RC-4 connection question from a NOOB !!!

[Vasago]

Jon,

  I just got my stuff from you guys 2 days ago.  I was able to connect
AP-8 to PROP 1 and with a long and painful trial and error I finally
got it  to work.  It plays the sound I want in the sequence I want it.
 
My question is actually about RC-4.  I can't really understand from the
documentation how to properly connect it to PROP 1.  I think I did
everything you suggest but somehow I am still unsure if I am doing it
right.
 
When you say 1) Make sure you RC-4 is first in the chain -- it gets
power from the Prop-1
 
what does that mean?  IS there a schematic or a picture that shows
RC-4, PIR and AP-8 attached to PROP 1 controller.
 
I can really use some help with this.  I have never done this before
and hate to break it by making a stupid mistake.
 
Thanks in advance.
 
Peter G.

[JonnyMac]

"Noob" is such an ugly word... you're simply and expert of lesser experience!  What we mean by "chain" is the chain of accessory boards that you can connect to the Prop-1 through a serial interface -- and we recommend you use P7 for that. 

Putting everything into one diagram will make it a bit unwieldy, so here's the connection between the Prop-1 and RC-4:



The AP-8 will connect to the RC-4.  The PIR is easy: plug it into P6 and move the P6 SETUP jumper to the DN position -- like this:

[Vasago]

"A picture is worth a thousand words"   This is exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks again!

[condolaw]

Jon-
It would also be helpful to send info in the PIR packet or on your forum on the connection to the PIR because the PIR only has " - + OUT" instead of the WRB as on the AP-8 and the Prop-1.  I can tell colors (most of the time) but knowing what color does what I couldn't figure out. . .

Thanks
John
(another expert with no experience)

[JonnyMac]

The PIR is manufactured by Parallax and the documents do show the connections -- though they may not be as "friendly" as ours, and don't necessarily use our nomenclature.  As time allows I'll create our own document for the PIR.

[JonnyMac]

Okay, the magic of a venti cup of Starbucks has kicked in and I created this short document -- let me know if it helps:

Using the Parallax PIR

[condolaw]

Jon:
You said the magic words!!!  From page 1 - Connections: 
"When connecting this cable to the PIR, the white wire will align with the PIR’s OUT header pin, the red wire to +, the black wire to –."

I'll pay for that coffee - even at California prices (including gas)!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!
You guys are unbelievable!!

John

[JonnyMac]

I don't drink the fancy stuff, just straight coffee, $1.95.  We're glad we could help out.