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Step 4 Connecting the Propeller to the Create

This is the basic setup to get a Propeller Proto Board connected to the iRobot Create without any external Sensors involved. This will allow you to write a Spin program on the Propeller to control the Create and analyze it's sensor data.

You will need:
*An iRobot Create (APS Battery and Dock are Optional)
*A Parallax Propeller Proto Board (Parallax Part #32212)
*A PropClip or PropPlug to program the Propeller Board.
*A 9v Regulator (LM7809)
*A DB25 Connector to plug into the Create's DB25 Port

First, take a CAT5 Network Cable (since it has 8 wires in it) and connect seven of them to the designated pins on the DB25 connector.

Then, solder the other end of the wires to the Proto Board as follows:
DB25-1 -> P2
DB25-14 -> 10K Resistor -> P3
DB25-2 -> P4
DB25-8 -> 10K Resistor -> P5
DB25-9 -> LM7809 Input (Pin 1)
DB25-13 -> 10K Resistor -> P6
DB25-25 -> Vss (Gnd)

The 10K Resistors are used for anything that sends 5v into a Propeller port since the Propeller is a 3.3v device, the resistor limits the current to keep the Propeller from getting hot.

Next...
Solder the LM7809 GND (Pin 2) to Vss.
Solder the LM7809 Output (Pin 3) to the TIP of the 9 Volt Power Connector.

I would suggest putting a heatsink on your LM7809 9 Volt Regulator because it does get rather HOT since it has to dissipate the extra 9 volts (from the 18v Create battery) as Heat.

That's it for connecting the Propeller Proto Board to the iRobot Create. All other connections are between the Proto Board and the Sensors you choose to use.