to switch automatically the bus direction.
I have already program a library in C#/.NET framework 2.0 to command and retrieve data from actuators.

I'm french, don't be scare by my english ...

Arnaud

[billyzelsnack]

So what you are saying is that you managed to flip the direction without an additional micro-controller in the middle? Just by using the FTDI2232 itself?

Excellent.

btw. Your English if quite good, don't be self-conscious about it.

[ArnaudBuy]

Yes that's it.
I have the FTDI FT2232 with the 74HC126 and the 74HC04 recommended by Robotis. The FT2232 TDXEN (transmit enable) pin is originally used for RS485 designs, but i use it in UART mode and have no problem with timings since this pin is controled by the chip himself and seems to be switched enough quickly. I've noticed that this pin is also avalaible on other chips as the new FT232R ...

Arnaud

[pepperm]

...... the 74HC126 and the 74HC04 recommended by Robotis.

Where do they recommend the 74HC04, was it the schematic in the manuals? I ask because they don't use the invertor in neither the CM-5, servos nor sensor module.

Mark

[ArnaudBuy]

I saw the 74HC04 in the recommended circuit diagram for connection to UART in the AX-12 Datasheet (manual). As you know i think, the 74HC04 is used to invert the direction signal to disabling the receiver when enabling emitter and conversely. This prevent a feedback of transmitted data i think, preventing throwing the receiver interrupt and also preventing useless computing.

Arnaud

[JonHylands]

Arnaud,

Could you post a schematic of what you did?

- Jon

[ArnaudBuy]

ok, do it and post it as soon as finished ... you can see a picture of the board on my blog ...

Arnaud

[billyzelsnack]

This is great. I look forward to your schematic.

[ArnaudBuy]

The pin name isn't TDXEN but TXDEN ..

Sorry for the mistake ...

Have created a new post with the schematic:
http://robosavvy.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=990

Arnaud