Thread: Valentine One to a PC

Tred asked me to join the forum and this thread, so I figured I would, so that I can listen to your suggestions and help out as necessary. I definitely want my software to see some use. I would be happy to implement it in a way that will be most usefult to you guys.

Here's my responses to some of the stuff that has been discussed so far:

Originally Posted by stoodo

Now we need to take this a step further by having it connect to the GPS software and make waypoints automatically of speedtraps.

I can do it, wouldn't really be too difficult. That was the plan eventually anyway. I just need to know how to implement it in a way that is usable to everyone...

Originally Posted by tj!2k4

.. but now that the V1/PC interface issue is basically resolved via the cable, it should be [fairly] easy for a skilled programmer to develop an application that could display warnings as an overlay so you don't have to constantly run the radar detector application as a visible window, no?

I could do that too, have a tray icon etc and have the gui only pop up when there is an alert. I could even make it so that all that would be visible would be the arrows, etc overlaying what is already on the screen, or whatever...

Originally Posted by Saab9-5

Since it can use serial, then a suitable plugin for Frodo and Road Runner can be made. The program he wrote looks very good, emulating the Valentine's display.

I'll take a look at those two apps. I don't know much about the systems you guys are running or exactly how these programs work, so if anyone want to give me a "crash course" that would be great. I took a quick look at Road Runner... do these apps basically tie other apps together via one GUI, or is there a lot more to it?

I think I read something about skins...I could do that too....


For those having trouble getting the software to work, here's my thoughts:

I suspect an issue with the interface...
My V1 circuit schematic is derived from one of the "TTL to RS232" circuits that people are using with my radio programming software. Naturally, I wanted something that would be easy to build, with readily available parts, but sometimes it just doesn't work out that way....

I originally recommended a similar circuit for people to use with their radios. However, a lot of people couldn't get it to work. I've built two of them, and they work on every PC I have tested them on. If I had one that didn't work, I could test it out on the bench, I could and easily pinpoint the issue. However both of the ones I built work. So I guess it is just one of those things. I suspect different component tolerances are making a difference here or something. (I since started recommending a different interface to the users of my radio software...)

Here's a couple of suggestions for getting the interface in the schematic to work (I haven't tried these solutions myself!)
1. Instead of the 5.1v Zener, use a 4.7v zener. This is the solution that most commonly works, not sure why. Radio shack doesn't normally have 5.1v zeners in stock though.
2. I seem to remember someone saying that the transistor never got fully "turned off" in his case.. Maybe try different resistor values between the 4148 and the base of the transistor. (Or even a potentiometer, and try to "align" it).
3. Some Japanese users had trouble with my original recommended radio interface, so they devised a modified version:http://www.geocities.co.jp/Technopol...cl01.html.html

Honestly, when my radio programming software users report problems with the similar interface, I always recommend that they build a "Six Transistor" interface:
http://home.comcast.net/~sllewd/pcware.htm
http://www.kc8unj.com/VX-5%20&%207R%20Interface.pdf

In ALL cases so far, after they build the six-transistor version they have NO problems.
Will that work in this case, with Software One? I don't know.
In this case it is sort of over-kill because we only need to receive what is sent out by the V1, and the interface allows transitting theough it as well. However, if you decide to build one, you should be able to figure out which pins are which by the diagrams on my webpage...

Well anyways, there's the scoop guys any questions let me know and I'll try to help out. Looking forward to your feedback...

Jim

Jim, another thanks for joining us and giving us some insight into the issues with the cables we're building.

Regarding the hardware side... should all of the resistors for this design be low tolerance (5% or less)? I'm using 20%s, so I was thinking that could be assisting in my failure. I'll grab a 4.7V zener tomorrow and see if that helps too.

And on the software side... is there a reason why SoftwareOne would say the COM port is already open when my USB GPS is in use? It's basically a serial GPS with a USB-to-serial wired in-line. It's on COM4 though, not COM1 (where my V1 is plugged in), and if I remember correctly from the ol' modem days, COM1 and 4 don't share an IRQ.

Again, many thanks for coming up with a seemingly simple solution to a long-standing problem, and you'll definitely want to get with Guino and Frodo to work on the software integration into the popular frontends.

Originally Posted by tj!2k4

Welcome, and thanks for joining =) Your assistance is/will be much appreciated!

Actually what you said about just overlaying the arrows, etc. was just what I was thinking.

BTW - is that your ride? Very very nice...

Thanks! Yep, that's my ride, an '02. Looking forward to getting it out soon, it's been garaged for the winter, been driving my '00 Firebird (on the left)...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...onzzz/Cars.jpg

Truly the last of their kind, unfortunately GM just decided to scrap plans for their next line of RWD vehicles like the next generation GTO etc...

Originally Posted by drait

Jim, another thanks for joining us and giving us some insight into the issues with the cables we're building.

Regarding the hardware side... should all of the resistors for this design be low tolerance (5% or less)? I'm using 20%s, so I was thinking that could be assisting in my failure. I'll grab a 4.7V zener tomorrow and see if that helps too.

I used 5% with mine, so that would be a good idea. Hopefully one of you guys gets it working!

Originally Posted by drait

And on the software side... is there a reason why SoftwareOne would say the COM port is already open when my USB GPS is in use? It's basically a serial GPS with a USB-to-serial wired in-line. It's on COM4 though, not COM1 (where my V1 is plugged in), and if I remember correctly from the ol' modem days, COM1 and 4 don't share an IRQ.

I'm not sure on this one. Basically if you get that error, there is definitely some other software holding that port open. Maybe double-check the config of your USB adapter software??...

Jim

Originally Posted by Saab9-5

What about using a basic MAX232 serial circuit for the interface? The chip could be powered from the 12volts coming from the V1 interface jack. It could be placed in a small box with a DB9 female on one end and an RJ11 jack on the other. Thoughts?

A MAX232 interface would be a very good choice IMHO, since it generates + and - 10 volts for RS232 = more RS232 compliant. I am not too sure if the circuit as shown would work though. The V1 data signal is normally high, and pulls low when a bit is transmitted, so you might need an extra transistor/inverter on the data coming in, similar to what is in this circuit:
http://hse.dyndns.org/hiroto/RFY_LAB/vx7/e/vx7_8500.htm

Jim

the max 232 inverts the signal. The first circuit I build was using the max232, and it worked fine, but I don;t have a serial port on my computer, and the usb to serial I was using was a piece.

http://www.compsys1.com/workbench/On...3_adapter.html
I bought one of these adapters, and attached a regulator (to power it from the V1 power line) and a couple of resistors to turn off the V1 display.