Author Topic: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product  (Read 83230 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Webbot

  • Expert Roboticist
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,165
  • Helpful? 111
    • Webbot stuff
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #240 on: June 27, 2008, 01:13:24 PM »
In the vain of Monty Python 'you lucky lucky lucky b*stards' !!!  :o

We in the UK, and everywhere else non-USA, can only twiddle our thumbs. So the next tutorial should be 'How to beam an Axon to a teleport near you!'.

Webbot Home: http://webbot.org.uk/
WebbotLib online docs: http://webbot.org.uk/WebbotLibDocs
If your in the neighbourhood: http://www.hovinghamspa.co.uk

Offline AdminTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,703
  • Helpful? 173
    • Society of Robots
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #241 on: June 27, 2008, 01:50:49 PM »
Quote
Sounds like Admin could use a intro to business tut.
To be honest, I'm incredibly incompetent with business law, and slowly learning it . . . unfortunately societyofbusiness.com is registered to a domain squatter :P


I will begin shipping internationally next week to Canada and to Europe. More details in the coming days . . .


Oh and as I'm typing this, an Axon (an earlier 2560 version of it) is running a crude genetic algorithm to optimize my robot fish. At some point I'll make this code open source for everyone.

Offline vidam

  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 423
  • Helpful? 1
  • Robotronics.org
    • DC/MD/VA Robotics and Automation Team
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #242 on: June 28, 2008, 12:30:04 PM »
Can someone advise me on the following for using the Axon and the Blackfin camera? I am going to be ordering both on Monday.
1)
Do I need this part The right-angle adapter is a 32-pin header with extra-long pins to securely mount the camera module to the SRV-1 Blackfin processor card to interface the Blackfin with the Axon?
2)
What baud rate should I have the SRV-1 Blackfin camera configured. Is it the default 115 kbps, 921 kbps, or 2500 kbps?

Thanks!

Offline gamefreak

  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 543
  • Helpful? 2
  • Robo-Enthusiast
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #243 on: June 28, 2008, 03:59:24 PM »
hey admin, I was reading the Axon specs and a littl something popped out to me, it says the axon is capable of 29 servos but only is capable of
9 PWM, how does that work?

3sorry for.any problems with my post, don't have an actual computer and im posting from my phone)
 
All hail Rodney, the holy 555 timer
And Steve said: "Let there be lead!"

Offline AdminTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,703
  • Helpful? 173
    • Society of Robots
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #244 on: June 28, 2008, 08:20:43 PM »
Quote
What baud rate should I have the SRV-1 Blackfin camera configured. Is it the default 115 kbps, 921 kbps, or 2500 kbps?
38.4kpbs for now

Quote
hey admin, I was reading the Axon specs and a littl something popped out to me, it says the axon is capable of 29 servos but only is capable of
9 PWM, how does that work?
Well, the AVR has hardware PWM that you can 'set and forget about'. But there are only a limited number of those, so if you wanted more servos, you'd have to instead turn digital ports on/off in software with proper timing. The $50 Robot doesn't use PWM to control servos, but you could.

Offline silent069

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 49
  • Helpful? 0
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #245 on: June 28, 2008, 09:05:41 PM »
cant wait to order mine! :)

Offline AdminTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,703
  • Helpful? 173
    • Society of Robots
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #246 on: June 29, 2008, 10:24:54 AM »
I looked into converting the Google Checkout to allow for charging extra for international shipping . . . I had three options . . . integrate a shopping cart (too much trouble), program in XML (will take awhile), or adapt the existing code (has a serious bug on Google's end).

Sooooo . . . I'm going to do it another way as a short term solution.

Anyone who is in either Canada (+$10 shipping) or Europe (+$20 shipping) please send me an email directly as soon as you can to purchase an Axon. I'll then send you a secure invoice and have it shipped on Thursday together.

Offline airman00

  • Contest Winner
  • Supreme Robot
  • ****
  • Posts: 3,650
  • Helpful? 21
  • narobo.com
    • Narobo.com - Mechatronics and related
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #247 on: June 30, 2008, 05:30:48 AM »
also, I noticed you had replied to this post quoting yourself, but not saying anything else . . . so I deleted that post . . .

no he did add something in there . He quoted himself and then next to one of the questions he wrote down an answer.  However, it wasnt very obvious that something was added in there
Check out the Roboduino, Arduino-compatible board!


