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Asked — Edited

Usb To Computer Now With Update?

Ok so

ez-b v4.x/2 comm expansion configuration utility

with new update.. Does this mean some how some way my dream of USB to computer has happened and I just dont know how to wire it? Or is this a preemptive update with the how to follow ? :D


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#9  
DJ, this is really cool. Now if I could only find my good webcam (I think now I left it in a hotel on a business trip a year ago. I have looked everywhere else it could be).

Alan
United Kingdom
#10  
USB? Quite simply... this is just great.:D

Nice one DJ.
#11  
Any info on where we can purchase this Comm Expansion adapter?
#12  
I believe it is still in the prototyping and manufacturing process. I believe it is to be released in june.
PRO
Synthiam
#13  
Comm expansion is for the v4.x/2 only and will be shipping when the current v4.x/1 inventory is gone.
#15  
I am sorry, I am confused. If I bought an EZ-B-v4/2 in Decemeber of 2016 do I need to purchase this EZ-B v4/2 Comm Upgrade to do USB to a PC. Also, where do I get the UART to USB cable?

Thanks
#16  
@ZionPhil,

If you have a 4/2 you don't need to buy the comm upgrade. That converts a 4/0 into a 4/2.

Here is a tutorial that includes what you do need and how to use it:

http://www.ez-robot.com/Tutorials/Lesson/76?courseId=5

I just got my USB adapters Saturday (my old one would not work on Windows 10) so i am going to try to do this later today).

Alan
#17  
@thetechguru

Wow! Thank you so much. This is exactly what I needed.

So if I have already have an FTDI cable and jumper wire with the camera cable, I am good to go correct?
#20  
I just hooked up this one http://www.robotshop.com/en/ftdi-basic-breakout-3-3v-6-pin-header.html to my EZ-B and it worked perfectly at 921600 from 2 different computers. Unfortunately, I also discovered that the battery in my Acer W3-810 tablet is shot. It works plugged in, but is sitting at 12% charge and won't take a charge, so now I need to find another computer to use as the embedded device in my robot:( I have a VOYO V2 that can run headless,, but it sometimes overheats, so I would be afraid to use it in a robot, and I liked the idea of having a touchscreen on the robot so I didn't always need to have another computer running to work with it. Off to gearbest and eBay to see what is available these days...

Alan
PRO
USA
#21  
Hi Alan,

Is the Latte Panda on your list? I wanted to get an opion if this was a good computer to consider.

Ron
#22  

Quote:


Is the Latte Panda on your list?

If I decide to go headless it looks like a good affordable choice. I found I can get a replacement battery for the W3, but it is a little tricky to replace and costs quite a bit, so more research needed.

I thought I found a good cheap tablet at Gearbest, but you can't use the USB port while it is charging, so that isn't good for a robot I want to run for hours.

Alan
PRO
Synthiam
#23  
i like the latte panda - put TightVNC on it or use RDP and you won't need a screen. There's plenty of iOS VNC clients as well. I prefer RDP because it is faster.

Although, nothing beats actually seeing the screen on your robot:D
#24  
Yeah, there are some design reasons I wanted a screen. I have a couple of olf Xenarc 7".screens I could use for a local display but they are only 800x600 resolution and not touch screen, so won't be good for EZ-B, but maybe OK for some of the other purposes.

Decisions, decisions....

Alan
PRO
Synthiam
#25  
With the time ppl like u and i spend programming robots, might need to spoil yourself. If the tablet doesn't "Feel right", it'll be a bad experience.

Might need to splurge:D
#26  
Yeah, but then I need to convince my wife.... I can't even get her to spend part of a day visiting EZ-Robot when we go to Banff for our 25th wedding anniversary this summer. Spending more than about $100 on another robot part will be a hard sell (particularly when we are spending a fortune going to Banff this year).

Alan
PRO
Synthiam
#27  
I know better than to get involved with someone's anniversary plans... I'll stay out of that one:D

Although it would be good to see u. And to check out our new digs.

Gotta get Richard r out here to visit again soon as well.
#28  
Decided to order a replacement battery for the W3-810. I may still wind up doing a headless computer, but I have a secondary use for the tablet, and would miss not having it available (when I am on call for work, but want to go for a bike ride or hike, the tablet is small enough to take with me). Found an instructable that made the replacement look relatively painless.

Alan
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