Implement iRobot Create Open Interface on Axon

[jackp]

Hi,

I've done the $50 robot project, built from scratch, soldered (and burned) my fingers, got it all working...

Now, I am interested in putting together my own 2 wheeled robot platform that implements (and can extend) the iRobot Create's Open Interface command API - which allows a laptop/netbook to send Open Interface commands to the platform via UART/RS232.

I'm looking at using the Axon II for the platform.  Do you think the ATmega640 is sufficiently powerful enough to implement and service the Open Interface commands?

NOTE: I am *not* talking about using an Axon as the iRobot Command Module.  I want to use the Axon to effectively make the iRobot Create.

Or does anyone suggest a better alternative to the Axon II?  I would like to stick to AVR chips since I have the compiler/toolchain working (from the $50 robot project). 

Also for those who have the iRobot Create, what exactly are the cliff detectors at the bottom of the iRobot?  Are they photoresistors or an IR rangefinder? 

Thanks
Jack

[Admin]

I don't entirely understand your question . . .

If you plan to use a laptop, you just need a USB to serial adapter to send commands to the iRobot Command Module.

The Axon would only be needed if you didn't want to use a laptop:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=10235.0

[jackp]

Sorry, maybe I didn't make my intentions totally clear...

I don't want to buy an iRobot Create.  I want to make one and implement the OI (Open Interface) commands on the MCU I choose so that I can connect a laptop to it (like I would if I was to have bought an iRobot Create). 

If I was to make my own iRobot Create (that implements the OI commad), would the Axon 2 be a good choice to use?  Is it powerful enough to service the OI commands (ie an OI server, where the laptop connected to it would be the client). 

I hope that clarifies my intentions. 

[jackp]

... Maybe a diagram can help too

| iRobot Create |  <------------ Open Interface Commands ------ Laptop / iRobot Command Module
                                                                                                             
| jackRobot Create | <--------- Open Interface Commands ----- Laptop / iRobot Command Module

I want to make a "jackRobot Create" that can service the OI commands (as defined by iRobot).  And I'm thinking about using the Axon 2 as the MCU for jackRobot but is the Axon powerful enough to service the OI commands as effectively as the real iRobot Create.

Thanks
Jack

[Admin]

oh!

The iRobot Create uses the ATmega168.

The Axon and Axon II use the ATmega640, which has 4x more of everything, at about the same processor speed.

So yea, the Axon II can handle anything the iRobot Create controller can, and way more.