microbot

Actually, that isn’t so hard to answer.
Short answer: I know of no software package that will allow you to work with the Pololu controller in the same way that you can use the SSC-32.
You’ll probably be on your own to develop the movement commands, sequences, and code for use with the Pololu controller.

The SSC-32 has sequencer and interface software for the PC, which allow you to construct and export code for use with microcontrollers. To the best of my knowledge, there is no such software available for the Pololu controller. All of the programming I have done with the Pololu unit has been done directly from the microcontroller level, sending serial commands directly from the micro’s I/O pins, as generated by the program within the microcontroller itself.

One thing to bear in mind about using the Pololu controller: There are 7-bit and 8-bit command modes for sending the servo from one position to another. The 7-bit mode is fairly straightforward, requiring only a value of 0 to 127 (in addition to an attention character, command byte, and servo number), but it will only provide for about 90 degrees of motion from the servos. In order to get the full 180-degree arc, you’ll need to use 8-bit mode, which requires a 2-byte command in addition to the attention, command, and servo number bytes. This means that in order to sweep the range using more than a simple “go to this position” command, you’ll need to break it down into two parts - one for the first half of the arc, and another for the second half. Not exactly the most convenient method in the world, but I guess it works for getting 256 positions from a protocol where every “bit 7” is a zero.

Much more information on how to interface and command the Pololu controller can be found in the user’s manual, available on their website.

(Admin: Sorry for the long-winded explanation - I don’t mean to turn this into a tech support thread for someone else’s product.)

Software wise, you can use batch files to control your servo controller if you want to use a pc to control it. The pololu can operate at 2400 bps, which may be advantagous for radio control if that is desired. In the mini-ssc mode, only three bytes are needed to position a servo. The below link shows some simple programming for servo control. I’d suggest you connect the servos to the controller and test some simple control of the servos prior to actually putting them in a robot setup.

geocities.com/zoomkat/byte.htm

That’s a pretty slick “lizard-brain” technique, there!

Been a LONG time since I did any real amount of batch-file bashing, and reading your page brought back a lot of memories about it.

I imagine it would get kind of dirty if you were doing too much more than just a handful of moves, but it’s very clever. I like it. 8)

If you want to try the batch file setup, they are used to control the below webcam pan/tilt.

geocities.com/zoomkat/ezservo1.htm

:open_mouth: Photographic proof that Elvis is still alive!!! :open_mouth:

HAHA! :smiley: That made my day…nice one.

oh and pretty slick zoomkat, I especially like the “up and down bird” thats in the camera view… :laughing:

me too, in my chem class my teacher has one on her desk, i like him, i call him pete :laughing:

watching online video bird goes up, bird goes down…coooool :open_mouth:

:blush: sry bout hijacking the post guys, got a bit carried away :blush:

lol, me too now that I think about it… :cry:

ok iv decided to use the bot bord instead
here are some images
i122.photobucket.com/albums/o255 … G_2951.jpg
i122.photobucket.com/albums/o255 … G_2953.jpg
i122.photobucket.com/albums/o255 … G_2952.jpg

The big picture on the pan/tilt cam setup is that simple servo control is possible even over the net. Simple servo routines are also possible if needed. Might be a little klunky, but simple joystick control of the servos over the net is probably possible too. Below are some small cheap transmitters and receivers that might be of use on a tiny bot.

radiotronix.com/products/pro … p?CatID=10
radiotronix.com/products/pro … sp?CatID=1

cool! i was looking everywere for those RF trans/recive
but how do you use them :question:

careful, do you have a regulator on that 9 volt? if not your asking to cook your servos

Below is some more tx/rx info. Most of these are used in rf remote controls and such. I think fsk ones may be more tolerent of interference than the ask ones. I haven’t used them so YMMV.

mouser.com/catalog/628/20.pdf
laipac.com/easy_eng.htm
laipac.com/Downloads/Easy/TLPRLP434.pdf
laipac.com/Downloads/Easy/TLPRLP434A.pdf

Nice work with the mechano brackets. I used to love those things!!

Looking good bud. Very creative. I’m hoping you are planning to buy a 5/6V regulator for that 9V. I don’t want to see you burn all your servos out.

There’s a lot of good info in the SparkFun forum:
sparkfun.com/cgi-bin/phpbb/v … a64a6623df
SparkFun also sells several types of wireless modules.
I also recommend Reynolds Electronics:
rentron.com/

Be aware that the simple RF modules are NOT just a plug-in replacement for a serial cable. You need some software on each end, but it’s not complicated.

Pete

yes there is on the bot board
so i geuss it wasn’t just luck when i tested the servos :laughing:

Hows the mini-Brat coming? Any updates?

nope
still worfing on the programing.