Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: Conscripted on November 07, 2010, 07:37:26 AM

Title: Ant 150 combat robot controller
Post by: Conscripted on November 07, 2010, 07:37:26 AM

I purchased one of THESE (http://www.barello.net/ANT/150manual.pdf) several years back for a one pound combat robot I was building. Can I control this from a micro-controller as if it were a servo? I realize most of you won't have one i'm just wondering it it would be reasonable to try. Things for my current project will be so much cheaper if I get this to work as a motor controller.

Conscripted.

Title: Re: Ant 150 combat robot controller
Post by: knossos on November 07, 2010, 08:05:14 AM

At a quick glance through the manual, I would say you should be able to control it just like servos with a microcontroller.

*edited for clarity

Title: Re: Ant 150 combat robot controller
Post by: Soeren on November 07, 2010, 03:56:27 PM

Hi,

Quote from: Conscripted on November 07, 2010, 07:37:26 AM

Can I control this from a micro-controller as if it were a servo?

You can control it like it was up to 3 servos (I don't think the "Flip" will be usable, as it just swap right and left for when you are driving towards yourself (if I read it right).

Title: Re: Ant 150 combat robot controller
Post by: knossos on November 07, 2010, 10:10:11 PM

The way I read it, the flip function sounds like it is designed to allow the robot to flip itself over (like popping a wheelie on a motorcycle only going all the way over).

Title: Re: Ant 150 combat robot controller
Post by: Soeren on November 07, 2010, 10:22:35 PM

Hi,

Quote from: knossos on November 07, 2010, 10:10:11 PM

The way I read it, the flip function sounds like it is designed to allow the robot to flip itself over (like popping a wheelie on a motorcycle only going all the way over).

Yes, that was my initial though as well, but the schematic shows only 3 outputs and I just reread the manual and it says:

Quote

FLIP input
FLIP input is used to reverse and swap the left and right output drive. This allows robots
that are invertible, or can operate in reverse, to be controlled with normal stick
movements. FLIP activates when the selected channel has ½ forward stick movement
or if the white and black connections are shorted together with a switch.

So, lets say we both got it more or less correct  ;D

Title: Re: Ant 150 combat robot controller
Post by: Conscripted on November 08, 2010, 07:13:26 AM

Thank you for the input. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't out in left field for thinking to try. The controller was originally built for combat robots. They are some times flipped over because of impacts with weapons. The Flip input allows you to drive them while upside down without having to think backwards the whole time. I'll plug the unit into my $50 robot and some DC motors and see how it goes.

Thanks again.
Conscripted