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Upgrading your SV203 to a BrainStem GP 1.0 Controller

This upgrade is fairly simple and will only take a small amount of your time.  You will want to download the PDF instructions for the BrainStem PPRK, since we will refer to it during these instructions.  The PDF also has instruction to walk your through the BrainStem software.  It is probably a good idea to read over the PDF before getting started, as it will give you a good introduction to your new controller. 

Removing the Pontech SV203

• Disconnect servo, power, and Sharp IR wires from SV203 controller
• Unplug DB9 connector from SV203
• If the Palm connector is threaded through a hole in your deck, you will need to snip the wires in order to remove the cable from the deck. 
• If your deck has a slot cut into it, you can just loosen the deck and slide the Palm cable out
• Unscrew the power toggle switch and remove from deck
• Remove the battery pack from the deck
• Remove the SV203 controller
• If you ordered the Poly Omni-Wheels, remove the orange nylon wheels from the servos
• Unplug the red, yellow and black Sharp IR wires which are plugged into the balck Molex housings

Installing the BrainStem GP 1.0 Controller

Now that you have the SV203 controller, battery pack and power switch removed from the deck, you can move on to installing the BrainStem upgrade parts.  Looking at the PDF for the Deluxe BrainStem kit, you will notice that the deck has a slot cut into it where the power switch used to be.  This makes it easy to plug and unplug the BrainStem interface cable.  If your deck doesn't have the slot, you can cut one yourself with small saw or Dremel tool.  If you will not being using a Palm Pilot on the robot, you can skip this step if you wish.  In the photo, you will also notice that the power switch is on the opposite side of where it was on your original PPRK.  You'll find that the new power switch fits better on that side. 

Go to page 7 of the BrainStem PPRK PDF that you downloaded earlier.  This section of the PDF will walk you through the installation of the BrainStem controller and power supply.  If you've upgraded to the poly wheels with the press-fit machined aluminum hubs, install them on the servos.  After that, the document will show you how to use and install the BrainStem software.  Once you are familiar with the software, try one of the various programs and start playing with your robot!