I have a problem and I hope someone here has a solution. Here's a little background on me to set the scene. I am a U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (the guys in the big green bomb suits that take IED's apart). I am not the most electronically sound guy in the world and robots? HA HA HA!!! I can drive the tracks off our Talon, but I don't even try to get into how it works. Just a big expensive remote control bomb-killing car for me. Here is my issue. It may sound trivial to some of you, but to me it's mind boggling. Due to the nature of its intended use, I can't go into great detail (no it's not a bomb. QUITE the opposite actually. It's part of a device for disposing of those items non-explosively in a sense). This is what I need to do...
I need to be able to function a servo by means of a sensor as an switch. These sensors will vary. Photoelectric, Passive Infrared, etc. I have a Hyperion Atlas HP-DS11-AMB servo for the project (better suggestions are always welcome) I have the sensors I need. I just need to know how to communicate between the sensor and the servo. Basically what needs to happen is when the sensor or switch is operated it needs to move it's full range of motion and return to it's resting point. I understand that a lot of that will be accomplished by the programming of the servo. But I'm thinking there is more to it than just running an electrical current to the servo (first clue was the"signal" wire). ANy help will be greatly appreciated. Don't think you are insulting my intelligence either. I need the help. All I can get!!!! Thanks in advance.
Sounds like you are wanting to use analog sensors for on/off switch. I’d go the way Rudolph suggests then. A few more questions do you need the readings of the sensors? If the senses something it’s supposed to activate the servo? If you want contact me offline for for a faster response.
I think I can get all these questions answered. It is a personal project of sorts until I prove it’s worth. This will be the prototype is what I’m saying.
It does not have to be mil-spec, but it will need to be rugged, but I think I have that covered with the enclosure I’m gonna use.
It will have various sensors, that will be used, but they will only be hooked up and used one at a time dependent on situation.
I do want them to function as an on off switch. For example… Let’s say I am using a photo cell for the switch. When a flash of light is picked up by the photo cell I need the Servo to operate through it’s full range of motion and once it has done this be ready to function again if it senses another flash.
After reading your responses I headed over to SparkFun Electronics and checked out the PicAxe 08m. I’ve got my cart filled with goodies for this project as well as other projects I’m working on. Wanted to verify I had everything to get started with the micro controller. Here’s what I have come up with.
PicAxe 08m Microcontroller
USB programming cable
8 pin proto kit
Of course I already have a breadboard, and solid gage wire. ANything else you would recommend before I make the purchase?
I’d go with what patric says, but also look at the picaxe proto kit . These are nice little boards and I’ve got a handful of them cause they are so damn useful for small projects. I’d make sure that the 08m will work for your needs by first viewing the docs for the 08m.
If you feel confident, you could always go with the programming adapter. I have one of these as well and it’s great for when you start building your own boards as you can include a programming port.
14m’s give you more pins but no additional programming memory. 20ms still more pins but again, no extra memory(whats the point really?!!)
20x2 is the next best thing due to it’s relativly low pin count vs bang for your buck. It’s got a whole new set of features, and a lot of memory(if you need it) to play around with.
WOW! I think I can put off ordering for a few more days. That’s gotta be one of the best pieces of news I’ve gotten in a while. ANybody know if they ship to an Overseas APO? I’m currently fighting the IED war in Iraq.
kinda sensitive eh? im not accusing you of anything, but this does sound like a pretty sensitive topic. I mean IEDs and sensors moving servos. I do not know if i am taking that wrong but it could mean other things…
I know dont know me adam from eve type thing. But he is smart enough to have left the rest off. Which some people aren’t.
Basicly he just wants a light following robot thats all. Arduino, PIC, Basic atom II all good choices for a first attempt.
Also if you can start learning some basic’s. Start with Ohm’s Law. Learn how a capasitor works and why you would need it. The difference between Ac and Dc and no not the band. Amps. Since I’m am local to you I can give a hand in some area’s and give you a shove in the right direction now and then. And if you let the smoke out of the parts, I’ll set you straight with my LPC on your fourth point of contact.
Also sparkfun, and digi key both ship relatively fast to your location. If you want a beginners “kit” to mess with i can part with some basics like a bread board and some odds and ends to get you up and running on the learning curve. just let me know what chow hall is serving pizza on that day.
(Yes its all about the food and which one serves the best food)
