Society of Robots - Robot Forum

General Misc => Misc => Topic started by: SciTech02 on November 22, 2008, 08:23:41 PM

Title: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on November 22, 2008, 08:23:41 PM
The reason I created this thread is because the ER1 robot is officially dead to the company that created it.  The original forums are gone, there is no more customer service, and you can no longer buy one (except off eBay).  Finding in-depth information about it on the web is nearly impossible, as most websites dedicated to it were forgoten about when support was terminated.  The few people that still own, use, and customize them are scattered across the world wide web.  Some have moved on to other projects, while a few others (like me) may have discovered the ER1 robot for the first time and have no place to discuss it.  That is the reason I created this thread; to create a place where we can discuss, ask questions, give answers, and document the ER1 robot, ERSP and any other related concept.  Another reason is to bring the scattered ER1 users together, so we may better answer each others questions and display what can be done with the ER1, ERSP, etc.

At the time of this post's writting, there are two ER1 robot owners on this forum; me (SciTech02) and Ro-Bot-X.  We are still developing ours, but the information we've gathered and shared is large.  We will now discuss our ER1s here.  If there are any ER1 robot owners or anyone interested, feel free to post and let us know that there are still interested people out there.

I'll start the thread with a short summary of my ER1.  It is currently in an original, unmodified state (no accessories, yet).  I have developed a pathfinding program for it that is written in Python, uses an A* (A-star) based algorithm, and uses the RCC API commands.  Here's a link with more details: http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=5666.0 (http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=5666.0) My current goal is to create a map of my entire house, so it can find its way to any location in it and find a place to charge its batteries (an eventual docking port).
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: wdbarnwell on November 24, 2008, 10:40:33 PM
Hello,

 I've been an ER1 Robot owner since 2002. I own 2 and one is still in the box and never been used. The ER1 that I use looks nothing like an ER1. It has a rotating tosro two grippers, shoulder, elbow servos and pan & tilt servos, numerous machined parts, including a half track system. Yes I'm lucky to have my own personal machine shop at home. Would be glad to upload pictures if I can. 
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on November 25, 2008, 07:12:19 AM
Wellcome and thanks for sharing!

You can upload pictures at the end of your post if you click on the Additional Options link below the text box, then attach the files from your HDD.

Here are the 2 versions of the robot I have built over the years, but now I'm back to the basic form until I'll get it to move again:
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on November 25, 2008, 08:28:46 PM
Excellent!  Your robot sounds very interesting, with all of those add-ons and such (especially if you can't tell it was originally an ER1 robot).  I am wondering, what is it able to do?  Can it charge itself?  Navigate on its own?  Patrol your house, etc?  In my opinion, a robot is considered interesting based on what it can do, not what it looks like.

Thanks for sharing.  :)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: wdbarnwell on November 26, 2008, 11:16:40 AM
Here are some pictures of my ER1. At one time I had a self charging port, the only problem is, that It only charges the ER1's battery and not the notebook's. I have thought about using a motherboard, but they use way too much power and take up too much space. The servos on the robot are not activated until they need to be used to save on power. That way I can get away with using the stock ER1's battery.

My opinion about robots is, looks and quality are as important as function, if it has wires thrown everywhere and looks like someone used a hand drill and a hacksaw to build it, then I don't want to see it's function. I know that everyone doesn't have a machine shop at their fingertips, and at one time I didn't either, my first robots didn't look so good, believe me. After I had my tracks machined at a local shop, the guy said "Why don't you buy yourself a lathe and a milling machine, you will come out a lot cheaper in the long run." I took his advice and glad I did, because those machines opened up another hobby within it's self. And my robots look better and has better quality. Well hope everyone enjoys the pictures as I did making it.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Admin on November 28, 2008, 02:01:58 AM
If any of you guys want an account for a members tutorial, let me know. You can then create a page with 'ER1 Resources' on it.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on November 28, 2008, 07:48:40 PM
Thanks for the offer.  We don't have any tutorials or enough ER1 resources to necessitate a specific page yet (I'm still trying to develop my robot).  However when we do get enough resources, I'll contact you about it.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: urro on December 08, 2008, 09:12:10 AM
Hello everybody! I have also an ER1, almost abandoned by now. My problem with this robot is about the APIs provided by Evolution (Python and text commands by TCP/IP): I find both of them very disappointing. So I have tried to find alternatives. I have found two:

-   http://www.cs.ust.hk/~yiu/robot/  RCMotion : Small C++ software that directly call the ER1 RCM via serial port
-   http://playerstage.sourceforge.net/   There exists a Player / Stage driver for the ER1 (looks quite similar to the first one)

Both seem to be abandoned, and both have important deficiencies. But I think that a fully functional Player / Stage driver for the ER1 (probably improved with parts of the RCMotion) would be the best starting point for further developments. P/S provides not only a platform independent, language independent (or almost) access to the robot, but also a simulator and a hell of robotics algorithms.

The main problems I find now with the current version of the ER1 P/S driver are:
-   it doesn’t connect to the robot when the battery is not full
-   the odometry is, at best, questionable
-   the hobbyist ports don’t work
-   the gripper and the IR sensors are not supported

But as a free software platform, we can solve all of this. If anyone is interested, we can cooperate to improve the driver.

What do you think?
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on December 08, 2008, 08:39:33 PM
Wellcome!

I am interested in thinkering with Linux and PLayer/Stage.
I think the hobby ports don't work properly because of some hardware and driver problem. Croc4 added some capacitors to the analog pins and the reading improved. I didn't look at this closely, I chose a second microcontroller route, to read the sensors and control the servos for head and arm(s).

Anyway, the idea is great, however I am not a computer programmer, so I will not be a big help to further develop code. Perhaps I can do more on the hardware side of things.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on December 09, 2008, 10:17:39 PM
Welcome fellow ER1 owner.  :) Interesting...  More programs to look through.  I didn't think there was this much third-party software for the ER1.  Personally, I'm trying to create all my scripts using only the RCC API commands (so people who only have the RCC can do stuff without having to buy/download extra software).  Supposedly, you can access the hobby ports by using only that.

I haven't worked on my ER1 for about a week, due to problems with the laptop. :-\ However, I'm tweaking my mapping script(s), so that they work better (I'll keep updating).

Good news, Evolution Robotics has re-released the ER1 robot in a limited quantity.  It's now called the ER1-D and you can buy the RCM-D separately.  Link: http://www.evolution.com/er1/ (http://www.evolution.com/er1/)  Share your opinions about this and, if you own a new ER1-D/RCM-D, tell us how they are (I'm curious if they look any different).
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: gauntlet on December 11, 2008, 02:56:19 PM
Hi all. I am another lonely ER1 user. I am using the basic setup and some phyton code to drive the baby.  ::)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on December 11, 2008, 05:05:20 PM
Great, another ER1 owner AND another Python programmer (just like me).  8) Please, share some more details on your ER1 and your ER1 Python code(s) (also, if you can, share some pictures of your ER1).  Are you using the ERSP Python SDK or just the RCC API commands?
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: gauntlet on December 13, 2008, 03:35:40 AM
Hi. I am no phyton programmer. Croc4 gave me a big help in getting started with phyton and i am still in the beguining stage. I am trying to run a full phyton rutine to control the robots behavior, his mood and will use some aditional ir sensors wired up to the rcm analog ports to improve his navigation. Have tryed to use Strabo pathfinder but i think it is not worth the hassel. Will post some pics of my setup soon.

PS: Does any one know how much a new RCM costs at Evolution. Thanks.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: urro on December 17, 2008, 08:51:23 AM
Hi colleges,
I’m afraid Evolution has not managed to sell their remaining ER1s packed with the ERSP sw and now tries again to sell them separately…  I’m not so optimistic about that company, sorry  ???   Anyway, it’s quite suspicious that they don’t provide an updated version of the software… even when the current version sucks!

One question for the Python SD users:  can you access the hobbyist ports? It says nothing about them in the manual…
Thanks!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: urro on December 17, 2008, 09:05:21 AM
Hi again (second post in 15 minutes…)
Talking about ancient history…. anyone remembers the tool provided in the Evolution web site to control the hobbyist ports? I would like to have the source to improve the ER1 Player/Stage driver.
Thanks!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on December 17, 2008, 12:11:12 PM
Ro-Bot-X gave me a program called "Hobby Ports Monitor" that looked like a GUI for controlling said ports (I'm not using it at the moment, so I have no idea how it works).  Was this actually provided on Evolution Robotics' website?  I will attach this program in a .zip folder (I'll edit the post and add the attachment in a few minutes).

