I am using the Makeblock Orion in the Ultimate Robot Kit at RadioShack. The kit comes with an RJ25 Adapter it says can be used to interface with other components, and diagrams several on the page at:
http://learn.makeblock.cc/rj25-adapter/
However, there are some problems with this. For one, there are several pictures of a roller lever switch wired to the RJ25 adapter, and each one is wired differently. One has the NO and NC pins wired to the adapter, another the NO and C pins. Not to mention that the image of the adapter itself is quite odd – it took us a few moments to figure out that you’re looking at it from the back side. It makes lining up which wire goes where very confusing at times … and then, when you figure it out, and you follow the example wiring (we tried each example provided) with the sample code (also provided) – guess what? None of it works.
Forgive me, but its kind of the cardinal sin of technology – especially tech geared for learning and teaching environments – for example diagrams and/or example code to NOT WORK.
Can someone please clarify exactly how to use the RJ25 Adapter to read the state of a simple SPDT Submini Roller Lever Switch (RadioShack 275-0017)?
To take it a step further, I would love to see some more information regarding how to wire other components to this adapter… for example, off the shelf versions of the MakeBlock staples, like PIR motion sensors, or UltraSonic Ping Sensors… just in case you want to expand your kit with parts you might already own.
Thank you in advance,
Dave