Can't get motor test to run

[thomas]

Just built my Pi-Bot: lot's of fun!!!  But when I tried to test the motor: failure.
1. There was no Arduino 1.5.6 available for download as instructions suggest, only 1.0.6 and 1.5.8 Beta.  I chose 1.0.6 (on PC running Windows8).
2. When I initially launch the software, I get the same look as the screen shot. (Figure A.6, Appendix A)
3. After the driver is installed, I get the same looking screen as the previous screen shot, not the one with darker blue (Figure A.14, Appendix A)
4. But I tried to run the motor test code anyways.  It compiles OK, but when I try to upload it, I get this message:
avrdude: stk500_getsync(): not in sync: reap-0X00

Any help anyone?

[thomas]

Looking through the forum, seems the error message indicates that the computer and controller aren't connecting. Anyone know what I might try? (Besides changing the USB port.)

[jasea]

Hi Thomas,
I did a Google of your error msg and windows 8, there were many hits! The first was an instruct able that covered three possible problems with pictures showing the windows screens. I would suggest that you have a look at hits such as that one.

Regards
John

[thomas]

Thanks John, will do.  I've been away from my office and haven't time to devote to it.  I was also thinking of trying to connect with my Mac.

[thomas]

Well, I got back to my Pi-Bot, and this time, I tried using my Mac. Everything is working! Looking forward to trying out the rest of the sensors and seeing what can be done! I think my former problem had to do with the install of drivers on the PC--the PC was a work computer, and installing software can often be problematic. Since Macs use their own drivers for Arduinos, it was a lot easier to get a connection. But it was important that I chose the right Serial Port, which I learned from an Arduino beginner's kit: it's the cu.somethingOROther, rather than the tty.somethingOROther.