When you say "current software" I assume you mean the default RCC software.  Evolution Robotics will not update that (even though one or two things changed can make the RCC API an ideal development platform), they want you to use their advanced ERSP 3.0 (I haven't had any experience with 3.0, but many of us have the original 2.0).

From what I heard, Evolution Robotics did sell their remaining ER1's and have been out of stock for ages (I called the company ~2 years ago asking this question).  So even if you bought the whole ER1-ERSP 3.0 bundle for $7k, you wouldn't have got an ER1.

Here's the attached Hobby Ports Monitor.  Tell me if it works (it should open a window when you open the program).
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: urro on December 22, 2008, 04:12:35 AM
Yes, that’s the program. It works fine!; thanks.

Yes, I agree. I started developing for the RCC API until I realized that you can’t make the robot advance and turn at the same time, and that the heading angle is always zero. Then I start looking for alternatives, as the Player/Stage driver, or the Python SDK (I don’t have the ERSP; When I bought the robot Evolution had stopped providing it with the ER1)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: uksmit on December 23, 2008, 08:51:36 AM
After waiting years to find an appropriate 'brain' for my ER1 I finally rebuilt a smaller version this summer utilizing the Asus 901 running Windows XP. This is a fab combination but now the software is showing its age. I have setup a short blog to share my experiences and remaining ER1 files here: http://retrobotics.gosmit.com

I purchased two FULL ER1 kits plus the accessories kit and IR sensors at the time in the final Evolution sales. Plenty of hardware to go around plus tow sets of motors and two RCMs.

Has anyone tried to run two set of wheels (4x4 rover) from one RCM yet?

The 'new' bot benefits from a 12v sealed acid battery which allows the bot to work well beyond 8 hours, depending on the activity.

Are there any behaviour files to share?

Meanwhile purchased the SRV-1 to get better around the home.....
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on December 23, 2008, 02:38:45 PM
Welcome to the forum, uksmit.  I've heard really good things about the Asus line of laptops, so you should have no problems running the software.  We'll monitor your blog with great interest.  :)

You mention the SocialBot-lite chatbot on your blog.  I downloaded and played with it a while back.  It was alright; I found it very limited.  I later found out that the A.L.I.C.E. chatbot (the one that won the Loebner Prize) is open source and can be freely downloaded.  A.L.I.C.E.'s communication abilities are much more advanced than SocialBot-lite's, in my opinion.  A future project I want to do is to interface A.L.I.C.E. with the ER1; so if the chatbot is told to move, a command is sent to move the ER1, or if the ER1 detects something, the chatbot is notified, etc.

Update on my robot:  For the last week, I have been adjusting and modifying my pathfinding program to fit my house.  In particular, I've developed special "cases", where instead of moving forward to reach a specific cell, it undergoes a series of movements to reach that cell.  The reason I made these "cases" is because most households cannot be perfectly represented with square grid; some room's grids do not line up with the grids of other rooms.  It's like two chessboards next to each other, with one moved half an inch to the side (the cells do not line up).  Now my robot can move to these "unaligned" cells; which leads to better pathfinding in my house. :)

Now I'm working on a Python module that handles the entire ER1 API session; you import this module into your Python script and it establishes the connection.  It also has functions for sending commands to the ER1 and receiving "events" from it.  The purpose of this module is to fully utilize the features of the ER1 API in a simple way, so I can focus on creating scripts and tasks, instead of trying to get the ER1 API to work. 8)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on December 27, 2008, 03:50:50 AM
Hello, I'm an Italian guy I follow your very forum and owner of a ER1 Robot, I'll show you a short my project I would now like to share with you the material available to me. Want to know what software is this?
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on December 27, 2008, 04:40:48 AM
Hello, I put the sites that may be helpful:
http://www.aibohack.com/er1_2004/
http://users.ece.gatech.edu/~hamblen/489X/s04proj/ER1_IPAQ_voice_control/website%20temp/
http://www.csee.usf.edu/~murphy/er1/index.html
http://robosapienv2-4mem8.page.tl/Modified-ER1.htm
http://home.comcast.net/~prutchi/index_files/robotics.htm
http://www.abotics.com/abotics_projects.htm
http://www.cs.hmc.edu/~dodds/projects/RobS07/documentER1/index.htm
http://www.cs.hmc.edu/~dodds/projects/RobS04/MCL_Wireless/index.html
http://www.cs.hmc.edu/~dodds/projects/RobS03/LARS/index.html
http://users.ece.gatech.edu/~hamblen/489X/s04proj/ER1_SONAR/ECE4180%20Website/
http://www.cse.ust.hk/~yiu/robot/
http://www2.ing.puc.cl/~asoto/IIC-3684/index_en.htm
http://www.socialbot.com/index.htm
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on December 27, 2008, 01:03:53 PM
Hello Lupinoxp!  I think we all would like to know what that software program you're working on is (it looks like ER1 Vision Tool that comes with ERSP, basically a GUI for capturing and recognizing objects).  Now that I looked at the image closer, it looks like a GUI for remote controlling an ER1 robot.  It looks official...  Do you work for Evolution Robotics?  :P

Thanks for all the links, I think it's time for that resource page Admin mentioned awhile back (All the links should be given a description though).  I'll PM Admin about it.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on January 04, 2009, 04:12:05 AM
Hello, I want to build the ER1 Gripper, some of you who can examine the Gripper with photos and diagrams of electronics. Especially the pattern of electronic card "if there is" the connecting pins and components, Thank you.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on January 04, 2009, 04:20:31 AM
Hello, I was wondering if there is a way to connect 3 sensors, not those distributed by Evolution Robotics so that they recognize the Gui of ER1.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on January 05, 2009, 07:18:01 PM
Hello, I was wondering if there is a way to connect 3 sensors, not those distributed by Evolution Robotics so that they recognize the Gui of ER1.

Unfortunately, I do not think this is possible.  The ER1 GUI uses USB Sharp IR sensors that plugged directly into the controlling PC.  Unless you could get sensors to communicate with the GUI through a USB port (a difficult feat without any source code), you cannot use the GUI to read custom sensors.  :-\ This is the reason I use the command line-API to controll my ER1; I have access to the hobby analog/digital ports for custom sensors, servos, etc.

I cannot help you with the ER1 gripper, because I don't have one.  Some of the other people that commented in the thread look like they have them, so perhaps one of them could help you.

Recently, my schedule has gotten a lot busier, so I won't be able to work on my ER1 as much.  I have made some progress with the ER1 API module and when that's finished, I plan on integrating it with my pathfinding system (for a vSLAM-ish robot system).
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: iamthedruid on January 10, 2009, 10:26:30 PM
Hi, I was wondering if there are any Gripper arms (similar to ER1 gripper ) out there compatible with ER1. Badly need one. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tymtravler on January 14, 2009, 09:56:55 AM
Hi all, I found that I can download the ER1 Software and updates from Evolution for free if any one wants them I will provide the links.
https://inet.idealab.com/dbd/A8ACB584/ER1_CD.zip
https://inet.idealab.com/dbd/756A30AB/ER1_Updates.zip

I am also looking an RCM and wheels for the ER1 I already have a body built with track drives, so if any one wants to sell parts please let me know.
Also I would like to know if anyone has created an API program to run a 5 axis arm.

Thanks
Tymtravler
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on January 16, 2009, 06:33:17 AM
Hello, why not put the photos of the robot project.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tymtravler on January 22, 2009, 02:38:20 PM
Has anyone tried to convert the stepper motor signal from the RCM to a DC motor?

Thanks
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on January 23, 2009, 01:20:11 AM
Hello there!  Unfortunately, I don't know anything about how the stepper motors are controlled by the RCM.  Stepper motors and DC motors use completely different systems, so compatibility doesn't seem likely.  Also, we have no source code or any idea how the RCM works (some people reversed engineered the RCM, but that is difficult to do).  You may be able to do it, but there are easier ways to controll DC motors with the ER1 (the digital I/O ports could be used by the command line API, OR you can use electronics that plug directly into the ER1's laptop that control outside electronics (I believe these objects are called phidgits).

UPDATE:  As I've said, I have been extremely busy and haven't worked on the robot in awhile.  I will work on it this weekend (my API module is pretty much in working order, I just have to add to it).  I have also researched chatbots, specifically the A.L.I.C.E. chatbot and how to program/modify them.  A project I would like to try when my ER1 mapping project is finished is to link the ER1's vision capabilities with the communication abilities of the chatbot (I would have my own droid that you can have a conversation with)  8)

I'll try to create part of the ER1 resource page this weekend, but I can't promise anything.

