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Controlling an iRobot Create with the KIPR Link
The KIPR Link can control an iRobot Create via its TTL serial connection. You will need to get a KIPR Link
Create cable from the KIPR store (https://botballstore.org) or manufacture your own:
The iRobot Create uses a 7 pin Mini-Din connector where pin 3 is Create TTL
serial in, pin 4 is Create TTL serial out, and either pin 6 or 7 is GND.
The KIPR Link uses a 3 port female header plug connected to the Mini-Din plug
in the order Create serial out (red), GND, Create serial in.
Mini-Din pins 1 and 2 are for Create b (inactive except when the Create is on).
Once you have a KIPR Link/Create cable follow the steps below to communicate with your iRobot
Create.
Step 1: Connect the Mini-Din end of the KIPR Link/Create cable to the Mini-Din connection port of
the iRobot Create (it is hidden under a removable cover above the charge port on the Create).
Step 2: Connect the other end of the cable to the KIPR Link TTL serial port (the "official" cable has a
keyed plug, but a header plug will also work if red orientation is observed). The power plug is
optional, and if used, when the iRobot Create is turned on will "trickle" charge the KIPR Link
battery. If you aren't using an "official" cable, note the orientation of the wiring (Create serial
out, GND, Create serial in) has to be correct to establish a connection to the iRobot Create.
Step 3: Write a program for the KIPR Link that communicates with the iRobot Create and download
it to the KIPR Link.
Step 4: Set the iRobot Create on the ground.
Step 5: Power on the iRobot Create (this is the step most commonly left off!)
Step 6: Run your program on the KIPR Link.
The KIPR Link serial interface is normally used for downloading programs from the KISS IDE to the KIPR
Link via USB. This same interface is also used for communicating with the iRobot Create. The
create_connect
library function redirects the serial interface to the TTL serial connection instead of the
USB connection. It must be run before any of the functions in the KIPR Link Create Library will work.
The function
create_disconnect
is used to revert the serial connection to USB.
