I have read the manual for this sensor (ultrasonic range finder). It appears that they have an example diagram of connection from the sensor to a Bot Board 2. But I have a SSC-32. How should I connect it to the SSC-32. Where do I write the commands? Using what program?
Thanks
Ivan
You can connect an analog sensor such as an FSR or a GP2D12 to the SSC-32’s analog inputs. They can be read through the SSC-32’s serial data connection. But you can’t connect an ultrasonic sensor to the SSC-32.
So I will have to purchase the FSR or a GP2D12 sensor.
I must ask though, what is more convinient for me to do? At first when the Johnny 5 Kit was puchased I looked at the site to know what other additional parts I could add. And I realized that I needed sensors. So I ordered an Ultrasonic Range Finder and an Infrared Proximity Detector and I don’t know what to with them now. Is it cheaper if I purchase the FSR and GP2D12 and continue using the SSC-32? Or is it cheaper to buy a Bot Board and a Basic Stamp II and remove the SSC-32?
Ivan
By saying “I’ve got a SSC-32, what sensors can I attach” you are probably backing into this sensor thing the wrong way. I would really recommend looking at your robot and deciding what you want it to do and then determine (perhaps by asking for information here) what types of sensors can do the task.
Once you have some idea of what sensors are needed you can look at what you have for equipment (in this case it sounds like the SSC-32 which has 4 analog inputs) and determine either which sensors play well or if you would get better results by adding another controller or interface.
The whole “is it cheaper” conversation can go around and around and around ad infinitum because you have not really yet defined what you are looking to accomplish beyond “add some sensors, preferably without spending a lot more money”.
With regard to ssc-32 vs bot board ii+ basic atom (pro), there is no reason not to use both an SSC-32 AND a BB2+BA§ especially if you want lots of options for sensors and movement as that configuration has something like 4 to 8 analog inputs and 12 to 16 digital I/O in addition to the 4 analog inputs and 32 “intelligent” servo outputs.
The FSR and GP2D12 are very different sensors, FSR being force sensing resistor and the GP2D12 being an infrared distance meter. The SRF04 is also a range finder but uses ultrasound. ALL THREE of these sensors are valuable. The FSR detects collision or pressure applied. The GP2D12 is good for short range of maybe a meter but has nice sharp resolution. The SRF04 probably goes 5 meters but has a much broader pattern so it’s not as sharp. Each of these devices have valid applications and complex platforms frequently use all 3 types of sensors in concert.
For example the SRF04 might indicate a doorway from across the room but navigating through the doorway as you approach could be easier using the GP2D12 and if something was not tall enough to block either of those sensors and the platform ran into it an array of FSR sensors on touch plates would let you know where abouts you hit something.
In pretty typical fashion around here I would recommend buying stuff that lets you play now and continue building more complexity without having to re-buy things. If you already own the SRF04 and want to use it now then the BB2+BA§ to use it may seem to be a bit of a pricey upgrade… but 2 months from now when you want to do more you would already be well positioned to expand easily. If you opt to get the GP2D12, it is very useful and many of the autonomous projects use it exclusively for wall avoidance. You can interface to 4 of them directly through the SSC-32 and use a PC link of some sort to read the values and control the platform. Similarly you could wire up 4 FSR devices, make some bumper plates, and watch your platform bounce navigate it’s way around.
man I didn’t start out thinking this was going to be a long winded post… 
Its k. Thanks for the help.
Ivan
What are the steps to take, if I wanted to include in my Johnny 5, an ultrasonic sensor (I use a SSC-32 and a 2x5 Sabertooth). I know it can only take analog sensors, but how can I work around this issue and include digital sensor too. My professors wants me to include them. He said he’s sure that digital sensors can work with the SSC-32.
-Ivan
You need to have your professor give you some specific directions on the hookup to the ssc-32. Either he is very clever, or he has a less than adequate understanding of the situation. Post up what he says. Otherwise the $27 one with analog output would save time and $$$.
You need to tell us what micro controller you are using. Also, if you are tethering, how you plan on collecting the sensor inputs and getting them back to the PC.
The SSC32 and Sabertooth typically perform actions on behalf of another microcontroller. I PMed you some links to controlling a SSC32 earlier.
The problem is not so much a question of digital vs analog but rather an issue with timing.
A word of caution, it is very easy to tell someone it is possible to do something if you are not tasked with actually implementing the solution. Your professor is technically correct in that the digital signals of the SRF-04 can be interfaced with the ssc-32. He would be incorrect if he were to assert that the ssc-32 as purchased has the implicit ability to control and interpret those signals in a meaningful or useful manner (such as to return accurate range information).
Several of the people on this forum are very familliar with the ssc-32 and all of them that have replied are telling you that this can not be done directly. Either changing the code in the microcontroller on the ssc-32 (not a trivial task), adding some external circuit such as a microcontroller, or designing other logic to control the timing of the sensor and return a proportional analog voltage to the ssc-32 input would be necessary to use SRF-04 with the ssc-32 servo controller.
Russ has a very good question… what are you using to send commands to the ssc-32? Perhaps there is the opportunity for a solution there.
