Subject:
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Re: Custom Firmware, IR Problems, and Dead RCXs (long)
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.robotics.rcx
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Date:
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Sat, 26 May 2001 18:05:12 GMT
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Viewed:
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1855 times
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Ralph Hempel wrote:
> I've spent the past couple of spare weekends making some
> upgrades to pbForth, but recently my RCX and tower both died.
>
> I have a couple of theories about this and would like to offer
> them up for discussion. Please use the robotics.rcx group
> for followups so we can all follow the thread....
>
> 1. I do a lot of upload/download sequences. In fact, I've been
> developing an interrupt-driven comms library for the RCX.
> In testing the library I end up doing a ton of transmissions
> in both near and far range.
>
> 2. To conserve batteries, I use a RadioShack adapter through a
> Y cable to the tower and RCX (Obviously, I have a 1.0 RCX)
> The adapter is 273-1656A, which is rated for 800mA at 9V.
> The actual output (unloaded) is about 12 volts - near the posted
> limit for the RCX.
I'm pretty sure I know your problem to your number 2...
The IR Tower has no protection against higher power. Running an
unregulated power source into the IR tower is not a good idea! Use a 9v
regulator package (The little 3 prong packages with the metal tab and hole
at the top) to steady it out. Works great. Even .1 of a volt out of spec
could be enough to burn out the components.
--
Coin-Op's For Sale!: http://www.akasa.bc.ca/tfm/coin-op.html
Dean's Lego Workshop: http://www.akasa.bc.ca/tfm/lego_wr.html
Vancouver Lego Club: http://www.akasa.bc.ca/vlc
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