Keep playing with developing your ER1s!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on January 23, 2009, 05:55:25 AM
Hello Tymtravler here was achieved something.
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~coral/cmassist/
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on January 29, 2009, 10:36:21 AM
Hello, some people are so 'kind to make available a copy of the ERSP software? Thank you
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on January 29, 2009, 10:44:14 AM
Hello, here are the pictures of the new RCM 4.0
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on January 29, 2009, 08:58:59 PM
Interesting! What is the price for it?
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on January 30, 2009, 05:13:40 PM
I asked Evolution Robotics if it could reopen the old forum and if they provide new software updates or sale of accessories for our ER1, their answer was this:
Hello Alessandro,
Thank you for your continued interest in Evolution Robotics and the ER1 robot.  At this time there are no plans to resurrect the ER1 user forum as we discontinued the product several years ago.  As the ER1 is discontinued there are no new software updates or applications.  If you have any other questions please let me know
Thank you,

Kim Herzog
Evolution Robotics
[email protected]
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on January 30, 2009, 10:20:39 PM
Hello Alessandro,
Thank you for your continued interest in Evolution Robotics and the ER1 robot.  At this time there are no plans to resurrect the ER1 user forum as we discontinued the product several years ago.  As the ER1 is discontinued there are no new software updates or applications.  If you have any other questions please let me know
Thank you,

Kim Herzog
Evolution Robotics
[email protected]


This doesn't supprise me.  When they "resurrected" the ER1 as the ER1-D, the company now wants you to use ERSP 3.0~3.1 (I think).  They are not making any ER1 specific software programs or updates; hence, resurrecting the ER1 forums would be useless (so we have to use/modify the original software or create new software altogether).

Anyway, the pictures look good.  An interesting observation is that DC motors are used instead of stepper motors and that hobby servo ports have been added.  Inspeaking of hobby servos; can you control digital hobby servos using the digital I/O sockets on the original RCM?  I have plans of adding a pan-and-tilt "head" to my ER1 and I wanted to use the digital I/O sockets to control it.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tymtravler on February 02, 2009, 12:01:44 PM
Hello, some people are so 'kind to make available a copy of the ERSP software? Thank you

Love to get a copy too!
tymtravler
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on February 02, 2009, 06:24:04 PM
Hello, I would like to know if there is a way to be able to recognize Gui ER1 Robot Control Center another program for speech recognition, because Microsoft Speech SDK 5.1 does not recognize the Italian language, for me this is a big problem, you have a way to change the Gui to use another Software?
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tymtravler on February 06, 2009, 11:40:34 AM
Hello, some people are so 'kind to make available a copy of the ERSP software? Thank you

hi
Tried getdropbox/shared/ER1 it said the file does not exists.   :(
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on February 08, 2009, 10:17:44 PM
I managed to install XP on my motherboard for my ER1C robot. I didn't do anything with the robot yet, but I will try to see how SciTech02's code works. I also want to play with voice recognition and text to speech with it. Once the basics are covered, I plan on adding sensors (distance and compass) to add with orientation. Later on I'll add servos to move the camera.

I still need to buy a few parts for it, but I hope I can do that this week. I need speakers and a microphone (perhaps a wireless one?).

I tried to install ERSP but it asks for some .net and to uninstall the python sdk. Anyway, ERSP is overkill for me yet, so I'll just stick with python for now.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on February 09, 2009, 02:16:17 AM
Hello, if interested I made a version of Windows XP Professional very light with the addition of components Tablet, so you can put a touch screen on the robot.
I am using this webcam motorized:
http://www.rimaxit.com/ing/html/ficha_descripcion.asp?tipo_producto2=%3Fidfam%3D53&tipo_producto=53&id=334&Submit=go
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on February 15, 2009, 07:04:20 AM
I need help replacing the transformer in the ER1 charger. I have tried with several transformers I had around, burned a second transformer (was outputting too little current) and others don't output the proper voltage.

Can one of you take apart your charger (3 screws) and measure the alternative voltage on the transformer output before the rectifying diode bridge? It shoud be at least 14.4V, probably a little more...

Thank you in advance!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on February 15, 2009, 01:58:03 PM
Hello, I read:
OUTPUT: 12VDC 750mA
INPUT: 120VAC 60HZ 20W
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on February 15, 2009, 03:53:49 PM
Thanks Lupinoxp, but that is written on mine too.   :(

Inside the charger there is a transformer and an electronic board. At the output of the electronic board we get 12V 750mA, but I need to know the voltage that goes at the input of that electronic board = the output of that transformer (the secondary coil). The primary coil of my original transformer has melted, so I need to replace the transformer with a similar one. But unfortunally it is not written on it the voltage it outputs...

So far I have replace it with a transformer that outputs 14.5V (I mean I plugged a transformer at the input of the electronic board of the charger), but the battery is on charge from yesterday about this time (almost 24 hours) and the LED is still orange instead of being green. The battery wasn't completly depleted, so it didn't need such a deep charge, that means the transformer doesn't have the proper voltage. I don't have a bigger transformer, so I need to buy the proper one.

Please help!  :'(
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on February 15, 2009, 04:48:02 PM
Hello, it must be so 'batteries Upload stabilized voltage 13.8V with a capacity of 700mA.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on February 15, 2009, 05:05:39 PM
Hello, it is important that it is stabilized voltage.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on February 15, 2009, 06:24:05 PM
Sorry Lupinoxp, you don't get my question.

Er1 has a charger that plugs in the battery box. The charger outputs what you allready sugested. Inside the charger, there is a electronics board and a transformer. My electronics board works fine, but the transformer is burned. I need to replace only the tranformer inside the charger.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on February 16, 2009, 05:06:22 AM
Hello, sorry now I understand, it is not easy for me to translate the English into Italian! I have taken for granted to change the whole charger, now unmount the mine and you do know the values of only trasformer.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on February 17, 2009, 06:44:52 PM
(Reply to above post and battery question on the video section of forum): 

If all else fails with repairing your charger, you can just buy a new battery.  From what I can tell you from my own experience, any 12 volt battery will work with the ER1 robot.  When I got my ER1, it didn't have a battery; so I bought a 12 volt NiCd power drill battery from a swap-meat (flea market) and it works perfectly so far.  What I have heard from Evolution Robotics is that you do not want to go over 12 volts; if you have a battery that is rated above this, regulate it to 12 volts.  Also, if you were like me and don't know which part of the plug is + or -, the central "hole" is + and the outside of the plug is -.

UPDATE: Fortunately, my schedule has gotten better, so I have more time to work with my ER1.  Just this evening, I mostly finished a test script that sends movement commands through the API connection that makes the bot follow an object (basically a reproduction of the "move towards" API command).  The big difference is instead of moving so the the robot is directly facing the object (object is in the middle of its view); my script makes the ER1 move so the object is at a given x-coordinate in its view.  The purpose of this is to increase pathfinding accuracy.  It can recognize an object that will see along its found path and move so it is in a certain position relative to that object (basically, it uses the object as feedback for its position on the map).  Now it is possible for my ER1 to go along a path without veering off significantly (hypothetically).
Title: New Graphics for ER1 Control Center!
Post by: lupinoxp on March 08, 2009, 03:22:07 AM
Hello guys, I redid the graphics software ER1 Control Center, was also translated into Italian, if you are interested I can put the exe file with the settings menu in English, but with the main screen in Italian because I recorded graphically.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on March 08, 2009, 09:03:07 AM
Lupino, that is wonderfull!

I have a question, say if we want to mount the camera on a pan/tilt head and also want to control an arm with several servos, can you add a feature to the software to comunicate with a USB connected micro like an Roboduino or Axon? Perhaps having a tab with some sliders to set the servo position and a Store Position button and then Play Sequence button, so we can set a Play Sequence as an action...
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on March 08, 2009, 02:39:09 PM
Hello, to do what you need, you need to completely rewrite the Software is rather difficult without the source code.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: urro on March 24, 2009, 07:43:49 AM
Hi all !

I have a question for ERSP 2.0 users:  Can you access the hobby ports using the ERSP API? I cannot figure how this can be accomplished. I’m sure ERSP can do it, as it contains a drivers like RCMIrSensor that necessarily access the ports, but… what’s the class to do that?

Thank you a lot!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: urro on March 25, 2009, 09:33:58 AM
Hello again,
I have another question, this time for users of Python ERSP's bindings (maybe one day I’ll start answering questions, instead of just asking…  ::)  sorry)
When I use a recent version of python with the ERSP, it doesn’t work, as it always fails to load ersp.task:

   Traceback (innermost last):
     File "speak.py", line 5, in ?
     File "c:\Program Files\ERSP\python\ersp\task.py", line 13, in ?
   ImportError: no module named _libevoctask

The problem is solved by using an older version of Python (the one packed with the ERSP), but… there aren’t nicer solutions? I would like to use jython instead of python, but… then the ImportError problem comes back. What python version are you using?

