Unable to Connect XRP to XRP Code Editor

Other
1

I am having extreme difficulty connecting the XRP to XRP Code Editor (https://xrpcode.wpi.edu/). I have been able to connect over WiFi through 2025 WPILib VS Code but not through the XRP Code Editor. I receive numerous messages and follow the prompts, however still - it will not connect and I am in this endless repeating process of receiving these prompts. I am using the Chrome browser and also tried Edge, both with the same results. I was only able to attach one screen shot, but I have gone through all the prompts of “Reinstalling Micropython to XRP”, “Micropython on your XRP needs to be updated”, “When the select folder window comes up, select the RPI-RP2 drive”, and it showing “Update in progress”. Any assistance would be great!

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2

Have you tried swapping ports/cables as well? It might also be worth inspecting the on-board connectors/pins to ensure there aren’t any bent/shorted pins

What OS are you using?

Is the computer on a network with restricted usb access where you’d need additional permission? (Like at work, school, etc)

3

I am working on this with my 11 year old son. We saw the XRP at the FLL World Championship and purchased it after the event.

  1. Yes, I am on my second data cable with no success. I have also tried three different USB ports. I inspected the USB-C port and it appears fine.

  2. I am using Windows 10 which is updated.

  3. The computer and network we are running off of is a home computer/home network with no restrictions.

4

Can you share a photo of the board with the 4-pin colorful cables and motor cables disconnected? Sometimes the pins inside get bent during assembly and short on one another, or otherwise be disconnected like these examples

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We’re looking for anything that seems amiss :wink:

5

I looked at both sides of the board and found 1 pin on the Distance (DIST) sensor bent/missing as you can see in the second picture. I attempted to attach a picture of the other side of the board however I am only allowed to attach one picture. Would this issue with the distance senor be cause for it not connecting to the computer?

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6

Yep - you can try and straighten the pin out with tweezers or similar and attempt to get it straight enough for that connector to slip in without issue

7

I was able to straighten the Dist pin and replug the connector however there has been no change in connecting the XRP to XRP Code Editor. I am noticing in comparison to a video I watched that when I plug in the XRP, there is a solid red LED and no a green LED as I could see on the video. What would be the causes or reasons for this and could this potentially be our connectivity issue? I have attached a picture of the USB cable we are using (it is a DATA cable).

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8

Good job! What position is the switch next to the barrel jack in?

Have you tried pressing reset/boot buttons while connected?

9

I’m not sure I understand the question. I am attaching a picture of what I am looking at. The switch position is turned to OFF, however nothing changes when it is switched to ON. Also, I have tried pressing the reset/boot buttons multiple times - including when prompted to do update Micropython.. still nothing..

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10

nothing changes when it is switched to ON

The second red power LED on the other side of the USB connector (labeled MOT) should illuminate when the switch is in the ON position. If that does not happen, then there’s a problem. Though that should not prevent the XRP from connecting to XRPCode (when the SYS power LED is on, everything should work except the motors and servos).

I have been able to connect over WiFi through 2025 WPILib VS Code

Do you still have the WPILib firmware flashed to the XRP? If so, XRPCode gets a bit confused. I would suggest manually flashing the MicroPython firmware back onto the board:

  1. Download the latest MicroPython firmware here: MicroPython - Python for microcontrollers
  2. Put the XRP Controller into the bootloader mode
    a. Connect a USB cable between your XRP and computer
    b. Hold the BOOT button on the XRP Controller, press and release the RESET button, then release the BOOT button
    c. The board should reconnect to your computer as a USB mass storage device
  3. Drag and drop the UF2 file into the new mass storage device
  4. Once it finishes uploading, the board will disconnect and reconnect as a COM port
  5. Re-open https://xrpcode.wpi.edu/, it should recognize the board
    a. XRPCode may ask you to change the MicroPython version, up to you if you want
    b. XRPCode may prompt you to install or update XRPLib, follow the prompts

Also FYI, there’s an XRP-specific forum that you can try as well if you’re still having trouble: https://xrp.discourse.group/

Hope this helps!

11

Also FWIW, this should not prevent XRPCode from connecting to the board. The bent pins are shorting between 3V3 and IO0, which shouldn’t cause any problems other than the ultrasonic distance sensor giving bad data. If the GND and 3V3 pins were shorted, then that would be a true problem.

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12

Thank you so much! That worked and we are connected to XRP Code Editor. I appreciate your help!

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