Is it possible to use an Arduino Duemilanove to emulate an RS232 connection. I work on bill validators, and to run calibration tests the BV needs an RS232. Now our Slots can provide this connection, but it's incredibly hard to run the calibration tests on a live floor. We have a test rig but no way to get the BV an RS232 connection.
The BV does have a micro USB up front. My thought was to run this to the Arduino and have the Arduino simulate the RS232, then have another USB coming of the board to our tablet that we use for reprograming and running our tests. If this was done correctly it should let us run the calibration and performance tests we need to ensure we are correctly repairing our units.
We would be using the Arduino Duemilanove boards because we have a bunch on hand. They were used in late ACS Coin games, and we have been forced to remove many of these cabinets. Each one had a Arduino board controlling it's lights. If needed I could run several together to do this project. Right now I know little coding, but have good friends in the IT world to help me out. I just need to know if it's something that can be done.
The BV doesn't have an actual RS232 connection, nor a serial connection. It would normally get this signal from the slots CPU, from a multi pin port on it's backside. The serial is buried in this 26 pin connector, and we do not have schematics to attempt to track the serial pins down. We are using a modified power supply to feed the BV power, but have to use the mini USB port on the front of the BV. The manufacture has a "Machine Ghost" that tricks the BV into thinking it's in a machine, using said mini USB. According to the vendor tech, it does this with an RS232 emulator and driver.
Sadly we are currently unable to get said machine ghost, and are looking for alternatives. We had a few of these boards lying around and thought we might be able to use them. Is the Duemilanove capable of doing this, or should I look into getting some model Raspberry Pie?
If you have a 25 Pin Connector, then you likely have EIA standard voltage levels for RS232... meaning... find yourself a MAX232 EIA to TTL level translator solution (chip or board, up to you). Note: SCHMARTBOARD sells a nice one ready made with 9 pin connector.
Note: 9 pin to 25 pin adapters should be easy to find
I would love to use an adapter, but searching, I found none that match the the pin out I am looking at. The BV's have three rows of pins, nine pins top and bottom, with eight pins in center. The top and bottom pins are directly in line with one another, with the center pins being offset. I can't find a cable to fit this online, and each slot manufacture utilizes different pins in their wiring harnesses. As far as I was aware it was a propriety design used only for these BVs.
Are you saying that the mini USB on the BV is used as a "virtual serial" connection? Or are you saying it is only for power? Or - is the mini USB used in a non-standard (non USB) manner (for power, or for serial, or for something else)?
Also - you mention hooking up a tablet via another USB "on the board" - which board? The board on the bill validator? Or the Arduino board?
All that said - if you can get a serial connection to the BV PCB - either via the 26 pin connector (are you sure there aren't any specs available for the pinout?) - or in some manner via the mini USB connector - then you may have a chance.
But you need to give us more information in a clear manner - what role you want the Arduino to play, how the tablet fits into all of this, etc.
If I am understanding you correctly (and I may not be) - you want the Arduino to act as a "converter" between the serial port on the BV, and the tablet (which will be running custom software?) - correct? That's potentially possible (and honestly, you might not even need the Arduino) - but we need some more information, I think.