Thank you again!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: urro on April 15, 2009, 02:04:08 AM
Not sure if this thread is still alive, but....

Has anyone the Linux version of the ERSP (and agrees to share it)? I would like to use ERSP together with Player/Stage, and that platform by now works only on Linux (the port to windows is on the way, but still is not so practical.

Thank you a lot.


By the way.... I answer my previous question about ersp/python: Not possible to use jython, nor a recent version of python. Bad luck
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: edwardray1 on April 23, 2009, 11:43:23 AM
Hello All,

I just purchased a used ER1 as a project for my son & I but we have no documentation or software.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Ed
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on April 23, 2009, 02:03:03 PM
Hello, welcome! I sent you the email explaining how to get what you need.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: kevinvr on May 02, 2009, 08:53:09 AM
Hi All
I've started looking around for er1 stuff and found this thread.  Thanks for all the time and info you have all put in.  I got some reading to do.  I have just rebuilt my er1 and want to make it usable, have been taking a look at Microsoft Robotics , but it looks a bit topheavy and my programming skills are not so good.  I will read these threads and see if i can get something working which doesn't involve having to fork our more money :)  Don't want to buy ersp 2 etc.
Will pop in again soon :) :)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on May 03, 2009, 04:40:12 AM
Hello Kevinvr, welcome among us!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on May 07, 2009, 08:48:34 PM
Greetings, fellow ER1 owner!  Feel free to ask any questions.

Good news: I finally have time to work on my robot!  The last few months, I have been buried in schoolwork; but I'm used to the workload now and I am back working on my ER1.  Right now, I'm rewriting my pathfinding script as a lightweight and streamlined python module, so it can be integrated into scripts easily.  I'll try to create that resource page during the next few days.

SciTech02 (it's good to be back)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on May 10, 2009, 03:45:31 AM
Great!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on May 10, 2009, 04:29:43 AM
Hello, I have finished the computers to be included in my robot, in the coming days I'll put the photos!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on May 11, 2009, 09:51:27 PM
Cool!  We all look forward to it.

I finished the ER1 Resource page just now; comment what you think and/or what should be changed.  :)

http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_tutorials/node/336 (http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_tutorials/node/336)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: kevinvr on May 14, 2009, 05:21:53 PM
Thanks for the welcome.  i'm a teacher so I mostly only work on this stuff during the holidays:)
There's some great reading here! Thanks to all of you!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on May 15, 2009, 12:31:54 PM
Evolution just yesterday released the ER1-D for $950 or $450 for just the RCM.
http://www.evolution.com/er1/ (http://www.evolution.com/er1/)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on May 16, 2009, 01:42:38 PM
Hello, this is what I was sent the attached order form:

The long awaited return of the ER1 robot has arrived.  Evolution Robotics is pleased to offer the ER1-D robotic kit.

Based on customer demand, Evolution Robotics has produced a limited supply of developer edition ER1s (called the ER1-D), which include an upgraded version of the RCM control module (designated as the RCM-D). The hardware is similar to the original ER1 personal robot kits, but have upgraded electronics designed for heavier use.

The ER1-D kits use the same core X-beam modules, but some of the connectors have been modified for manufacturing purposes.  The RCM-D is available for purchase by itself, and can be used to replace damaged original RCM's on existing ER1 kits.

A copy of the ER1 software is included in the new kits as a demo/evaluation tool, however software customer support and the ER1 forums are no longer actively supported.

For all orders please see the attached order form.  Only Purchases Orders/Credit Card orders will be accepted.  Supplies are limited. 

If you have any questions or wish to place an order please contact our office at [email protected].

Thank you,

Evolution Robotics
www.evolution.com (http://www.evolution.com)   
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: kevinvr on May 17, 2009, 05:10:56 PM
SciTech02,
I have downloaded your python programs and would like to try them out. Which version of python must I use to run them?
If I run into trouble I will scream for help.

Nice news about the new er1-D only trouble is where does one find $950 + postage? He he he!! ;D
I wonder if they sell any other parts.... like IR Sensors....which didn't come with my er1 original package when I bought it. oh well, such is life. :)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on May 18, 2009, 12:43:12 AM
I wrote my python scripts in pre-3.0 python, so you would have to use a version of python that came out before version 3.0 (however, I think they can easilly be converted into post-3.0 python [change print commands, etc.]).  I'll think about converting them into post-3.0 after rewritting the program.

I'm interested to see what you can do with them.  Good luck.  :)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on May 19, 2009, 06:34:36 PM
  :-\  Evolution says no accessories, just the base robot.  I too want the IR senors.. You can use Sharp's IR senors, but requires extra work to get them working.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tymtravler on May 20, 2009, 06:35:43 AM
I emailed Kimberly Herzog yesterday for any specs they had on the new ER1 and she said they did not.  I replied that I heard rumors that the RCM-d is setup for DC motors now and not steppers.  She has always been very helpful to me, so I hope to hear from her soon on the motors.  The design changes state that the RCM-d was changed on the connection side, however she stated that it was also changed to keep it from burning out faster.  If the RCM-d was changed and now uses different connectors what will be required to replace the old RCM?

Tymtravler

Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on May 20, 2009, 02:01:40 PM
Anyone know where I can get an ER1 Gripper Arm?

Thanks
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on May 23, 2009, 02:45:59 PM
This link for the ER1 updates is broken:
https://inet.idealab.com/dbd/756A30AB/ER1_Updates.zip

Anyone have another link?

Thanks
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on May 24, 2009, 11:34:58 AM
Hmm...  I know that the ER1 CD link leads to the latest version of the ER1 software.  By downloading the latest software directly, the "update" is not required.  Perhaps this is why the link does not work; it was found to be unnecessary and it was deleted.  I will remove the dead link and extend the description of the ER1 CD link.  Thanks for pointing this out.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on May 24, 2009, 12:25:00 PM
Thanks!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on May 27, 2009, 02:19:32 AM
Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone with the gripper could open it up to see what IC is used to drive the USB.  Thinking if I can get the IC name, number.. I could get a schematic and make my own gripper.

Thank you
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on May 27, 2009, 05:35:06 AM
I don't have the gripper, but here are my thoughts:

- as any USB device, the gripper returns a seller model number and signature, so the software IDs it as the Gripper and not the IR sensors for example
- if someone ties the usb connection back to the PC through the serial port and opens up a Telnet session can monitor all the communication between the PC and the gripper device and can record the protocol
- after the recording is done, any programable USB chip can be used as an interface for a custom made gripper, using only one motor like the original gripper or a microcontroller and servos.

To see what I'm talking about, take a look at your own RCM communication, the IR sensors and Gripper should work the same, just the ID is different. I think even a custom RCM could be made if the ID could be replicated.

On the other hand, I know there is a guy that reprogrammed the GUI, perhaps he can reveal more info about what IDs the software espects. Or, maybe he can reprogram the software to work with custom grippers and IR sensors...
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tymtravler on May 27, 2009, 08:06:47 AM
I saw some pics posted by Lupinoxp that the new RDM-d now would handle DC motors, however when I confirmed this with Kim Herzog they did not make the change.

I just got an answer to your question.  Yes, they are still stepper motors.
 
Thank you,
 
Kim Herzog
Evolution Robotics
[email protected]

This would have been a great change for the ER1.

Tymtravler
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on May 27, 2009, 10:38:49 AM
I don't have the gripper, but here are my thoughts:

- as any USB device, the gripper returns a seller model number and signature, so the software IDs it as the Gripper and not the IR sensors for example
- if someone ties the usb connection back to the PC through the serial port and opens up a Telnet session can monitor all the communication between the PC and the gripper device and can record the protocol
- after the recording is done, any programable USB chip can be used as an interface for a custom made gripper, using only one motor like the original gripper or a microcontroller and servos.

To see what I'm talking about, take a look at your own RCM communication, the IR sensors and Gripper should work the same, just the ID is different. I think even a custom RCM could be made if the ID could be replicated.

On the other hand, I know there is a guy that reprogrammed the GUI, perhaps he can reveal more info about what IDs the software espects. Or, maybe he can reprogram the software to work with custom grippers and IR sensors...

Thanks for sharing.. I figured there was some kind of ID.. maybe a dip switch or hardwired?  If anyone can get as much info on the components used, that would be great.  Thanks
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on May 27, 2009, 10:41:41 AM
I saw some pics posted by Lupinoxp that the new RDM-d now would handle DC motors, however when I confirmed this with Kim Herzog they did not make the change.

I just got an answer to your question.  Yes, they are still stepper motors.
 
