Input Test PC Demo - ArrowElectronics/arrow-safari GitHub Wiki

The Safari board's 16 inputs IN0-IN15 can be quickly tested by using the program 'safari_test.exe' found on the Code page of this Wiki. To do this you simply run this test, apply a known voltage to each of the inputs and read the outputs on the screen. When running in test mode the voltages present on all 16 inputs are displayed and updated sequentially.

Instructions

  1. Before running in Test mode, make sure boards are set as follows per instructions given in the Board Preparation and Assembly section and software program labeled 'safari_test.exe' is downloaded per the Demo Software Installation section of this wiki.

  2. Connect one end of the UART-to-USB cable to any available port on your PC. Connect the other end to these 3 pins as follows: Black wire/GND to pin 'B' Yellow wire/RXD to pin 'W' Orange wire/TXD to pin 'G' Leave the Red/VCC wire unconnected as it is not needed

  1. Set jumpers on top of Safari board as follows (see picture below):

    Jumper Settings Description
    JP1 on bypasses 30.9k resistor R6A on input IN6
    JP2 off disables 100k resistor R6B for resistive divider on input IN6
    JP3 on bypasses 30.9k resistor R6A for resistive divider on input IN7
    JP4 off disables 100k resistor R6B for resistive divider on input IN7
    JP5 across pins 1-2 enables positive output (2.5V) from precision voltage reference U5
    JP6 across pins 2-3 enables negative output (GND) from precision voltage reference U5

  1. Connect the 12V power supply to the Meerkat board. Wait approximately 15 seconds for the Meerkat to fully boot.

  2. On your PC running Windows 10 open up Device Manager. Look under 'Ports' and make a note of which COM port the Meerkat is connected to. If there are multiple devices listed, you can unplug the USB cable and plug it back in to identify the right one.

Run the Test

  1. On your PC click on file 'safari_test.exe'.
  1. Once you see the message 'Connected' go ahead and click on 'Start Test':
  1. Apply a voltage between 0 and 2.5V to each of the inputs IN0 through IN13. These inputs correspond to channels 0-13. See picture below. Channel 14 is connected to the on-board voltage reference and should read approximately 2.5V. Channel 15 is connected to GND at the voltage reference and should read 0V.

Here are the inputs:

You should see values displayed for each:

  • CAUTION: When applying a voltage make sure you are connecting to one of the inputs and not a power supply or GND. One way to safeguard against damage should you accidentally probe a power supply or GND is to put a small value resistor such as 100 ohms in series with your power supply output as shown:

Next- Connect Sensors