So i checked the vin pin supposed to give power to the arduino. not getting any power. that explains why i'm seeing what i am. D1 is there and all of my soldering equipment is at work so i'll have to wait till tomorrow to desolder d1 and test it. I'm not getting power to either side though so likely that isn't my culprit. I've read a little about the duet system and how much nicer it seems to be. if i can't get the ramps board working I may try the duet route. thanks for the help. I really do appreciate it.