Thank you,
 
Kim Herzog
Evolution Robotics
[email protected]

This would have been a great change for the ER1.

Tymtravler

I figured they were still stepper as Kim told me that you could use with your current ER1.  It would have been cool if they added the option to do either way.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tymtravler on May 27, 2009, 07:35:06 PM
Yes it would, think about it.  It could be possible to use a stronger, cheaper motor.

Oh well
Maybe they will see the ER1 is not a dead product since so many of us asked them to bring it back from the grave.  I mean have you seen some of the bidding on ones that don't even work on ebay. 

Hey happy building
Tymtravler
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on May 28, 2009, 06:03:50 AM
If one looks at the command list for the RCM, it will be found that what kind of motors are used is totally up to the hardware. If the software can be hacked like I said in my previous post to replace the ID of the RCM with something else, we could build a similar box that is able to do what ever we want it to do. Like use DC motors with encoders, properly use the Sharp IR sensors, use ultrasonic sensors, servos and so on. We could make it way better than what they did and install it in the same box if you like. The only important piece of the kit I would keep is the video recognition software. All the rest can be replaced. This is my long term goal for building my butler robot this way. I am working on the small version now to finish up the routines in the RCM module.

Here is my idea of a new RCM:
- use an Axon microcontroller for master control, USB interface, servo control, sensors
- use a second microcontroller for driving motors  - with PID control, 2 geared DC motors with encoders, I2C or serial interface, possibly Sabertooth driver for powerfull motors

So, if someone hacks the software to eliminate the original RCM, gripper and IR sensors signatures, we could develop a better suited RCM for our robots.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on May 28, 2009, 11:36:19 AM
This is the gripper I'm thinking of using:
http://www.budgetrobotics.com/shop/?shop=1&cart=770081&cat=135 (http://www.budgetrobotics.com/shop/?shop=1&cart=770081&cat=135)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tymtravler on June 01, 2009, 05:35:10 AM
Great looking gripper, I see it is large enough to hold a beer, this is important ::).
Tymtravler
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tymtravler on June 01, 2009, 05:38:55 AM
I am looking for a copy of the ERSP, I heard it's out there somewhere but I have not been able to find it.  Any help would be great.

Tymtravler
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on June 01, 2009, 07:40:05 PM
I would like a copy of v2 ERSP also.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on June 03, 2009, 10:52:04 AM
Hello guys, please contact me via email I send to you!
[email protected]
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on June 03, 2009, 01:10:20 PM
Hi all,

I found the USB microcontroller used by Evolution Robotics for their IR senors and Gripper.. If I can figure out a wiring schematic, I'll post.. maybe someone that knows controllers better than I can make a wiring schematic.
http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets_pdf/P/I/C/1/PIC16C765I_PT.shtml (http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets_pdf/P/I/C/1/PIC16C765I_PT.shtml)

Jason
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on June 03, 2009, 08:12:29 PM
Looks like there is some code required... this is a lot more complicated than I thought to reverse engineer.  Oh well, just have to keep an eye on ebay for a gripper.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: SciTech02 on June 26, 2009, 03:18:07 PM
UPDATE: I have successfully recreated my ER1 pathfinding program as a module; so it can now be implemented into scripts with ease.  It basically finds a path and sends back a list, containing the string commands required to reach the goal cell.  My "ER1_API_lib" module can then be used to execute these commands, one by one.  I have attached a .zip folder with both of these modules and a sample map module (HomeMap_1) to this post if anyone is interested.  I particularly hope my "ER1_API_lib" module is found to be useful; it is the simplest and most straightforward way of controlling the ER1, through the RCC API session, that I have used. (The modules are written in python 2.5)  Feel free to modify and tinker with these scripts; they are far from being "complete" and I'm curious how well they work on other ER1 robots.

I am currently trying to implement visual localization/correction into my pathfinding system.  I have objects, that the ER1 recognizes, given their own x-y coordinates on the map.  These will serve as "landmarks" to navigate by.  Using the landmark's known position and the distance between the 'bot and it, I should be able to approximate which cell the ER1 robot is currently in (by recognizing a minimum of 2 landmarks).  It sounds good, but I haven't quite figured out how to do this yet.  Any ideas or pointers will be very much appreciated.  :)

SciTech02
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on June 26, 2009, 03:47:09 PM
Thanks and keep up the great work!

Jason
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on July 06, 2009, 01:04:29 AM
Hi Ro-Bot-X,

You're working on building your own RCM?  Will it work with the ER1 software?

Thanks,
Tesla
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on July 06, 2009, 04:45:13 AM
Hi Ro-Bot-X,

You're working on building your own RCM?  Will it work with the ER1 software?

Thanks,
Tesla

It's a long term project that I have. So far it's all an idea, nothing materialized... And it will not work directly with ER1 GUI, because I don't know how to replicate the RCM signature. Plus, that would be a copy cat and copyright infringement I guess. But I want it to respond to the same command format, just using a different access method.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on July 11, 2009, 09:26:13 PM
For those looking for ER1 Grippers.  Seller supergreatdeals4u on eBay has them for $399.. just ask him to post as buy it now.  He has ER1s and I think he might also have the IR senors, expansion packs, and extra batteries(??).  I believe he bought all of Evolution's inventory when they decided to discontinue the ER1.. but now brought back.   I've seen him list ER1s.. but for way too much.

http://myworld.ebay.com/supergreatdeals4u/ (http://myworld.ebay.com/supergreatdeals4u/)

Tesla
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: bill black on July 17, 2009, 09:46:25 AM
Hi folks,
I've had an ER-1 for a few years. Anyone have an idea if it is possible to get the ER-1 software to incorporate GPS information?
Thanks,
Bill Black
Roseland, FL
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: wdbarnwell on August 09, 2009, 02:28:21 PM
Hello, here are the pictures of the new RCM 4.0

Hello,

I just got my RCM-D on Friday 8-7-09 and the outside cover looks the same as the old RCM. It even says 1.0 on it, but doesn't have RCM-D on it anywhere. On the inside they are different. Where did you get those pictures of the RCM 4.0? I've attached some pictures of the old and new RCM side by side. The RCM-D is on the left side in all pictures.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on August 09, 2009, 02:55:27 PM
Cool!! Thank you so much!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: mishoo on December 23, 2009, 03:21:19 PM
Having said that ER-1 is pretty much an outdated product, is there any new product with similar functionality as ER-1 (I mean Robot Skeleton and added laptop; and probably a software)?

Homer
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on December 25, 2009, 02:54:43 AM
Having said that ER-1 is pretty much an outdated product, is there any new product with similar functionality as ER-1 (I mean Robot Skeleton and added laptop; and probably a software)?

Homer

The ER1 has been around for awhile, but it's not outdated.  Evolution's software is powerful and is now used in the WowWee Rovio.
Check it out here: http://www.wowwee.com/en/products/tech/telepresence/rovio:rovio (http://www.wowwee.com/en/products/tech/telepresence/rovio:rovio)

Another PC robot here: http://www.whiteboxrobotics.com/ (http://www.whiteboxrobotics.com/)

But I like the ER1..

Some others that are cool..
iSobot - http://www.isobotrobot.com/eng/index.html (http://www.isobotrobot.com/eng/index.html)
Roboquad - http://www.wowwee.com/en/products/toys/robots/robotics/robocreatures:roboquad (http://www.wowwee.com/en/products/toys/robots/robotics/robocreatures:roboquad)
Wall-E - Ultimate - http://www.amazon.com/Wall-E-60260-Ultimate/dp/B001KSWVIA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261730011&sr=1-5 (http://www.amazon.com/Wall-E-60260-Ultimate/dp/B001KSWVIA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261730011&sr=1-5)
R2D2 - http://www.amazon.com/Star-Interactive-Astromech-Droid-Robot/dp/B001E95SQ2 (http://www.amazon.com/Star-Interactive-Astromech-Droid-Robot/dp/B001E95SQ2)
Erector Spykee - http://www.amazon.com/Erector-Spykee-The-Spy-Robot/dp/B000N6470A/ref=sr_1_43?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261730398&sr=1-43 (http://www.amazon.com/Erector-Spykee-The-Spy-Robot/dp/B000N6470A/ref=sr_1_43?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1261730398&sr=1-43)
RSV2 - http://www.wowwee.com/en/products/toys/robots/robotics/robosapiens:robosapien-v2 (http://www.wowwee.com/en/products/toys/robots/robotics/robosapiens:robosapien-v2)

There are other cool bots like hexapods.. but cost over a $1000.. also building a custom robot or hacking robots is fun.

Have fun!

Tesla
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: jamespeach on February 19, 2010, 03:33:45 AM
Hi,

I was hoping you shed some light my way..

