I don’t know where i am heading…
I think doing both RC and Robot is not really compatible…
And since i am not a programmer i would like to keep thing simple and your your codes.
Since it work.
Need to choose the hardware so it will be compatible with your code.
What do you think, any suggestion ?
I did a quick test with a ProMini.
Code i found online it read RC receiver then re-send it to a servo
I dont think you will have a problem using RC and Robots.
However you might have an issue down the road if you have lots of servos “PWM” out of your arduino and reading the pulsin/ppm signals unless you use interrupts. But not being a coder that might be a bit challenging…
I would suggust you use a small servo controller board such as the SSC32 or pololu.com/catalog/product/207 for something a bit more compact.
Don’t give up, its really not all that complicated… I have found you work in baby steps, hook up one servo and work on code to allow one channel to be read by the arduino then add one more and keep expanding on it… I would first concentrate on getting an RC receiver that outputs PPM and start there. That turnigy 9X transmitter I have and the RX that I bought extra works great with multiwii and it reads all 8 channels in one go.
I’m sure Kurt has some ideas for you as well.
–Aaron
That was a test for Servo on the robot… but there are plenty of other ways to do it on that side.
I want to do the Transmitter side…
BTW: i have said that many time but nobody look to care. In Multiwii there is a whole file about Receiver
[code]volatile uint16_t rcValue[18] = {1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502, 1502}; // interval [1000;2000]
#if defined(SERIAL_SUM_PPM)
static uint8_t rcChannel[8] = {SERIAL_SUM_PPM};
#elif defined(SBUS)
// for 16 + 2 Channels SBUS. The 10 extra channels 8->17 are not used by MultiWii, but it should be easy to integrate them.
static uint8_t rcChannel[18] = {PITCH,YAW,THROTTLE,ROLL,AUX1,AUX2,AUX3,AUX4,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17};
static uint16_t sbusIndex=0;
#else
static uint8_t rcChannel[8] = {ROLLPIN, PITCHPIN, YAWPIN, THROTTLEPIN, AUX1PIN,AUX2PIN,AUX3PIN,AUX4PIN};
#endif
#if defined(SPEKTRUM)
#define SPEK_MAX_CHANNEL 7
#define SPEK_FRAME_SIZE 16
#if (SPEKTRUM == 1024)
#define SPEK_CHAN_SHIFT 2 // Assumes 10 bit frames, that is 1024 mode.
#define SPEK_CHAN_MASK 0x03 // Assumes 10 bit frames, that is 1024 mode.
#endif
#if (SPEKTRUM == 2048)
#define SPEK_CHAN_SHIFT 3 // Assumes 11 bit frames, that is 2048 mode.
#define SPEK_CHAN_MASK 0x07 // Assumes 11 bit frames, that is 2048 mode.
#endif
volatile uint8_t spekFrame[SPEK_FRAME_SIZE];
#endif
// Configure each rc pin for PCINT
void configureReceiver() {
#if !defined(SERIAL_SUM_PPM) && !defined(SPEKTRUM) && !defined(SBUS) && !defined(BTSERIAL)
#if defined(PROMINI)
// PCINT activated only for specific pin inside [D0-D7] , [D2 D4 D5 D6 D7] for this multicopter
PORTD = (1<<2) | (1<<4) | (1<<5) | (1<<6) | (1<<7); //enable internal pull ups on the PINs of PORTD (no high impedence PINs)
PCMSK2 |= (1<<2) | (1<<4) | (1<<5) | (1<<6) | (1<<7);
PCICR = (1<<2) ; // PCINT activated only for the port dealing with [D0-D7] PINs on port B
#if defined(RCAUXPIN)
PCICR |= (1<<0) ; // PCINT activated also for PINS [D8-D13] on port B
#if defined(RCAUXPIN8)
PCMSK0 = (1<<0);
#endif
#if defined(RCAUXPIN12)
PCMSK0 = (1<<4);
#endif
#endif
#endif
#if defined(PROMICRO)
PORTB = (1<<1) | (1<<2) | (1<<3) | (1<<4);
PCMSK0 |= (1<<1) | (1<<2) | (1<<3) | (1<<4);
#if defined(RCAUX2PIND17)
PORTB |= (1<<0);
PCMSK0 |= (1<<0);
#endif
PCICR = (1<<0) ; // bit 0 PCINT activated only for the port dealing with PINs on port B
//attachinterrupt dosent works with atmega32u4 ATM.
