Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Software => Software => Topic started by: rmbot on December 06, 2009, 09:28:39 PM

Title: Newbie
Post by: rmbot on December 06, 2009, 09:28:39 PM
Not sure if I'm posting this in the right forum, but here goes.

I've been interested in robots for some time and just recently purchased the Robotic Arm Edge as a starting point.  I've got it completed and was wanting to do some experimenting.  I'd like to remove the controller and write a program that will allow me to control the arm from my computer.  I have very little high programming experience and no low-level programming experience whatsoever.  Can anyone give me some pointers or advice or at least point me in the direction to get the appropriate training?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Newbie
Post by: z.s.tar.gz on December 07, 2009, 12:57:02 PM
Well, you're going to want to do three things:

1. Learn as much about programming as you can. This is absolutely critical.
Personally, I'd say try learning about low-level stuff because everything is based on it, but that's just my opinion.

2. You're going to need to get a hold of a microcontroller with plenty of I/O as the robot arm seems to have quite a bit of functions.

3. Set up the MC for uart so it can communicate with the computer. The SoR page can be found here: http://www.societyofrobots.com/microcontroller_uart.shtml (http://www.societyofrobots.com/microcontroller_uart.shtml)

This all rests on step one though, because if you can't program well you'll drive yourself crazy trying to do this.