I’ve been given a project from my university to find the accuracy of the Evolution IR sensors, I was wondering if you knew which brand the sensors are. I know that they are shipped with Sharp but also shipped which sensors named "Evolution IR Sensor".
While trying to find the accuracy and calibrate the sensors I’ve taken 700 reading and intervals of 10cm starting at 0cm- 50cm and taken the averages.... from your experience is the correct method?

A few people have told me to add a cap on the sharp sensors, but as I do not have the Sharp ones could I add a cap to give more accurate to the Evolution IR Sensors?

Thank You!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Admin on February 19, 2010, 10:35:01 PM
Quote
A few people have told me to add a cap on the sharp sensors, but as I do not have the Sharp ones could I add a cap to give more accurate to the Evolution IR Sensors?
With Sharp IR, the output value bounces around a *lot*. If the sensor value is stable, you won't need to add a capacitor.

Quote
While trying to find the accuracy and calibrate the sensors I’ve taken 700 reading and intervals of 10cm starting at 0cm- 50cm and taken the averages.... from your experience is the correct method?
700 readings?! I would have probably taken 20, with more readings up close and fewer further away. Plug into excel, get a trendline equation, done.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: urro on February 27, 2010, 06:16:03 PM
Hi all!

For those interested in using the player/stage platform....

There are is a driver developed by people from the DIKU university (Denmark) (thank you, guys!) that allows using ERSP robots with player/stage, but it is only for Linux. For those that have only the Windows version of the ERSP 2.0 (like me) I have ported the driver to windows. It works well to access motors, battery level, oddometry and IR sensors, but I plan to add more staff (gripper, speech, vision) in the future.

The advantages of using Player/Stage instead of directly program for ERSP are quite interesting (copy/paste from the authors’ web site, sorry):

    * The client program and the player server can run in different machines
    * You can use the Stage-simulator
    * You can use algorithm, virtual drivers and other utils for Player/Stage
    * The interfaces on player are simpler
    * You can program player clients in C, C++, Java, Python and...  maybe more, I'm not sure

Let me know if anyone is interested in trying the driver to post it here. I suppose there are no problems with distributing/modifying it, as it is GNU-licensed. I hope it will help someone...

Thanks to the authors: Bue Petersen, Jonas Fonseca and Jesper Carlson.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lync on August 10, 2010, 11:25:06 AM
Sorry to resurrect an old thread on my first post, but this seems to be the catchall thread for ER1s, so:

Hello ER1 Experts, if any of you are still kicking around I would greatly appreciate it if you could answer a few quick questions.

I recently inherited a couple ER1 robots and am trying to make a quick navigation interface for them with position/heading feedback. 

So far I have been using the text command interface over tcp/ip:
1) How strictly does the ER1 follow movement commands?  For example if I give a "move 5 cm" the robot only moves forward about 2.8 cm as reported by the GUI and "position" command, and longer movements also seems to give up ~2.5 cm from the destination.  Is this the best I can expect or is something wrong.
2) I think it was mentioned earlier in the thread, but to be clear: Is the heading portion of the "position" command broken?  The x and y coordinates appear to be fairly accurate but no matter what rotations I do it always reports the angle as "0.0"

I see from the thread that there are other options to control the robot: a python API, the player/stage interface, and the ERSP software?
3) Can any of these pieces of software give me the heading value? I would like to poll the position/heading during movement commands so that I can continually keep track of the robot.

Thank you for your time
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Fatfrank69 on September 25, 2010, 07:59:38 AM
Hi all, I'm new, just signed up because of the existence of this thread! Just wondering if there's anyone out there still using ER1's?

I've just bought one, having a bit of trouble getting it to work, I believe the battery isn't holding the charge, am I right in thinking I can replace it with any 12v battery?



PS. I like how when you register you have to verify you're human...especially as the forums called society of robots.  :-\
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on September 25, 2010, 10:04:26 AM
Hi all, I'm new, just signed up because of the existence of this thread! Just wondering if there's anyone out there still using ER1's?

I've just bought one, having a bit of trouble getting it to work, I believe the battery isn't holding the charge, am I right in thinking I can replace it with any 12v battery?



PS. I like how when you register you have to verify you're human...especially as the forums called society of robots.  :-\

Wellcome to SoR!
Yes, we are still humans, the robots did not take over... yet. We hope we'll manage to keep them from getting evil.

You are right, you can replace the battery with a similar 12V 5AH or a 12V 7AH (double physical size). A larger battery takes longer to charge and discharge, but we usually add more stuff that sometimes even with a larger battery the number of working hours is reduced. Just open the box, unplug the old battery, get a larger case and mount everything inside (battery, switch, charger and power connectors). I added a second power connector (wired in parallel with the original one) for additional devices.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Slawek on October 15, 2010, 05:46:40 AM
Hi everyone,

I am student and I am studying at University of Science and Technology. I am on the 4th year and
I am writing Bachelor's dissertation with the usage of your ERSP Behavior Composer. I am making a vision control system but I have got a little problem and I would be gratefull if you could help me.
    Before I implement my program into a robot I need to test it on my computer. To do that I need to
load "unreal" data about odometry or IR sensors outputs. I know that behavior "constant" can load simple data for
example like this:

\doublearray(0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 70.0)

But these data refers to one reading. I need to load data for some readings, for example like:

[ 15.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 ]
[ 12.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 ]
[ 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 ]
[ 8.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 ]
[ 7.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 ]
[ 5.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 ]

but I do not know how to do that. I tried to load some data in the *.txt format but it did not work.
It is very importart for me and I would be very gratefull if you could help me.  :)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: kevinvr on November 13, 2010, 11:54:08 AM
I am so happy that this thread is still alive.
Kendy my er1 robot is still functioning and I basically just use it to play with. i would like to do something useful with it, but am not a programmer and only have vacation times to work/play with it.   
Will post some pics when I get a chance.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Fatfrank69 on December 16, 2010, 09:29:29 AM
Hi again everyone,

I have a bunch of questions I hope you don't mind me asking.

Has anyone else seen the Heathkit Hero 1 from the 80's. A great bit of robot kit, they company have brought out a new one (basically a White Box rebadged with a different OS) but they want about $10,000 for the top model?! Crazy. Makes you realise how good value the ER1 is.

So basically I'd like to make my ER1 a bit more like a conventional robot ie not relying upon the Robot Control Centre software, how do I go about this? And also is it possible to interface other sensors into it? I'm finding it pretty hard to find an ER1 gripper arm anywhere, so I'm thinking the best way is to use another gripper/robotic arm and interface this with the ER1, any ideas how to go about this?

Cheers,
Tim
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: lupinoxp on December 16, 2010, 03:06:10 PM
Hi again everyone,

I have a bunch of questions I hope you don't mind me asking.

Has anyone else seen the Heathkit Hero 1 from the 80's. A great bit of robot kit, they company have brought out a new one (basically a White Box rebadged with a different OS) but they want about $10,000 for the top model?! Crazy. Makes you realise how good value the ER1 is.

So basically I'd like to make my ER1 a bit more like a conventional robot ie not relying upon the Robot Control Centre software, how do I go about this? And also is it possible to interface other sensors into it? I'm finding it pretty hard to find an ER1 gripper arm anywhere, so I'm thinking the best way is to use another gripper/robotic arm and interface this with the ER1, any ideas how to go about this?

Cheers,
Tim
Hello, I'm doing something similar
http://picasaweb.google.com/lupinoxp/RobotZeus?feat=directlink (http://picasaweb.google.com/lupinoxp/RobotZeus?feat=directlink)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Fatfrank69 on December 21, 2010, 09:27:50 AM
Thats very nice, looks really good. Alot cheaper than the actual White Box's I'm guessing? How are you planning on doing the electronics?

Would a solution to my above question be to use something like Roborealm or Robotsee? Does anyone know if these will interface with an ER1?
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: dmikits on February 05, 2011, 03:28:47 PM
Hello all,
   Is anyone still running their er1. I got mine late 2003 and have reconfigured it many times. From the stock er1 model to the last couple being built inside trash cans and running with mini itx boards. This last version is definely the most robust hardware wise. I have never seen the ersp software. Does it help with the limitations of the rcc? -sequencing from multiple behaviors, triggering from hobby ports, interrupt motion behaviors while waiting to load others...... Has anyone got slick solutions to behavior dilemmas? I've played with this GUI a long time and feel like I'm stagnating. My bot is always on, charges itself, navigates the house and watches the door when i'm gone. Guests always laugh when we enter and the robot challenges us and threatens to email the boss.
dm
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: dmikits on February 05, 2011, 03:41:51 PM
Picts
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: kevinvr on February 06, 2011, 06:30:13 AM
nice pictures!

