Okay, so maybe I am thinking too much, but it seems to me that using a pc to program a controller card that then talks to your SSC-32 seems too weird to me. I wish I could say I owned one, but this hobby is not truly supported by my better half, but my idea is this. What if you could control your machine from the machine itself and maybe even have 2 to 4 SSC-32 controllers on one platform?? I am envisioning having a motherboard such as a mini-itx form factor that is a full computer in a 12cm by 12cm package that has 2 or more usb ports and vga/video out. There are a few of these boards out there and they do not cost as much as I thought they would. You get a small hard drive and you now have a computer in a small package. I also envisioned connecting a touchscreen monitor to it to set things up or whatever. If you install windows and usb wireless access you can use remote desktop through a home network to talk to your robot. I really wish I could build this machine, but just thought I would throw my idea out there for everyone’s thoughts…
Your idea is not a novel one yet it is still very cool roboteq.com/robovia.html I have mulled this one for a while and eventually will do such. One burning and personal question for you though - If your wife wont support the $40 purchase an SSC-32 how in the world you gonna convince her to let you spend upwards of $600 for the other components on your wish list? I ask this question with an ear to ear smile on my face - I too must pull off the same if I want to get my wish list.
I was looking at the VIA EPIA PD6000E because of its 4 serial com ports with 3/4 com port interchangeable between 5V or 12V power selection (Default power setting is 5V). I plan on using serial RF transceivers to transmit data from a desktop to the mini and to use serial communications to send microcontroller commands that will control some high powered H-bridges and possibly even a new SSC-32 for servo control of an arm. Like you, a good portion of my plan is in my mind yet I have taken some strides.
I have much of the microcontroller code complete (IsopodX) and a large portion of the PC controlling application written. My microcontroller code for H-bridge modulated motor movements is fully functional, with failsafe shutdown should I loose RF transceiver input. This failsafe addition was a little late since I already put a hole in my drywall when my 6 12v drill motor wheeled platform shot across the room out of control and smashed into the wall. You think your wife doesnt support your hobby now - make a failsafe mistake on your platform and damage her newly painted wall and then see if she supports your hobby. In short brotha - I empathize with your situation. I havent been able to do much convincing as of late to throw some doe into my hobby but its only been 4-5 months since the hole in the wall and mission control (my wife) still hasnt given authorization for followon plans. Nough said. Good luck should you be allowed to pursue. (psst - go for it - and just remember to take your high powered platform outside for its first test run - or you too will be spackling instead of directing the almighty electron to perform the dance of your choice).
Chris out
Kewl!! I will look at that platform! I have some wicked ideas floating in my head now…I am on my way to work so more thoughts when I return…
Okay, so the platform is okay and it has some things that I like. My idea is a robot that can do the following things:Climb Steps, Avoid obstacles, move some obstacles out of its way, and navigate difficult terrain. I have the idea in my head and trying to see it come out is difficult. I need to get some extruded aluminum like they used in the Robot Rivals show. It is from a company called alloy frame systems. I will try to keep everyone posted as the designs come out…