Here is my custom controller version 2. I made it so I can have some input to my robots and get information back.
It is a simple design. It has a LCD, Xbee, custom LCD Arduino backpack, 3 button inputs, a potentiometer, and a wii nunchuck. The buttons will allow navigation through the menu system and sending simple commands within the menu. The wii nunchuck will allow for manual control of a robot by using either the joystick or tilting action with the accelerometer. The potentiometer will allow adjusting of variables like speed. The custom LCD backpack will minimize connections.
I will just go ahead and dive into the construction of it.
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The acrylic plates were laser cut out.
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The joystick cutout is an octogon like that of the actual wii nunchuck.
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Next I bolted the LCD and power switch on. The wii nunchuck is attached using bolts and spacers. The 2 plates are connected together using some standoffs.Â
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Then came bolting on the buttons and potentiometer. The potentiometer is then topped off with a shiny black knob.
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I then wired the buttons up. I distributed a ground wire and attached an output wire to each using a servo cable. They will be controlled using the internal pullups in the atmega. I also bolted the battery holder down. "But wait Patrick, there are no holes in your design for bolting the battery holder down." Yeah I know, I did not plan for it. I had to drill some to bolt the battery holder on. Oh and of course the bolts were too long so I cut them with my dremel.
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Here is my custom LCD backpack Arduino controller I made for this project. It has all the inputs I need and directly mates with the LCD.
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I did not hesitate to solder the board together and attach it to the LCD. The 90 degree headers blocked the labeling on the silkscreen and I got the FTDI port switched around so the cable has to be plugged in upside (I always end up doing this). Despite those nit picks, I tested it at this point and it worked.
There are those black tabs on the back of the LCD that prevents it from being flush against the LCD. I knew about these and it does not hinder construction in any way.
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So next came the wiring and plugging of inputs into the LCD backpack.
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The second stage of wiring was the battery pack and Xbee. It was then done.
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The white electrical tape around the Xbee prevents it from making electrical contact with the wii nunchuck above it.
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Well that is all folks. Check out the video for a demo.
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UPDATE 6.23.11
New video with RC demo.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5egHV2l_So