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Pleo XBee Hack

Pleo has two serial ports: One inside with Bluetooth preparation and one next to its power switch under a small plastic coverage. Via these ports you can get informations on the actual internal state of Pleo and send commands to control Pleos reactions.
A XBee Module can easily replace the serial cable from Pleo to the PC by a RF-connection. The described XBee hack is based on a first version of externer Link folgt PleoPet. Without his help, this tutorial would not have been possible. Thank you very much!

Update:

The data connection via Pleo's debugging port is not stable. This problem is known by the manufactorer and is described in the documentation (manual of PDK)as a problem due to "static electricity discharge*" that leads to a shutting down of the connection: "***** WARNING: DISABLING MONITOR DUE TO NOISY RX LINE *****".

*Cite: "NOTE: This connection mechanism is not officially supported by Ugobe due to potential issues with electro-static discarge. [...]"

We found out that the problem is still present if Pleo is operating without his latex skin - a fact that renders the manufacorers explanation at least questionable. The instability also remains if the servo motors are covered completely with an EM shield, so interference fields seem not to be the reason. One possibility could be a drop of voltage if serveral servo motors are working at the same time.

If someone figures out, how to cope with that problem, please let us know ... :-)

How to open up Pleos body is described at the end of the spy cam tutorial.
First of all, we need to prepare both XBee modules. So install all drivers and the software of the 'XBee Developement Starter Kit'. Then plug in the first XBee module into the USB-board and connect it with your PC.
The XBee modules are preconfigured to communicate on 9600 baud whereas Pleos serial port has a baud rate of 115200. To change the settings of the XBee module open the X-CTU software. The settings should be as shown above. If you press 'Test / Query', the communication with the modem should work.
Switch over to 'Terminal'. Now type '+++' and wait for aprox. 1 second. The Terminal should give an 'OK'-output. Now we are on the command-level of the XBee module. Type in 'ATBD7' and Enter. Once again 'OK' should show up. By this command we have changed the baud rate to 115200. Now type 'ATWR' and Enter to save the settings to the XBee module and then 'ATCN' and Enter to leave the command-level. Repeat all steps with the other XBee module.
Im Pleos body is only very little space for additional installed equipment. But behind this coverage next to the main power cable a XBee module fits in.
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