rowdyjoe
I'm a complete rookie when it comes to robotics but, I'm willing to learn. I'm about to find out if an "old dog" can learn new tricks. 
I'm fully retired for about 6 yrs now and loving it. I have experience with RC airplanes, helicopters, and a few cars and digitally controlled model trains. I know a bit about the hardware of computers but, the software boggles my mind and that's why I'm so excited about E-Z Robot. It appears that Mr. Sures has taken the hard part out of the programming by providing an easy to use programming suite.
I'm really excited about the mods/hacks associated with "toy" robots and plan to easy. Since Mr. Sures has done all of the hard work for us, I'm looking very strongly into the Wow Wee selection of bots. I follow instructions pretty well and the tutorial videos I've watched make it look pretty darned simple.
I'm looking forward to learing from this group and I hope you will all forgive my occasional dumb question.
RJ
Arlington, TX
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There's no such thing as dumb questions, only dumb answers. I've been know to give a few dumb ones but there are lots of people here that will keep me honest so no need to fear taking advice when you have asked.
Keep us updated on your project and post it in the project show case. We love pics and vids!
RJ
I'd like to outfit him with the camera and radar if possible. I'd also like to enlarge his vocabulary if possible. This is going to be FUN!
RJ
As Dave (@dschupius) said, there are no stupid questions so feel free to ask absolutely anything, nobody will ridicule you, we all start somewhere
With the EZ-B V4 you can add any voice/sounds to your Robosapien since it has an on board MP3 trigger and speaker. It can also control the Robosapien with a single port (however only send remote commands but it's enough to move him).
i give you one for free.
J
I'm still shopping for a new OS. I've found a very good deal on Win 7 but, must do more research to decide if I need/want Pro or Home version.
I feel like a kid in a candy store trying to decide on which flavor I want.
RJ
RJ
RJ
Anyway, welcome to one of the best decisions you could have ever made.
Windows 8 was cheaper than Windows 7 when it first come out, I believe it still is. When I upgraded it was £25 which is very cheap. It does take some getting used to but it's not a bad OS to use.
Any of the Windows versions can be installed as a trial for 30 days (and then a further 30 days by resetting it - google for it). You can dual boot easily too, Windows will give the option when you try to install a second OS. There are other programs out there too which make dual booting easier like EasyBCD.
If you choose to upgrade rather than go for a new system check the upgrade path required so you don't lose everything. Going from some versions of older windows to a different version of a newer windows (i.e. XP home to 7 Ultimate) may result in the installation telling you that you need to reinstall everything. There are ways around this though, you are usually able to upgrade to another version in the middle temporarily, for instance, XP Home to XP Pro to 7 Ultimate. Again, google will be your friend if you choose to do this but whatever you do, always back up before attempting anything, this is Microsoft after all and they have a reputation for things not always working as they should (I've had the exact same spec PCs, same OS, same everything but one would upgrade without issue the other I needed to reinstall everything).
Thanks for the info but, the pressure is off for now.
The V1 & V2 I bought on ebay won't be delivered until later this month I'm left twiddling my thumbs and anxiously waiting. (bummer
RJ
Thanks very much for that explanation. It answers a lot of questions and clears a few things up for me. I've not done an upgrade or changed OS in 5 or 6 yrs so, my brain is a bit too old and rusty on that subject. I used to build my own systems but, I've been very satisfied with my current one that I bought complete and the thoughts of getting/building a new one have been very fleeting. I think this is the first "factory" system I've ever purchased and it's really been a good one. Vista has treated me very well for general use.
My Son is pretty knowledgeable about the hard & software and has given me a few tips also. He's currently running Win 8.1 and recommends it over Win. 7 for various reasons, none of which appeal/make sense to me as they appear much the same. I read the descriptions and features of both and, for my need, I don't see a difference. Additionally, I can get Win. 7 Pro for a few bucks less than "Home" but, don't can't make much sense out of the difference between those either. In my searches for best price on any of these, I've found Win. 7 Pro (w/SP1) to be cheaper than any of the others including Win 8.
I got a headache trying to decide and now that I've read the EZb V4 availability thread, I have a sense of relief. I can take my time and make a good decision on the OS because when I order the EZb it will take a couple of months to arrive.
Again, thanks for the help.
RJ
The only issues I've had were a bad blu tooth dongle and an issue with the voice synthesis. More specifically using a 3rd party speech engine. And I'm pretty sure that problem exists with both Win7 and Win8. Just to note neither of those problems were EZB caused. Just bunk hardware and Windows being Windows.
Sincere thanks for your help.
RJ
RJ
After uploading the various patches, SPs, drivers, etc. I should be able to download ARC and begin getting familiar with it.