//Trottle on pin 7
pinMode(7,INPUT); // set to input
PORTE |= (1 << 6); // enable pullups
EIMSK |= (1 << INT6); // enable interuppt
EICRB |= (1 << ISC60);
#if defined(RCAUX2PINRXO)
//AUX2 on RX pin
pinMode(0,INPUT); // set to input
PORTD |= (1 << 2); // enable pullups
EIMSK |= (1 << INT2); // enable interuppt
EICRA |= (1 << ISC20);
#endif
#endif
#if defined(MEGA)
// PCINT activated only for specific pin inside [A8-A15]
DDRK = 0; // defined PORTK as a digital port ([A8-A15] are consired as digital PINs and not analogical)
PORTK = (1<<0) | (1<<1) | (1<<2) | (1<<3) | (1<<4) | (1<<5) | (1<<6) | (1<<7); //enable internal pull ups on the PINs of PORTK
PCMSK2 |= (1<<0) | (1<<1) | (1<<2) | (1<<3) | (1<<4) | (1<<5) | (1<<6) | (1<<7);
PCICR = 1<<2; // PCINT activated only for PORTK dealing with [A8-A15] PINs
#endif
#endif
#if defined(SERIAL_SUM_PPM)
#if !defined(PROMICRO)
PPM_PIN_INTERRUPT;
#else
pinMode(7,INPUT); // set to input
PORTE |= (1 << 6); // enable pullups
EIMSK |= (1 << INT6); // enable interuppt
EICRB |= (1 << ISC61)|(1 << ISC60); // rising
#endif
#endif
#if defined (SPEKTRUM)
SerialOpen(1,115200);
#endif
#if defined(SBUS)
SerialOpen(1,100000);
#endif
}
#if !defined(SERIAL_SUM_PPM) && !defined(SPEKTRUM) && !defined(SBUS) && !defined(BTSERIAL)
#if !defined(PROMICRO)
ISR(PCINT2_vect) { //this ISR is common to every receiver channel, it is call everytime a change state occurs on a digital pin [D2-D7]
#else
ISR(PCINT0_vect) { //this ISR is common to every receiver channel, it is call everytime a change state occurs on a digital pin [B1-B4]
#endif
uint8_t mask;
uint8_t pin;
uint16_t cTime,dTime;
static uint16_t edgeTime[8];
static uint8_t PCintLast;
#if defined(PROMINI)
pin = PIND; // PIND indicates the state of each PIN for the arduino port dealing with [D0-D7] digital pins (8 bits variable)
#endif
#if defined(PROMICRO)
pin = PINB; // PINB indicates the state of each PIN for the arduino port dealing with [B1-B4] digital pins (8 bits variable)
#endif
#if defined(MEGA)
pin = PINK; // PINK indicates the state of each PIN for the arduino port dealing with [A8-A15] digital pins (8 bits variable)
#endif
mask = pin ^ PCintLast; // doing a ^ between the current interruption and the last one indicates wich pin changed
sei(); // re enable other interrupts at this point, the rest of this interrupt is not so time critical and can be interrupted safely
PCintLast = pin; // we memorize the current state of all PINs [D0-D7]
cTime = micros(); // micros() return a uint32_t, but it is not usefull to keep the whole bits => we keep only 16 bits
#if defined(PROMICRO)
if (mask & 1<<2) //indicates the bit 1 of the arduino port [B1-B4], that is to say digital pin 15, if 1 => this pin has just changed
if (!(pin & 1<<2)) { //indicates if the bit 1 of the arduino port [B1-B4] is not at a high state (so that we match here only descending PPM pulse)
dTime = cTime-edgeTime[4]; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[4] = dTime; // just a verification: the value must be in the range [1000;2000] + some margin
} else edgeTime[4] = cTime; // if the bit 1 of the arduino port [B1-B4] is at a high state (ascending PPM pulse), we memorize the time
if (mask & 1<<3) //same principle for other channels // avoiding a for() is more than twice faster, and it's important to minimize execution time in ISR
if (!(pin & 1<<3)) {
dTime = cTime-edgeTime[5]; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[5] = dTime;
} else edgeTime[5] = cTime;
if (mask & 1<<1)
