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My motor controller's error light is flashing and the Hall effect Prius pedal is not functioning. I can't read the error unless I first establish a serial connection between the controller and my laptop. I've tried several different USB-Serial adapters and several different drivers, but the best I can get is whats pictured below. I have a FTDI chipset on order, which is rumored to be the best for USB-Serial communication. Hopefully, that does the trick. I've also ordered a new throttle input. I never liked the Prius pedal.
I use serial equipment all the time and have narrowed it down to the dynex tan cable you get from best buy. Has the chipset that works on mac/linux as well. But i'm curious about that output. Is that scrolling quickly across the screen or only when you type? It may be the term emulation and baud/options you're using? (assuming the board manual states what it wants). In some rare cases hyperterm won over putty but in today's world secureCRT is the next best thing. It says you gotta buy it but there's a demo period plus some tricks.
I've tried the PL2303 and the FT232R UART. Baud rate for the controller is 9600 and I've matched that in the terminal software (8 bits, no flow, no pairty, 1 stop bit) and in the COM port settings. I get a scrolling line of nonsense in PuTTy and Hyperterm. I will google Teraterm and secureCRT, thanks for the heads up. New hardware showed up yesterday and new throttle as well. I should have my FTDI chipset on Monday, hopefully the new components will net a better result.
I've tried the PL2303 and the FT232R UART. Baud rate for the controller is 9600 and I've matched that in the terminal software (8 bits, no flow, no pairty, 1 stop bit) and in the COM port settings. I get a scrolling line of nonsense in PuTTy and Hyperterm. I will google Teraterm and secureCRT, thanks for the heads up. New hardware showed up yesterday and new throttle as well. I should have my FTDI chipset on Monday, hopefully the new components will net a better result.
Something small is off, also try changing XON/XOFF.
boring update I'm finally communicating with the controller
I had to modify the RJ-11 to RS232 cable. The serial cable I bought from Radio shack had 5 out of 6 pins crossing over. I rewired them based on the controller manufacturer's serial pin-out and now I'm talking to the controller. This was a huge step, but unfortunately not very picture worthy. I was able to set my battery and motor parameters for break in phase. If I can mount my new throttle and rear fuse box with out issue, I can conduct a function test at 176V. Fingers crossed
Its a hack job, but it works and that's all that matters. I'll crimp some butts and shrink some tubes later.
Good luck man..... I am tired of seeing wiring pictures on your thread.... We demand a high resolution video of the final product
This car is nothing other than a disgustingly tedious conglomeration of circuits.
I will probably post a picture of the rear fuse box, because I think it's interesting. However, fuse box pic not withstanding, the very next thing I post will be a power test video.
That was an awesome update! You know how much a pain in the a$$ it is to set up serial communication at times ? You don't know if your harness is bad or your laptop port, or the device your talking to, or the software settings LOL.
You did great debugging that issue man! Looking forward to more updates.
That was an awesome update! You know how much a pain in the a$$ it is to set up serial communication at times ? You don't know if your harness is bad or your laptop port, or the device your talking to, or the software settings LOL.
You did great debugging that issue man! Looking forward to more updates.
-pal215
Thanks for the kind words and what a pain in the a$$ this was! Troubleshooting this serial connection was easily the most frustrating part of the entire build. I used 2 different windows OS, 2 different controller boards, 3 different USB-serial cables, 4 different drivers, 3 different serial emulators, 2 gender changers, and it the end it was the darn RJ11 cable, ha!
I've tried the PL2303 and the FT232R UART. Baud rate for the controller is 9600 and I've matched that in the terminal software (8 bits, no flow, no pairty, 1 stop bit) and in the COM port settings. I get a scrolling line of nonsense in PuTTy and Hyperterm. I will google Teraterm and secureCRT, thanks for the heads up. New hardware showed up yesterday and new throttle as well. I should have my FTDI chipset on Monday, hopefully the new components will net a better result.
Was going to go old school and tell ya to connect a "Dumb Terminal"....LoL! But it looks like you got it.
This car is nothing other than a disgustingly tedious conglomeration of circuits.