Can anyone help me?
I am trying to use Abe's Er1 remote program and having problems with it.  It keeps telling me I have a bad password and if I remove the password part from the config file it still gives an error message.
Thanks
Kevin.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on February 06, 2011, 08:18:43 AM
If anyone interested, make me an offer!
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=13175.0 (http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=13175.0)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: sparta98 on February 20, 2011, 01:14:55 PM
The reason I created this thread is because the ER1 robot is officially dead to the company that created it.  The original forums are gone, there is no more customer service, and you can no longer buy one (except off eBay).  Finding in-depth information about it on the web is nearly impossible, as most websites dedicated to it were forgoten about when support was terminated.  The few people that still own, use, and customize them are scattered across the world wide web.  Some have moved on to other projects, while a few others (like me) may have discovered the ER1 robot for the first time and have no place to discuss it.  That is the reason I created this thread; to create a place where we can discuss, ask questions, give answers, and document the ER1 robot, ERSP and any other related concept.  Another reason is to bring the scattered ER1 users together, so we may better answer each others questions and display what can be done with the ER1, ERSP, etc.

At the time of this post's writting, there are two ER1 robot owners on this forum; me (SciTech02) and Ro-Bot-X.  We are still developing ours, but the information we've gathered and shared is large.  We will now discuss our ER1s here.  If there are any ER1 robot owners or anyone interested, feel free to post and let us know that there are still interested people out there.

I'll start the thread with a short summary of my ER1.  It is currently in an original, unmodified state (no accessories, yet).  I have developed a pathfinding program for it that is written in Python, uses an A* (A-star) based algorithm, and uses the RCC API commands.  Here's a link with more details: http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=5666.0 (http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=5666.0) My current goal is to create a map of my entire house, so it can find its way to any location in it and find a place to charge its batteries (an eventual docking port).

The phrases I've highlighted include most of the reasons robots kill people. =D
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: jmurray5 on March 27, 2011, 12:03:51 AM
Hello all,
I purchased my er-1   And by the time I got around to playing with it the company dumped the support.  SO I will be asking for oodles of help.
thanks in advance
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: urro on April 04, 2011, 04:56:42 PM
Hello! I'm happy to see this thread awaked again!

My ER1 can be viewed at www.mundorobot.info (http://www.mundorobot.info) (see the hardware section)

The web is still under construction. In the following weeks I will make available the ERSP wrapper I use to control the ER1 with Player (see my previous post in this thread)


to lync:  yes, ERSP API works pretty well. It overcomes all limitations of the RCC

to Fatfrank69: you can connect sensors to the RCM as long as they provide readings as an analog voltage, as the Sharp IR, or MaxSonar range-finders
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Er1 on April 23, 2011, 07:05:53 PM
Howdy everyone, I too have an ER1. I ordered it in late 2002 for Christmas after stumbling upon it on the internet. I put it together, did some simple tasks, drove it around like a remote control car (my favorite) then put it in my closet. It has sat there at my parents house for the last 9 years. I just pulled it out today, looks like both batteries aren't working anymore.  :-\ Looks like i'll be ordering some..

Title: Amazing - An ER-1 knowledge base!
Post by: ER1_Hack on May 17, 2011, 04:49:59 PM
I bought my ER-1 shortly after it was released and was lucky enough to purchase expansion packs, the gripper and some other goodies while they were still available.

At the time I had it rigged to grab beers from a table in the kitchen and bring them to me in the living room, as well as greet people at the door and lead back to the living room - that got some pretty good looks.

I put it away in about 2005 and it's been collecting dust since then. But now that I've found this thread, it's kind of rekindled my curiosity -- y'all are GENIUSES!!  8)

I'm looking forward to getting back into seeing what can be done with the ER1. Too bad it was 10 years ahead of it's time; perhaps Evolution would have been able to stay with it.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: HEROman on May 18, 2011, 04:29:39 PM
Amazing the old ER1 links are dead!
I just finished restoring and upgrading my old HERO robots and decided to put together a custom version Of the ER1 robot using the unassembled parts I purchased some time ago. It has all the original parts, including an expansion kit, gripper arm and IR sensors.
I found that the ER1 RCC software CD ( v. 1.2.0.127 on label) loaded as ER1 1.0.0.93-2 (on the computer description).
After loading, I found that the program was not as shown in the downloaded User Manual version 1.20, in that it lacked the IR sensor tab,push to talk, and display functions.
I tried to contact the Evolution technical support via their website contact window, offering to buy the latest ER1 CD they made, with no response.
Can any one tell me if they have latest version of RCC software that matches the functionality shown in the v. 1.20 User Manual i.e. IR sensor interface, etc., and, what version it is, and if I can get a copy.
I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: HEROman on May 19, 2011, 04:05:19 PM
Thanks to Ro-Bot-X for sharing the latest ER1 RCC software update, my ER1 has a new lease on life and unlimited future possibilities.
It looked like a pile of junk when I started and now it looks like my ZTR riding lawnmower!
Used all but a few of the parts I had on hand.
Using a Panasonic Toughbook CF-29 for the brains, and wondering what would be a good web cam to use in place of the original one, that would have a microphone built-in for sufficient audio input.
Any suggestions regarding voice recognition experience would be welcome.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on May 19, 2011, 05:45:32 PM
I'm glad I could be of help.

Just a reminder for all people that have developed new stuff with their ER1, please upload to Dropbox so the other members can try it out. If by any chance you don't have an invite to the Dropbox account, let me know and I will add you.

Thanks to all,
Gabriel.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: eddie201011 on June 21, 2011, 08:56:32 AM
Can anyone tell me where I can get a copy of the software to run the ER1 as well as the ERSP software. I have an Er1 with gripper arm and all the extras but during move I lost software somehow. ER1 site isn't of any help as no emails are returned to me. HELP please.

Eddie in Louisiania
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: GregoryL on June 28, 2011, 01:26:01 PM
Hello All,

I have been following this forum for quite some time, but this is my first post. I have owned an ER1 since 2004 and I think its a great robot. I am currently running it on a tablet netbook and a custom frame. My question is, in the API, the software does not recognize the 'er1' command. It gives an error message saying something like "Error- *<er1> expected: <move>, <set>, <play>, <speak>, <sense>, <etc. etc.>". In the manual, the first command in the API is the ER1 command which is supposed to allow you to run .rbt behaviors while in API mode. I have no trouble running all of the other commands, but that one has never worked. I have reinstalled the software many time since owning the robot and I am running the most current version of the software (thanks for the download link, btw). Has anyone run into a similar problem or am I just doing something wrong? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Chewy on July 03, 2011, 01:43:21 PM
Hi GregoryL
I agree with you, the ER1 command is not recognized by the API.  It’s really too bad as it would be useful.  I wonder if earlier versions of the RCM software had this command enabled.
    Cheers
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: urro on July 05, 2011, 03:16:41 AM
Hi GregoryL and Chewy,

Long time since I used ER1 API for the last time (now I use ERSP), but I remember that I was also fooled by the missing er1 command.

I realiced that er1 is not a command but the ER1 Control Center executable, so you can launch it with a behavior as argument. I called if from my Java client with

  Runtime.getRuntime().exec("er1 " + bhvName);

Cheers
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Chewy on October 06, 2011, 10:20:00 AM
Ron Berkowitz, author of “An Integrated Environment for Simulation and Control of Mobile Robots" (http://mss3.libraries.rutgers.edu/dlr/outputds.php?pid=rutgers-lib:30992&mime=application/pdf&ds=PDF-1 (http://mss3.libraries.rutgers.edu/dlr/outputds.php?pid=rutgers-lib:30992&mime=application/pdf&ds=PDF-1)) , has discovered an undocumented ER1 API command:

"move x (value) y (value) cm"

where the (value) was the distance you wanted the robot to move in the x and y directions, respectively.
I actually lucked out with this command. I had been having trouble getting the robot to move to any x-y coordinates without making it look choppy and was stuck on this problem for a few weeks. Then a light bulb went off in my head.
I figured the command out after looking at the given commands in the ER1 manual and deducing what the syntax would most likely be.


I gave the new command a try and am happy to report that it works. 
             Chewy
             http://gotabot.weebly.com/ (http://gotabot.weebly.com/)

Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Ikeprof on February 26, 2012, 04:37:20 PM
Found my old ER1 in the basement and decided since I have a working laptop that has no screen, it may be fun to fire it all up again and see what I can do with it.

I just can't find any of the old software nor find any way to get it via Evolutions website etc.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?  Your help would be sincerely appreciated.