if (!(pin & 1<<1)) {
dTime = cTime-edgeTime[6]; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[6] = dTime;
} else edgeTime[6] = cTime;
if (mask & 1<<4)
if (!(pin & 1<<4)) {
dTime = cTime-edgeTime[7]; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[7] = dTime;
} else edgeTime[7] = cTime;
#if defined(RCAUX2PIND17)
if (mask & 1<<0)
if (!(pin & 1<<0)) {
dTime = cTime-edgeTime[0]; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[0] = dTime;
} else edgeTime[0] = cTime;
#endif
#endif
#if defined(PROMINI) || defined(MEGA)
// mask is pins [D0-D7] that have changed // the principle is the same on the MEGA for PORTK and [A8-A15] PINs
// chan = pin sequence of the port. chan begins at D2 and ends at D7
if (mask & 1<<2) { //indicates the bit 2 of the arduino port [D0-D7], that is to say digital pin 2, if 1 => this pin has just changed
if (!(pin & 1<<2)) { //indicates if the bit 2 of the arduino port [D0-D7] is not at a high state (so that we match here only descending PPM pulse)
dTime = cTime-edgeTime[2]; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[2] = dTime; // just a verification: the value must be in the range [1000;2000] + some margin
} else edgeTime[2] = cTime; // if the bit 2 of the arduino port [D0-D7] is at a high state (ascending PPM pulse), we memorize the time
}
if (mask & 1<<4) { //same principle for other channels // avoiding a for() is more than twice faster, and it's important to minimize execution time in ISR
if (!(pin & 1<<4)) {
dTime = cTime-edgeTime[4]; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[4] = dTime;
} else edgeTime[4] = cTime;
}
if (mask & 1<<5) {
if (!(pin & 1<<5)) {
dTime = cTime-edgeTime[5]; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[5] = dTime;
} else edgeTime[5] = cTime;
}
if (mask & 1<<6) {
if (!(pin & 1<<6)) {
dTime = cTime-edgeTime[6]; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[6] = dTime;
} else edgeTime[6] = cTime;
}
if (mask & 1<<7) {
if (!(pin & 1<<7)) {
dTime = cTime-edgeTime[7]; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[7] = dTime;
} else edgeTime[7] = cTime;
}
#endif
#if defined(MEGA)
if (mask & 1<<0) {
if (!(pin & 1<<0)) {
dTime = cTime-edgeTime[0]; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[0] = dTime;
} else edgeTime[0] = cTime;
}
if (mask & 1<<1) {
if (!(pin & 1<<1)) {
dTime = cTime-edgeTime[1]; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[1] = dTime;
} else edgeTime[1] = cTime;
}
if (mask & 1<<3) {
if (!(pin & 1<<3)) {
dTime = cTime-edgeTime[3]; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[3] = dTime;
} else edgeTime[3] = cTime;
}
#endif
#if defined(FAILSAFE) && !defined(PROMICRO)
if (mask & 1<<THROTTLEPIN) { // If pulse present on THROTTLE pin (independent from ardu version), clear FailSafe counter - added by MIS
if(failsafeCnt > 20) failsafeCnt -= 20; else failsafeCnt = 0; }
#endif
}
#if defined(RCAUXPIN)
/* this ISR is a simplification of the previous one for PROMINI on port D
it’s simplier because we know the interruption deals only with one PIN:
bit 0 of PORT B, ie Arduino PIN 8
or bit 4 of PORTB, ie Arduino PIN 12
=> no need to check which PIN has changed */
ISR(PCINT0_vect) {
uint8_t pin;
uint16_t cTime,dTime;
static uint16_t edgeTime;
pin = PINB;
sei();
cTime = micros();
#if defined(RCAUXPIN8)
if (!(pin & 1<<0)) { //indicates if the bit 0 of the arduino port [B0-B7] is not at a high state (so that we match here only descending PPM pulse)
#endif
#if defined(RCAUXPIN12)
