Diagnosing MD22 problems

[Enigma]

I have an MD22 driver that I am trying to use with i2c in conjunction with an Arduino board. I am getting some very odd results and I think my driver board is no longer functioning.

I have used my own code as well as the sample code at http://www.robot-electronics.co.uk/htm/ ... r%20Driver and I can't seem to get a response from the board. Instead, when I read the i2c bus I am seeing the last thing I wrote to it. For example, if I wrote a 0x07 to the bus to read the version register, the next time I read the bus it will return 0x07.

When I first got the board I was using it with RC control and it worked fine, however now it doesn't seem to respond to RC control either so I guess it is toast? There is no obvious damage to any of the components or any scorching -- the board is very clean, but very unresponsive. How would I go about identifying the problem? If the board is completely unresponsive like this it's most likely an issue with the PIC, right? Is there any way I can check individual components to see if they are working? If the PIC is toast is there a way to either replace it or use an external source (like the Arduino) to drive the h-bridge? Any insight into this issue is greatly appreciated.

[chris]

It sounds most likely that your PIC chip had been toasted, especially if you had it working and it now does not. The Arduino will not be able to directly control the two H-Bridges, there is a charge pump circuit and other issues with it that it just won't do.
I think the best thing to do is return it to us, we can then replace the PIC for you or advise if its beyond economical repair. Most likely from the sounds of it that its just the PIC, so we would just charge for that and return post.

[Enigma]

It sounds most likely that your PIC chip had been toasted, especially if you had it working and it now does not. The Arduino will not be able to directly control the two H-Bridges, there is a charge pump circuit and other issues with it that it just won't do.
I think the best thing to do is return it to us, we can then replace the PIC for you or advise if its beyond economical repair. Most likely from the sounds of it that its just the PIC, so we would just charge for that and return post.

Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. As I am in the States I doubt it would be economical to return for repair, postage and repair costs would probably exceed the cost of the board. I guess it is destined for the box where old electronics go to live out their golden years. Thanks for the reply Chris.