Using the Pololu USB AVR programmer as serial adapter

I have used the Pololu USB AVR programmer PGM03A as a serial adapter between my 3pi and my computer. I connected the PD0, PD1 and GND pins on the 3pi to the TX, RX and GND pins on the programmer. Then, I connected the programmer to my computer using the mini-USB to USB cable. After turning on my 3pi, I am able to send messages from the 3pi to the computer and viceversa.

Now, I am trying to use the Pololu USB AVR programmer PGM03A as a serial adapter between my 3pi and second device that is not a host. In principle, is this possible? I understand that the USB communication protocol requires a host and a device. Read more on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#Communication. Can the Pololu USB AVR programmer PGM03A assume the role of host? If so, how?

Hello.

No, our AVR programmer cannot be used as a USB host.

- Amanda

Thank you for this information Amanda. I see that the m3pi expansion kit includes a USB receptacle. The website at https://www.pololu.com/docs/0J48/4.h states the following:

This means I could plug a USB device to the m3pi expansion board, where the mbed development board is the USB host. I own a Pololu 3pi, so to have access to the USB receptable I would need to purchase the m3pi expansion board and mbed NXP LPC1768 development board. Is this correct?

Yes, you could use the mbed NXP LPC1768 as a USB host and communicate with USB devices through the USB connector on the m3pi expansion PCB.

- Amanda