if (!(pin & 1<<4)) { //indicates if the bit 4 of the arduino port [B0-B7] is not at a high state (so that we match here only descending PPM pulse)
#endif
dTime = cTime-edgeTime; if (900<dTime && dTime<2200) rcValue[0] = dTime; // just a verification: the value must be in the range [1000;2000] + some margin
} else edgeTime = cTime; // if the bit 2 is at a high state (ascending PPM pulse), we memorize the time
}
#endif
#endif
#if defined(PROMICRO) && !defined(SPEKTRUM) && !defined(SBUS) && !defined(BTSERIAL) && !defined(SERIAL_SUM_PPM)
// trottle
ISR(INT6_vect){
static uint16_t now,diff;
static uint16_t last = 0;
now = micros();
diff = now - last;
last = now;
if(900<diff && diff<2200){
rcValue[2] = diff;
#if defined(FAILSAFE)
if(failsafeCnt > 20) failsafeCnt -= 20; else failsafeCnt = 0; // If pulse present on THROTTLE pin (independent from ardu version), clear FailSafe counter - added by MIS
#endif
}
}
// Aux 2
#if defined(RCAUX2PINRXO)
ISR(INT2_vect){
static uint16_t now,diff;
static uint16_t last = 0;
now = micros();
diff = now - last;
last = now;
if(900<diff && diff<2200) rcValue[0] = diff;
}
#endif
#endif
#if defined(SERIAL_SUM_PPM)
#if !defined(PROMICRO)
void rxInt() {
#else
ISR(INT6_vect){
#endif
uint16_t now,diff;
static uint16_t last = 0;
static uint8_t chan = 0;
now = micros();
diff = now - last;
last = now;
if(diff>3000) chan = 0;
else {
if(900<diff && diff<2200 && chan<8 ) { //Only if the signal is between these values it is valid, otherwise the failsafe counter should move up
rcValue[chan] = diff;
#if defined(FAILSAFE)
if(failsafeCnt > 20) failsafeCnt -= 20; else failsafeCnt = 0; // clear FailSafe counter - added by MIS //incompatible to quadroppm
#endif
}
chan++;
}
}
#endif
#if defined(SPEKTRUM)
ISR(SPEK_SERIAL_VECT) {
uint32_t spekTime;
static uint32_t spekTimeLast, spekTimeInterval;
static uint8_t spekFramePosition;
spekTime=micros();
spekTimeInterval = spekTime - spekTimeLast;
spekTimeLast = spekTime;
if (spekTimeInterval > 5000) spekFramePosition = 0;
spekFrame[spekFramePosition] = SPEK_DATA_REG;
if (spekFramePosition == SPEK_FRAME_SIZE - 1) {
rcFrameComplete = 1;
#if defined(FAILSAFE)
if(failsafeCnt > 20) failsafeCnt -= 20; else failsafeCnt = 0; // clear FailSafe counter
#endif
} else {
spekFramePosition++;
}
}
#endif
#if defined(SBUS)
void readSBus(){
#define SBUS_SYNCBYTE 0x0F // Not 100% sure: at the beginning of coding it was 0xF0 !!!
static uint16_t sbus[25]={0};
while(SerialAvailable(1)){
int val = SerialRead(1);
if(sbusIndex==0 && val != SBUS_SYNCBYTE)
continue;
sbus[sbusIndex++] = val;
if(sbusIndex==25){
sbusIndex=0;
rcValue[0] = ((sbus[1]|sbus[2]<< 8) & 0x07FF)/2+976; // Perhaps you may change the term “/2+976” -> center will be 1486
rcValue[1] = ((sbus[2]>>3|sbus[3]<<5) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
rcValue[2] = ((sbus[3]>>6|sbus[4]<<2|sbus[5]<<10) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
rcValue[3] = ((sbus[5]>>1|sbus[6]<<7) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
rcValue[4] = ((sbus[6]>>4|sbus[7]<<4) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
rcValue[5] = ((sbus[7]>>7|sbus[8]<<1|sbus[9]<<9) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
rcValue[6] = ((sbus[9]>>2|sbus[10]<<6) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
rcValue[7] = ((sbus[10]>>5|sbus[11]<<3) & 0x07FF)/2+976; // & the other 8 + 2 channels if you need them
//The following lines: If you need more than 8 channels, max 16 analog + 2 digital. Must comment the not needed channels!