My two ebay purchases are on the way so, I'll have time to tinker with them until the EZb v4 starts shipping. Rewiring the V2 will be a time consuming task but, well worth it I think and it will give me something to do while anxiously waiting for the controller.
RJ
The RS2 is in GREAT ! condition. I can't find any marks on him and both he and the remote are clean as a whistle. He was advertised as not working or intermittent too. I checked his battery boxes and they look practically unused ...not a sign of corrosion. Even the pads on his feet have very little scuffing. The remote is in the same condition. This big boy was well cared for or ignored after a short play time. I installed fresh batteries and to my surprise he went through his boot up routine and began to function normally. I put him through his dance routine and all went very well. However, while walking he would stop and shut down (a symptom of bad wiring). The more I played with him the more he deteriorated and began to complain of "low brain power" ....as was reported by the seller. The AAA batteries in his right foot were very warm (not hot) when I checked them indicating a short in that circuit (ie. bad wiring insulation).
I bought this one (it's a grey "Sharper Image" model) for a very good price while guessing he had wiring issues as they all seem to do. I'm prepared to rewire him though so, he'll be up and running as soon as I get "roundtoit".
Now, I need to save my nickles and dimes and order an EZb for the RS1. I'm really looking forward to that mod and very impressed by it's simplicity and functionality.
The FUN BEGINS.
RJ
Please post your experience with the RS2 as I'm sure it will be helpful later.
RJ
the ir is on the small baord in the head,but i dont know whits wire it is.
second pic is the mainboard below you see GND = GROUND
vcc = power
the wire you see in first pic, goes the the ir reciever that sits behind v2 mouth.
I just finished rewiring my RS V2 but, he won't work. He had the typical shattered insulation ....looked like little colored pellets of mouse poop.
If you have any ideas or recommendations about this problem please let me know.
Thanks,
RJ
OK, I just check for shorts at the battery connector on the small board in the foot and there is a short somewhere for sure. I need to trace that circuit to see if I can find it. This may take a while.
RJ
first time
new connectors
you need about 6 off these
You are right. I should have used new connectors but, tried to do it fast instead of good. The wiring in those two harnesses are absolute junk. I tried to use the "pig tail" method to solder new wire onto the old instead of buying new connectors. They aren't expensive but, I didn't want to waste time looking for them. I ended up removing the wires from the circuit boards in the feet and through-hole soldering the new wire in. They came out good but, I've already found a broken wire in the 7 pin connector. What is the old saying ...."haste makes waste"? Very true in my case.
I'll be buying new connectors and will do it right this next time.
RJ
the 6 pin fits
the others you take out the wire,whit the needle like in the pic.and put it in the old connector.
the two old one that comes from the foot to the motorboard for power.these you have to re use.leave some 5 cm and solder there the,
new wire on.the 7 pin also take out new wires out and put in old connector.to messure the lengt,for the left connectors turn the robot to the right side all the way.for the right connectors turn the robot to the left side all the way.
the harnas.only use harnas till the top of his pants.not more.your bundle will be bigger.
keep the bundles good to the side off his backbone.only use plastik band for tightend the bundle below his pants.
not further ubove.there is not much space between his pants and backbone for turning,if you bundle up all wires ,
they can block and pull the connectors out the connectorhousing.
I believe I've found a replacement connector for the right leg 7 pin. It's a 7 pin Molex p/n http://www.molex.com/molex/products/datasheet.jsp?part=active/0510650700_CRIMP_HOUSINGS.xml with 2mm pitch. The best I could measure with a caliper was .080" pitch which roughly correlates to 2 mm (.0787"). The corresponding pins are linked on the web page.
I've ordered some of these along with the recommended pins and will pick them up tomorrow from our local Mouser Electronics facility. I'll know tomorrow whether it's the right one when I get it home and try it out. I ordered 5 "housings" and 30 pins for a total price of $6.11. So, if it's not the correct one, I'm not loosing much money.
I'll let you know tomorrow.
RJ
one thing i wanna say.if the robot is complete rewired.before power up ,turn robot all the way left and right,
feel if you feel resitants off the new wires.if not power up.
I hope it's the correct one too. I'll find out tomorrow.
I got a hint from this web site .... http://mymanthemaker.blogspot.com/2013/04/robosapien-v2-wire-rot.html. The author mentioned that it was Dupont connector so, I traced it using that maker name via web searches and found them on the Molex site. They have other pitch spacing as well so, if this isn't the correct one I'll try the 2.54mm and see if it will work. I'm very hopeful about the 2mm as my own measurements, which are not exactly precise, are very close to that spacing. I really want to make this robot work again. If not, I'll find another one and start over. After changing the connector with a new one, I hope the short circuit in the "brain" power circuit is repaired. If not, then I'm afraid I have a bad component on the board.
RJ
are indeed weither .
i bout also a another v2 and seller said he's perfect in working condition.but no as always.
