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Canada
Asked — Edited

Ez-B Controller Not Working

Hi everyone,

I have followed every day postings in this forum since November when I bought the EZ-B, but this is my first posting.
I have a problem with the controller, it started with firmware update V16 but maybe it was just coincidence. The blue status led is very dim almost off and when I measure the voltage it was only 0.8v. Voltage regulators are giving 5V. Bluetooth led is blinking and I can do the pairing with PC, but I can not establish a connection with EZ-Builder. Looks like the PIC controller doesn't start the program. Any suggestion what else I have to check for troubleshooting the problem.

Thanks,


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Synthiam
#1  
It sounds like the PIC has been shorted and damaged internally. It will need to be replaced. You can Contact Us for a replacement PIC:) I designed the EZ-B so the chip is not surface mount - that means you can swap a replacement EZ-Robot chip if it is ever damaged.
Canada
#2  
Thank you DJ,
Always helpful, like everybody here in the forum:)
#3  
Popped my IC too. Not sure how. Only plugged in 1 servo. Had been playing with it for day's prior. I really REALLY thought I had servo plugged in the right way this time too:(

DJ, any chance that on far off rev. To the board, you can introduce circuit protection for the IC?
PRO
Synthiam
#4  
The board is protected by a fuse for circuit protection - as for the I/O, there is no way to "protect" the chip. The I/O on the chip is input and output and therefore needs to be directly connected to your peripheral:)
Canada
#6  
@DJ Sorry for resurrecting a older post, but I too experience this issue... but what interests me is that it is intermittent, working more often then not. When it does fail it is just at first power up and the blue LED is dim, but if I unplug and re-plug the power from the EZ-B a few times then I get the bright blue LED and I can connect fine. Has happened with and without devices plugged into ports. Also, it is being powered by 12v in its current usage.

Does this sound like I need to order in a new PIC or do you have another suggestion? As stated, it does work more often then not (It is currently working right now), but is concerning when it glitches.
PRO
Synthiam
#7  
The EZ-B is an exposed circuit board - if the board is mounted on something that causes interference (radio or conductive), then you will have issues. It's best to mount the circuit on a static free pad, without glue.

Electrical components either work, or don't work - there's no in between of partial working. Which means your components are okay.:)
Canada
#8  
Thanks DJ. That's what I was hoping for... although I don't have as quite as much faith in the works or not factor of all electrical components... seen too many issues as a PC tech with temp, humidity and yes, interference and conductivity issues, but sometimes it seems like just a flaky connection or component.

The dim blue LED (not pulsing) must mean something though? Low voltage, incomplete firmware "boot", need more coffee:P

My board is always mounted on standoffs, even when bench testing. I have done one soldering mod (for jumpered EXT power) and usually have my ADC power monitoring circuit attached. But I had these issues even before any of that was done. It comes and goes and cannot be replicated on command, thus hard to track, but I will continue to diagnosis it when it happens.

Nice to know that the PIC is easy to replace:) adds peace of mind.
PRO
Synthiam
#9  
The blue dim would mean the pic partially booted. This could be due to either a loss of power , or the crystal interference. The Stand off mounting holes are close to the crystal, and it's been know to cause this issue. Ensure you are using plastic stands. Also check the screw to make sure it's small enough to not be rubbing. Plastic washers should be used on the screw head side of the pcb.:)
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