rcValue[8] = ((sbus[12]|sbus[13]<< 8) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
rcValue[9] = ((sbus[13]>>3|sbus[14]<<5) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
rcValue[10] = ((sbus[14]>>6|sbus[15]<<2|sbus[16]<<10) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
rcValue[11] = ((sbus[16]>>1|sbus[17]<<7) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
rcValue[12] = ((sbus[17]>>4|sbus[18]<<4) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
rcValue[13] = ((sbus[18]>>7|sbus[19]<<1|sbus[20]<<9) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
rcValue[14] = ((sbus[20]>>2|sbus[21]<<6) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
rcValue[15] = ((sbus[21]>>5|sbus[22]<<3) & 0x07FF)/2+976;
// now the two Digital-Channels
if ((sbus[23]) & 0x0001) rcValue[16] = 2000; else rcValue[16] = 1000;
if ((sbus[23] >> 1) & 0x0001) rcValue[17] = 2000; else rcValue[17] = 1000;
// Failsafe: there is one Bit in the SBUS-protocol (Byte 25, Bit 4) whitch is the failsafe-indicator-bit
#if defined(FAILSAFE)
if (!((sbus[23] >> 3) & 0x0001))
{if(failsafeCnt > 20) failsafeCnt -= 20; else failsafeCnt = 0;} // clear FailSafe counter
#endif
}
}
}
#endif
uint16_t readRawRC(uint8_t chan) {
uint16_t data;
uint8_t oldSREG;
oldSREG = SREG; cli(); // Let’s disable interrupts
data = rcValue[rcChannel[chan]]; // Let’s copy the data Atomically
#if defined(SPEKTRUM)
static uint32_t spekChannelData[SPEK_MAX_CHANNEL];
if (rcFrameComplete) {
for (uint8_t b = 3; b < SPEK_FRAME_SIZE; b += 2) {
uint8_t spekChannel = 0x0F & (spekFrame** >> SPEK_CHAN_SHIFT);
if (spekChannel < SPEK_MAX_CHANNEL) spekChannelData[spekChannel] = ((uint32_t)(spekFrame** & SPEK_CHAN_MASK) << 8) + spekFrame**;
}
rcFrameComplete = 0;
}
#endif
SREG = oldSREG; sei();// Let’s enable the interrupts
#if defined(SPEKTRUM)
static uint8_t spekRcChannelMap[SPEK_MAX_CHANNEL] = {1,2,3,0,4,5,6};
if (chan >= SPEK_MAX_CHANNEL) {
data = 1500;
} else {
#if (SPEKTRUM == 1024)
data = 988 + spekChannelData[spekRcChannelMap[chan]]; // 1024 mode
#endif
#if (SPEKTRUM == 2048)
data = 988 + (spekChannelData[spekRcChannelMap[chan]] >> 1); // 2048 mode
#endif
}
#endif
return data; // We return the value correctly copied when the IRQ’s where disabled
}
void computeRC() {
static int16_t rcData4Values[8][4], rcDataMean[8];
static uint8_t rc4ValuesIndex = 0;
uint8_t chan,a;
#if defined(SBUS)
readSBus();
#endif
rc4ValuesIndex++;
for (chan = 0; chan < 8; chan++) {
rcData4Values[chan][rc4ValuesIndex%4] = readRawRC(chan);
rcDataMean[chan] = 0;
for (a=0;a<4;a++) rcDataMean[chan] += rcData4Values[chan][a];
rcDataMean[chan]= (rcDataMean[chan]+2)/4;
if ( rcDataMean[chan] < rcData[chan] -3) rcData[chan] = rcDataMean[chan]+2;
if ( rcDataMean[chan] > rcData[chan] +3) rcData[chan] = rcDataMean[chan]-2;
}
}
[/code]******
I really like this board. Onboard Accelerometer can be easily used for tilt/body roll instead of having a dedicated selection. I think this will make it much cooler. Another one I came across is the Dagu Red Black Spider.
robosavvy.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/28/products_id/1574
It features:
ATmega1280 MCU with 128K FLASH, 8K SRAM and 4K EEPROM
3A, 5V switchmode power supply.
