Q LOGIC PROGRAMMING INTERFACE

[D1vad]

What you may do however is go directly to the bus cable. Needless to say this would be at your own risk. One can obtain a bus cable from eBay and this would have the necessary plug.

[woodygb]

You could modify a standard Neutrik plug by drilling and adding pins so that it matches the proprietary plug.


Cologen mentions that he used two pins from a plug that he had kicking around that fitted nicely in the joystick socket.

I also have a measurement that one of the members came up with for the hole spacing.

The holes are 4 mm OC apart and 8 mm up from the centre of the bottom pin

[woodygb]

Gologens post

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2757&start=60#p44331

[falco peregrinus]

I've been thinking about Woody's suggestion that I modify a standard plug by drilling two holes in it to take two pins that suit the CAN BUS sockets. I don't think I have the tools necessary to drill the holes accurately enough or perfectly at right angles to the plane. However there may be a workaround for that limitation, and I'm open to all suggestions here.
One idea I had was to push two pins (with cables attached) of the required size into the two CAN BUS sockets, and fit a standard plug housing over the top, then fill the plug housing with hot melt glue (which isn't really a glue - it's just plastic with a low melting point). Obviously precautions would be necessary to ensure that the finished creation was removable from the controller without damage to the controller. Still thinking through how that might be achieved.
The second idea I've had was to drill two holes in a standard plug in as close to the right place as I can get them, but deliberately oversize, then fit that plug to the controller, then push two pins into the holes I drilled, then fill the space around the pins in the oversize holes with hot melt glue to hold them in place. Haven't finished thinking that idea through totally yet either.
Anyone got any thoughts on either of these two ideas, or any other ideas of how to make up a CAN BUS plug for a Quantum controller? (Even if one was available on the market somewhere - and I've had no luck finding one, so all evidence at this stage is that Woody is right about it being proprietary - the price is likely to be prohibitive due to the limited production run and sales volume.)
Falco.

[woodygb]

I can't see any great problems with either idea ..I'd go with your second and perhaps put some cling film , grease proof paper or a smear of Vaseline between the plug and socket ..just in case any "glue" bleeds through.

[jptrx]

Cologen mentions that he used two pins from a plug that he had kicking around that fitted nicely in the joystick socket.

I have been having problems connecting, so I wanted to make sure my cable wasn't the problem. I was never happy with the pins I was using to insert into the female XLR sockets. So I found these, and they fit properly and easy to solder to. They are made from tin plated copper alloy. Also inexpensive.

http://canada.newark.com/te-connectivity-amp/1703013-1/contact-pin-20-17awg-crimp/dp/28T0259

.

[woodygb]

And they've solved your connection problems?

[jptrx]

Has anyone connected successfully going through a Q-Logic model "NE" (non-expandable) joystick?

I've read this thread and others, and I can't recall anyone using a "NE". It seems everyone has been using the more expensive "Q-Logic" joystick that has the larger display.

I have tried 2 different chairs with the "NE" system and not been able to connect to either one. I have never tried to connect to the upscale "Q-Logic".

The NE joystick system has its own power module, not the same as the Q-Logic joystick. The NE system looks exactly like the Curtis "enable 40".

This is the NE series joystick that they say is part of the Q-Logic family.


This is the Q-Logic joystick:


Both systems manufactured by Curtis. I assume they would communicate the same way, and should work with Gologens system. But after trying 2 different chair and striking out, I begin to wonder.

[jptrx]

I should also mention I have tried 2 different A1+ usb - can devices, and still no success.

[D1vad]

If you read this manual I believe you'll see that it is not part of the Q-Logic family.

http://www.pridemobility.com/pdf/Owners ... ic_boi.pdf

[Burgerman]

As far as we know, curtis make them all. But branded for pride. Although its quite possible 'we' are wrong. But I don't think so. Don't be fooled by the smoke and mirrors. The power modules for eg give the game away. And they may be using pride specific / modified firmware, and the curtis stuff may or may not want to talk to prides versions of it.

Pride has their 'own' firmware on some PG drives controllers too that normal generic PG programmers cant talk to.

[falco peregrinus]

If you read this manual I believe you'll see that it is not part of the Q-Logic family

.
I'd expand upon this a little, to avoid misinterpretation/ misunderstanding. I would interpret this manual as stating that it is not a product that Pride used and branded QLogic. At least, not at the time that they released this manual. It doesn't necessarily mean that Curtis didn't make it. (And saying this doesn't really contribute a lot to explaining why you're having trouble talking to it using Curtis software, I know.)
Jptrx, Are these NE controllers you have had trouble with on Pride chairs? If so, then Burgerman's comments on custom Pride firmware need to be seriously considered, and the manual above needs to be considered out of date. (I know for example that PGDT manufactured a PP1 specifically for Pride at one time that was neither an A, B, or C - even though it was branded a C, which was really an A with a couple of extra B settings. So if there are Pride-specific PP1s floating around, then who knows what else that's Pride specific is floating around?)
Have you succeeded in talking to other Curtis controllers with your setup, or is your setup unproven and potentially imperfect in some way?
Falco

[D1vad]

Prides Q-Logic controls uses the enAble 50 controller as seen here,

http://www.ottobock.com/cps/rde/xbcr/ob ... -1003w.pdf

I believe I recall you stating that yours uses an enAble 40 controller?

But I can confirm that yes this software can talk to a Pride Q-Logic controller. That it works under Windows 7 64 bit.

