programming cables

[NovaKaine]

Sorry to be such a noob.
But I have a usb question now, I took an old usb cable and cut one end off.
Can I just solder the 4 wire to the usb header for my connection to my computer?
Is the a wiring diagram as to show which wire to which pin or does this matter?
I've built the 2.5 version.

[dmitri]

Sorry to be such a noob.
But I have a usb question now, I took an old usb cable and cut one end off.
Can I just solder the 4 wire to the usb header for my connection to my computer?
Is the a wiring diagram as to show which wire to which pin or does this matter?
I've built the 2.5 version.

Yes, you can. Here is the description of USB wiring: http://pinouts.ru/Slots/USB_pinout.shtml

[NovaKaine]

*Sigh Sadly it's not working no power to the led or anything.
Oh well back to jumpering

[NovaKaine]

I don't understand it I rebuilt the 2.5 pcb and still the same problem,
No power.
Neither board seems to be recognized by my computers.
I retraced every bad trace and jumperd them on both boards.
Still nothing any suggestions?

[Synthex]

Have you programmed the chip (Atmega and 18F2550) ?
if so, tried to remove the Atmega for test 18F2550 with your computer.

[dmitri]

I don't understand it I rebuilt the 2.5 pcb and still the same problem,
No power.
Neither board seems to be recognized by my computers.
I retraced every bad trace and jumperd them on both boards.
Still nothing any suggestions?

This is a perfect example for this thread: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=352
NovaKaine, don't get me wrong, I want to help, but because of the way you raise the problem, I just CANNOT.

[NovaKaine]

I guess what I saying is shouldn't the computer detect an unknown device attached to it?
That way you'd know if in fact the board has power?
I assumed at the minimum the led would light up as an indicator.
Do I need to attach the LCD also to help with knowing it's getting any power.
I have a sneaky suspicion that it is the usb power, but theres no way to tell
Sorry to be such a pain many thanks in advanced.

[dmitri]

I guess what I saying is shouldn't the computer detect an unknown device attached to it?

It should detect a MegaDrum USB device.

That way you'd know if in fact the board has power?

To check if something has power they usually use a multimeter.

I assumed at the minimum the led would light up as an indicator.

It shouldn't light up just because MegaDrum has power.

Do I need to attach the LCD also to help with knowing it's getting any power.

I doubt it will help you.

I have a sneaky suspicion that it is the usb power, but theres no way to tell

Yes, there is. See above.

Sorry to be such a pain many thanks in advanced.

At the moment you're a pain only to yourself because I guess you didn't quite get what I meant in the "When you ask questions about a problem..." topic.

[NovaKaine]

I've checked 5 times with my multimeter even found some more bad traces still it does'nt work.
IC's in IC's out still no effect.
I know its a broad subject but what could be the matter.
I gone over it carefully 5 times.

[dmitri]

I've checked 5 times with my multimeter even found some more bad traces still it does'nt work.

Did you check pressure with the multimeter?

IC's in IC's out still no effect.

When moving ICs in and out of the sockets, do you know what effect to expect?

I know its a broad subject but what could be the matter.
I gone over it carefully 5 times.

You still have one of or a combination of:
1. Bad soldering
2. Shorts
3. Breaks
4. Faulty parts

Am I the only one who finds the description of the problem very poor?