Thank you
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Tesla on February 26, 2012, 08:03:40 PM
This might help..
http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_tutorials/node/336 (http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_tutorials/node/336)

Edit: The ER1_CD.zip is a broken link.. not sure where you can find it.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: jdplace on April 14, 2012, 09:26:14 AM
FYI, the link is not dead, I just tried it.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: apex123 on May 29, 2012, 06:01:59 PM
I have an ER1, very gently used, with all the pieces (gripper arm, sensor pack, expansion pack, manuals).

Is anyone interested in buying it off me?
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Griff on December 31, 2012, 05:07:12 PM
Hey everyone.  I am in need of the software updates for the ER-1, especially the power patch that keeps the bot from complaining about the laptop charger.  Is this in the drop box?  If so I guess I need access or someone to email them to me.  A bunch of 3rd graders depend on it!  ;D
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Chewy on January 01, 2013, 02:20:40 PM
Hi Griff

  You can easily stop the ER1 from complaining about the charger by adding a config.txt file.  Here is a post from the old Evolution ER1 forum which explains it:




Re: [charles] Advanced configuration options. [In reply to]  Can't Post 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
You can customize the configuration of the Robot Control Center by adding a config.txt file in the C:\Program Files\ER1 directory. You have to add the following section in this new file called [hardware] and add your directives underneath. For example, to log all movements that the robot makes, I'd add:

[hardware]
log_move=1

Here are all the configuration options that can be added under the [hardware] directive. There is no limit to the number of directives (you could have all of them if you wanted) Attached is a simple example configuration file.

------------------------------------------------------------
fov=(double): camera field of view in degrees(defaults to 42 degrees).

baud_rate=(integer): The baud rate of the command serial port (Defaults to 250000).

wheel_base=(double): Distance between the wheels in cm (defaults s 38 cm).

stop_when_charging=(0/1): If 1, prevents motion if the robot is charging.

disregard_low_robot_battery=(0/1): If 1, does not prevent motion even though robot is low on battery (defaults to 1).

disregard_charging_laptop=(0/1): If 1, does not prevent motion when the laptop is charging (Defaults to 0).

default_accel=(double): The default acceleration used for robot motion, in cm/sec^2 (defaults to 70 cm/sec^2).

left_motor_board=(0/1): Indicate which motor is connected to the left wheel (Defaults to 1, corresponding to the construction photos in the manual).

right_motor_board=(0/1): Indicate which motor is connected to the right wheel (Defaults to 0, corresponding to the construction photos in the manual).

left_motor_position_factor=(double): The position factor of the left motor. Should always be negative for the motors we're using on ER1. (Defaults to -1711).

right_motor_position_factor=(double): The position factor of the right motor: Should always be positive for the motors we're using on ER1. (Defaults to 1711).

log_move=(0/1): If 1, log all motion commands to the hwlog.txt file. (Defaults to 0).

-----------------------------------------------------------

-Charles  





    Cheers
         Chewy    http://gotabot.weebly.com/ (http://gotabot.weebly.com/)
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Griff on January 01, 2013, 10:59:22 PM
Worked like a charm, thank you!.  I took the liberty of adding a web control I found a few years ago to the drop box, hope someone finds it useful.

Shawn
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: jrfraz05 on January 24, 2013, 10:31:55 AM
Hi,

I was wondering about two things.  Hopefully the second has not be rehashed to much...

I was wondering if anyone knows what the system dynamics of the er-1 are.  Maybe there are some papers or articles about it?

In addition, if anyone has used a recent version of Player with the ER-1, I'd love to know how!  I can't seem to get my robot working with Player.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Jconstable007 on June 16, 2013, 01:07:24 PM
Hey Guys, not sure who is still around tinkering with the ER-1.  as I have been reading this forum, and trying to locate some of the software i.e. python mapper, for one.  I noticed that there are some people are looking for a "gripper" sub. I have been thinking of an idea and wanted to throw it out there for you guys to think about.  using a DIY servo driver, and a simple software program to open or close the fingers ( with a switch on one of the fingers to stop the servo from crushing item ), attached to the "hobby ports".  I know the GUI allows you to run "external" programs... maybe we can make something to suit our needs.  I have most of the electronics figured out, the mechanical is still on the paper stage, and the software is on the back burner.... figure once I have it built, I can figure out how to drive it.  Any thoughts.  Also anyone got any current links to the latest RCC? as well as the python mapper???

thanks
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Jconstable007 on June 17, 2013, 07:42:13 PM
Thank you Gabriel for the access, much appreciate it


Just a reminder for all people that have developed new stuff with their ER1, please upload to Dropbox so the other members can try it out. If by any chance you don't have an invite to the Dropbox account, let me know and I will add you.

Thanks to all,
Gabriel.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Snode2 on July 16, 2013, 10:34:38 AM
Hey all,

My name is Snode2, and I'm working on a project over the summer that uses the ER1 robot, as well as some other modifications that include using other sensors such as motion sensors, light sensors, and others, as well as attaching a different webcam. I'm a high school student enrolled in some AP Computer Science courses, as well as some PLTW Engineering courses. I've been doing quite a bit of research, and I've found that a lot of the ER1 bots that have been built have used Player on Linux. I was wondering if there was a driver for Windows 7 at all, or even XP for that matter. Either one can work for the computer I would like to use with the ER1. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
     Snode2
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: ER1enthusiast on December 03, 2013, 01:08:25 AM
I'm interested in viewing the ER1 Drop Box.
You can PM me or email at [email protected]

Thanks!
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: bobnatale on March 06, 2014, 09:11:17 AM
I would like to be added to the dropbox too!!  I have an ER1 in the basement that I am going to bring back to life.   Anyone still tinkering with them?
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: TankBoy on November 16, 2014, 04:53:40 PM
Not sure how many folks are still working with the ER1, but I have a complete ER1 that I am willing to give away if anyone would like it. It includes the gripper arm, camera, power pack, expansion pack, and an extra sensor pack. I have all of the boxes, and imagine all of the software disks are in there.

I am cleaning out my attic and sending two decades of electronics to recycling. I goofed with the ER1 for a couple of years and then completely forgot about it. It was a lot of fun. When I rediscovered it a quick online search led me here, and before I send it to the scrap heap I thought I should do a quick search and see if anyone was still working with it.

It also has an NEC windows Tablet computer still attached to it - I have not fired it up, but have no reason to believe it would not still work. If you are interested, let me know - again - I am willing to give this all to a good home if anyone could make use of it - not trying to sell.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: Kiros on November 16, 2014, 10:29:01 PM
Hey there Tankboy. I am interested in your ER1. Send me a message or email me at (change at) kerrydmz at gmail.com.
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: jlizotte on November 28, 2014, 10:40:34 AM
I would also be interested, if Kiros cannot make proper arrangements with you. I'm in Ohio, USA. You can contact me via email: telops "at" gmail.com
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: jmurray5 on March 24, 2015, 07:26:08 PM
Has any one tried to run the er1 on a raspberry pi ?
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: mcarraher on May 23, 2015, 09:58:03 AM
Thank you Gabriel for the access, much appreciate it


Just a reminder for all people that have developed new stuff with their ER1, please upload to Dropbox so the other members can try it out. If by any chance you don't have an invite to the Dropbox account, let me know and I will add you.

Thanks to all,
Gabriel.


Just got a er1 robot and I was wondering if the dropbox is still available, if so could I be added to it. email [email protected]
Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: wdbarnwell on December 18, 2017, 08:25:11 PM
Has anyone ran ROS on the ER1? I have ROS installed on Ubuntu Mate and ROS is working fine. I've been to this site https://github.com/arvindpereira/clover_hack_day  and cloned the ROS package into the ~/catkin_ws directory for the ER1 but haven't got it working yet. Just wanted to know if anyone has used ROS and still using the ER1?



Title: Re: Evolution Robotics, ER1 Robot, and ERSP Thread.
Post by: shoutout21 on December 22, 2017, 09:30:28 AM
Hey all,

My name is Snode2, and I'm working on a project over the summer that uses the ER1 robot, as well as some other modifications that include using other sensors such as motion sensors, light sensors, and others, as well as attaching a different webcam. I'm a high school student enrolled in some AP Computer Science courses, as well as some PLTW Engineering courses and wanted to share what I read, I'm quite intrique with this blog http://www.powerjackmotion.com/make-way-smart-robots/ (http://www.powerjackmotion.com/make-way-smart-robots/) and somehow asked myself the same question.

Thanks,
     Snode2

Exactly
I was wondering what will happen to people who works in meat shop or even in a factory, if government decided to use machines and robots as the substitute for human workers? Have anyone of you here watched, Spolarium? our planet is manage and under by Robots!