[D1vad]

Here is the Pride manual for the NE controller

http://www.pridemobility.com/download.p ... er_boi.pdf

Do you see Q-Logic anywhere?

[D1vad]

Q-LOGIC MODULES
The basic system is a power module and a hand control. For adjusting seat position, an AAM module is added. For users who require specialized input devices, several options are available. This is a true plug-and-play system, and modules are simply daisy-chained together.
Power Module (CTLDC1466): The power module controls the brake and drive motors and is the master of the system. This is where most information is stored, and where all input and output signals are managed.
AAM (CTLDC1472): The Advanced Actuator Module (AAM) drives five actuators that can be used to adjust the seat, back, and leg positions of the chair.
ECU (CTLDC1486): The Environment Control Unit (ECU) drives eight relays that can be used to operate devices such as mechanical page-turners and speech synthesizers.
Hand Control (CTLDC1467): The hand control is a compact, ergonomically-designed input device with a joystick, switches, speed adjustment knob, audible feedback, and a high-resolution color LCD display that continuously keeps the user well-informed.
SAJ (CTLDC1469): The Stand-alone Joystick (SAJ) is a basic no-frills input device with a joystick, switches, and various LEDs providing feedback.
Attendant Joystick (CTLDC1469): The Attendant Joystick is physically identical to the SAJ, but differently programmable. It is typically mounted on the back of the chair, for use by a walking attendant. When it is switched on, it takes over control from the user's input device.
Enhanced Display (CTLDC1471): The Enhanced Display has a high-resolution color LCD display, built-in IR for remote control, and Bluetooth compatibility. As an input device, the Enhanced Display can be operated by remote switches or a joystick. It also provides an optional display for the SAJ.
Sip & Puff (CTLDC1487): The Sip & Puff is a breath-controlled input device used together with the Enhanced Display.
Handheld Programmer (ELEASMB5215): The handheld programmer allows you to adjust the system’s many programmable parameters. It is especially convenient for fine-tuning a chair while it is being driven to suit the individual user.
PC Programming Station (ELEASMB5216): The PCPS is a software program that allows you to edit, download, and upload program files and firmware between the system and a PC.

So does it have the CTLDC1466 power module?

[jptrx]

I will post some more info on this tomorrow, when I get some more time.

The same Pride 1313-3309 hand held programmer that works on the "Q-logic" joystick, works on the NE system.

There is no doubt that Prides NE system is made by Curtis, and looks identical to the Curtis enAble 40 system.

This is a link to the Curtis Mobility Brochure:
http://curtisinstruments.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cProducts.DownloadPDF&file=50134%5FChargerBrochure%5FRevB%2Epdf

[D1vad]

Okay this link verifies what you believe, that it should be programmable

http://curtisinstruments.com/?fuseactio ... e40%20(08D).pdf

So then if you can't read it, chances are you didn't follow the loading software guide correctly? Or you have different CAN hardware, which I believe you've ruled out...

So you might want to go over all your software settings....

[falco peregrinus]

This is unrelated to the present flow of this thread - sorry to interrupt. But this seems the best thread to put this request in. Could someone post a copy of a Pride Quantum configuration file for me please? I'd like to play with the software and get a bit familiar with it while I'm waiting for my CAN-BUS interface to arrive. Thanks.
Falco

[woodygb]

You could always play with the MC-2 Simulation mode.

[jptrx]

This is unrelated to the present flow of this thread - sorry to interrupt. But this seems the best thread to put this request in. Could someone post a copy of a Pride Quantum configuration file for me please? I'd like to play with the software and get a bit familiar with it while I'm waiting for my CAN-BUS interface to arrive. Thanks.
Falco

What program would you use to open the configuration file?

The Curtis software I think we are all using is 1314-4401, version 3.12, update patch 4. It will only open .par files, by using the parameter editor function. I think the configuration file is a .cpf file. If someone has software to open and edit a .cpf file that would solve a lot of problems.

[falco peregrinus]

Oops! Wrong jargon. Sorry. Yes, I mean a .PAR file. My apologies.
Falco.

[woodygb]

The latest 1314-4402 uses CPF files and PAR Files.

cpf.png (3.32 KiB) Viewed 28345 times

[woodygb]

we are all using is 1314-4401, version 3.12, update patch 4.

update 4 or 6 depending on where you found the program.

[falco peregrinus]

Hi Woody.

You could always play with the MC-2 Simulation mode.

Ok, I give up. How does one play with the MC-2 Simulation mode? I've got 4401 update 6 and I can't find any option that looks like it might be what you have in mind. And I can't see anything in the program files directory that might be it either. Is simulation mode a feature of 4402? Or am I missing something here?
Falco.

[woodygb]

Click on "Options"
Click on "Change Protocol/Port"

Up pops a window "Protocol Selection" and you will see simulation listed.

sim.png (22.05 KiB) Viewed 28343 times

Or just hit F4 and

Up pops a window "Protocol Selection"

[falco peregrinus]

Thanks Woody. I never would have expected to find it there.
Falco.

[jptrx]

The latest 1314-4402 uses CPF files and PAR Files.

cpf.png

Hi Woody

What is the Version/Patch number of that software?

[woodygb]

1314 - 4402 version 4.5.0
It's the latest Version by Curtis .... BUT they've updated the software that defines the allowed interface devices so that you must use A GENUINE CURTIS lead.

[Seajays]

I have the same bottom one and communicated with it.

[Seajays]

I have the same bottom one and communicated with it.