pc to ren64 serial to rj45 conection?

[Mike78CobraII]

Is there a pinout for making the cable that goes between the pc serial port and the ren64 coop boards rj45 input connection? I think i looked everywhere on the forums and still can't figure it out. I have the whole thing built, but can' t figure out this connection.

[RavingLunatic]

The short answer to your question:

PC db9 connector.................. RJ45 Connector J4 IN
Pin 3 {Data} =============> Pin 4
Pin 5 {Gnd} =============> Pin 5

[Macrosill]

I may be wrong but you can not hook the Ren 64 directly to the PC, except in one configuration which is not recommended. Other than that you need the Renard T board in between the Ren 64 and the pc. The Ren T uses a db9 and the pin out is pin 3 to pin 3 and pin 5 to pin 5 of the db9s. Then you just use a standard cat 5 cable to go from the Ren T to the Ren 64. All this info can be found in the wiki under the hardware section.

http://christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

[Mike78CobraII]

The short answer to your question:

PC db9 connector.................. RJ45 Connector J4 IN
Pin 3 {Data} =============> Pin 4
Pin 5 {Gnd} =============> Pin 5

This is how i have it wired but the controler is not getting any serial data according to the pwm diagnostic firmware. Any ideas of where to start troubleshooting this issue or how to.

[P. Short]

The ground signal also goes to pins 1,2 on the RJ45.

So

PC DB8 Connector RJ45 Connector J4 IN
Pin 3 {Data} =====================> Pin 4
Pin 5 {Gnd} ======================> Pins 1,2,5

--

Phil

[Mike78CobraII]

Ok I now i have it connected like Phil described, but it still is not showing any serial data. I must have messed something up.
The pwmdiag firmware is
blinking led 2 and 5
led 3 stays on

[P. Short]

The Channel 3 lamp doesn't mean anything.

Channel 6 should be on if the PIC is receiving good data. Start with the PIC installed in U10 (because the serial data from J4 goes to that PIC), and double check that you have the plugin parameters set up the same as the diagnostics firmware (19200, 8N1 or 8N2).

--

Phil

[Mike78CobraII]

Thanks Phil that got the pwmdiag firmware working . The leds work as you described. But the PWM Firmware is not lighting any leds when running a sequence or using the test channel control. Is there something i have to change in the firmware before I flash it.

[P. Short]

The diagnostics firmware and the regular/PWM firmware have different default baud rates...did you switch it back?

--

Phil

[Mike78CobraII]

I figured it out. The chips were not flashed right, and my serial port was set to mode 2 instead of mode 1. Thanks for all the help. It is now running perfectly. I'm now off to build the ssr's. Wooohoooooo!

[P. Short]

Glad to hear it.

--

Phil

[Doug-in-the-woods]

going to finally assemble my Renard64 and the ren-T but what is this firmware for testing the controller?
I have the coop order on the pics w/ pwm firmware installed.
Do I need to do something else or just hook it all up and cross my fingers?
I recall seeing a picture of some test setup but ?

[RavingLunatic]

The diagnostic firmware helps with some basic troubleshooting if your Renard isn't working.

If you don't have your own programmer for the pics (assumption based on coop pics preprogrammed) then all you can do is cross your fingers and hope it works.

If it doesn't work, then check the obvious: Vixen plug-in settings (baud rate must be 57600, gets most everybody the first time), Connection between Ren-T and Ren64, ZC signal, good grounds between all components.

If still having problems, you know where to ask.

Good Luck :)

[kiowamike]

I too am at the point where I need to connect my REN64 XC to my PC. I am using the the USB to RS485 converter mentioned here in the WIKI: Hexin HXSP-2108G. I am having trouble figuring out how to connect J4 of the REN to the converter. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike

[Reddy_Kilowatt]

HXSP-2108G

DB9M > Terminal Strip > Renard RJ45
1>T-/D->4
2>T+/D+>5
5>GND>1&2

-Craig

[kiowamike]

Thanks a bunch. I do have another problem though. The diag firmware works as advertised, I get serial data and such. However, when I go back to the regular firmware, I cannot interface with the REN. I have verified the the PIC's are programmed correctly and I have changed the baudrate in the plugin setup and still no workie.