Link: http://curiousinventor.com/kits/roboduino

www.Narobo.com

Offline hgordon

  • Expert Roboticist
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 373
  • Helpful? 7
    • Surveyor Robotics Journal
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #248 on: June 30, 2008, 08:57:43 AM »
Can someone advise me on the following for using the Axon and the Blackfin camera? I am going to be ordering both on Monday.
1)
Do I need this part The right-angle adapter is a 32-pin header with extra-long pins to securely mount the camera module to the SRV-1 Blackfin processor card to interface the Blackfin with the Axon?
2)
What baud rate should I have the SRV-1 Blackfin camera configured. Is it the default 115 kbps, 921 kbps, or 2500 kbps?

Thanks!

Right - note 38.4kbps for the SRV-1 Blackfin configuration.  Also, at no additional cost for SOR Axon users, we'll include the base "radio board" with 3.3V regulator for mounting the Blackfin if that is likely to be the standard configuration.  This is the green board that sits under the red Blackfin board, as seen in this photo -



« Last Edit: June 30, 2008, 09:01:12 AM by hgordon »
Surveyor Corporation
  www.surveyor.com

Offline AdminTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,703
  • Helpful? 173
    • Society of Robots
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #249 on: July 02, 2008, 08:02:38 PM »
Its about time to give another update on the Axon.

Over a dozen have been sold already!

A new quick demonstration video showing how to wire everything on the Axon was made. The video is temporary until I have time to make something better. Plus, I forgot to plug in the USB in the demo :P

[youtube]ih7aFHRqvaY[/youtube]


Also, a pic of everything you get with the purchase:


Offline Gertlex

  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 763
  • Helpful? 24
  • Nuclear Engineer · Roboticist
    • Index of Oddities
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #250 on: July 02, 2008, 08:03:42 PM »
I also got two fancy SoR business cards with the purchase :D

In wiring vid #2, it might be worth noting that you can't plug a battery into one of the male connectors on the switch.  Also, on the left row of header pins, at the opposite end of the battery pins, is that indeed UART0?
« Last Edit: July 02, 2008, 08:07:51 PM by Gertlex »
I

Offline AdminTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,703
  • Helpful? 173
    • Society of Robots
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #251 on: July 02, 2008, 08:19:10 PM »
Yea, if anyone wants a bunch of SoR cards to give out free at competitions/events, just let me know and I'll mail you a bunch of them free.

Quote
Also, on the left row of header pins, at the opposite end of the battery pins, is that indeed UART0?
Yeap


Oh and I forgot to mention, you will start to see the Axon sold at popular online robot part retailers soon ;D


Im going to try and come out with more updates this week and next.

Offline R.O.B. 2.0

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 28
  • Helpful? 1
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #252 on: July 03, 2008, 06:48:51 AM »
I think you should contact Robot magazine and see if they will put you in the product news section.

Offline vidam

  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 423
  • Helpful? 1
  • Robotronics.org
    • DC/MD/VA Robotics and Automation Team
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #253 on: July 03, 2008, 08:40:57 AM »
Yea, if anyone wants a bunch of SoR cards to give out free at competitions/events, just let me know and I'll mail you a bunch of them free.

Admin, I don't mind giving out SoR cards out at my competition/events. Also, I can put your logo/ad on our website for the competition. We are planning on having a public site soon. I have a computer graphics person helping me design it.


Offline AdminTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,703
  • Helpful? 173
    • Society of Robots
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #254 on: July 04, 2008, 09:56:01 PM »
New source code has been released:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/axon/axon_function_list.shtml#software

An extra timer was added . . . and you might like sensors.c which handles sensor calibration for you. Like sharp IR's, sonar, phidgets, its all there. Version info is included in the .zip file as a .txt.

For example:
Code: [Select]
//read ADC pin 0, and convert
//the value into centimeters
distance=sharp_IR_interpret_GP2D12(a2dConvert8bit(0));

More examples of sensors.c in use can be found towards the bottom here:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/axon/axon_function_list.shtml#adc

I didn't test most of the sensors, just read the datasheets. If anything doesn't work right, let me know. If there is a specific sensor you want included, let me know. Reasonable requests only, please ;)

Offline ed1380

  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,478
  • Helpful? 3
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #255 on: July 05, 2008, 05:39:03 AM »
EH. ITS FINALY OUT. LOL

LOOKS AWESOME. VERY NICE JOB ADMIN :D
Problems making the $50 robot circuit board?
click here. http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=3292.msg25198#msg25198

