Control a robot using your iOS device with ExternalAccessory framework using a SkyWire MFi cable, an RS232-TTL adapter and a pair of XBees!
The process begins with an App using the ExternalAccessory framework:
Then goes through the SkyWire cable:
RS232 is converted to TTL
: 
Which is then sent through the XBee:
The XBee is powered by 3.3V, using an Arduino as a simple power supply haha:
And Dogcow receives with the XBee:
Making this whole process really cool!
Here are some resources that may be helpful:
- ExternalAccessory framework
- EADemo Code
- SkyWIre 30 pin to RS232 cable
- Sparkfun RS232 to TTL
- More photos on Flickr
- Also FYI, the baud rate is 9600 on the SkyWire cable :)
Also, as per Technote #31:
Dogcows, by their nature, are not all dog, nor are they all cow, but they are a special genetic hybrid. They are rarely seen in the wild. Since dogcows are two dimensional, they will stand facing a viewer "on edge" to avoid being seen.
:P
Drive around via iPad
- Actuators / output devices: 4 motors
- Control method: iPad
- CPU: atmega328
- Operating system: Arduino / iOS
- Power source: Batteries / 3.3V
- Programming language: Arduino C / Objective-C
- Sensors / input devices: none
- Target environment: A gentle environment
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://community.robotshop.com/robots/show/dogcow-ipad
love the idea of using the iPad. I would try that on my iPhone. Great and cute robot my friend. Thanks for sharing.