Yep, every thing I've read and seen says they ALL have bad wiring. So, any claims of perfect working condition will soon not be true if indeed they are telling the truth.
I believe Molex will have all of the connectors we need to replace the bad ones in the RS v2. Actually, we only need new "pins" if we are careful with the "housings" when we take them apart. It's good to know they are available at such a good price.
RJ
i bouth some 50 robots ,and all had some kind off bad part.no v2 is worth more then 60 dollar.not even in the box new.
also in box have same wiring problem.and they know that if i by a v2 i cant send it back cause i need to pay chipping,
to send it back.whits nobody does cause it cost you double.if you have 1 good v2 thats more then enouch.
its not worth anymore to by more v2.for that money you can make your own up to date robot here on ez.
I am still in a buying mood but, must resist. There are many RS v1 on the market but, I have one and that's all I need for now. I really want a Wall E and that will likely be on of my projects. I want to get the V2 working and hack into it with an EZb and get it doing amazing things. I have a few ideas to try out on the RS 1 with a goal of implementing on an R2 later. I'd like to change the battery config. from alkaline to lithium for longer life and less weight ...although, I might have to add weight to help him balance with the lighter battery.
I'm anxious to see if my new connectors will fit the V2. Hope I can sleep well tonight.
RJ
you can excample an rsm in skype.
Don't forget to order the correct crimp pins/connectors listed on the page. Just click the p/n and it will take you to the page for the connectors.
Whew, now I can finish my RS V2 rewire job.
RJ
However, those little tiny, itty bitty, teensy weensy connectors are a pain in the rear. I'm glad I bought more than I needed because I ruined a few before I got them all wired up and stuffed into the connector. I used a pair of magnifying glasses to see the little things and was wishing I had spent the money on the somewhat expensive (compared to the job) crimpers that make the job easy (supposedly). Oh well, jobs done. I just hope it stays that way now.
RJ
whit your hands.yyeeeeeeeeeeee hawwwwwwwwwwww
RJ
Well, momentary joy is better than none I guess.
RJ
I have ordered more connector pins for the 7 pin shell and will pick them up tomorrow. The wire I found at the used electronics shop is more flexible and a bit smaller in diameter so, it should fit without binding.
Wish me luck on the re-wire of the re-wire.
RJ
Here's the board:
I connected my ground wire from the ground pin on D1 to the red circle. And the signal wire the signal pin on D1 to the yellow.
Then on the power switch board I connected the positive lead to the red circle and the negative to the black circle. This way the EZB draws its power from the robosapien batteries.
It's all working great now. My dog hates it. I love it. lol Hope that helps.
but am confuse whit the text. gnd to red on D1 and yellow also on D1
I pretty much just followed the video. My boards were just a little different.
EZ-Robot RoboSapien
He explains it starting at about 1:45. Let me know if you have anymore questions.
In the picture below, I have labeled where you connect the power lines that will send power to the EZB. I did it just like DJ Did in the video.
I hope that clears it up for you. (Btw, I'm very happy to be of help. I'm fairly new so it is not often I know an answer and when I do usually some one answers before me
Can hardly wait for the EZb V4 release. My RS 1 is patiently waiting. I've been driving my two small dogs crazy with him. They don't like him at all so, my "play time" is limited to the amount of loud barking my ears can withstand. This problem may play havoc with voice commands? I wonder if they sell "dog noise cancelling" microphones?
Update on the V2 second rewire attempt .... I've successfully replaced the 6 pin connector harness and buttoned up the left side. I have the 7 pin connector wired but, not installed as yet. I hope to do that this weekend. I've found that it's much easier to work on him if I remove the leg I'm working on. Once the upper outside cover is removed, there are two screws that hold the leg in place. Remove those screws and the then the leg to give you much easier access.
By the way ...if anyone is considering buying a new 7 pin connector to replace the original one, be sure to buy the terminal pins in a 100 piece strip (about $2 us). They come attached to a metal strip and are much easier to handle during wire installation if the "tab" is left in place until the wire is firmly attached. I found that a small pair of medical clamps (forceps?) very useful for clamping the wire to the terminal. It's time consuming but, it can be done if you are dedicated to the repair. It is possible to solder the wire to the connectors but, you must use a small tip on your iron and very tiny amount of solder. Either way, the "tab" on the pin is a great aid in holding it until the job is done.
RJ
Which parts are so delicate? They all look very sturdy to me. The leg "bones" fit closely onto the hip pins but, can be worked loose easily if careful. Just wiggle gently with upward pressure until they slide off the pins. A drop of thin machine oil will help if they are stubborn but, I haven't found the need for that yet. Obviously, you don't want to try to pry them off with anything as it's not necessary and the plastic "bones" can break.
RJ