Offline vidam

  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 423
  • Helpful? 1
  • Robotronics.org
    • DC/MD/VA Robotics and Automation Team
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #256 on: July 05, 2008, 09:05:33 AM »
If there is a specific sensor you want included, let me know. Reasonable requests only, please ;)

Here is my request:

Daventech compass
http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/R117-COMPASS.html

Not a sensor, but I need to interface this: Sabertooth dual 10A motor driver
http://www.dimensionengineering.com/Sabertooth2X10.htm

And a timing mechanism for reading a ring of range-finding ultrasonic sonar. See my post here:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=4623.msg36354#msg36354



Offline AdminTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,703
  • Helpful? 173
    • Society of Robots
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #257 on: July 05, 2008, 09:56:14 AM »
Quote
Daventech compass
http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/R117-COMPASS.html
If you look at the source code, you will find code for it already there. I haven't tested it though so its probably broken. I have this compass so when I get time I'll test it out . . . no promises on when I'll get it done . . .

Quote
Not a sensor, but I need to interface this: Sabertooth dual 10A motor driver
http://www.dimensionengineering.com/Sabertooth2X10.htm
ummmmm just send a servo signal ;)

Quote
And a timing mechanism for reading a ring of range-finding ultrasonic sonar. See my post here:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=4623.msg36354#msg36354
there are two timers you can use already there in the Axon source code (please read the documentation!) . . . since there is no datasheet available, and this is a rare obsolete sonar sensor, I won't be able to write source for it . . .

http://www.societyofrobots.com/axon/axon_function_list.shtml#timers

Offline vidam

  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 423
  • Helpful? 1
  • Robotronics.org
    • DC/MD/VA Robotics and Automation Team
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #258 on: July 05, 2008, 11:45:24 AM »
Quote
Daventech compass
http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/R117-COMPASS.html
If you look at the source code, you will find code for it already there. I haven't tested it though so its probably broken. I have this compass so when I get time I'll test it out . . . no promises on when I'll get it done . . .

Quote
Not a sensor, but I need to interface this: Sabertooth dual 10A motor driver
http://www.dimensionengineering.com/Sabertooth2X10.htm
ummmmm just send a servo signal ;)

Quote
And a timing mechanism for reading a ring of range-finding ultrasonic sonar. See my post here:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=4623.msg36354#msg36354
there are two timers you can use already there in the Axon source code (please read the documentation!) . . . since there is no datasheet available, and this is a rare obsolete sonar sensor, I won't be able to write source for it . . .

http://www.societyofrobots.com/axon/axon_function_list.shtml#timers

I put some source code on how I might read the sonar from the ADC pins using the timer overflow mechanism here -->
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=4623.msg36374#msg36374


Offline AdminTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,703
  • Helpful? 173
    • Society of Robots
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #259 on: July 05, 2008, 05:23:25 PM »
I just discovered a mistake I made in all currently shipped Axons.

ADC pins 4-7 will not work under current fuse settings. I didn't realize the JTAG fuse took over those ports . . .

The easiest way to fix the problem is to hook up a hardware programmer and change the fuse in AVR Studio. Just uncheck the JTAGEN box and leave the rest alone:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/axon/axon_FAQ.shtml#fuses

It will give a warning, just click 'yes'.

This fix takes just seconds to do. Sorry for the hassle!

(unless of course you are me, who has to reprogram fuses for every single Axon :-\)


edit: I said 'ports' - its a typo I meant to say 'pins' ;D
« Last Edit: July 06, 2008, 09:05:09 AM by Admin »

Offline AdminTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,703
  • Helpful? 173
    • Society of Robots
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #260 on: July 05, 2008, 07:21:51 PM »
New DAQ software added:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/axon/axon_function_list.shtml#software

Basically, upload the axon_DAQ.hex and it will convert your Axon into a DAQ. Whats a DAQ you say? A data acquisition device, typically used for data collection for testing and research. The typical DAQ with comparable features to the Axon cost between $100 and $300 ;D

Upload the code, plug in your ADC sensors, attach USB, load up hyperterminal to data log, then push the button to watch it go.

I'll be releasing the source code for it with the next code version release.

Next up, code to convert the Axon into a servo controller . . .

Offline airman00

  • Contest Winner
  • Supreme Robot
  • ****
  • Posts: 3,650
  • Helpful? 21
  • narobo.com
    • Narobo.com - Mechatronics and related
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #261 on: July 05, 2008, 07:44:49 PM »
one second admin

how do i fix my Axon for the ADC if I do not have a hardware programmer
Check out the Roboduino, Arduino-compatible board!