Input voltage: 7V to 30V
70 I/O pins terminated with a servo compatible 3 pin male header and a female header
USB interface and ISP socket
Power switch and reset button
Pin spacing allows custom sheilds to be made using standard prototype PCB’s
Comes with Arduino bootloader installed
16x 10 bit analogue inputs
Up to 15x PWM outputs (depends on the number of servos in use)
4x serial ports (1 used by USB interface)
1x I²C interface
Can drive up to 48 servos
You could use this for your mini Hex hint hint 
I believe this configuration will be similar to the original DIY made with BBII and BAP, since that also had servo compatible 3 pin headers.
However, it appears that we are trying to reinvent the wheel, because the code for the BAP already exists, and Kurte has already started the design of the Arduino board. We could potentially focus on the case of the DIY first, with different arrangements of gimbals, switches and pots etc and leave the electronics side open until the Arduino board design has been completed. Of-course we would need to know what hardware we will have, so one design could be made for the BAP and one for the board Kurte has designed. In any case, lexan can be cut with a Stanley knife. All it requires is precision and patience.
What does everyone else think?
That is exacly my idea.
Use a Arduino board that could run the code from Kurte …
That board is nice too
The biggest problem is finding something that would fit 1" clearance between two plates…
Using that board but with 90deg header pins could do it i think…
Mouahahah…
Yes … i don’t have that patience… i will take my CNC…
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7479118836_0db9ecd8dc.jpg
FINALLY!! Some real justification for that whacking great machine: Cutting a one inch piece of Lexan. Oooh! 
Don’t worry, Eric, it’s just the overwhelming jealousy talking. 
FINALLY!! Some real justification for that whacking great machine: Cutting a one inch piece of Lexan. Oooh!
Don’t worry, Eric, it’s just the overwhelming jealousy talking.
HaHa…!
Well… it could be done…
Can’t wait to have it running… i am still on the old one.
Waiting for some parts to finish the mounting
Rub it in will you…my poor stanley knife wielding hands :mrgreen:
Sorry Jim, rookie error. I meant scoring it with a stanley and then using a new hacksaw blade.
But yes, no way you can do circles with it since the saw will follow the ridges.
I had a browse through an old thread in which DiaLFonZo made an awesome case for an RC DIY Transmitter, pictures under:
flickr.com/photos/dialfonzo/sets/72157626217039262/with/5515907513/
Thread:
lynxmotion.net/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=7115
I think we should stick with what Eric designed and use the same hardware, namely:
a) Arduino Mega with
b) DFRobot Expansion Shield V1.2 (picture under)
The reason for this is that the Arduino Mega has more than enough I/O, UARTS and Analog inputs to satisfy everyone. Furthermore, the shield brings out all the pins in accessible 3pin servo headers which are easy to use.
I think the cost estimates for the case itself are around $50-$100 (correct me if I’m wrong Eric, obviously it can be made cheaper if he knows how many to produce ala economies of scale)
My humble opinion is that we get the case as designed, or if Eric is feeling generous, it can be modified slightly and then the hardware can be left open for people to decide, if they do not want to use the Arduino Mega.
The more people express an interest, the more quickly the ball gets rolling 
Rant over 
Thoughts?
Hi guys, looks interesting and it sounds like you are having fun. But at this point, not sure if I will jump onto this band wagon (yet), but will try to help you whenever I can. As a higher priority, I would like to completing my other DIY remotes. Also I am interested to see if Robot Dude decides on producing some DIY kits and what that will include.
In your above posting, I am also not sure how much that Shield will help you build your remote control if it only gives you 3 pin headers…
Warning Hijack alert:
I have however been thinking about maybe experimenting with building myself a DIY-JR (Or XBee Ps2) shield, sort-of along the line as the Arbotix Commander V2.0 (trossenrobotics.com/p/arboti … ad-v2.aspx). Like the Commander it would be nice to create a simple body like they have, but add some additional capabilities. If I do this, probably most of this will have to wait until fall/winter as I have too many other things going on right now.
