USB Com Port Question / Clarification for Jackpot V2
Previously, I was using a Jackpot V1 board with the ESP32 controller that I ordered from V1 at the same time. I had to install a resistor on the ESP32 to get the correct voltage to the steppers.
Somehow, while updating FluidNC on the ESP32 (while still in the jackpot) I must have fried the ESP32 board because it would no longer allow me to upload firmware to it.
Rather than troubleshooting the ESP32 issue, I ordered a New Jackpot Board V1.2.1 and a new ESP32 from V1. I chose the ESP32 with a remote antenna to try to achieve more consistent Wi-Fi communication and a more stable connection.
Everything (mostly) is good now that I’ve flashed the ESP32 with FluidNC version 3.9.5 and uploaded my correct configurations, so the Jackpot is working flawlessly with the newly created Fluid Dial as well.
Here is the issue:
Previously, I had my Windows 11 mini PC connected via USB to the ESP32 to control the CNC with G-Sender. In order not to have both the voltage from the jackpot and the voltage from the USB cable (on) at the same time, I bought a PortaPow USB Power Blocker to keep the power voltage from the USB going from the PC to the ESP32. This worked great and I could keep the USB cable connected and switch back and forth from controlling the Jackpot via the FluidDial or G-Sende,r whichever I wanted to use at the time.
BUT<<< now with V1.2.1 of Jackpot, if I try to use the USB Power Blocker, my MiniPC never sees the COM port or the ESP32 never makes a connection to the MiniPC com port. …EVEN though the ESP32 is powered up and running from power sources on the Jackpot.
The ONLY way I can have the COM port on the Mini-PC connected to the ESP32 is if I use a USB cable without the power blocker.
Now I need to be sure to start the Jackpot (BEFORE) I make the connection between the Jackpot and the minipc.
I worry that now I have (2) power sources running at the same time on the Jackpot/ESP32 environment. Whatever power the jackpot is feeding the ESP32 (3.3v or 5V) and whatever power coming from the usb port on the ESP32 (5v)
So what changed from V1 of Jackpot to V1.2.1 that the USB connection of the ESP32 is no longer registering its COM port to the Minipc if the USB cable is not supplying the 5v power to the ESP32?
so here is the ASK can V2 of the Jackpot sort this out so we don’t need to pull the USB cable in and out when we want to use the Fluid Dial versus the Minipc?
My (Hack) solution for now was to by a USB Cable that has an ON/OFF switch so I can keep the cable connected and when I want to use G-Sender (After the Jackpot is already running) I can turn the USB switch to ON. <<< but I worry that two power sources is still an issue.