Asked
Resolved by DJ Sures!
I'm experiencing an intermittent issue with ARC where two out of my three EZ-B controllers lose their connection.
- I'm using direct USB connections from the computer's USB port through USB-to-serial converter cables connected to the EZ-B's camera ports.
- At startup, ARC connects to the two EZ-Bs using an initialization script. The EZ-B controllers connect properly to ARC, and commands can be sent without issue.
- Randomly, connections 0 and 2 will disconnect from the computer. This could happen to either connection or both, but at different times. It seems they don't disconnect simultaneously.
- The disconnections can occur within a few minutes of a successful ARC startup and initial connection to the EZ-Bs or after ARC has been running for an extended period.
- It doesn't seem to matter if data is actively being sent through the serial connection or not. Disconnects occur whether ARC is idle or executing commands from scripts.
- The EZ-B controllers do not lock up. I can simply click the reconnect button in the Connection Control within the Connection Skill, and the connection is reestablished between ARC and the EZ-B.
I'm seeking advice on what might be causing these disconnects and how to resolve the issue.
Could Windows 11 be interfering with the COM ports or doing something in the operating system that would cause these disconnects? Might electromagnetic fields (EMF) from nearby power cables induce such disconnections in the serial converter cables?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Related Hardware EZ-B v4
Related Controls
EZB Connection
Connection Diagnostic
Athena is correct, if we are still discussing USB/UART. If the topic has changed to wifi, this is a whole different conversation. But a minimum project would help you identify if it's power-related or what.
load ARC
In an EMPTY project, add the EZB Info robot skill. That's the one that shows the temp and voltage of the ezb
Connect to the EZB via UART/USB (not wifi)
Let it sit there for the time you say it takes for a usual disconnect. (for example, 24 hours or whatever). Do not use the computer. Do not touch the mouse. Leave it as if you're actually testing a real robot. You cannot determine what is going on if you don't treat it the same.
Report back if it disconnected or not after 24 hours (or whatever)
The idea here is that we can slowly eliminate issues until we know what's causing them. Right now, you're testing a large, complex project that's doing several things. It's best to start with one thing at a time until you can see what's causing the issue.
OK, I understand. To clarify I switched to a WIFI connection only to troubleshoot. I wanted to see if the disconnection happened with both a WIFI conection and USB. I wanted to rule out the USB components being the issue. My opinion is that this disconnect happens with both a USB and WIFI connection method. I'll be switching back to USB.
Here, Dave, I created this for you: https://synthiam.com/Support/Skills/General/EZB-Stress-Test?id=23063
Wow @DJ! Thanks my friend! This should make this easier. I really appreacheat your personal concern and help.
I'll get this working and run it tomorrow morning after I restore the USB connection on connection 0 between the EZB and ARC.
One question. Do you think I should I run this stress test with an empty project like you mentioned with only the problem connection active or my full project with everything connected and the robot running through all three EZBs?
Again, thanks!
yeah, make sure it's an empty project
@DJ
I tried to find and install your new EZB Stress Test to a new clean ARC project. I can't find any instance of it in ARC's "Add Robot Skill" interface. I even tried the new Search function and nothing comes up.
Please advise on how to find and get this new skill installed. Thanks.
I've got my EZB back re-attached to the computer through USB and ready to test connection 0. I confirmed that it will connect.
This document page from the support section: https://synthiam.com/Support/ARC-Overview/robot-skills/Syncing-and-Updating-Robot-Skills
To prevent this thread from becoming too difficult to follow, a new thread has been created specifically around using the EZB Stress Test results here: https://synthiam.com/Community/Questions/Using-the-EZB-Stress-Test-and-results-23066
Please use the new thread that was created from your posts regarding the EZB Stress Test and your results - it will be much easier and clearer for you to follow in the new thread.