Link: http://curiousinventor.com/kits/roboduino

www.Narobo.com

Offline vidam

  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 423
  • Helpful? 1
  • Robotronics.org
    • DC/MD/VA Robotics and Automation Team
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #262 on: July 05, 2008, 07:57:29 PM »
one second admin

how do i fix my Axon for the ADC if I do not have a hardware programmer

As Admin would tell me, you have to read the documentation and the previous posts.
http://www.societyofrobots.com/axon/axon_FAQ.shtml :-)
Order a hardware programmer as explained in the FAQ.

Offline AdminTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,703
  • Helpful? 173
    • Society of Robots
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #263 on: July 05, 2008, 08:41:24 PM »
I was afraid someone would say that . . .

airman00, I just started a new thread for you:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=4628.0

Do you need more than 12 ADC at the moment? In the long term, you should get a programmer anyway . . .

Worst case, I can trade you for a correctly programmed one at no shipping cost to you . . .

Offline Kohanbash

  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 430
  • Helpful? 1
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #264 on: July 05, 2008, 09:15:38 PM »
Admin-
How do you like the CP2102 and would you recommend it?

Also any chance do you have any Axon motor control code for a DC brushed motor with quadrature encoders (maybe with a PID)?
Robots for Roboticists Blog - http://robotsforroboticists.com/

Offline AdminTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,703
  • Helpful? 173
    • Society of Robots
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #265 on: July 05, 2008, 11:03:09 PM »
Quote
How do you like the CP2102 and would you recommend it?
In terms of using it, its a great chip and I'm happy with it. But the thing is insanely hard to solder by hand during prototyping . . . I probably wouldn't have used it knowing I would have had that much trouble . . .

Quote
Also any chance do you have any Axon motor control code for a DC brushed motor with quadrature encoders (maybe with a PID)?
At some point I'll be adding this, but its not at the top of my list for now. AVRlib has encoder and pwm code you can use, shouldn't be too hard to integrate . . . sorry!

Offline gamefreak

  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 543
  • Helpful? 2
  • Robo-Enthusiast
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #266 on: July 06, 2008, 08:00:00 PM »
Out of curiosity, why is that fuse set up that way?
All hail Rodney, the holy 555 timer
And Steve said: "Let there be lead!"

Offline Gertlex

  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 763
  • Helpful? 24
  • Nuclear Engineer · Roboticist
    • Index of Oddities
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #267 on: July 13, 2008, 08:07:04 PM »
Small correction for you:

http://www.societyofrobots.com/axon/axon_function_list.shtml#hardware_defines
In the "Analog ADC Ports (for Sensors)" section, at the end, you refer to the file adc.h. I think you mean a2d.h.  Certainly, the former doesn't exist in either of the two versions of main Axon source code.
I

Offline pomprocker

  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,431
  • Helpful? 16
  • Sorry miss, I was giving myself an oil-job.
    • Nerdcore - Programming, Electronics, Mechanics
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #268 on: July 17, 2008, 09:49:21 AM »
Admin, I have come up with a function that supports the Parallax Ping sensor that works on the $50 robot. You could probably use it on the Axon with a few minor changes.

It is using timer 0 and PORT C, but 'CommanderBob' suggested I break out PORTB-1 so I can use the capture feature and get a more accurate distance calculation.

http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=4656.0
« Last Edit: July 17, 2008, 09:50:52 AM by pomprocker »

Offline AdminTopic starter

  • Administrator
  • Supreme Robot
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,703
  • Helpful? 173
    • Society of Robots
Re: SoR annoucement: microcontroller product
« Reply #269 on: July 18, 2008, 09:35:02 AM »
airman00 and I have been working together to create an Axon CAD for Sketchup (and of course I compensated him for his time $$$ :P)

feel free to use it in your new robot designs!
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=4761deb020b23e8a9494e7acda6a0394

If anyone is interested in developing a Solid Works model of the Axon, send me an email, I'll pay you.

If you write any really useful software for the Axon and write up a nice member tutorial on how to use it, I *might* send you a check for your time. Depending on the value added and hits generated, of course. (but no promises!)

Quote
In the "Analog ADC Ports (for Sensors)" section, at the end, you refer to the file adc.h. I think you mean a2d.h.  Certainly, the former doesn't exist in either of the two versions of main Axon source code.
thanks, fixed.

 


Get Your Ad Here

data_list