Some ideas I have include:
a) Use an Arduino Leonardo board. Has the advantage that the USB port does not use up any of the IO pins, and leaves the USART free to talk to XBEE. Also it supports SPI on the 6 pin ISP port, which also does not connect to any of the other IO pins. That implies we can use the USB and SPI and still have 20 IO pins…
b) Like the Commander, probably cut some simple plastic/acyclic pieces to make up the handles/holder - or maybe someday create a 3d layout and print a case… Also use 2 plastic battery holders to hold 4 AA batteries for power.
c) XBee - Circuitry for 3.3v? Not sure if I can simply use regulator on Arduino? Or add one to shield for more power? Voltage conversion for IO pins.
d) Use the 2 of the Thumb Joysticks like Arbotix (sparkfun.com/products/9032)
e) Several tactile switches around joystick (maybe 6 like Commander, or maybe ones like PS2???
f) Maybe 2 right angle switches at top to dual button versions like: digikey.com/product-detai…606-ND/1794126 Not sure if it should come out of the top of the shield, or if the shield should extend out some and placed on bottom…
f) Add a 4/5 way tactile switch to emulate the switch on PS2. Maybe: sparkfun.com/products/10063
g) Maybe add a pot or slider if room (2 would be real nice)
h) Maybe add a speaker.
i) Maybe add an LCD - Possible Serial, probably Parallel to keep cost down. Might use something like a 74ls595 or the like to keep the number of IO pins down…
The Leonardo has 20 IO pins (12 of which could be analog…), which if I went straight forward I probably exceeded.
2(XBee)+1(LED)+6(Thumb joysticks)+6(Tactile)+4(Tactile Top)+4(4way)+1(Sound-optional)+5(Parallel LCD?)=29
So would need to wire up all of the switches into a grid, which easily cuts the count from 16 IO lines to 8, so would still need to reduce a little more, like Sound, or different way to hook up LCD… Or could put a lot of this onto the SPI bus. Maybe use a 74595 to output to a parallel LCD and one or two 74589s to connect up a bunch of the switches…
Sorry for this hijack, If I get more time to flesh this out or others are interested, I will create a new thread.
wow… very interesting Kurte… 
I need to assimilate all that… !
But yes… the project is vague… so anything can be done.
I am willing to do the case if others whant to be in.
(Kurte… yours will be free)
I will be posting some extremely interesting information concerning DIY radios… Just need a little more time.
[size=50]Hardware based Arduino / Arduino Mini shield that allows 16 analog inputs, a 4 x 4 keypad, 128 x 64 graphic LCD, 6 navigation buttons, Xbee socket with Vreg and level shifter, Speaker, and the hardware serial port is available for debugging… I think that’s it. [/size]
Hi Jim,
I think I must be getting a bit older as my eyesight appears to be failing to read stuff
Sounds like fun. Still think it would be fun to experiment with an all in one shield… So may still experiment or maybe not… Forgot to mention another nice thing about the Leonardo board is 12 of the 20 IO pins can do Analog…
Kurt
No problem Kurte That sounds like a great idea. However, should you decide to proceed with it, I have some concerns about using the PS-2 joystick, because the resolution isn’t that great?
That makes 2 of us . I have a couple of the Sparkfun units sitting at my mailbox, that I hope to experiment with some to see what their range is. If it turns out to not be good enough, then will stick with what I have and try out the stuff in the small print.
Kurt
Edit: at times I also wonder about simply trying some other controllers like ps3 or Xbox by BT Maybe using something like github.com/felis/USB_Host_Shiel … nformation or the like. At least maybe worth an experiment.
Hardware
1 x Arduino Mega (dfrobot.com/index.php?route= … HSDjxXA-xA)
1 x Arduino Mega Shield (dfrobot.com/index.php?route= … HSDnBXA-xA)
2 x lynxmotion.com/p-839-aurora-9-gimbal.aspx
7 or 8 small switches (like lynxmotion.com/p-280-dpdt-mi … witch.aspx)
1 x LCD sparkfun.com/products/11315
Also where did you get the potentiometer on top of the gimbal? and where did you get the 10 switches between them??
