Questions on Latest Build

[Dennis Cherry]

Been a while form the start of this Coop till now. Not a problem.

I have a couple of questions.

1. RX/TX Does it come with a Rubber Ducky?  Don't laugh now. If you know 2-way equipment that is a valid question.

2. Are the PICs programmed?  Just need to know.

3. Transmitter module: Is the board cut like the RX module?

4. Length of the RX Antenna?  Does it matter?

[wbuehler]

Been a while form the start of this Coop till now. Not a problem.

I have a couple of questions.

1. RX/TX Does it come with a Rubber Ducky?  Don't laugh now. If you know 2-way equipment that is a valid question.

2. Are the PICs programmed?  Just need to know.

3. Transmitter module: Is the board cut like the RX module?

4. Length of the RX Antenna?  Does it matter?

1.  Not sure how to answer this one
2.  Yes they are programmed
3.  For Version 2 no the module is no longer cut
4.  For the Version 2 TX/RX and the EX/RX the antenna is a fixed length that is already attached to the module.

[n1ist]

The version 2 boards use the antenna that is part of the Microchip module.  No cutting of the PCB, and no rubber duck.
/mike

[Rainlover]

Am I the only one here that doesn't know what a rubber ducky is?

John

[Dennis Cherry]

Darn no Rubber Ducky.

OK I am also most finished.

Got both TX's running and add a RX to unit #1.  It works fine. The jumper is removed for the RX module.  

The controller is working fine, but no data going to the other controllers.  I hope this is not a show stopper for me.

I want to connect several controllers to each of the RX's.  Not an RX per controller.  

[tbone321]

That depends on what unit #1 is.  If it is an Express, then you can use DMX port 2 to string along other devices as port 1 is disabled.  If it is anything else, then connecting the Rx module disables the output port and you cannot connect anything else to it.  The way around that would be to use a Tx/Rx unit switched to Rx mode which allows you to string multiple devices off of it just like the dongle.

[Dennis Cherry]

That depends on what unit #1 is.  If it is an Express, then you can use DMX port 2 to string along other devices as port 1 is disabled.  If it is anything else, then connecting the Rx module disables the output port and you cannot connect anything else to it.  The way around that would be to use a Tx/Rx unit switched to Rx mode which allows you to string multiple devices off of it just like the dongle.

Thanks that was it.  Using the DMX 2 Out does the trick.

[RJ]

Yes the build of the ver2 Tx and RX are identical and their is nothing to modify or cut just basic soldering. The RF modules are used as is.

Those that are not building from the kits with preprogrammed pics need to download the firmware I am posting here I will see if we can get it posted to the wiki shortly as the ver1 firmware will be a no go on the new units. You need the right firmware for them to work properly.

for one the range will be bad on the old firmware.  and the unit will not switch back and forth and the channels are on the wrong freq.

RJ

P.S.

This one firmware is for all Ver 2 units that includes TX/RX and EX/RX units.

It will not function on Ver 1 Equipment. I have a compatible mode firmware for the Ver1 stuff to make it work with the Ver 2 stuff correctly that I will be posting shortly.

[Night Owl]

Am I the only one here that doesn't know what a rubber ducky is?

John

The rubber ducky antenna is the black flexible antenna you see on hand held scanners and on the Motorola 2 way radios police usually carry.  If your WiFi access point is old enough, it probably has two on the back.  If you look at the Wiki for the standalone receiver, you can see the antenna on the top of the image.

Nathan

[RJ]

Rick,

 The firmware I posted above could you post it in the wiki for me and label it (ver2 only do not use on ver 1 equipment)?
  I will have another updated firmware for the ver1 to make them play together in a few days I will need you to post also.


Thanks wikimaster!

RJ

[wbuehler]

Can I confirm that the firmware file in this thread, Wireless V2_ 8_2010.hex, is newer than the version of the firmware that shipped on the PICs purchased in the version 2 co-op?  If so, is this a "recommended" upgrade to the firmware?

This is the same as what was programmed for the Co-Op Pics.  This is not an upgrade.

Bill

[RJ]

The ver 2 firmware and the newer ver 1 firmware has been updated on the wiki.

RJ